Approximately 350 cargo warehouse and office workers at Swissport in Newark, NJ is taking a big step toward joining the IAM. The IAM Transportation Department on Tuesday filed for a union representation election with the National Labor Relations Board.
“Workers at Swissport deserve to have North America’s largest and strongest airline union fighting for them,” said Richard Johnsen, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President. “My thanks go to IAM Assistant Airline Coordinator James Carlson, Grand Lodge Representative Gary Naylor Jr., District 141 President and Directing General Chair Mike Klemm, as well as Frank Giannola, Carmelo Benedicto, and James Wells for their continued dedication to this important campaign.”
The IAM currently represents Swissport workers at several locations, including in Houston, Los Angeles, Montréal, and Chicago.
“Swissport workers in Newark are seeking the dignity and respect on the job that only an IAM contract can bring,” said IAM Transportation Coordinator Edison Fraser. “We look forward to standing with them at every phase of this campaign and welcoming them into the IAM.”
More than 100 workers at the Cascades Containerboard facility in Niagara Falls, N.Y. have overwhelmingly ratified a strong first collective bargaining agreement.
The facility’s group of more than 100 workers voted to join the Machinists Union in April 2019 and have been attempting to bargain for a fair contract for nearly three years. Cascades Containerboard, a Canadian-owned company, failed to listen to U.S. lawmakers, labor leaders, or their workers as they called on the company to bargain a fair contract.
“I could not be more proud of these members for their solidarity, courage, and dedication to get the first contract for each other,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President Brian Bryant. “This has been a long time coming, and there aren’t many groups that could continue to display the solidarity and patience these members have. The longer the process has gone on, the more resolve these members have shown. I want to thank IAM Canadian General Vice President David Chartrand and his staff for their work putting pressure on this Québec-based manufacturer, helping us achieve this long-awaited victory.”
“While there is good news for these members today, that doesn’t take away the fact they have faced union-busting tactics for nearly three years while the company refused to bargain with their employees,” continued Bryant. “We need to strengthen U.S. labor laws to hold corporations accountable and create an economy that works for working people.”
“I am so proud of this group and the solidarity and patience they have shown over the past few years,” said IAM District 65 Directing Business Representative Ron Warner. “They have handled all the union-busting tactics with professionalism and strength. Their determination and resolve is something for the labor history books.”
“Our members at Cascades are the major reason for the company’s success. They earned and fought for the right to vote on a fair first contract,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “This opportunity will give these dedicated individuals a voice in the workplace. I commend them for their focus in obtaining a contract that will make life better for their families and the Niagara Falls community.”
“The Canadian Territory is thankful that our Brothers and Sisters at Cascades in New York were able to secure a first contract,” said IAM Canadian General Vice President David Chartrand. “The IAM stood strong across the borders because all workers deserve respect and fairness. That’s what a team does—when you hurt one, you hurt all. We hope that this struggle is behind us, and we can move forward toward creating a better workplace.”
During Women’s History Month this year, the IAM is highlighting current trailblazers in the union. Are you an IAM Sister interested in taking a more active role in your union? Reach out to your District leadership about the IAM Leadership Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (LEADS) Program.
Jana Kirch began her IAM career in 1993, the first year she started working at Peerless Chain Company. She followed in her grandmother’s footsteps, who retired from Peerless. Kirch was exposed to unionism from her grandmother at an early age.
She began by volunteering to fill in as the Local Lodge Recording Secretary. Since then she has held many different roles in the union, such as steward, District delegate, women’s committee member, vice president, president, shop committee member, and shop chairperson, as well as helping on organizing drives and political campaigns. Last year, she became Directing Business Representative District 66.
“Each position was a learning experience and allowed me the confidence to pursue the DBR role,” said Kirch.
Kirch admits her biggest obstacle has been her own fear.
“Fear of failing, fear of being laughed at or mocked, fear that I would mess things up or that because I was a woman that I would not be listened to or taken seriously,” said Kirch.
She is thankful to the IAM for providing guidance and education for servicing members.
“The support system is an integral part of providing the confidence to pursue any career within the organization,” said Kirch. “I have learned so much from both past and present men and women who have proudly served our cause and are committed to ensuring that the next generation is prepared to carry on and expand our presence.”
“Jana Kirch is a woman every woman leader in our organization needs to know,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “She took her years of leadership experience at Peerless Chain and, with the encouragement of her brothers and sisters in IAM District 66, made the important choice to run for Directing Business Representative. A position that historically has always been held by a man. Her knowledge, skills, strength, and courage propelled her to a position where she is now able to make a greater difference in the lives of her La Crosse brothers and sisters. I look forward to her continued growth in our union.”
Kirch credits Tom O’Heron as being her mentor. O’Heron, now retired, at that time was District Directing Business Representative.
“Tom made me believe that I could do any job just as well any man could,” said Kirch. “He taught me to use my voice and not be so worried about messing up, because everyone does at some point. You learn from it and move on.”
“I admire all of the women within our IAM family who have chosen to rise to the challenges of making a difference in the lives of workers for the better,” said Kirch. “Their stories are inspiring and the work they have done and continue to do is amazing! It was not until I first visited the Winpisinger Center, that I realized how many women were getting involved and taking leadership roles. When Dora Cervantes became the General Secretary-Treasurer of the Executive Council, Tom’s words never rang truer: ‘Women are a force. We are just as strong, just as capable.’”
Kirch’s advice is to use your voice.
“You are stronger than you think and bring a different perspective to the table,” said Kirch. “We can be anything that we want to be, including leaders. We are not weak, we don’t need to be saved, thank you very much. Women are fierce protectors and nurturers, by nature. If given the opportunity, will use those qualities to better their environment.”
“I would be thrilled to have a woman lead our organization,” said Kirch. “Presidency should not be a pipedream for women. Perhaps it would motivate the women in the workforce to not just settle but to rise. I want women to be equal in every way, shape, and form.”
The Minnesota State Council of Machinists’ February meeting focused on organizing, solidarity and defending workers’ rights. Federal and state government representatives showed up in force to update delegates on what they are doing to protect their hard work on the job.
During Women’s History Month this year, the IAM is highlighting current trailblazers in the union. Are you an IAM Sister interested in taking a more active role in your union? Reach out to your District leadership about the IAM Leadership Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (LEADS) Program.
Diane Willaum started with the IAM in 1987 when she joined British Airways Reservations. She has held many positions throughout her union career such as shop steward, chief shop steward, negotiating committee member, Local 2656 Trustee, an organizer for the IAM Transportation Department, and currently District Vice President. Although she retired from British Airways in June 2020, Willaum is active with her Local and District Lodges.
Willaum’s sister, an identical twin and IAM Local 1894 member with British Airways said, “my sister and I always kid that we were born in a union so it was our destiny.
“I was very fortunate to have strong and capable union leaders who guided and mentored me,” said Willaum.
“Diane has dedicated many years of service as the President of her local and a Vice President of District Lodge 142,” said Richard Johnsen, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President. “We thank Diane for her dedication and determination to stand up and stand out as one of our women leaders. Diane is not just a leader in our union, she is a trendsetter.”
She credits Carol Creamer and Maureen Holder for always encouraging her and answering her questions. She was inspired during the three years of tough contract negotiations.
“Robert Roach and Joe Adonolfi were inspiring,” said Willaum. “No one does it alone in the union… that is our whole premise. I am no exception. I have seen our Brothers and Sisters fight for our members even while enduring their own hardships and struggles.”
Willaum says she has found that women face some unique challenges in the workplace.
“If I can give any advice to other women members it’s to please do not be afraid to let your voice be heard,” said Willaum. “We do not have to be loud to be right. Stay the course.”
“I stand of the shoulders of the trailblazing women who came before me,” said Willaum. “I have had the good fortune to be surrounded by women who help each other and fight for each other. I will always remember the people who gave so much of themselves and asked nothing in return.”
“Sister Willaum has seen a fine example of a leader in our New York City area,” said IAM Transportation Coordinator Edison Fraser. “She has been around for a very long time and has paved the way for many young women to follow.”
Willaum’s hope for women workers in the future is that “they realize their own strength and ability to lead.”
The IAM recently wrote a letter to U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) on behalf of the thousands of highly-skilled automotive dealership technicians that the IAM represents. The letter was in strong opposition to Rep. Rush’s recently introduced legislation, the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act (H.R. 6570), also known as the REPAIR ACT. This proposed federal legislation risks vehicle safety and threatens working conditions such as fair wages for scores of workers in your representative district, including members of the IAM Mechanics Union Local 701. If the REPAIR ACT became law, it would completely negate the collective bi-partisan efforts of Illinois’ state bill HB-3940, which was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker last year, IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr., wrote in the letter.
IAM Mechanics’ Union Local 701 championed the state bill from its onset along with the assistance from the Illinois State AFL-CIO, the Chicago Federation of Labor, and the Chicago Automobile Trade Association.
“HB-3940 was intended to finally fairly compensate the automobile dealerships, which in turn, would fairly compensate the technicians working on warranty repairs at the retail rate,” Martinez wrote.“This collaborative effort was a bi-partisan effort to finally address the shortcomings paid from the manufacturers. This new law finally addresses concerns within our industry, which includes poor retention as technicians were leaving due to the pay methodology, as well as failure to attract youth to this highly-skilled craft. This state law is intended to remedy the nationwide technician shortage.”
“We worked really hard to champion an industry changing bill in Illinois in the hopes that it catches on in other states which finally addresses a fair means of compensation for technicians,” said IAM Local 701 Directing Business Representative Sam Cicinelli. “It would be disheartening to have the rug pulled out from underneath not only our members’ feet, but also the other deserving technicians striving for the same opportunity with a negating federal barrier.”
“The IAM calls on Rep. Rush to put workers and American families first – not the profits of multi-billion dollar car manufacturers,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “Our members deserve fair wages and working conditions, and drivers everywhere deserve the peace of mind knowing that their vehicle has been repaired by a qualified technician. The IAM is vehemently opposed to this bill.”
WASHINGTON, March 3, 2022 – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has reached out to Missouri politicians to ask for their support and assistance saving approximately 1,000 family-sustaining jobs at GKN Aerospace in Hazelwood, Mo.
The IAM wrote letters to U.S. Sens. Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley, as well U.S. Reps. Cori Bush, Ann Wagner, Sam Graves, Billy Long, and Vicky Hartzler to ask for their assistance in saving 600 IAM-represented manufacturing jobs and 400 support workers at the Hazelwood aerospace company.
GKN Aerospace recently announced plans to completely shut down this facility by the end of 2023, with layoffs commencing in mid-2022. Workers at the facility, many of whom are U.S. military veterans, have devoted their lives to proudly producing world-class aerospace components.
IAM Local 387 (District 837) members currently produce aircraft parts for a wide variety of U.S. Defense Department platforms, including the F-15, F-18A, CH-53, and Advanced Programs. The facility was previously owned by the Boeing Co., but was purchased by GKN in 2001. In 2018, GKN was purchased by British parent company Melrose Industries.
“The workers at this GKN facility in Hazelwood supply our men and women in uniform with precision aircraft parts needed to safely and effectively complete their mission of ensuring our national security,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr.“Together their finely tuned skills and undeniable dedication are a key piece of our domestic aerospace supply chain. If this facility is allowed to close and this highly skilled workforce is disassembled, it will be a huge loss to our domestic manufacturing capabilities, which would be very difficult and costly to recreate.”
“The manufacturing and support workers at the GKN facility are essential workers in the state of Missouri,” saidIAMMidwest General Vice President Steve Galloway. “These proud workers are part of the fabric of the community and for generations have produced vital components to the Department of Defense programs. The IAM will fully commit all our resources to keep this facility open. I urge all elected officials and community allies to join us in our fight to defend these working families.”
“The working families of Hazelwood and the surrounding communities built this company,” said IAMDistrict 837 President and Directing Business Representative Tom Boelling. “Generations of dedicated, hard-working workers and their families have worked at this facility for generations. We hope the entire community can join together to keep these good jobs in the St. Louis area.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airline, railroad, transportation, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.
During Women’s History Month this year, the IAM is highlighting current trailblazers in the union. Are you an IAM Sister interested in taking a more active role in your union? Reach out to your District leadership about the IAM Leadership Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (LEADS) Program.
Katie Eagleson, only 20 when she joined the union, has help many different positions at IAM Local 751F. She has been a communicator, auditor, secretary-treasurer, district council alternate, and she currently serves as a shop steward and recording secretary. Eagleson comes from a union family, watching her dad, also a union member, go to local lodge meetings and helping at fundraisers with him.
Eagleson credits many who have influenced her along the way. She admires Terri Myette, also a member of IAM Local 751F. She feels they both have a lot of drive and conviction for the union, both are very family oriented, and don’t back down.
Eagleson says Myette has always met her with compassion and facts. Eagleson also admires District 751 Directing Business Representative Jon Holden, who is always cool and calm under pressure, personable, and has always been willing to answer any questions she has.
“District 751 is steering the path for developing and mentoring women into our union leadership,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “I am honored to have a great young leader like Katie chart the course for women in the IAM.”
“I got to meet our General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes when I attended class at the Winpisinger Center, and through our conversations she gave me encouragement and guidance on how far I want to go as a union leader,” said Eagleson.
Eagleson says her dad, Rob Eagleson, has given her the drive and passion to support the membership.
She says has faced obstacles ranging from being young and starting a family. Eagleson says she thinks people thought she would take a step back to care for her children, but that wasn’t the case, because her IAM Sisters and Brothers have been incredibly supportive and love her children. They love seeing her and her children being involved with the union.
“I have two daughters and I also want to set an example for them,” said Eagleson. “It isn’t always easy.”
Her advice is to get involved in the IAM.
“For every reason you think you have not to, there are five more reasons to do it,” said Eagleson. “Bring your children with you. Our membership is so family oriented and will welcome them. Get in contact with your local president, vice president, or recording secretary and we will help you figure out how to get involved. I hope that more women join the labor movement and say yes to getting involved. Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”
During Women’s History Month this year, the IAM is highlighting current trailblazers in the union. Are you an IAM Sister interested in taking a more active role in your union? Reach out to your District leadership about the IAM Leadership Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (LEADS) Program.
Ann Ballesteros began her union career in 1985 as a shop steward. She served in a few other positions before becoming a District 9 Business Representative in 2013. Although she says obstacles she countered along the way aren’t worth mentioning, Ballesteros gives credit to the many mentors who have guided her.
Ballesteros admires and credits Business Representative Ellen Arbogast, District 9’s first woman Business Representative.
“She taught me a lot about how to conduct myself as a strong woman in a leadership role. She was tough and effective,” said Ballesteros.
She also credits Bill Garrett, a former Shop Chairman, who “taught me a lot about contract language and servicing the members.”
Ballesteros admires the new Director of the William W. Winpisinger Center Mary McHugh.
“She is a great teacher and has a passion like no other in the labor movement,” said Ballesteros.
“I have learned so much from so many who have lived through the difficult daily challenges and know what it takes to be a true leader,” said Ballesteros. “Listening to their different styles has helped me develop one of my own.”]
“Business Rep Ann Ballesteros is one of the most honorable and hard working trade unionists in our organization,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “She’s steadfast in her dedication to working families, especially those in Missouri. Her work will continue to push our union forward and her leadership will continue to inspire union women throughout our organization and beyond.”
Ballesteros’ advice to other women in the IAM is to get involved in be a voice in the future of the union.
“No one knows what you need better than you and no one has the passion to get it done any better than you,” said Ballesteros. “Women are fighters. They know what they want. They speak their mind. They respect honesty and vulnerability. They are compassionate and determined. Know their worth. Women are taking on more leadership roles in our country and I would love to see this grow, especially in the Machinists Union. I would love to see the younger generation of women step forward and be the voices of the future.”
