Mar 3, 2022 | iMail
IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. and IAM Organizing Director Vinny Addeo recognized our members recently for their continued efforts to grow the strength of the IAM and working families with a virtual presentation of the third annual International President’s Excellence in Organizing Awards.
“The efforts our organizers and leaders put into growing our great union and restoring the voice for working men and women everywhere through bargaining power,” said Martinez. “I want to thank Organizing Director Vinny Addeo, the Organizing Department and all the organizers in every Territory for their dedication to working families and to growing the IAM.”
Awards for 2020 were given for the top District or Local from each respective territory, top individual organizer from each respective territory, top organizing territory and top individual organizer.
“Our world, and the way we organize, changed in 2020,” said IAM Organizing Director Vinny Addeo. “Our entire union, and everyone recognized here, did not stop their work growing our union. We adapted and found new ways to reach potential members. We are incredibly grateful to every IAM organizer for their tireless efforts and outstanding accomplishments.”
Watch the IAM’s Instagram reel featuring behind-the-scenes coverage of the organizing awards.
2020 International President’s Excellence in Organizing Awards
IAM Top Territory Organizing Distinction: Canadian Territory and Western Territory
IAM Organizers of the Year: Canadian Grand Lodge Representative Scott Jackson and District 78 Organizer Rootisha Rampat-Sukhu
Top District/Local Organizing Distinctions
Western Territory: District 725
Southern Territory: District 75
Eastern Territory: District 65
Midwest Territory: District 10
Canadian Territory: District 11
Transportation Department: District 141
Organizers of the Year
Western Territory: District 947 Business Representative Jennifer Marin Esquivel
Southern Territory: District 776 Organizer Chubbs McCrory
Eastern Territory: District 65 Directing Business Representative Ronald Warner
Midwest Territory: Special Representative Chris Tucker
Canadian Territory: District 78 Organizer Rootisha Rampat-Sukhu
Transportation Department: Grand Lodge Representative Joseph Stassi
Headquarters: Grand Lodge Representative Gabrielle Rogano
The post IAM Recognizes Territories, Organizers for Adapting to Challenges of 2020, Continuing to Grow Union appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 3, 2022 | iMail
IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. announced the appointment of Railroad District 19 Assistant Directing General Chair Andrew Sandberg to serve on the IAM Law Committee.“For nearly three decades, Andrew Sandberg has been a dedicated union activist and leader in the rail community. He is a third generation union member who believes and fights for economic, political and social justice for all workers,” said Martinez. “His experience and insight will help the IAM Law Committee move our union into the future. He will be an asset to all of the 2022 Grand Lodge Convention delegates.”
After 12 years with the United Auto Workers (UAW), Sandberg joined IAM Local 754 on Long Island, NY where he worked as a machinist for the Long Island Rail Road. Starting as a trustee in his home local, followed by an election to Local Chairman in 2007, it was in 2011 when he was elected as the General Chairman and has overseen 19 unique railroad contracts, he was promoted to his current role in 2017 which included appointment to District 19 Educator.
In 2019, a personal career highlight happened when he testified before Congress on Precision Scheduled Railroading, a management concept which can hurt railroad workforce development. He continues to use his testimony to advocate for rail workers across the country.
Sandberg holds a bachelor of science degree in labor studies from Empire State College and numerous leadership certificates from the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center. During his IAM career, he has been elected as a delegate to the 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020 IAM Grand Lodge Conventions and to the AFL-CIO’s Long Island Federation of Labor and the New York State Council of Machinists.
The post Railroad District 19’s Andrew Sandberg Named to IAM Law Committee appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 3, 2022 | iMail
Thank you to IAM District 751 for sharing this information from the Aero Mechanic.
You don’t have to be a doctor to save someone’s life; often times you just have to take action. In fact, quick responses by 751 members saved a fellow union member’s life earlier this year. The incident occurred outside the Renton factory following second shift. 751 member Oudom Khanphongphane left work as he did any other night. On the way to his car, Oudom suffered a heart attack, fell to the concrete, hit his head and lost consciousness.
Thankfully, 751 members, who were also leaving work around that time, found him on the pavement and jumped into action. 751 member Dustin Roads recognized that time was of the essence and immediately began administering CPR, which he continued until the first responders arrived. 751 member “Lilliy” Chhoeup Thorng, called 911 and Boeing security and stayed on the scene until Oudom was transported to the hospital.
If Dustin and Lilliy had not stopped to help, Oudom might not have survived, and his ability to recover as quickly as he did is solely because of the courageous efforts two members took to help a stranger.
Oudom spent three days in a coma before regaining consciousness and remained in the hospital ICU six additional days. Once discharged, he remained home for several months doing speech, occupational and cardiac therapy. Oudom returned to work initially just part time while he continued rehabilitation on his road to a full recovery.
When he returned to the Renton factory, one of his first priorities was tracking down Dustin and Lilliy to give his personal thanks.
“I am so grateful Dustin and Lilliy found me within minutes of my heart attack and jumped into action without hesitation. Their quick thinking saved my life and ensured there wasn’t more damage,” said Oudom. “I was very lucky, Dustin was there and performed CPR. He was at the right place at the right time. I think about that a lot and what might have happened if I had been driving my car at the time.”
Dustin credits CPR training from his last job at an ambulance company and noted, “This was the first time I have actually performed CPR on someone in a life and death situation. Thankfully, I did well under pressure. I knew once I started CPR, I couldn’t stop and had to keep it going until the first responders took over. In the heat of the moment, you just have to trust you will do it correctly because there is no other choice. I’m glad I was able to help.”
“I am proud of our members, Dustin and Lilliy, for stopping and having the courage to help someone in distress,” said IAM District 751 President and Directing Business Representative Jon Holden. “They didn’t know what had transpired before they arrived but because of their quick action a fellow member survived and is now back to work and able to live a full life.”
“I commend Brother Dustin and Sister Lilliy for exhibiting such courage and calm under extreme duress while saving Brother Oudom’s life,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “This is an amazing story and another example of how Machinists are always there to help one another. Brother Oudom’s recovery has been a long and arduous one, but through his unparalleled perseverance, he has returned to work and inspired us all.”
Our Union is submitting Dustin and Lilliy for Red Cross Hero Awards for their quick action that saved Oudom’s life or at a minimum ensured he did not have permanent damage.
According to the Red Cross, more than 350,000 people suffer from cardiac arrest every year and only 10% survive. Dustin’s training in CPR and willingness to jump in to help someone in need allowed him to save the life of a stranger who turned out to be a union brother. Hopefully other members will take first aid classes to be prepared should they find themselves in a similar situation.
The post Quick Action by District 751 Members Saves a Fellow Member’s Life After He Leaves Work appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 3, 2022 | iMail
The 40th IAM Grand Lodge Convention will be held in Las Vegas in October 2022. An important part of the Convention will be the 2022 IAM Commemorative Convention Book, and a popular feature of the book will be ads from our own Local and District Lodges. Proceeds from the ads will help offset the cost of the Convention.
Therefore, we are asking each IAM Lodge, if they haven’t already, to consider purchasing an ad. You can design your own ad, or select one of the ready-made options from templates, which can be personalized by submitting print quality photos of your lodge members.
For an order form and detailed information on ad choices, pricing, specifications and sizes, please contact Communications Department Office Assistant Terri Crutchfield at 301-967-4520 or tcrutchfield@iamaw.org. You can also submit your ad online here.
Ads and payment must be received by the IAM Communications Department on or before Friday, May 6, 2022.
The post How Your Local Or District Can Support The 40th IAM Grand Lodge Convention appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 1, 2022 | iMail
WASHINGTON, March 1, 2022 – International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) International President Robert Martinez Jr. released this statement after President Biden’s first State of the Union address:
“The IAM was proud to endorse President Biden through a first-of-its-kind, rank-and-file membership vote. Through the activism of our members and so many worker-friendly allies, we now have a true ‘union man’ in the White House. For the first time in generations, we are witnessing an all-of-government approach to putting the interests of working families first.
“We are emerging from the pandemic with historic job growth. Working people are finally able to tip the scales in their favor, demanding higher wages and better benefits from their employers. The President promised to rebuild America and expand Buy American—and he is delivering for the best workers in the world. American manufacturing is back, and the IAM and our allies in the labor movement are just getting started. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will create even more good jobs, while investing in our aging airports, public transit systems and more.
“But as the President said tonight, there is far more work to be done. As the Russian invasion of Ukraine makes even more clear, we must immediately strengthen our domestic supply chains, especially in the defense industry. We must take measures to lower consumer prices, broaden access to apprenticeship programs, create a national paid family and medical leave program, and protect our sacred right to vote. For the millions of Americans who want to join a union today, we also must pass the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.
“These should not be partisan issues. This is about a better life for working families. We stand with the Biden administration and all allies of working people to create a brighter future for the generations to come.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of the largest and most diverse industrial trade unions in North America, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, manufacturing, transit, healthcare, automotive and other industries.
goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion
The post Machinists Union: Let’s Continue President Biden’s Historic Progress Toward a Brighter Future for Working Families appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 1, 2022 | iMail
Thousands of IAM aerospace jobs have been saved or protected thanks to the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Program (AMJP), a federal aerospace job protection program championed by the Machinists Union. The U.S. Transportation Department recently announced $482.3 million in funding to 313 businesses, including approximately 20 IAM-represented employees, including Spirit AeroSystems, Pratt and Whitney, Hexcel Corp., and Learjet.
The IAM aggressively advocated for and won the successful passage of the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Program (AMJP), which is part of the Biden administration’s American Rescue Plan. The program provides $3 billion in payroll support funding to aviation manufacturing employers, allowing them to keep aerospace manufacturing workers on their payrolls, avoid additional furloughs, and re-hire workers previously furloughed during the pandemic. For example, the USDOT provided $75.5 million to Spirit AeroSystems, estimated to save 3,214 jobs. Spirit, based in Wichita, KS, is a significant supplier for the Boeing Co.
“The IAM played a vital role in passing this critical legislation,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “This program ensures that the aerospace industry continues to thrive, as well as the working men and women who make it successful.”
The Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection program establishes a temporary relief plan for aerospace supply chains affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The program provides up to 50% of both pay and benefits for the thousands of furloughed due to the pandemic. In addition, companies receiving these funds must commit not to conduct any layoffs or furloughs during the six-months in which the funds are in use.
Machinists Union members were among many workers in the aerospace industry who experienced layoffs and furloughs because of COVID-19. While air travel dropped significantly during 2020, so did the need for parts, repairs, modifications, and other services, hurting aerospace supply chain companies.
Other IAM employers who participated in the AMJP program include Arrow Gear LLC, Cytec, Jones Metal Products, Magellan Aerospace New York, NWI Nashville, NWI Wichita, Orizon Aerostructures, and 10 SAFRAN locations. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is the largest Aerospace Union in North America.
The post IAM Advocacy for Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Program Saves Thousands of Aerospace Jobs appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 1, 2022 | iMail
The Western Territory is proud to announce that two first contracts have been reached providing economic security for Military and Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) in North Carolina and Colorado. MFLCs provide vital mental health services to members of all branches of the military and their families.
The North Carolina agreement, negotiated by Grand Lodge Special Representative Paul Shepherd, includes a retroactive base salary equity increase of approximately 13.6%, plus a locality premium of 6.5%, with an additional 2% base salary increase on May 1 and then each additional May for a 3-year deal. The agreement also includes bonus and incentive programs, paid time off and holiday increases, flex time, and job security improvements.
“It really was an honor working with these members and seeing their passion for the important work they do,” said Shepherd. “They save the lives of struggling Marines and their families on a daily basis.”
The Colorado agreement, negotiated by Grand Lodge Special Representative Steven Van Wie, includes increased seniority protections, first year wage increases ranging from 7% to 13%, 3% general wage increases the following two years, $2,000 yearly tuition assistance, and a training pay premium for MFLCs tasked with training new employees.
“It ultimately boiled down to the resolve of the committee at the bargaining table who refused to settle for anything less than what they deserved,” said Van Wie. “It was heartening to witness their solidarity in commanding the respect of their employer.”
“These hard-won contracts further cement our presence and our contribution to the Healthcare Industry,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “Military and Family Life Counselors provide an invaluable service to the military community. I am pleased that their selfless dedication is finally being recognized and compensated fairly.”
The post IAM Western Territory Secures Two Strong Contracts for Military and Family Life Counselors appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 1, 2022 | iMail
IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. has appointed Nicole Fears, Charlie Hines, and Arther Jackson as Associate Organizers to the Transportation Department.
“I’m excited about the potential each of them brings to the table to grow our great union,” said Richard Johnsen, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President. “All three have a unique perspective of the airline industry and the labor movement. This is a critical step toward growing our union both in strength and in numbers.”
“I look forward to working with each of them,” said IAM Transportation Coordinator Edison Fraser. “The skills and knowledge of the industry they bring with them to the job is invaluable.”
Nicole L. Fears became an ExpressJet Flight Attendant in 1994 and was elected as a Shop Steward for IAM Local 2339c in 1996. She also served as the Educator to her local lodge. In 2000, she became the first Black woman to be elected President of Local 2339C in Ohio.
She helped assist and organize CommuteAir Flight Attendants to join the IAM, and in 2011 Fears went on to assist in the merger of ExpressJet and Atlantic Southeast Airlines, bringing a combined membership of 2,200 to the IAM. In 2017, Fears was elected as ExpressJet Vice President for District 142, and led the Women’s Committee in Atlanta for the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. She also studied labor relations at the National Labor College.
Charlie Hines became an IAM member in 2001 as a Fleet Service Agent for US Airways, joining Local 1725 in Charlotte. He was elected to Shop Steward in 2010 and served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Southern Piedmont Central Labor Council and Vice President of the Executive Board of the North Carolina AFL-CIO. Hines also served as Secretary-Treasurer for the North Carolina State Council of Machinists.
Hines has assisted with many organizing efforts, including the Southern Region National JELD-WEN Campaign and several airline campaigns. He holds an associate’s degree in business applied science and business administration, and a certificate in business administration with a specialization in business management.
Arther Jackson joined the IAM in 1987 after going to work for United Airlines in San Francisco. In 1994, he was elected Shop Steward for the San Francisco Ramp, and was also appointed as Safety Committeeman for Fleet Service. In 1999, Jackson was elected Ramp Committeeman, and in 2002 he was elected as Chairman of the Grievance Committee.
Jackson was elected Vice President of Local 1781 in 2003, and in 2004 he was elected Assistant General Chairman for District 141. In 2013, he was elected President of Local 1781, becoming a District 141 Organizer in 2018. Jackson holds a bachelor’s of professional studies from SUNY Empire State College’s Center for Labor Studies.
The post IAM Transportation Appoints Three Associate Organizers appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 1, 2022 | iMail
Voting rights reform is critical to this country’s foundation. That’s why the labor movement will do all it can to protect the sanctity of our voting system and shine a spotlight on the laws and policies that aim to damage our nation. It’s time to put the American people back at the center of our democracy.
The post Restoring Voting Rights for All appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 1, 2022 | iMail
About 50 delegates with the Illinois State Council of Machinists recently gathered in Springfield, IL for a political conference. While there, IAM members heard from politicians, built a grassroots plan for the upcoming midterm elections and listened to union leadership.
The post Building Political Power in Illinois appeared first on IAMAW.
