Dec 17, 2021 | iMail
IAM District 15 Assistant Directing Business Representative Mike Vartabedian was recently presented with the Greater Boston Labor Council 2021 Award for his work as co-chair of the Public Transit Public Good Coalition, a group that successfully helped reverse proposed job cuts at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Vartabedian, co-chair of the group of transit workers and riders throughout Massachusetts fighting for the future of public transit, has helped efforts to thwart the transit agency from cutting jobs and services amid the pandemic. Strong rallies and lobbying by the IAM and its allies led to the MBTA recently halting planned cuts, and instead officials moved to restoring funding to run buses and trains on the same schedule in place pre-pandemic.
Vartabedian, also chairman of the Coalition of Labor Unions at the MBTA, advocated to make sure labor has a voice on the Fiscal Management and Control Board, which is tasked with monitoring the transit agency’s finances, management and operations.
“I’m truly honored for this award, but this was a team effort. The Public Transit Public Good Coalition has really been a champion of making sure these essential workers of the MBTA are protected during this pandemic,” he said. “We have also been making sure the transit system commits to making sure services continue to be reliable for those who depend on it.”
Vartabedian shared the recent GBLC award with fellow Public Transit Public Good Coalition co-chair Lee Matsueda, Executive Director Community Labor United.
“This award is well deserved for Mike and the Public Transit Public Good Coalition. Mike and our allies have truly been rallying for workers, making sure the many ills of the COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t result in added hardship for the MBTA workforce, which is so essential to keeping people throughout the Greater Boston region moving,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President Brian Bryant. “Mike embodies the heart and drive of a true unionist, and I am so proud that he’s recognized.”
The victories have been mounting in the IAM’s fight to secure jobs at the MBTA. Machinists of IAM Local 264 were victorious in a historic two-year privatization fight against Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker in 2018.
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Dec 16, 2021 | iMail
Ty Richardson, who has served as an IAM Communications Representative, has been appointed IAM Assistant Political and Legislative Director. The appointment is effective January 1, 2022.
Richardson first joined the IAM in 2019 after a 15-year career as a journalist, including several years covering labor unions, trade and employment policy on Capitol Hill for Bloomberg BNA/Bloomberg Law. In the IAM Communications Department, one of Richardson’s many responsibilities has been working closely with the IAM Political and Legislative Department to advance worker-friendly legislation through the mass media and internal IAM communications channels.
That includes media outreach, as well as routinely writing press releases, legislative action items and helping author Machinists On The Hill, a twice-monthly roundup of legislative advocacy on behalf of IAM members.
“Ty brings an extraordinary level of knowledge and skill to our efforts to defend our membership on Capitol Hill,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “His experience both inside and outside the IAM will be a critical asset to the Political and Legislative Department.”
Richardson, a graduate of Seton Hall University, has also served as a Communications Specialist at the National Nurses United. Before his time at Bloomberg, Richardson was a reporter for publications such as The (Charleston, SC) Post & Courier, The New York Law Journal and The Baltimore Sun.
Richardson joins a department headed by IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon and Assistant Political and Legislative Director Loren Almeroth.
Richardson replaces Monica Lee Silbas, who has been appointed Chief of Staff to the International President.
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Dec 16, 2021 | iMail
The deadline is fast approaching to register for the Basic Web Development to be held February 06-11, 2022, at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, MD. Registrations must be received by Friday, December 31, 2021. There will be no further extensions after this day.
This basic-level class is for lodges beginning new websites and focuses on designing and constructing web pages appropriate for lodge use. The new class will focus on creating a website with the WordPress content management system.
Please review the official call (English – French) for the special requirements for this class. All participants must meet these requirements. You may now register online for the classes here.
If you have any questions about this class, please contact the IAM Communications Department at 301-967-4520.
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Dec 16, 2021 | iMail
New Jersey State Council of Machinists President Cristino Vilorio, along with Executive Board members, this week met with U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) to thank them for their continued support of legislation that is beneficial to the over 20,000 New Jersey Machinists Union members.
“I thank Sen. Booker and Rep. Norcross for always advocating for legislation that will protect and enhance the workers of New Jersey,” said Vilorio. “The New Jersey State Council of Machinists will continue to urge our representatives to support the PRO Act, Build Back Better Act and any other bills that can create good union jobs in New Jersey for our members and their families.”
“The New Jersey State Council of Machinists, led by President Vilorio, is always at the forefront in protecting and enhancing the livelihoods of all workers in their great state,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President Brian Bryant. “Our members are in good hands thanks to their hard work and diligence.”
Vilorio recently represented the IAM at President Biden’s Build Back Better event in New Jersey, which focused on the status of the Infrastructure and the Reconciliation Bill and how it will create thousands of union jobs in New Jersey and across the nation.
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Dec 16, 2021 | iMail
The 2022 IAM Scholarship Competition is accepting applications and has added a new program which will allow entrants the option to apply online. The competition is open to members of the IAM and their children throughout the United States and Canada.
If you opt to apply via mail-in, the application packet must be postmarked by February 11, 2022, and received no later than February 23, 2022.
Applications, rules, and general information can be found on the 2022 IAM Scholarship Competition page.
In 2021, the IAM awarded 16 scholarships valued at $64,000. The winners were selected out of over 300 applicants.
The IAM also has a vocational-technical two-year scholarship available to both members and their children.
The IAM Scholarship Fund, which is used exclusively to make these awards possible, was established by the delegates of the 1960 IAM Grand Lodge Convention.
If you would like to receive a scholarship packet by mail, or have any questions regarding the program, please call our Scholarship Department at 301-967-4708.
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Dec 15, 2021 | iMail
Over 64 members of Congress recently wrote a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III calling for additional funding for the IAM-built C-130J program. The current C-130J program has been a tremendous success resulting in millions of dollars in savings.
“The current C-130J Super Hercules is the most capable tactical airlifter in the world,” reads the letter. “C-130J production is currently declining from 2020’s health rate of 24+ aircraft per year down to a minimum 16 per year. Such a significant drop in production could dramatically affect C-130J pricing and undermine the national supplier base.”
“Machinists Union members have been proudly manufacturing C-130 aircraft for decades,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Efficiency and safety are qualities that make the C-130J program one of the most trusted military production aircraft. The IAM members display extreme pride, knowing how our nation depends on this program. I commend the members of Congress for standing up for the program and the thousands of good-paying jobs provided with this program and its supplier base.”
The letter is requesting serious consideration be given to request a Block Buy to accommodate the fleet demands for both the U.S. military and the National Science Foundation’s climate change study missions.
Read the full letter here.
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Dec 15, 2021 | iMail
If federal funds are being used by American transit agencies to purchase things like rail cars or buses, those vehicles and their parts, should be made in America.
That’s the message coming from the Machinists Union, which is standing alongside other national labor unions to let Congress know that millions of good jobs, the country’s supply chains, and our global competitiveness are at stake.
“Our members are proud to manufacture equipment used by our government to take care its citizens across this nation. But if federal dollars are used to pay for it, it should made in this country, by workers in the United States, using American ingenuity. This should be non-negotiable,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Our elected leaders need to take action immediately to make sure we aren’t giving away our country’s competitive edge and endangering our national security.”
In a joint letter signed by the IAM, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the Transport Workers Union of America, the United Steelworkers, and the United Auto Workers, the group outlined how detrimental it will be to the economy and our national security if this action remains unchecked, putting our country at risk for the future.
The letter is addressed to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.
“On behalf of millions of workers throughout the U.S. supply chain that supports our transportation infrastructure, we write in strong opposition to any policy actions that would weaken the Transportation Infrastructure Vehicle Security Act (TIVSA),” writes the coalition. “This law was enacted in 2019 to prevent the use of federal assistance administered by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) from being used to purchase rolling stock equipment from China’s state-owned, -controlled, and -subsidized firms.”
The letter makes clear the importance of protecting the country’s supply chains and ensuring American manufacturing remains a global powerhouse, as well as safeguarding future interests such as emerging transportation infrastructure technologies including electric vehicles, rechargeable batteries and other clean energy platforms.
Click here to read the letter.
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Dec 15, 2021 | iMail
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2021 – La Asociación Internacional de Maquinistas y Trabajadores Aeroespaciales (IAM), la unión de aerolíneas y transporte más grande de América del Norte, escribió una carta al Inspector General del Departamento de Transporte de los EE. UU. Pidiendo una investigación sobre el posible uso indebido de fondos recibidos a través de la Ley CARES por parte de Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico, LLC. El IAM escribió la carta en nombre de más de 200 mecánicos que trabajan en Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, en Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico, LLC.
La carta al Inspector General del Departamento de Transporte pide una investigación sobre la posible violación de la ley de parte de Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico, LLC en los compromisos relacionados con la nómina que les permitió recibir fondos de la Ley CARES, o tergiversar información que les permitió recibir fondos. Según la investigación de la IAM, parece que Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico, LLC recibió millones de dólares en subvenciones, mientras que los salarios y las horas de los empleados se redujeron de manera impermisible. Los datos apuntan a una falla y posible abuso de fondos destinados a beneficiar directamente a los trabajadores.
“La pandemia causó mucho daño al crecimiento de la industria de las aerolíneas, y se suponía que la aprobación de los fondos de la Ley CARES sería el salvavidas para los mecánicos de aerolíneas en Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico, LLC”, dijo Juan Negrón, Asistente Especial de la Presidente de IAM Internacional. “Pero en lugar de esperanza, se les dio unas cartas de despido y se redujeron las horas de trabajo. La Unión de Maquinistas nunca dejó de luchar para que esta injusticia saliera a la luz. Esperamos que esta exposición les dé a los trabajadores de Lufthansa y sus familias lo que se merecen por derecho.”
“La IAM intercedió agresivamente y ganó la aprobación exitosa de la legislación de la Ley CARES que brindó un alivio fundamental para los trabajadores de la industria de las aerolíneas durante la pandemia de COVID-19,” dijo el Vicepresidente General del Territorio Sur del IAM, Rickey Wallace. “Como la unión de aerolíneas más grande, que representa a más de 160,000 miembros activos y jubilados en las industrias de aerolíneas y ferrocarriles, la IAM está fuertemente invertida en cualquier posible fraude, desperdicio o uso indebido de los fondos de la Ley CARES”.
Lea la carta completa al inspector general del Departamento de Transporte de los EE UU, Eric J. Soskin (en inglés)
La Asociación Internacional de Maquinistas y Trabajadores Aeroespaciales (IAM) se encuentra entre las uniones industriales más grandes de América del Norte y representa a casi 600,000 miembros activos y jubilados en la industria manufacturera, aeroespacial, defensa, aerolínea, ferrocarril, transporte, construcción naval, carpintería, atención médica, y otras industrias.
goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion
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Dec 15, 2021 | iMail
WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2021 – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the largest airline and transportation union in North America, wrote a letter to the U.S. Transportation Department Inspector General calling for an investigation into possible misuse of CARES Act funds by Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico, LLC. The IAM wrote the letter on behalf of more than 200 mechanics who work in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, at Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico, LLC.
The letter to the Transportation Department Inspector General calls for an investigation into Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico, LLC’s possible violation of payroll-related commitments that allowed them to receive CARES Act funds or misrepresenting information that allowed them to receive funding. Based on the IAM’s research, it appears Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico, LLC received millions of dollars in grants while employee wages and hours were improperly cut. The data points to a failure and possible abuse of funds intended to benefit the workers directly.
“The pandemic caused a lot of damage to the growth of the airline industry, and the passage of the CARES Act funding was supposed to be the lifeline for airline mechanics at Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico, LLC,” said Juan Negron, Special Assistant to the IAM International President. “But instead of hope, they were given pink slips and reduced working hours. The Machinists Union never stopped fighting to ensure this injustice was brought to light. We hope this exposure will give the workers at Lufthansa and their families what they rightfully deserve.”
“The IAM aggressively advocated and won the successful passage of the CARES Act legislation that provided critical relief for airline industry workers during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace. “As the largest airline union, representing more than 160,000 active and retired members in the airline and rail industries, the IAM is heavily invested in any possible fraud, waste, or misuse of the CARES Act funds.”
Read the entire letter to the U.S. Transportation Department Inspector General Eric J. Soskin
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.
goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion
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Dec 14, 2021 | iMail
Monica Lee Silbas, a 30-year IAM member who has most recently served as IAM Assistant Political and Legislative Director, will become Chief of Staff to International President Robert Martinez Jr. The appointment is effective January 1, 2022.
Silbas is known throughout the IAM and the labor movement as a fierce advocate for working people and as one of the leading voices for labor on Capitol Hill. Before joining the IAM Political and Legislative Department in 2014, Silbas had served as the IAM Transportation Department’s Education Representative since 1999. Her deep experiences representing airline workers include being a part of many airline organizing campaigns.
Silbas initiated into IAM Local 2785 as a Customer Service Agent at Northwest Airlines in Los Angeles.
“I could not be more excited to welcome Monica as our new Chief of Staff,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Her broad experience at many levels of our union will bring a unique and powerful perspective to the Office of the International President. Every IAM member is going to benefit from Monica’s expertise, knowledge and passion for our great union.”
Fluent in Spanish, Silbas was one of the initial members of the Spanish Leadership Working Group who helped develop course materials for the Spanish Leadership Program and other classes held entirely in Spanish at the IAM’s William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center. Silbas currently serves on the executive board of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA).
Silbas was recently elected as a principal member to the Executive Committee of IndustriALL Global Union, which represents over 50 million workers in 140 countries.
Silbas will take over for longtime IAM Chief of Staff Owen Herrnstadt, who is retiring January 1, 2022.
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