The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has approved a petition for 130 workers at a Pathway Vet Alliance facility in Rochester, N.Y., to conduct a mail-in ballot election for representation by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM).
The proposed unit of 130 workers with titles like licensed veterinary technicians and surgery animal care attendants would be among just a few organized facilities in the veterinary medical business. Thrive Pet Healthcare, Previously Pathway Vet Alliance, is an Austin, Texas-based company with more than 400 locations. The company controlling shareholder is a private equity firm TSG Consumer Partners.
The IAM’s bid for the NLRB election was successful due in-part from a partnership with Liz Hughston, president of the National Veterinary Professionals Union.
The NLRB mail-in ballots will be sent out on Dec. 16 and counted on Jan. 14.
The Thrive Pet Healthcare workers are seeking unionize due to unfair conditions in the workplace, including understaffing and stagnant wages despite rising costs for pet medical procedures.
“I love what I do as do my coworkers. We do it because we are animal lovers, just like our clients,” said Tara McGrain, an animal care assistant. “No one goes in to veterinary medicine for the money however, we should be able to expect livable and fair wages.”
“This election is great news for this hard-working staff who seek respect in the workplace,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “People trust in these workers to care for their pets, and it’s only fair that the company reward that with respect on the job. Every worker deserves the right to join a union. A group of Starbucks workers in New York recently won that right, and now it’s time for those at Pathway Vet Alliance to have the chance to vote for the same.”
“The crucial and honorable work of these technicians should be rewarded with good wages and respect in the workplace. Unfortunately, they’re being overworked and without fair wages, which is just wrong,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President Brian Bryant. “These technicians are tasked with the care of beloved animals, and they deserve the right to focus on that priority, not low staffing and other bad working conditions at the hands of their employer.”
In early January of this year, the IAM Veterans Services program launched an effort to identify IAM member-veterans throughout the organization. Application forms were sent to all districts and locals across the country.
The project continues its success through outreach into all IAM represented workplaces. This brings forth increased awareness, interest and participation. Our objective remains to identify and register IAM-member veterans within every Territory in the organization. We want veterans to know the IAM Veterans Services Steering Committee (VSSC) is here for them.
The committee, formally established by convention action in 2016 is assigned to:
Provide assistance, guidance, and pertinent information on all issues and concerns related to the rights to employment, retention, military benefits and the betterment of IAMAW military veterans.
Help identify and report on current and emerging barriers for IAMAW military veterans.
Develop and support communications and networking opportunities to share information on pertinent matters related to IAM-Military Veterans.
Strengthen the IAM by building solidarity and commitment among IAMAW military veterans.
Encourage District and local lodges to form Veterans Services Committees.
The IAM Veterans Services Program seeks your assistance to accomplish this mission. For easier access, we upgraded the system to an electronic registration process.
The IAM and three other unionsunited to support a proposal to construct the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) Waterways Commerce Cutters (WCC) in Superior, WI. The letter, addressed to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, highlighted the need for Fraser Shipyards to replace existing cutters in order to expedite commerce on U.S. inland waterways, thereby helping to relieve some of the current congestion and supply backlogs on U.S. waterways.
The IAM, the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) have joined the effort.
“The workers at Fraser Shipyards are well known for their years of superior service in the maritime industry and excellent customer support,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “The IAM, along with our labor allies, are fighting to ensure this highly- skilled workforce can continue to be instrumental in producing quality products for use on the waters of our nation. We are standing together to protect the high labor standards under Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements and help provide fairness in the solicitation process.”
Awarding this solicitation to the Upper Midwest-based facility will deliver geographic diversity to the Coast Guard’s procurement processes and, therefore, contribute to national security. Over the last 15 years, most awards have gone to shipyards in a small region of the Gulf Coast.
“Fraser Shipyards utilizes a highly-skilled union workforce, which can accomplish the work productively, safely, and competitively,” reads the joint letter. “Given the key role that the Waterways Commerce Corridor fleet plays in supporting trade and good jobs, it only makes sense to maximize the economic development impact of the program through this solicitation by awarding the construction of the WCC to Fraser Shipyards.”
Being part of the labor movement is about being part of something bigger than yourself. It’s about taking care of your family and your community, and that doesn’t stop when you clock out of work.
Stronger unions mean stronger communities. Across the IAM, our members live by these words. It’s why the Midwest Territory of the Machinists Union created the “IAM H.E.L.P.S. in the Community” program, which stands for Honoring, Engaging, Lifting, Providing and Servicing.
For this group, there was no question how they would celebrate the holiday season. They were going to give back to their neighbors and friends. And they did so by spending a morning volunteering at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, a group that’s been feeding Chicagoans for more than four decades.
“Being union comes with the responsibility of taking care of your family and community. That’s not just a motto for the Machinists Union, those are words we take to heart, especially in the heartland of this great country,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “The Midwest Territory staff continues to set the bar for what it means to be true, trade unionists. They live by example and I am so proud that they always answer the call to help each other and their neighbors. To all my union brothers and sisters out there taking care of each other, thank you for the extraordinary work you do when no one is watching.”
On the day the Midwest staff volunteered, the agenda was rice. More specifically, repacking this food staple which goes a long way for families trying to make ends meet. In total, the group helped to package nearly 5,400 pounds of rice, exceeding the Depository’s group average of 3,000-4,000 pounds. The IAM group loaded more than 220 boxes of the grain and completed five full pallets for distribution. The Midwest Territory was proud of the work accomplished that day, but more grateful for the families across Chicago that it would feed.
“Being able to provide for those in need is a cornerstone of the IAM and the overall purpose of what we do as unionists,” said Grand Lodge Representative and H.E.L.P.S. Co-Coordinator Kevin Murch.
“Every day, Machinists take on different projects to help the neighborhoods in which they live and work. Without recognition or fanfare, they do it because that is what solidarity is all about; lifting each other up,” said Grand Lodge Representative and H.E.L.P.S. Co-Coordinator Geny Ulloa.
IAM Midwest Territory Districts and Locals have hosted more than 25 “IAM H.E.L.P.S. in the Community” events, with more than 500 volunteers across the Territory. Each District and Unaffiliated Local is tasked with hosting at least one event per year. For more information on the IAM Midwest Territory’s “IAM H.E.L.P.S. in the Community” program, click here.
Shop Steward nominations for the above classification(s), shift, and facility are now open. Petitions may be picked up beginning on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at the Local S6 Union Hall.
You must be a member in good standing for one (1) year to run for Shop Steward and the petition must be signed by ten percent (10%) of the members in the classification(s) affected.
All petitions must be returned to the Recording Secretary (Ryan Ryder) no later than 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 4, 2022.
Owen E. Herrnstadt, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President, will retire from the union, effective January 1, 2022. Herrnstadt will also step down from his role as the IAM’s Director of Trade and Globalization.
In his 34-year career on the IAM’s staff, Herrnstadt has served as an invaluable resource to IAM members, officers, staff and leadership. His work to advance global trade and human rights that benefit working people has been internationally recognized inside and outside of the labor movement.
“On behalf of the IAM Executive Council and our entire membership, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Owen for all he has given our great union,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Owen has contributed to solving many of the most important issues facing our union for more than three decades. We are a stronger organization because of his work, and his legacy will withstand the test of time as our union moves into the future. I wish Owen and the Herrnstadt family all the very best in this new chapter of their lives.”
Herrnstadt first came to the IAM in 1987, serving as Associate General Counsel. In 1996, he was named IAM Director of Trade and Globalization. In 2014, Herrnstadt became Chief of Staff to the International President. He has served on a variety of federal advisory committees and has written and made presentations on numerous topics including trade, human rights, corporate social responsibility, manufacturing, U.S. and international labor and employment law and other matters.
The Machinists Union family mourns the loss of longtime IAM member and Kansas City, MO labor leader. Herbert “Herb” Johnson passed away suddenly on October 18, 2021.
Last week, the Heartland Radio Forum, which Johnson actually helped establish, hosted a round table call in of his friends in memory of his extraordinary contributions as a labor advocate, Machinist leader and Alliance for Retired Americans leader.
Johnson’s illustrious labor career began in 1960 when he initiated into the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, continued as a Machinists member and somewhat ended in 2012 when he officially retired as Secretary-Treasurer of the Missouri AFL-CIO, a position he held for 15 years. He was instrumental in the formation of the Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA) and served as Missouri ARA chapter Vice President continuing the fight for worker and retirees’ rights.
Johnson, a devout trade unionist initiated into the IAM in 1964 as a member in Local 1650 (District 142), where he spent the majority of his career at Trans World Airlines working at the Kansas City, MO TWA overhaul base facility for more than 34 years. During his employment at TWA, he was elected to and served in many union positions, ranging from shop steward, grievance committeeman, local president and fulltime organizer. Shortly after the American Airlines takeover of TWA in 2002, he transferred and maintained membership in Local 688 (District 9) in St. Louis.
In 1997, he was elected as Secretary-Treasurer of the Missouri AFL-CIO. Johnson tirelessly recruited affiliate unions into a statewide coalition to establish Labors’ role in legislative action at the state capitol in Jefferson City, MO. He lobbied elected officials, testified before committees and was appointed to numerous state, regional, city councils, boards and committees by multiple Missouri governors.
For the span of nearly six decades, Johnson feverously organized union members throughout the state combating anti-labor legislation. He brought masses of AFL-CIO member affiliates together to fight dark money influence and corporate outsiders as they pushed to impose anti-worker initiatives such as right to work, airline deregulation and NAFTA.
In spite of his official retirement from the Missouri AFL-CIO, Johnson continued as a great influence in the labor movement. As a retiree, Johnson quickly stepped up and became an integral part of the Alliance for Retired Americans by serving as the Vice President of the Missouri Alliance. As reported during the labor forum, he continued working to assemble labor activist meetings with union leaders state-wide, via text up to and on the final day of his life.
Johnson possessed the unique ability of educating fellow unionists and workers on all facts from both sides of issues. He revealed the truth and intent behind pro or anti-labor legislative sentiments. His mentorship transformed countless workers from being labeled as mere policy protesters into diehard activists and life-long union advocates.
He understood well the power of grass roots movements and combined interests. This insight brought state-wide union leaders and trades’ workers into unified forces on several occasions. These collective actions were proven most successful in the defeat of ongoing attempts of imposing so-called right-to-work initiatives from the late 1970’s to present date in Missouri.
“The IAM and the state of Missouri mourn the loss of a dedicated Machinist and labor leader,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Brother Johnson’s career was devoted to bettering the lives of his coworkers and fighting for their futures. He leaves an unsurpassed legacy that will continue to inspire present and future Machinists.”
From beginning to end, Brother Johnson’s union spirit and devotion to uphold the rights of all working women and men remains his legacy forever. May we all continue by his example, in the same spirit, serving our sisters and brothers and stand strong as a united force in honor of his countless contributions and achievements toward the betterment of all workers.
Usually, Machinists Union members working at Cape Canaveral in Florida are making headlines for helping NASA reach the stars and making dreams come true. Today, we celebrate their work on the ground, still helping to reach for the stars, but in a different way. This holiday season, our IAM family in Florida once again spent time making some Christmas dreams come true for the children in foster care with the Brevard Family Partnership.
“Every year, it never ceases to amaze me how our members step up to take care of the community,” said District 166 Directing Business Representative Robert Miller. “This is what it means to be part of a union. We are family here in Florida and we will always take care of each other.”
For the 16th year, our union family at IAM Local 2061, IAM Local 610, IAM Local 773, District 166 and numerous corporate sponsors joined together for this year’s annual holiday toy drive, raising more than $31,000 to help bring some holiday joy and presents to nearly 400 kids currently living in foster care in Brevard County, FL. Even without being able to hold various fundraising events as they’ve done in the past due to COVID-19 restrictions, our brothers and sisters at the Cape showed once again that no task is out of reach for our membership.
“Our members at the Cape help turn dreams into reality for a living each and every time they put a rocket in the sky or help NASA reach places thought to be out of reach. But the passion they have for their work and their community doesn’t stop when their shift is over,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace. “That sense of pride and service shows in everything they do. The Machinists Union will always answer the call and help make dreams come true whenever possible.”
The Machinists can’t take all the credit for being able to stand in for Santa when needed. Special thanks goes to everyone in our IAM family who gave their time, money and holiday spirit to make this happen. And the IAM thanks all the sponsors who joined them, including Target for its donation and for letting our elves shop their shelves, Herndon Solutions Group, LLC and Bass Pro Shops in Daytona for their yearly support. And as always, the friends and neighbors at the Cape who have always made the IAM feel at home, we couldn’t do it without you.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) applauds the U.S. Senate for confirming longtime labor lawyer and former IAM Legal Fellow Deirdre Hamilton to serve on the National Mediation Board (NMB), a three-member panel tasked with handling labor issues in the nation’s railroad and airline industries.
“We thank each senator who voted in favor of confirming Deirdre Hamilton for a seat on this very important federal panel,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez, Jr. “As a seasoned lawyer, and an alum of the Machinists Union, Ms. Hamilton has shown time and time again that she is well qualified for the task of ensuring fairness for workers in our nation’s airline and railroad industries.”
“The confirmation of Deidre Hamilton to the NMB panel is a great step to make sure workers’ rights are protected,” said Richard Johnsen, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President. “Ms. Hamilton is a great advocate for working people, and I am confident she will serve airline and rail workers well.”
“This confirmation is good news for our union members. Ms. Hamilton is greatly qualified for the NMB post, and I am confident she will make sure workers come first,” said TCU-IAM National President Artie Maratea. “As an appointed member of the Dunlop Committee I look forward to working with Deirdre. We need champions like Ms. Hamilton to protect our nation’s workers, and I know with confidence that Ms. Hamilton is up to the task of making the rail industry work for everyone.”
In January, the IAM joined 18 unions representing rail and aviation workers in sending a letter the Biden administration asking for some immediate attention to confirm Hamilton and Puchala.
The winners of the 2021 IAM Photo Contest have been named and the 2022 Calendar, featuring the winning photos, is now available for order.
Winning photos are featured in the 2022 IAM Calendar. To order the 2022 IAM Calendar, download an individual order form or bulk order form for Lodges that want to order large quantities of calendars. Calendars are $7 for individual orders and $5 per calendar for orders of 100 or more. Two dollars from each calendar sold are donated to the IAM’s favorite charity, Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines.
This is a great way to promote the Machinists and the work we do, as well as helping to bring independence and confidence for people who are blind/visually impaired, veterans and children with autism across North America.
