Aug 24, 2021 | iMail
As the IAM, the labor movement and working people around the globe continue to mourn the untimely passing of Richard Trumka, the Machinists Union looks forward to working with the most diverse leadership team in the history of the AFL-CIO.
On Friday, August 20, the AFL-CIO Executive Council elected Liz Shuler as the first woman to hold the office in the history of the labor federation. Shuler, an IBEW member, had served as AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer since 2009, where she was the federation’s chief financial officer and placed an emphasis on grassroots organizing and youth engagement.
“I am humbled, honored and ready to guide this federation forward,” said Shuler. “I believe in my bones the labor movement is the single greatest organized force for progress. This is a moment for us to lead societal transformations—to leverage our power to bring women and people of color from the margins to the center—at work, in our unions and in our economy, and to be the center of gravity for incubating new ideas that will unleash unprecedented union growth.”
The Executive Council also elected United Steelworkers International Vice President Fred Redmond to succeed Shuler as secretary-treasurer, the first African American to hold the No. 2 office. At the USW, Redmond oversaw the Civil and Human Rights Department, as well as the union’s shipbuilding, health care and public sector bargaining, and worked with USW allies across the country in responding to attacks on voting rights and in combating economic inequality.
“I could not be more excited to get to work with President Shuler so we can build on the labor movement’s legacy of change, writing a new chapter that brings the promise of union membership to workers across this country,” said Redmond. “This is the right team at the right time to help bring about the economic and social justice America is hungry for.”
Tefere Gebre will continue as executive vice president, rounding out the most diverse team of officers ever to lead the AFL-CIO.
The AFL-CIO is a federation of 56 unions and 12.5 million members across the United States, including the IAM.
The post Machinists Union Welcomes New AFL-CIO Leadership Team appeared first on IAMAW.
Aug 24, 2021 | iMail
If you’re looking for a new opportunity to donate to the Guide Dogs of America and Tender Loving Canines, please check out the 31 Guns in 31 Days Raffle.
The Southern Territory and Woodworkers Department are sponsoring this one-of-a-kind event in December, with a winner drawn each day. Participants will have a chance to win some really cool guns while providing help to the IAM’s favorite charity.
“The Southern Territory is excited to be working with the Woodworkers Department on this month-long event to help the Guide Dogs of America,” said Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace. “Guide Dogs has experienced a difficult year, but the IAM will continue to think of new, innovative ways to provide assistance to them. We hope this event will jumpstart a successful 2022.”
“The Woodworkers Department is looking forward to joining together with the Southern Territory to help support the Guide Dogs of America and Tender Loving Canines,” said Mike Rose, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President for the Woodworkers Department. “This unique event will truly be a team effort and opportunity to support this great charity.”
The deadline for buying tickets is November 30.
Click here for the list of guns in the raffle.
Last year, GDA completed a merger with Tender Loving Canines, and now provides hardworking service dogs for people who are blind/visually impaired, veterans, and individuals with autism to become trusted companions that bring confidence, independence, and mobility.
The organization’s services are provided free of charge to residents in the U.S. and Canada.
For more information on Guide Dogs of America, visit GuideDogsofAmerica.com.
The post Still Time to Support Guide Dogs of America and Tender Loving Canines with the 31 Guns in 31 Days Raffle appeared first on IAMAW.
Aug 20, 2021 | LL S6 Leadership Alerts, LL S6 Upcoming Events
Local Lodge S6 has just been informed by the Bath Senior Center that the parking lot at the Senior Center will be open this Saturday. Construction was postponed. Please utilize the parking lot at the Senior Center for the General Membership Meeting.
We hope you will join us.
In Solidarity, Local S6 Leadership
Aug 19, 2021 | iMail
The IAM is pleased to report that it has reached a strong new tentative agreement at Southwest Airlines for approximately 7,000 IAM-represented Customer Service Employees (Customer Representatives, Customer Service Agents, Source of Support Representatives).
The IAM negotiating committee is working diligently to finalize the tentative agreement language.
Additional information and materials will be forthcoming.
“I am incredibly proud of our negotiating committee and our membership at Southwest Airlines,” said IAM District 142 President and Directing General Chair Dave Supplee. “IAM members at Southwest Airlines are constantly recognized for creating a top-notch experience for customers. This tentative agreement reflects upon our members’ commitment to service.”
“This is a tentative agreement that will place our members at Southwest Airlines back at the top of the industry,” said Richard Johnsen, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President. “The IAM negotiating committee deserves the credit for fighting to ensure our members at Southwest Airlines receive the wages and benefits they bargained for at the negotiating table. I am extremely proud of our members and the negotiating committee for their patience during this process. Our members are an integral part of Southwest, and this agreement shows their value.”
“Our negotiating committee stood in solidarity in our efforts to get the best deal for our members at Southwest Airlines,” said IAM Airline Coordinator Tom Regan. “This contract will serve as a model for the industry. Members had many challenges in 2020 due to one of the worst pandemics in our nation’s history. We hope that this new tentative agreement will be a shining example for the rest of the industry.”
The post Machinists Union Reaches Tentative Agreement at Southwest Airlines appeared first on IAMAW.
Aug 19, 2021 | iMail
Members of IAM Local Lodge 778 recently donated backpacks filled with school supplies to the Jackson County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) as a part of the IAM Midwest Territory’s “IAM H.E.L.P.S. in the Community” program. H.E.L.P.S. stands for Honoring, Engaging, Lifting, Providing and Servicing.
Local 778 surprised Jackson County CASA with 58 backpacks and school supplies to help children start back to school later this month. Judges appoint CASA volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court and other at-risk settings.
“Today was a true demonstration of what community service in the IAM stands for,” said Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “Service to the community isn’t just a slogan for our members, they talk the talk, and walk the walk – continuously finding ways to give back despite the social distance challenges we’ve faced over the last 18 months. My thanks goes out to all Local 778 volunteers for making a difference in their community.”
The IAM Midwest Territory, along with their Districts and Locals, has hosted more than 20 “IAM H.E.L.P.S. in the Community” events, with more than 450 volunteers across the Territory, to date. 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.
The post IAM Local 778 Donates School Supplies appeared first on IAMAW.
Aug 17, 2021 | iMail
Veterans from all generations are processing the news of what is currently unfolding in Afghanistan and could be experiencing a wide range of emotions and feelings right now. The IAM Veteran Services Program wanted to share resources available to veterans.
“As a U.S. Navy veteran, I can empathize with any Machinist or family member who might be affected emotionally or mentally with the events in Afghanistan,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “I encourage anyone who may need help to utilize resources that the IAM and other organizations have to offer. We are always available to help our Brothers and Sisters in need.”
IAM Resources:
IAM EAP Services can be accessed by emailing iameap@iamaw.org or by calling 301-335-0735.
IAM Addiction Services can be reached by calling 1-888-250-4IAM (4426).
Resources from the AFL-CIO Union Veterans Council:
The post Support Services Available for Veterans appeared first on IAMAW.
Aug 17, 2021 | iMail
IAM District 751, which represents more than 26,000 aerospace workers at Boeing and its suppliers, is calling for action as China becomes a global competitor in the aerospace industry.
In a meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai hosted at its Seattle union hall, District 751 President Jon Holden called for immediate Chinese recertification of the IAM-built 737 Max and outlined concerns over China’s growing aerospace footprint. Holden thanked Tai for focusing efforts on worker-centered trade and sounded the alarm on the transfer of U.S. technology and jobs to China, as well as unfair Chinese government subsidies to its aerospace industry.
Holden also raised concerns about worker and human rights in China.
“China’s continued refusal to honor basic human rights, including those concerning forced labor, discrimination, child labor, the right to form and join a union and engage in collective bargaining, are moral issues,” said Holden. “They are also economic issues, which drive standards down around the world. We see U.S. and European aerospace companies continuing to outsource work and build production plants in Mexico to take advantage of low wages and no workers’ rights.”
“Our members at IAM District 751 will benefit from President Holden’s advocacy,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “We will fight for the immediate recertification of the 737 Max and to stop China’s unfair trade practices that are causing harm to aerospace and manufacturing workers in the Puget Sound.”
READ: USTR Tai, DelBene meet with labor on worker-centered trade The Stand
Holden was joined at the meeting by IAM District 751 Chief of Staff Jason Chan, U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA), and other Washington state labor leaders.
The post IAM District 751 Calls for Action on Chinese 737 Max Recertification, Unfair Trade Practices appeared first on IAMAW.
Aug 17, 2021 | iMail
If there’s a disaster in St. Mary’s County, MD, and you need help from the American Red Cross, there’s a pretty good chance that Jerry Guyer, retired Machinists Union member and former William W. Winpisinger Center employee, is the one who will answer the call.
That’s because, in St. Mary’s, he and his wife, Cyndi, are two of the three volunteers who make up the county’s Disaster Action Team (DAT). And for people in trouble making that call, the Guyers become their lifeline.
“People are in a bad way when a house fire happens because they lost everything,” explained Guyer. “They need comfort and an arm around their shoulder because chances are they lost everything.”
What started Guyer on this path of serving the community should be no surprise to anyone who knew him from his years working at the William W. Winpisinger Center as the school’s transportation director. But the disaster relief training he took in 2014, in conjunction with the Red Cross at the time, literally changed the course of his life. After that, he immediately signed up with his local Red Cross chapter, got his wife involved and the rest was history.
“Growing up, a lot of people gave me a helping hand,” said Guyer.
“This is my way of paying them back.”
In St. Mary’s, house fires and flooding or major storm damage are the top calls the Guyers get most often. Their job is to get to the scene as quickly as possible and offer whatever help they can to the people who are most likely experiencing one of the worst days of their lives.
“On scene, we first and foremost offer comfort. Then we assess as to whether their accommodations are livable or not,” explained Guyer. “After that, we are able to give them comfort items like blankets, soap, and the kids get a little stuffed animal to hang onto and hug. Next, we work on some monetary assistance to secure temporary housing or get clothes and food and any medicines they may need. We also can offer spiritual and emotional help to anyone who needs it.”
Guyer says it’s emotional for all, even the responders, but he knows the importance of what he’s doing. They are on call 24/7 as DAT volunteers but they wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I will do this until I am not around anymore,” said Guyer. “It’s impossible to walk away at his point. It has been life-changing.”
Guyer says he’s lucky to have support from the IAM Winpisinger Center, his former employer because his union family is always ready to help.
“When Jerry came to work at the Winpisinger Center, he didn’t just take a job. He embraced the mission and core values of the Machinists Union. Through training provided by the IAM’s Community Service Department, Jerry and his wife, Cyndi, became active in the local Red Cross chapter and the rest is history,” said Winpisinger Center Director Chris Wagoner. “The IAM is proud to be able to support the work they do by offering meeting facilities and storage space for trailers they use to get the job done because we believe it is incredibly important to be active and engaged in supporting those who serve our community. Jerry and Cyndi put the words of our motto into action.”
Guyer’s advice to his union brothers and sisters who want to help is to join the local Red Cross chapter where you live.
“You get a feeling of self-satisfaction when you help someone. The reward is selfish almost, the work is not,” said Guyer. “You won’t regret making that call.”
The post Winpisinger Center Retiree Jerry Guyer Answers the Call in St. Mary’s County appeared first on IAMAW.
Aug 17, 2021 | iMail
The Dixie Wildfire burning in California counties, Butte and Plumas, has become the second-largest wildfire in state history. Additionally, a multitude of wildfire outbreaks rage on simultaneously in multiple western states. As a result, many IAM families are forced to evacuate their homes, scrambling to safety to escape these life-threating conditions.
“Throughout our history, IAM Sisters and Brothers have been called to help fill a need,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “It’s who we are and it’s our fundamental value of caring for a fellow person in need. I am asking for your help, some of our Sister and Brothers have been harmed by these wildfires through no fault of their own.”
Please keep our IAM Sisters and Brothers in mind during this critical time by donating to the IAM Disaster Relief Fund.
Every dollar you give to the IAM Disaster Relief Fund goes directly to IAM members and their families in need.
IAM members whose homes sustained damages from the wildfire making them uninhabitable or in need of extensive repairs may qualify for assistance from the IAM Disaster Relief Funds.
If you participate in qualifying Union Plus programs, you may also be eligible for a one-time Union Plus $500 Disaster Grant.
Donations are tax deductible. IAM Assistance is a registered IRS 501(3) (c) – Tax ID: 46-2575531 – (IAM Assistance (ID # 46-2575531) is an IRS-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
The post Help California Wildfire Victims with a Donation to the IAM Disaster Relief Fund appeared first on IAMAW.
Aug 17, 2021 | iMail
The IAM Midwest Territory’s 12th Annual “Rides for Guides” Motorcycle Charity Ride raised more than $11,500 to benefit Guide Dogs of America (GDA). GDA provides guide dogs free of charge to blind and visually-impaired men and women, veterans and autistic children across the U.S. and Canada.
The event this year spanned across 176 miles in Fond Du Lac, WI and consisted of 51 drivers and 14 passengers.
See photos of the IAM Midwest Territory’s 12th Annual “Rides for Guides”
“Thank you to all the participants, Midwest Territory Districts, Locals, residents, businesses and sponsors for your continued support of the ‘Rides for Guides’ Motorcycle Charity Ride,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “Unfortunately, this ride couldn’t be held last year because of the pandemic, so this year’s event was especially special. I would like to give a special thank you to IAM Local 1947 and District 10 for all of their support in setting up this event, their hospitality, lunch and dinner on the day of the ride, as well the Midwest Territory staff for all of their hard work. This ride was an amazing success and will go a long way in assisting Guide Dogs of America’s quest to provide aid to the visually impaired, veterans and autistic children.”
Click here for a list of winners.
Next year there will be two special events to benefit Guide Dogs of America in Deadwood, South Dakota. The 2022 “Rides for Guides” Motorcycle Charity Ride will be held Saturday, July 16, 2022. The 2022 Kourpias K9 Classic will be held Sunday, July 17 to Tuesday, July 19, 2022.
Click here for more information on these events.
For more information on these and other IAM Midwest Territory events to benefit Guide Dogs of America, visit the Spirit of the Midwest website at SpiritoftheMidwest.org.
For more information on Guide Dogs of America, visit GuideDogsofAmerica.com.
The post IAM Midwest Territory’s ‘Rides for Guides’ Raises Over $11.5K for Guide Dogs of America appeared first on IAMAW.
