IAM District 19 officers and staff from several railroads participated in a newly developed course called the General Chairmen Critical Skills Program. The 11 attendees from across the country were instructed by Winpisinger Center staff and various guest speakers who came to brief the members on information and tactics they have found useful over the years.

The new course idea for development came from the President and Directing General Chair Andrew Sandberg and Assistant President and Directing General Chair Juan Estrada.

“This new course is very detailed as it focuses on real issues the General Chairmen and officers may come to see while working in the field, and I thank Brother Estrada for his work on the program,” said Josh Hartford, IAM Special Assistant to the International President for the IAM Rail Division.

The weeklong course had various department heads, such as IAM Assistant Legislative and Political Director Ty Richardson, IAM Communications Director Jonathan Battaglia and IAM General Council Carla Siegel.

Sandberg mentioned how thankful the District 19 team is for the assistance of Hartford, who was instrumental in moving the program forward.

IAM District 19 General Chairman Heath Jacobs participated in the class and gives us this report.

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IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon is continuing his advocacy for the IAM by being appointed to serve a two-year term on the Board of Directors of Working America, the community organizing arm of the AFL-CIO.

Solomon, a renowned trade union lobbyist and the IAM’s leading voice for workers’ rights on Capitol Hill, brings 25 years of IAM experience to the Working America board.

“It’s an honor to serve the interests of our members each and every day in the halls of power of Washington, D.C.,” said Solomon. “I look forward to continuing my service to the IAM, and broadening the reach of our union and the labor movement in the concurrent role with Working America.”

Now numbering 4.3 million strong, Working America members share the concerns of union members: good family-sustaining jobs, affordable and quality health care, and safe and secure housing. Working America is building a political and economic home for millions of working-class people who are otherwise not part of the labor movement.

“There’s no stronger political and legislative voice for IAM members than Hasan Solomon,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “We’re honored to have Hasan and the IAM represented at Working America, which does great work to broaden the reach of the IAM and the entire labor movement.”

Solomon was nominated for the role by AFSCME President Lee Saunders, who serves as Working America’s Board President. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler serves as the board’s Secretary Treasurer and is joined by seven other labor leaders on Working America’s Board of Directors.

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Thousands of IAM members at Southwest Airlines are receiving a pay raise thanks to the foresight of the IAM Air Transport Territory, District 142 and their negotiating committee. Members who were employed in one of the three IAM-represented Southwest Airlines groups when the contract was ratified in December 2022 – Customer Service Agents, Customer Representatives, and Source of Support Representatives – will also receive a bonus.

The raises and bonuses are due to a clause negotiated into the contract that requires IAM-represented workgroups at the carrier to receive the same pay rate at the top of the scale as the highest-paid ground operations group.

“IAM members at Southwest Airlines have always been leaders in their classification in pay and benefits at the carrier,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “I’d like to thank the IAM Negotiating Committee for having the vision to ensure IAM members at Southwest would never fall behind and will continue to lead the way at the carrier.”

The pay bumps and bonuses are in addition to all the general wage increases and other benefits already present in the contract, along with a 4% non-elective contribution into their 401(k) that began in January 2023 for all IAM-represented employees at the carrier. 

“We knew where the industry was going and negotiated a contract that ensured IAM members’ compensation remained at the top at Southwest Airlines,” said IAM Airline Coordinator Tom Regan. 

Beginning April 16, 2024, IAM-represented Southwest Airlines employees will be the highest-paid in the industry. 

– Customer Service Agents (CSA) at the top of scale will be $38.35 per hour.
– Customer Representatives (CS&S) at the top of scale will be $37.85 per hour.
– Source of Support Representatives at the top of scale will be $41.32 per hour.

“I am extremely proud of what our negotiating team have achieved during the last round of negotiations,” said IAM Air Transport Territory Chief of Staff Edison Fraser. “The IAM again leads the way in the industry and the patience of our members has allowed us to negotiate good benefits on their behalf.” 

“Nothing makes us more proud at District 142 than improving the lives and benefits of our members,” said IAM District 142 President and Directing General Chair John M. Coveny Jr. “IAM members at Southwest can expect another well-deserved raise and lump sum payment because of their IAM contract.”

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At their recent Midwest Territory Staff Conference, IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli announced the 2023 IAM Midwest Territory Helping Hands Award winners, affectionately known as the “IAM Helpy’s.”

The IAM Helpy Awards – now in its sixth year in the Midwest Territory – is the Territory’s way of honoring those IAM Districts and Unaffiliated Locals who answered the call to serve their communities as part of the Territory’s “IAM H.E.L.P.S. in the Community” program.

“The IAM Helpy Awards pay tribute to the exceptional efforts of IAM Districts and Locals who have dedicated themselves to serving their communities as part of the Territory’s ‘IAM H.E.L.P.S. in the Community’ program,” said Cicinelli. “Every District and unaffiliated Local sponsors a H.E.L.P.S. project each year. Congratulations to all the recipients of this year’s awards. I am truly impressed by the dedication and hard work shown by our members, their family and friends working together striving to make a positive impact in their communities.  We are definitely proud of all the projects throughout the Midwest that have helped those in need.”

District 9: Most Unique 
District 9 held its HELPS event in October 2023. Volunteers gathered to build “sharing libraries.” These sharing libraries were filled with donated books and placed in various locations in Pacific, Mo. The area has a low literacy rate and has a small union footprint in the community. District 9 is targeting this area for organizing opportunities. The IAM logo was placed on each of the sharing libraries.

Mechanics Local 701: Most Volunteer Participation 
Mechanics Local 701 held its 2023 HELPS event in October at a food bank called “Feed My Starving Children” in Aurora, Ill. Over 30 volunteers gathered to donate their time and labor to pack rice, beans and dry lentils in packages to distribute to families overseas who desperately needed food. Volunteers assisted in packaging 201 boxes. Each box contained 36 bags, providing 124 children with a daily meal for an entire year, which equaled 45,000 meals.

District 77: Best Advocate for Military Veterans
District 77 held its 2023 HELPS event at a transitional house for women veterans who are experiencing homelessness. Volunteers from across Minnesota turned out to do significant landscaping around the house and garage.

District 6: Best Overall 
District 6 held its 2023 HELPS event at a senior citizens assisted living home and performed intense landscaping. Volunteers gathered from across the District to clear the underbrush and trees from the pond’s shore where residents could enjoy a clear view of the pond and associated wildlife. The work was physically demanding, and volunteers cleared so much vegetation from the shoreline that management asked them to stop due to the vast amount of compiled yard waste.

The IAM Midwest Territory began the “IAM H.E.L.P.S. in the Community” initiative in the spring of 2017 as a way to provide essential support to residents in need. H.E.L.P.S. stands for Honoring, Engaging, Lifting, Providing and Servicing. For more on IAM H.E.L.P.S. click here.

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Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 78 (District 10) at the Harley-Davidson plant in Milwaukee have overwhelmingly ratified a new industry-leading five-year collective bargaining agreement.

The new five-year agreement guarantees wage increases averaging more than 25% over the contract.

Other highlights include:

• Increase in paid breaks during eight-hour continuous shifts
• An enhanced vacation time earning schedule, including the addition of a fifth week
• Inclusion of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a paid holiday
• Expansion of paid personal time from 20 to 30 hours
• Increase in profit-sharing percentages
• A raise in the pension multiplier
• An increase of the company match to the 401(k) from 50% of the first 6% to 75% of the first 6%
• A $4,000 ratification bonus

“I want to thank the negotiating committee for their hard work and diligence working for the membership on this ratified contract that delivers increased wages and benefits,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “This contract reflects IAM Local 78 members’ skills and dedication to making Harley-Davidson one of the most successful iconic brands in the world.”

“This agreement represents a significant step forward for our workforce, with no concessions made,” said IAM Director of Collective Bargaining Craig Norman. “We are proud to have secured substantial benefits for our members, including notable wage increases and improvements in working conditions.”

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airlines, transportation, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.

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In a momentous gesture of recognition and gratitude, the members of Local 794 embarked on a journey to commemorate the legacy of one of their own – IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. This remarkable initiative stemmed from a deep-rooted respect and admiration for a leader who not only rose from their ranks but also pioneered a path of inclusive and dedicated leadership.

“I am extremely humbled and honored to be recognized by my home Local,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “I hold in high regard the blessing it is to serve my Union and my Local. Words cannot truly express my feeling of gratitude at this gesture.”

The seeds of this endeavor were sown in 2018 when the membership, under the guidance of the prior President and Directing Business Representative Red Dow, passed a motion to dedicate the Union hall meeting room to GVP Allen. However, unforeseen challenges, including the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, delayed the realization of this tribute.

Undeterred by the hurdles, retirees such as Ernest “Red” Dow and Gerald “Lanny” Languit, persisted in their efforts to craft a dedication plaque, a symbol of their unwavering commitment to honoring GVP Allen’s service. Their perseverance bore fruit as they presented the plaque at the March Local monthly membership meeting.

“GVP Allen’s ascent to leadership is not just remarkable; it’s revolutionary,” said Western Territory Chief of Staff Bobby Martinez. “He shattered barriers and stereotypes, emerging as the youngest President and Directing Business Representative in the history of the Local. His appointment marked a departure from tradition, symbolizing a shift towards modern, inclusive leadership reflective of the membership’s diversity.”

In honoring GVP Allen, Local 794 pays tribute not only to a remarkable leader but also to a trailblazer who has paved the way for generations to come. His legacy serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us all of the transformative power of inclusive leadership and unwavering dedication to the service of others.

“As the dedication of the Hall signifies, GVP Allen’s impact transcends boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the IAM community across the United States and Canada,” said Local 794 President and Directing Business Representative Ashley Long. “In honoring him, Local 794 celebrates not just a leader, but a visionary whose influence will endure for years to come.”

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On Good Friday, March 29, 2024, IAM District 5 held its annual HELPS event at the Great Plains Food Bank in Fargo, N.D.

Thirteen volunteers that represented Locals 2525, W384 and W33, along with family and friends of the members from those three locals, donated their time and labor to helps kids in need of food assistance.  The group participated in the GPFB’s Backpack Program, in which volunteers packed various non-perishable food items into over 720 bags for distribution.

“We believe that by giving back to our communities through our HELPS program, we are making a difference in the lives of children who are in need of food assistance,” said IAM District 5 Directing Business Representative Jeremy Pearson. “District 5 understands that being an integral part of our community through volunteerism is the key to making the lives better for people who made need some help from time to time.”

“Living up in the ‘North Country’ comes with a multitude of challenges, including economic ones that may adversely affect families that create food insecurity,” said IAM District 5 Assistant Directing Business Representative Joe Schwartz, who helped to organize the event. “The members of our Locals who participated, along with family and friends, were humbled to take the time and effort to help out those in need.”

“The IAM Midwest Territory is committed to service in every community. District 5 and Locals 2525, W384 and W33 are showing their commitment to that very ideal. Helping families with food assistance leads to better lives for all in their communities,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Our thanks go out to every member and their families who participated by volunteering their time and effort that will help our neighbors in need.” 

IAM District 5 covers North Dakota, South Dakota and parts of northern Minnesota.

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IAM Local 2184 (District 60), representing 480 IAM members at Pratt & Whitney, has a new three-year contract with the company after successful negotiations mid-March.

IAM District 60 Business Representative Heather Hildebrand led the negotiations that lasted a short five days and produced substantial wins.

The IAM Local 2184/Pratt & Whitney contract highlights include:

– Equity increase of 60 cents for all
– Wage increases of 4%, 3.5%, 3% per year
– COLA increased to 50 cents
– 401(k) increase of $2 each year
– Pension increase of 15 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents per year
– $2,000 ratification bonus
– Two additional paid holidays
– $2.50 shift premium
– Unused paid time off paid out at time and one-half
– Addition of Juneteenth holiday (unpaid)
– Shoe allowance increased to $150

“The group stood strong for that week. We had the full support of the membership, and their solidarity paid off because negotiations were very successful, “ said Hildebrand. “When we presented the contract to the membership, they stood up and applauded certain gains that were really important to them.”

The Bargaining Committee included IAM Local 2184’s Rick Cousino, Matt Fosburg, Antonio Velasquez Sr., Atiba Brooks, Ker Vue, IAM Eastern Territory Grand Lodge Representative Neil Douglas, and IAM District 60 Business Representative Heather Hildebrand.

“My thanks go out to IAM Aerospace Coordinators Bobby Barnwell and Denise Heath and Senior Research Economist Gwendolyn Camp,” said Hildebrand. “Their industry experience and assistance were absolutely crucial to the success of these negotiations.”

“Business Representative Heather Hildebrand and this Bargaining Committee had my full confidence in achieving a strong new contract for our members at Pratt & Whitney, who support families and are integral to the health of their communities and local economies,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. 

“My congratulations to the Committee and the hard-working members of Local 2184 on a strong new contract,” said Sullivan.

The post Significant Wins in New Contract for Michigan Local 2184 Members at Pratt & Whitney appeared first on IAMAW.

A group of dispatch supervisors working for the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) at Boston’s Logan International Airport have voted unanimously to join IAM District 15.

The workers made the decision to unionize in order to improve their working conditions and wages, as well as gain the ability to collectively negotiate for their future. They had been burdened with increased workloads, were not receiving the raises they deserved, and had little control over their schedules.

“We are thrilled to welcome these workers at Boston Logan International Airport into the IAM family,” said IAM District 15 Assistant Directing Business Representative Mike Vartabedian. “Their decision to join our union is a testament to the strength of the IAM and our ability to fight for and defend the rights of workers across North America.” 

The dispatch supervisors are responsible for coordinating and communicating with crews and other airport personnel to ensure safe and efficient airport operations.

“Dispatch supervisors at Boston Logan International Airport work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of everyone who uses the airport,” said IAM District 15 Directing Business Representative Norm Shreve. “They deserve fair pay and working conditions that reflect the importance of their work. We look forward to working with them to negotiate a contract to achieve these goals.” 

The dispatch supervisors’ decision to join the IAM comes at a time when workers across the country are seeking to improve their working conditions and wages. 

“The IAM Eastern Territory has a long history of advocating for workers’ rights and fighting for better pay and benefits,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “With the addition of the Boston Logan International Airport dispatch supervisors, the IAM is poised to continue this important work and help workers achieve the fair treatment they deserve.”

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AUSTIN, Texas, April 4, 2024 – Today, Austin Pets Alive! (APA) animal shelter employees have filed a Representation Petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) requesting recognition of their Union, Austin Pets Allied Workers (APAW).  After collecting signatures from a majority of approximately 200 APA workers on union cards with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 776, with support from the National Veterinary Professionals Union, APAW is proud to take this first step towards creating the largest animal shelter union in the country–a historic event for both animals and their advocates.

In a statement issued by the Organizing Committee, APA employees wrote, “APAW’s priorities are to ensure a just and sustainable workplace at APA, because we believe that APA can and should be a model for equity, stability, and safety in the animal care field. By giving workers on the frontlines of animal care a real seat at the table, we believe we can create a better and more just APA for pets and people alike.”

APAW has asked that APA management and the Board of Directors voluntarily recognize the staff Union so that they can more quickly begin the process of collective bargaining. Contract negotiations will cover issues such as workplace policies concerning the well-being and safety of both animals and employees, wage increases, benefits, and fair employment practices. 

The IAM, with support from the National Veterinary Professionals Union, recently organized animal shelter workers in Chicago.

Ryan Martinez, APA worker: “I want to join with my co-workers to form a union because workers like me who are on the frontlines of animal care deserve to feel safe and supported in our mission-fulfilling work at APA. I know that a strong union contract negotiated by affected employees is the best way to make that happen, which will ultimately improve conditions for the animals in our care.” 

Ellis Avallone, APA worker: “I look forward to this new chapter where my co-workers and I, through unionizing, can have a real seat at the table and a more democratic workplace. I hope that APA management and the Board of Directors respond positively to our request for voluntary recognition so that we can move swiftly and directly to the bargaining table.”

Keith “Chub” McCrory, District Organizer with IAM District 776: “The IAM is very excited about the filing of this petition. This marks an important and necessary milestone in building worker power in an underrepresented industry. Animal care workers deserve safe, dignified jobs with living wages.” 

Zohaib “Zo” Qadri, Austin City Council District 9 Representative: “I applaud the organizers and members of APAW for coming together to not just advocate for animals, but for their fellow workers, as well. Austin is a Labor city, and I’ll be proud to see another Union workplace call District 9 home.”

Austin Pets Allied Workers (APAW) is the worker-created and worker-led union of Austin Pets Alive! Started in 2023, its members seek to ensure their workplace and the animal welfare industry as a whole adopts more sustainable, safe, and equitable practices. The organization boasts a diverse membership, with representation from across varied departments and species. All members share in common the love and care they have for our animals past, present, and future which fuels their hope for a better future. While growing stronger every day, the Organizing Committee works to invite more workers into the fold.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airlines, transportation, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.

The National Veterinary Professionals Union was established in 2017 with the primary goal of making veterinary support a sustainable, life-long career.  In order to fulfill this goal, we are working to build collective power among workers in the veterinary health and animal care profession.  We believe in the power of collective action and healthy collaboration with veterinary and animal care employers to create improvements in workplace safety, training, benefits, and pay. We believe that taking good care of veterinary and animal care workers allows them to provide the best care for animals and the people who love them.

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