The IAM recently joined the United Steelworkers Union (USW), the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO at a press conference to announce the filing of a Section 301 petition, calling on the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to initiate an investigation of Chinese commercial shipbuilding.

WATCH: Press Conference on American Shipbuilding

Over the past two decades, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) enacted a comprehensive strategy to dominate global transportation and logistics networks, including employing an array of non-market policies. Meanwhile, U.S. shipbuilding capacity continues to diminish.

“The recent rise of China as a naval superpower underscores the urgency of this issue,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Chinese shipbuilders have made significant strides in recent years, rapidly expanding their capabilities and challenging American dominance in the maritime domain. To maintain our strategic advantage in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, we must redouble our efforts to invest in and support our shipbuilding industry. We need a multi-pronged approach to maintain America’s Naval dominance that strengthens our shipbuilding industry. This includes increased funding for apprentice programs, partnering with experienced workers (union journeymen), and investing in cutting-edge shipbuilding technology.”

U.S. Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D- Wis.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) sent a letter to the Biden administration in support of the trade petition, representing a growing coalition of policymakers fighting to revitalize the shipbuilding industry.

“When we make things in America, we build strong supply chains, create good-paying jobs, and can keep our country safe. Over the last two decades, China has tried to rig the system with unfair trade practices in the shipbuilding industry – hurting American workers, American shipbuilders, and our national security,” said Sen. Baldwin. “Today, we’re standing with American workers and calling on the Biden Administration to quickly investigate China’s anti-competitive practices and help level the playing field.”

Senator Baldwin has long championed Buy America policies to support American businesses and workers. She fought to advance her American Made Navy Act in this year’s annual defense legislation, which would ensure by 2033 any new Navy ship purchased uses 100% domestically produced materials, like propulsion systems, shipboard components, couplings, shafts, support bearings, and more. She also worked to include strong Buy America standards in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“On a level playing field, American workers can out-compete anyone. That’s why Senator Baldwin and I are leading the effort in Congress to push the Biden Administration to investigate and impose tariffs on the Chinese Communist Party’s shipbuilding industry,” said Sen. Casey. “To protect the American steel industry, our workers, and our jobs, we’ve got to crack down and hold China accountable.”

USTR Katherine Tai has less than 40 days to determine whether she will pursue an investigation of Chinese shipbuilding. 

“Labor unions and the Biden administration have worked together to establish a worker-centered trade policy and ramp up domestic manufacturing capacity through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act,” said USW International President David McCall. “Reviving the commercial shipbuilding industry will enable America to expand those investments, ensure a steady supply of goods at home, and grow the middle class.”

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IAM International President Brian Bryant, who took the helm leading the IAM on Jan. 1, 2024, has officially been sworn in as a member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council.

The AFL-CIO, the largest federation of unions in the United Sates, is made up of more than 12 million active and retired workers from 60 national and international unions, including the IAM. The AFL-CIO Executive Council is comprised of two top officers and 55 vice presidents who are responsible for guiding the work of the federation.

It’s an honor and privilege to join the @AFLCIO Executive Council, where I proudly represent 600,000 @MachinistsUnion members.

We’re in a unique time in the labor movement – it’s up to us to grasp it. pic.twitter.com/wNhBL7F2X2

— Brian Bryant (@IAMBrianBryant) March 14, 2024

“It’s an incredible honor and privilege to be sitting in this room, and I don’t take that lightly,” said Bryant after being introduced by AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “I understand the great history of the AFL-CIO, and I’m absolutely thrilled and looking forward to the part that the Machinists can play with the AFL-CIO.”

Bryant, a 34-year IAM member, initiated into the IAM in 1989 when he joined Local S6 while employed at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine.  A pipefitter by trade, Bryant became active in his local and district before being appointed to the Eastern Territory staff. Bryant held three positions on the IAM Executive Council before becoming International President.

“We’re in a unique time in the labor movement,” said Bryant. “It’s up to us to grasp it.”

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The post ‘It’s Up to Us to Grasp This Moment’: IAM International President Brian Bryant Joins AFL-CIO Executive Council appeared first on IAMAW.

International President Brian Bryant took office leading the IAM on Jan. 1 and he’s looking forward to staying in touch with our members, supporters and the world!

Follow International President Bryant on X, formerly Twitter, at @IAMBrianBryant to stay up to date as he guides our union into the future alongside our 600,000 members across North America.

Happy #NewYear, @MachinistsUnion!

It’s the honor of my lifetime to begin 2024 as the 15th International President of our great union.

I’m looking forward to staying in touch with all of you as we continue to move our union forward. https://t.co/iiuPtFT7in

— Brian Bryant (@IAMBrianBryant) January 1, 2024

As a reminder, follow the Machinists Union on X, Facebook and Instagram to keep up with our union and our fight for all working people. 

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IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. has appointed Elías Flamenco Rivera as a Headquarters Communications Representative, effective September 1, 2022.

Flamenco Rivera joins the IAM from the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union where he developed content and strategies to grow the union’s online influence and engagement among members by promoting key policy issues and organizing campaigns. Flamenco Rivera is fluent in both Spanish and English and will be integral in increasing the IAM’s outreach to Spanish-speaking members.

“We welcome Elías to the IAM’s Communications Department and look forward to the contributions he will make to our membership and beyond,” said Martinez. “Elías’ background in labor, non-profits and public and legislative affairs will be a great asset to best serve our members’ interests.”

Previously, Flamenco Rivera worked at a public affairs agency in Washington, DC, where he provided advice and strategic guidance regarding the use of digital media across the firm’s diverse clientele spanning from non-profits to prominent trade associations. Notably, Flamenco Rivera received PR News’ “Rising Stars 30 & Under Award” in 2019 as recognition for his consistent ability to deliver for his clients.

Flamenco Rivera worked at Public Citizen as a Program Associate coordinating digital media strategy to increase public and congressional awareness of the impact of trade policies. In 2016, he completed a public policy fellowship with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) and served at the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission in the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee and for then U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). 

Flamenco Rivera has also worked for the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), leading its digital organizing and online strategy efforts. 

Flamenco Rivera graduated from Towson University with a B.A. in international studies and a minor in anthropology. 

Elías Flamenco Rivera Nombrado Representante de Comunicaciones

El presidente de la IAM, Robert Martinez Jr., nombró a Elías Flamenco Rivera como representante de comunicaciones de la sede internacional, entrando en vigencia el 1 de septiembre de 2022.

Flamenco Rivera se une a la IAM proveniente de la Unión Internacional de Trabajadores Comerciales y de Alimentos (UFCW, por sus siglas en inglés), donde desarrolló contenido y estrategias para aumentar la influencia en línea de la unión y la participación de la membresía tales como la promoción de temas importantes de política y campañas de organización. Flamenco Rivera es bilingüe en español e inglés y será parte integral para aumentar el alcance de la IAM a los miembros de habla hispana.

“Le damos la bienvenida a Elías al Departamento de Comunicaciones de la IAM y esperamos con interés las contribuciones que hará a nuestra membresía y mucho más”, dijo Martínez. “La experiencia de Elías en asuntos laborales, en organizaciones sin fines de lucro, y en temas públicos y legislativos será un gran recurso para servir mejor a los intereses de nuestros miembros”.

Anteriormente, Flamenco Rivera trabajó en una agencia de asuntos públicos en Washington, DC, donde brindó asesoramiento y orientación estratégica a diversos clientes con respecto al uso de los medios digitales, abarcando desde organizaciones sin fines de lucro hasta asociaciones comerciales destacadas. En particular, Flamenco Rivera recibió el “Premio Rising Stars 30 & Under” de PR News en 2019 como reconocimiento por su capacidad constante para cumplir con sus clientes.

Flamenco Rivera trabajó en Public Citizen como asociado coordinando la estrategia de medios digitales para generar conciencia pública y del Congreso sobre el impacto de las políticas de los tratados de libre comercio. En 2016, completó una pasantía de política pública con el Instituto del Comité de Congresistas Hispanos (CHCI, por sus siglas en inglés) y se desempeñó en la Comisión de Derechos Humanos de Tom Lantos en el Comité de Asuntos Exteriores de la Cámara de Representantes de los EE. UU. y para el entonces representante de los EE. UU. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).

Flamenco Rivera también ha trabajado para el Consejo Laboral para el Avance del Trabajador Latinoamericano (LCLAA, por sus siglas en inglés), liderando sus esfuerzos de organización digital y estrategia en línea.

Flamenco Rivera se graduó de Towson University con una licenciatura en estudios internacionales y una especialización en antropología.

The post Elías Flamenco Rivera Appointed Communications Representative | Elías Flamenco Rivera Nombrado Representante de Comunicaciones appeared first on IAMAW.

The Machinists Union’s Headquarters building in Upper Marlboro, MD recently passed the 30-year mark of serving as the Grand Lodge for the IAM. The building houses many IAM departments that serve the membership under the direction of the International President, General Secretary-Treasurer, and Resident General Vice President.

The four-level building, which opened in August 1992, has been lauded for being designed, as stated in the October 1993 edition of Architecture magazine, as a “veritable collage of machine images—from a jetliner’s fuselage to rocket-launching gantries from Cape Canaveral.”

When the IAM was planning a move from its 40-year headquarters in Washington, DC’s Dupont Circle, union leaders wanted the new building to “stand as a visible statement of what IAM members do for a living,” according to Architecture.

IAM members “take disorder every day and make order out of it,” said Joseph Boggs, design principle of the building, upon its opening.

“They take raw shards of metal, scraps of steel, and turn them into beautiful, refined pieces of machinery,” continued Boggs. “This building is a metaphor for what they do.”

The building is located across the street from Joint Base Andrews, where IAM-built jets, including Air Force One, are serviced by IAM members. The building was entirely constructed by union members.

“The future belongs to those who face it boldly, bravely, and on its own terms,” wrote the late IAM International President George Kourpias after the building’s opening. “From its open, spacious design symbolizing the skills of members in the metal trades, to its proximity to the U.S. Capitol—a short 20 minutes away—IAM Headquarters combines flexibility with functionality.”

One of many highlights in the building is the Executive Council Room, which features a curved metal ceiling that resembles the underside of a 747’s wing. The walls are glass cases filled with models of products produced by IAM members, including planes, tractors, rockets, and submarines.

“For all its precision, the building ultimately serves and celebrates the people who create the machines, and not the machines themselves,” wrote Edward Gunn in The Architect. “From any vantage point, one can see a continual parade of passersby—union members on the stairs, in the atrium, one flight below in another part of the building.”

The IAM Grand Lodge staff looks forward to seeing members for years to come as they tour IAM Headquarters after participating in programs at the IAM’s crown jewel, the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center.

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After rigorous preparation by the negotiating committee which represents nearly 700 IAM members working at three separate United Launch Alliance (ULA) locations across the USA, this week marked the beginning of negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.

“We want to build and launch rockets, that’s what we are here to do. And no one can do it as well as the group of ULA machinists who have spent decades of their careers honing their skills and expertise,” said IAM Aerospace Coordinator Tony Wirth. ”Our team is the best of the best, helping ULA maintain a 100% mission success rate for launches. We are ready to partner with this company to bring to fruition a strong contract which will benefit both sides.”

“We build and launch the best rockets in the industry and that’s because of the dedicated men and women who have spent their careers making sure ULA remains a leader in the aerospace industry,” said IAM District 166 Assistant Directing Business Representative Kevin DiMeco. “I am so proud of this negotiating team and how prepared they are to bring home the best IAM contract for the members they represent.”

The current agreement covers Machinists Union members from IAM Local 610 in Cape Canaveral, FL, Local 44 in Decatur, AL, and Local 2786 at Vandenburg AFB in California, with the current contract set to expire on May 1, 2022. ULA Machinists are the hardworking men and women who make sure this country’s launch capability remains second to none by not only manufacturing but helping to launch rockets such as the Atlas 5, working with NASA, DoD, and a number of other federal agencies.

“These members put their lives, and the lives of their families, on the line during the COVID-19 pandemic by coming to work every day and making sure ULA remained an aerospace leader even in the most tumultuous of times,” said IAM Aerospace General Vice President Mark Blondin. “They deserve a contract that compensates them for all they have given to this company. We are ready, willing, and able to bring home a strong, IAM contract with wages, benefits, and working conditions that mirror the success this company has enjoyed because of our member’s hard work and expertise on shop floors across the country.”

“I am very proud of our members who launch the most technically advanced rockets that keep us safe and make our lives better,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “Our members’ world-class work deserves a world-class, top-notch contract.”

“For more than half a century, the members of the Machinists Union have left their fingerprints on every aspect of the space program. We are very proud of that,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace. “We enter into this negotiation knowing the path for success our members have already carved and how the IAM will continue to set the trajectory for the future of space exploration and for ULA. We will do whatever it takes to bring home the best, possible contract for our members who deserve nothing less.”

With the country and the industry watching, the IAM/ULA negotiations are set to last for about two weeks. Priorities for IAM members in this contract will be to maintain health care costs, job protections, secure retirements and make sure our contracts are the preeminent standard in the aerospace industry.

For daily updates from the bargaining table, you can log onto www.iamulanow.com.

The post The IAM is Ready appeared first on IAMAW.

The IAM mourns the loss of retired IAM Aerospace Coordinator Ron Eldridge, a long-time IAM leader and beloved father of IAM Grand Lodge Representative Juan Eldridge. Ron Eldridge, 71, passed away on March 26 while surrounded by family.

Ron initiated into IAM Local 839 (District 70) in 1972 as an employee of Boeing in Wichita, KS. Before coming to Wichita, Ron was raised in Oklahoma and served in the U.S. Marine Corps after graduating high school.

He would serve as an organizer for Local 839 before serving as District 70 Directing Business Representative on two occasions. Ron served as an IAM Aerospace Coordinator from 2004 until his retirement in 2016. Ron also served as a Southern Territory Special Representative and Grand Lodge Representative.

“Ron was passionate about helping people,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “He was the man we sent to negotiate the most important and most high-profile aerospace agreements in the IAM. He dedicated his life to our union because he knew he was making lives better for working families and communities. We mourn with the Eldridge family, and we will never forget the contributions and lifetime of service Ron gave to us.”

Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Maria, children Ron, Melissa, Angela, Juan, and several grandchildren.

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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.

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In response to the formal notice on North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations, IAM International President Bob Martinez made the following statement to the formal notice on NAFTA negotiations:

“NAFTA represents the failed trade model that we warned about. Since its implementation, hundreds of thousands workers in the U.S. and Canada have lost their jobs as company after company have moved production to Mexico, a country where fundamental human rights do not exist. NAFTA should be dissolved immediately.

“If policymakers insist on renegotiating it, real and enforceable labor standards based on ILO Conventions must be included in the core of the agreement, investor to state dispute mechanisms must be deleted and rules of origin must be strong. Among other things, Mexico must demonstrate that fundamental human rights are enforced and effective, before enjoying the benefits of the trade agreement.”

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IAM members attending the Political Education Program at the William W. Winpisinger Education Center set a new class record for Machinists Non-Partisan Political League contributions during the week.

The class teaches IAM members how to become effective advocates for pro-labor legislation.

Participants are divided into teams to run mock campaigns with an election at the end of class. In addition to the campaign, teams also compete in raising MNPL contributions. The team that raises the most money for the week is declared the winner.

“Congratulation to the winning team, and the entire class,” said IAM Political Director Rick de la Fuente. “What’s really important about the class, isn’t the amazing job they did with the MNPL contributions, but how these members demonstrated what they learned about the political process and working with their representatives to fight for the working class.”

The winning team consisted of Greg Costenaro, Natalie Gonzalez, John Grandestaff, Bruce Hodges, Jonathan Kruse, Will Lukens, Ray Moffatt, Ali Rhodes, Manny Rivero and Sabrina White.

“Our team’s tactics were to raise as much money as possible by raffling unique prizes and never letting up with emails, phone banking and social media,” said team member Ali Rhodes. “We’d like give a special thanks to Sito Pantoja and District 142 for their generosity.”

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