IAM Automotive – IAMAW

IAM Local 701 Applauds Study Highlighting the Positive Impact of Auto Mechanic Warranty Work Reimbursement Law

dadams — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 13:38:15 +0000

IAM Local 701, representing auto technicians across Illinois, applauds the findings of a groundbreaking study evaluating the effects of the 2022 Illinois law on auto mechanic warranty work reimbursement. The law, spearheaded by then DBR Sam Cicinelli, introduced in the House by Illinois State Rep. Larry Walsh and endorsed by IAM Local 701, created fair compensation for warranty repairs conducted by Illinois auto technicians.

The results of the study, titled “Improving the Motor Vehicle Franchise Act in Illinois: Impacts of the Multiplier Act on Car Dealerships, Mechanics, and Drivers,” were released by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI) and the Project for Middle Class Renewal (PMCR) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

In their study, ILEPI and PMCR researchers first used data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the National Automobile Dealers Association to compare the economic outcomes of affected workers with other private sector workers in Illinois as well as with their counterparts in neighboring states that do not have similar warranty parity laws.

“This bipartisan law removed the two-tiered compensation system and ensured that automakers fully fund warranty repair services at local dealers,” said ILEPI Economist and study coauthor Frank Manzo IV. “By bringing pay for warranty work up to the same market standard for non-warranty work, the law has generated positive economic impacts across Illinois.”

The study also revealed that the law has increased worker earnings at Illinois’ auto dealers by $143 million annually and saved auto dealers money through a 9% reduction in employee turnover. Additionally, researchers found that law has boosted Illinois’ economy by over $300 million and generated more than $40 million in combined state and local tax revenues every year.

“The findings of this study underscore the importance of fair compensation for auto technicians and the positive effects it has on our communities,” said IAM Local 701 Directing Business Representative Mark Grasseschi. “IAM Local 701 is proud to have played a role in advocating for this law and appreciates the efforts of the ILEPI and PMCR researchers on producing this detailed study. IAM Local 701 remains committed to upholding this law that prioritizes the well-being of auto technicians and advances the automotive industry in Illinois.”

Since its passage at the end of the 2021 Illinois legislative session, the law has made significant strides in rectifying a two-tiered compensation system for certified auto mechanics at Illinois’ car dealerships. This reform has not only increased technicians’ paychecks but has also addressed the statewide shortage of qualified auto technicians. Moreover, it has stimulated economic activity, bolstered state and local tax revenues, and promoted enhanced vehicle safety and reliability.

“This law has helped IAM mechanics and the entire Illinois auto industry by forcing manufacturers to reimburse dealerships at the retail rate for all warranty repairs. Now technicians will be fairly compensated for the work performed,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “This law should be replicated nationwide in the auto industry and is another example of when we come together and fight, we win. Going forward, we must ensure that we defend against any attempts to roll back this law and its positive progress.”

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IAM Automotive Holds Strategy Summit to Empower Tomorrow’s Workforce

eflamenco — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 20:23:01 +0000

IAM Automotive has taken a significant step towards shaping the future of the automotive industry by organizing a strategy summit aimed at empowering members and workers in this key industry.

The summit brought together more than 20 participants from across North America to discuss the latest trends and challenges faced by workers at top automotive companies and explore innovative strategies and solutions to address them.

The summit took place in Chicago and was hosted by IAM Automobile Mechanics Local 701.

“By providing our members with the necessary knowledge, resources, and support, the IAM Automotive Department is not only contributing to the growth and success of the industry but also ensuring that it remains competitive in North America,” said IAM Automotive Coordinator Craig Hughes.

During the educational and strategy sessions, panelists shared various methods for addressing workers’ issues in their workplaces, including bargaining and member mobilization.

“We at the IAM are always willing to work together and leverage our knowledge to enhance the experience of our current and future members,” said Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett. “The IAM Automotive Strategy Summit serves as a valuable means to strategize, champion, and safeguard the rights and respect of all workers involved in the automotive industry.”

“This event brought together an unmatched group of IAM leaders to address emerging trends, issues, and pathways to success in the automotive industry.” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “This industry, which I’m intimately familiar and passionate about, continues to call for cutting edge development of strategies in the ever-changing world of transportation. From electric, diesel, or gasoline power, the IAM will be ready to continue to lead the discussions as well as providing the necessary means to allow us to grow.”

IAM Automotive represents over 35,000 members from multiple industries, including generators and power systems, buses, trucking, vehicle delivery services, auto, truck, vehicle repair and dealerships.

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IAM Local 264 MBTA Workers Overwhelmingly Ratify Industry-Leading Agreement

dadams — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 20:03:40 +0000

Nearly 450 mechanics, fuelers, and other skilled professionals in International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 264, serving the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), voted to ratify an industry-leading four-year contract.

The new agreement, effective through June 30, 2027, not only safeguards current maintenance work but also maintains a minimum fleet size, demonstrating a commitment to job security. The deal also includes substantial wage increases each year, extended paid bereavement leave, and the preservation of the defined-benefit pension plan and retiree health care.

“IAM Local 264 members have been the true definition of Fighting Machinists,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “I am extremely proud of IAM District 15 for delivering an industry-leading contract that builds upon the solidarity over the past few years. Today is truly a victory for IAM 264 members and transit workers and riders throughout Massachusetts fighting for the future of public transit.”

IAM Local 264 successfully fought against privatizing more than 400 IAM Local 264 bus mechanic jobs at the MBTA by the Baker Administration.

The IAM Local 264 commends Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey and her administration for taking the proper steps to tackle the worker shortage and heal wounds from the past administration. Their decisive actions have stopped the deterioration of the MBTA system and positioned the IAM members for a better future.

The recently ratified four-year agreement between IAM Local 264 and the MBTA includes vital highlights, such as:

Substantial wage increases in four consecutive years
Introduction of a longevity incentive program
Extended bereavement leave covering domestic partners and additional family members,
Extended holiday pay on certain major holidays
Increase hourly incentive for obtaining certain licenses
Agreement on rehiring retirees with specific conditions to ensure fair compensation and benefits.

These provisions underscore a comprehensive commitment to the workforce’s well-being, workplace flexibility, and financial security.

“I commend this administration for their commitment to rectifying the damage inflicted upon the MBTA during the Baker administration, driven by an ideological agenda,” said IAM District 15 Assistant Directing Business Representative Mike Vartabedian. “This much-needed investment is pivotal to rebuilding and retaining the essential and extremely skilled workers at the MBTA. This contract is one of the many steps this administration is taking to transform the MBTA into a safer, more reliable, and affordable transit system. We are looking forward to continuing working with this administration to bring the MBTA up to the standards this commonwealth deserves.”

IAM Local 264 celebrates this victory for working families and the communities MBTA serves, solidifying a fair and equitable contract that addresses its members’ essential needs and concerns.

“Congratulations to our members at IAM Local 264 for securing an industry-leading contract and to them in celebrating this administration’s commitment to undoing the damage inflicted on the MBTA in pursuit of an ideology,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “Investing in our workforce is the linchpin for rebuilding the MBTA into a safer, more reliable, affordable transit system. Our union looks forward to partnering with the MBTA to ensure a collective effort in achieving these vital improvements for the benefit of all.”

Over the next five years, under its recently proposed Capital Investment Plan, the MBTA wants to inject $9.2 billion into its transit system.

“The mechanics at MBTA are among the best in the nation,” said IAM Automotive Department Director Craig Hughes. “Our members are a critical component of our community infrastructure, and this administration’s dedication to investing in the workforce aligns with our vision for a safer, more reliable, and affordable transit system. IAM Automotive stands ready to collaborate, contributing our expertise to the ongoing efforts toward a better MBTA for everyone who relies on its services.”

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Illinois IAM Mechanics’ Union Members Strike for Fair Contract as M&K Truck Centers Management Threatens Healthcare, Retirement Provisions

eflamenco — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 15:50:34 +0000

CHICAGO, Nov. 3, 2023 – Approximately 60 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Mechanics Union Local 701 working at M&K Truck Centers (Laborforce, LLC) are now on strike for a fair contract in Alsip, Ill.

The strike began on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023. Members are currently on the picket line.

IAM members working at M&K Truck Centers have unanimously rejected the company’s last, best and final offer and authorized a strike. The company proposal aimed to eliminate core benefits, such as participation in the Union’s Health and Welfare and 401(k) plans, and instead move the members into company-provided plans with significantly worse benefits. Additionally, the offer failed to address several crucial proposals made by the union, including eliminating a two-tier pay structure.

The current contract expired on Aug. 31, 2023, and the bargaining unit members continued working under an extension agreement that ended on Oct. 31, 2023.

“The members of IAM Mechanics’ Union Local 701 have spoken, and their message is clear: The company’s offer is simply not good enough,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steven Galloway. “Our members are the backbone of the company, and their labor is critical to the company’s success. They deserve to be recognized for their skills with a contract that upholds fair working terms and conditions.”

IAM members at M&K Truck Centers are highly skilled technicians who ensure trucks are reliable for safe and efficient product delivery.

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

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IAM Automotive Department Joins Industry Discussions at White House

rolson — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 14:52:22 +0000

Last week, IAM Automotive Coordinator Craig Hughes attended a White House meeting to discuss advancing the partnerships between organized labor and community colleges.

The National Economic Council hosted the meeting with representatives from the Department of Labor, the Department of Education, leadership from various community colleges, other labor leaders, and the AFL-CIO.

Discussions took place to help better align skills, training and career pathways to industry needs and quality union jobs.

“There are many examples of schools that would make sense to partner with,” said Hughes. “Building partnerships with these schools will open new career pathways to good-paying IAM jobs for people just entering the workforce while growing the IAM Automotive sector.

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IAM Automotive Conference Kicks Off New Era of Collaboration

kiley — Tue, 23 May 2023 13:43:39 +0000

The IAM’s Winpisinger Center recently hosted an Automotive Conference with representatives from Territories from across the union. The two-day conference had about 25 participants and featured updates on different industries and employers. Craig Hughes, the IAM’s newly appointed IAM Automotive Coordinator, along with Western Territory Grand Lodge Representative Brandon Hemming and District 9 Business Representative Roy Collins give their thoughts and comments about the importance of the automotive industry for IAM members.

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Grand Lodge Representative Hughes Appointed to Automotive Coordinator

jcarr — Thu, 11 May 2023 17:04:07 +0000

International President Robert Martinez, Jr. announced the appointment of Grand Lodge Representative Craig Hughes to the position of Automotive Coordinator. The appointment is effective May 1, 2023.

IAM Automotive provides the resources required to meet the growing challenges of rapidly changing and evolving industries. With more than 35,000 members, the IAMAW has a significant presence in the Automotive Sector. This sector represents multiple industries, including generators and power systems, buses, trucking, vehicle delivery services, auto, truck, vehicle repair, and dealerships. IAM Automotive is also laser-focused on the birth of new technologies and fuels, ensuring IAM members continue to set the standard of excellence and craftsmanship of their respective industries.

“Brother Hughes knows what it takes to stand up for our membership,” said Martinez. “The members of the Automotive Department will benefit greatly from the wealth of knowledge and experience he brings. He understands the challenges and opportunities facing the automotive industry.”

Hughes initiated into Boston Local 264 in 1992 as a Mechanic with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). He became active in the IAM and was elected as a Shop Steward in 1999, and went on to be elected as the Chief Steward in 2005. Along the way, Hughes also served on the Negotiation Committee, District 15 Delegate, and as the President of the New England Conference of Machinists President. In 2011, Hughes was elected to the full time staff position as Local 264 Secretary-Treasurer/Organizer, until he was appointed District 15 Business Representative in 2016.

Hughes was assigned as a Special Representative in March 2017, then progressed to a Grand Lodge Representative until his appointment as International Automotive Coordinator in May 2023.

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