There is still time to register for the 2022 Machinists Wood, Pulp & Paper Council (MWPPC) Conference. The deadline for reservations has been extended to Saturday, April 30^th.

The conference is scheduled for May 9-13 at the Intercontinental Saint Paul Riverfront in Saint Paul, MN. A registration form and more information about the conference are enclosed in the conference call letter.

Register today for the 2022 Machinists Wood, Pulp and Paper Conference.

Please complete the form and return it to the IAM Woodworkers Department, c/o Terri Kenealy at 9000 Machinists Pl., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, or email tkenealy@iamaw.org.

The conference registration fee will be $125 per delegate and $75 for each guest and can be paid upon arrival at the Conference. This fee will help defray the cost of the Machinists Wood, Pulp & Paper Council Conference.

MWPPC President William “Billy” Barnwell will chair this meeting and direct the busy agenda, which will follow CDC recommendations and fully comply with the State of Minnesota laws and guidelines for COVID-19. Council business will include Machinists Wood, Pulp & Paper Council Officer elections for Vice President and Sentinel, a host of great speakers, and a focus on organizing. The conference will hold a Guide Dogs of America-Tender Loving Canines fundraising event, and on Thursday afternoon, May 12, the conference will tour Bell Pole in New Brighton, MN.

If there are any questions concerning this conference, please direct them to Woodworkers Chief of Staff Mike Rose at 301-967-4555.

The post Register Now for the 2022 Machinists Wood, Pulp & Paper Conference in Minnesota from May 9-13 appeared first on IAMAW.

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. Participants will have a chance to win some really cool guns while providing help to the IAM’s favorite charity.

The deadline for buying tickets is Monday, November 15, 2021, with a winner being drawn every day in December.

“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.”

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.

The Machinists Wood, Pulp and Paper Council (MWPPC) on Saturday held its first-ever virtual barbeque competition to help raise money for Guide Dogs of America / Tender Loving Canines (GDA/TLC). The successful event, which followed all safety protocols, brought in almost $24,000.

“We had fun, ate well, and, most importantly, raised a lot of money for a great cause,” said MWPPC President Billy Barnwell. “This has been a tough year for everyone, especially for GDA, which relies on donations to operate. Despite some obstacles, we found a way to make this happen and provide some much-needed support for GDA.”

WATCH: Machinists Wood, Pulp and Paper Council announces BBQ competition winners

“Thank you to our many sponsors, donators, cooks, and judges who made our first virtual barbecue so special,” added Barnwell. “Without your assistance, this event wouldn’t have been possible.”

Guide Dogs of America is the IAM’s favorite charity. At the beginning of this year, GDA completed a merger, and now provides hardworking service dogs for people who are blind/ visually impaired, veterans, individuals with autism, and facilities to become trusted companions that bring confidence, independence, and mobility. Their services are provided free of charge to residents in the U.S. and Canada.

Sponsors

Title Sponsors: IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr., Humana

Prime Sponsors: Woodworkers Local W12 (Weed, CA), IAM District 112 (Jacksonville, FL), Scott Capital Advisors

Select Sponsors: IAM General Secretary-Treasurer’s Department, IAM Woodworkers Department, Michelle Barnwell, K & R Branding Solutions, Image Pointe, IP Casino Resort and Spa (Biloxi, MS), Shasta Grown, IAM Local 759                        

Judges

GDA President Russ Gittlen, Winpisinger Center Director Chris Wagoner, Winpisinger Center Assistant Director Mary McHugh, Associate General Counsel Laura Ewan

Winners

Grand Champion First Place: Southern Territory Grand Lodge Representative James Little

Grand Champion Second Place: District W24 Business Representative Brandon Bryant

Grand Champion Third Place: Local 297 President John Gehringer

Beef Brisket Champion: Western Territory Chief of Staff Bobby Martinez

Pork Rib Champion: Western Territory Grand Lodge Representative James Watson

The post IAM’s Wood, Pulp and Paper Council Virtual BBQ Raises $24K for Guide Dogs appeared first on IAMAW.

WASHINGTON, June 21, 2019 – A group of 186 distribution center workers at IKEA distribution centers in Joliet and Minooka, Ill. voted this Wednesday and Thursday to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). IKEA is in the process of transitioning work from Minooka to its new facility in Joliet.

“These hard-working men and women are proud to work at IKEA and do tremendous work for this company,” said IAM Organizer Dennis Mendenhall, who led the IAM’s campaign. “Yes, joining the IAM gives them the opportunity to negotiate on wages, benefits and work rules. But this campaign was mostly about fairness and a voice on the job, as well as ensuring that the profits they create also benefit their families and communities.”

The organizing win gives a boost to the IAM’s internationally backed campaign to unionize thousands more IKEA distribution and fulfilment center workers. The IAM has partnered with a global union federation, Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), to grow leverage in organizing and bargaining with Europe-based IKEA, the world’s largest furniture manufacturer.

The IAM also represents workers at IKEA facilities in Danville, Va., Perryville, Md., Westampton, N.J., and Savannah, Ga. IAM workers at IKEA recently wrote a support letter to Illinois IKEA workers saying the “strong IAM contracts we have negotiated are not just words on paper—it has given us respect and fair treatment on the job.”

In the wood, pulp and paper industries, the IAM also represents workers at Weyerhaeuser, West Rock and Georgia Pacific, among others. The IAM Wood, Pulp and Paper Council recently held a conference to strategize on how to grow power in the sector.

“By joining the Machinists Union, these men and women will be a part of the strength we continue to gain for IKEA workers,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “This was a total team effort for the IAM. I want to thank lead organizer Dennis Mendenhall and the Organizing Department, the Midwest Territory, Local 701, District 8, the Woodworkers Department, and BWI for making this win possible.”

“On behalf of the IAM Midwest Territory, I would like to welcome the women and men of the IKEA distribution centers in Joliet and Minooka.” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “Congratulations on taking the first step towards securing a better future for you, your families, and other workers across the U.S. who are still fighting for a union and a real voice at their place of work. This was a collective effort. Thank you to Lead Organizer Dennis Mendenhall and IAM Local 701 and IAM District 8 in Chicago for your relentless work and never giving up. And a huge thank you to the IAM Organizing Department, the IAM Woodworkers Department and BWI for your immeasurable support in this effort, as well.”

The IAM is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in aerospace, transportation, manufacturing, shipbuilding, woodworking and other industries. Visit goIAM.org for more information.

The post Illinois IKEA Distribution Center Workers Vote to Join Machinists Union appeared first on IAMAW.

IAM wood, pulp and paper workers are doubling down on efforts to organize their industry and grow bargaining power.

Two more organizers will be added to the Woodworkers Department, International President Robert Martinez Jr. announced at the 2019 IAM Wood, Pulp and Paper Council Conference this week in Biloxi, MS.

The council also created a voluntary organizing committee that will bring together IAM wood, pulp and paper workers from across the country to identify and launch organizing campaigns.

“I want each and every one of you to know how important this sector is to our union,” said Martinez. “Myself and this Executive Council are committed to giving you all of the resources you need to succeed.”

The Southern Territory previously committed two members of its staff, Grand Lodge Representative Bobby Barnwell and Special Representative Craig Martin, to assist wood, pulp and paper workers in negotiating and organizing.

“The wood, pulp and paper industry is growing in the South and the IAM plans to grow with it,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace. “Our team in the Southern Territory is working hand in hand with Woodworker Chief of Staff Mike Rose to give our members in this sector everything they need to negotiate good contracts and stand up to these companies.”

Members from dozens of employers in the wood, pulp and paper sector signed a support letter to 115 newly organized District 65 members who are entering first contract negotiations at Cascades Mill, a containerboard packaging process mill in Niagara Falls, NY. IAM members at IKEA facilities across the country also signed a support letter to IKEA workers at a Minooka/Joliet, IL distribution center who will vote on whether to join the IAM on June 19.

IAM delegates also learned about the IAM’s ongoing efforts to organize independent loggers in Maine and the IAM’s global partnership with Building and Wood Workers’ International.

Council delegates formed a Guide Dogs of America committee to raise funds for the IAM’s favorite charity, which provides guide dogs free of charge to visually impaired individuals in the U.S. and Canada.

District 131 President and Directing Business Representative Billy Barnwell was elected president of the council, Local 2740 President Wes Perry was elected vice president and Local W130 President John Irvine was elected secretary-treasurer.

The IAM hosted its weekly Activate L!VE show from the conference.

Martinez mentioned the IAM’s organizing success over the past year.

We are here in Biloxi, Miss. for the 2019 IAM Wood, Pulp and Paper Council Conference! Our theme this week is "organizing for sustainable growth." pic.twitter.com/iwYf1APGs1

— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) June 12, 2019

The post IAM Wood, Pulp and Paper Council Poised to Grow Presence in Sector appeared first on IAMAW.

Join workers from different sectors of the woodworking industry at the inaugural 2017 Wood, Pulp and Paper Council Conference to be held September 13-15, 2017 in Eugene, Oregon.

The conference will be a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and spend time with fellow members working in the wood, pulp and paper industry. To help defray the cost of the Wood, Pulp and Paper Council Conference, there is a conference registration fee of $75 per delegate and $75 per each guest which can be paid upon arrival at the conference.

Register now and ensure a special room rate at Valley River Inn.

The post IAM Wood Industry Workers Invited to Attend Conference appeared first on IAMAW.

WPP Council Meeting – Sept 13-17 2015

The post See Wood, Pulp & Paper Workers Council Meeting Pictures appeared first on IAMAW.

Please click below for a printable version of our new Wood, Pulp and Paper Workers Council Bylaws.

Wood, Pulp & Paper Workers Council Bylaws

Bylaws

of

The Machinists Wood, Pulp and Paper Council

ARTICLE 1

Section 1.    This body shall be known as the MACHINISTS WOOD, PULP & PAPER COUNCIL and shall be composed of those delegates duly elected by their affiliated Lodge and in attendance at the Conference.

Section 2.    This Council is open for membership to any Local and District Lodge of the
International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers having membership employed in the Wood, Pulp and Paper Industry.

ARTICLE 2

Section 1.    A conference shall be held annually. Conferences will be held in locations where we have members represented by the IAM in the Wood, Pulp and Paper industry. Industry tours will be scheduled in conjunction with the conference when possible to do so. These conferences will be rotated throughout the territories. As required by negotiations, or other relations between the affiliated Local and District Lodges and their respective management, special meetings may be called by the President if and when he feels that an emergency exists.

Section 2.    The purpose of the Conference shall be to gather information concerning all topics of representation and mutual interest between Labor and Management of the Wood, Pulp and Paper Industry, and to keep all Local and District Lodges having membership employed in the industry posted on the information.

Section 3.    Each Local and District Lodge shall be entitled to whatever number of delegates it deems advisable. When a roll call vote is requested, each Local Lodge and each District Lodge shall have one (1) vote on any subject which shall be cast by a member of its Delegation.

Section 4.    Common Employer Sub-Committees shall be created when there are two (2) or more locations with the same Employer or Parent Company. Said Sub-Committee shall be comprised of delegates employed by said common employer or parent company and any Local, District and/or International Representatives deemed necessary.

ARTICLE 3

Section 1.    The Officers of the Council shall consist of a President, a Vice President, a Secretary-Treasurer and a Sentinel. These officers shall be elected for a term of four (4) years, with the President and Secretary-Treasurer being elected in same years. For the first term, the President and Secretary-Treasurer shall be for four (4) years and the Vice President and Sentinel shall be for two (2) years. In the event of a vacancy of any office due to an officer not being elected as a delegate, the unexpired term will be filled by an election at that conference.

Section 2.    Any member of the IAM working in the wood, pulp and paper industry who is in good standing and meets the requirements in accordance with the IAM Constitution will be eligible for nomination from the Conference floor for Council Officer provided the nominee is present at the time of nomination.

Section 3.    Nominations for Council Officer will take place in the p.m. session the first day of the Conference. When more than two (2) nominees are nominated to one (1) office, the Conference shall ballot on the nominees, eliminating at each ballot the one receiving the least vote. No delegate will be allowed to vote for more than one (1) candidate for each office on each ballot. Balloting shall be by secret ballot and shall continue until two (2) names remain.

Section 4.    The election will take place by the accredited delegates in the a.m. session on the second day of the Convention.

ARTICLE 4

Section 1.    Each Local Lodge attending the Conference shall pay a registration fee of $25.00 per delegate (effective 1/1/2016) and must pay said fee before being seated as a voting Delegate. Invited guests participating in the Conference shall also pay a $25.00 fee, but will not have a vote in Council business.

Section 2.    Each District Lodge shall pay a yearly affiliation fee of $50.00 per Lodge under its jurisdiction that has members in the wood, pulp and paper industry to the MACHINISTS WOOD, PULP & PAPER COUNCIL effective January 1, 2016.

Section 3.    All travel and hotel costs associated with delegates and Officers of the Machinists Wood, Pulp and Paper Council attending Council meetings and conferences shall be covered by their respective Lodge.

ARTICLE 5

Section 1.    This Conference shall have no authority over the activity of any Local or District Lodge of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers except the power to recommend.

ARTICLE 6

Section 1.    Each Local Lodge will submit the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of each member selected as a delegate to Machinists Wood, Pulp and Paper Council to the Council Secretary-Treasurer.

Section 2.    Each Local and District Lodge shall be responsible for developing agenda items that are or can be common among all locations within this Council and submit them to the Council Secretary-Treasurer for review and potential placement on the agenda to be discussed at the conference.

Section 3.    This Council shall have as a standing agenda item environmental issues/policies that impact our members and the Company’s we work for.

Section 4.    Order of Business:

1. Meeting called to order by President
2. Invocation and pledge to the flag
3. Reading of Minutes
4. Introduction of Delegates
5. Introduction of Guest Speakers and Visitors
6. Report of Officers
7. Appointment of Committees
8. Report of Delegates
9. Good and Welfare
10. New Business
11. Report of Committees
12. Election and Installation of Officers
13. Report of Council Secretary-Treasurer
14. Designation of next meeting
15. Adjournment

ARTICLE 7

Section 1.    The International President, all concerned General Vice Presidents, and each Local and District Lodge shall be notified by March 1st each year by the Council Secretary-Treasurer of all pertinent information pertaining to the upcoming conference (time, date, place, etc.).

Section 2.    Minutes of the annual meeting shall be mailed to the International President, all concerned General Vice Presidents, and to all Local and District Lodges within the jurisdiction of the Wood, Pulp and Paper Council within thirty (30) days following the end of the Conference.

ARTICLE 8

Section 1.    These Bylaws may be amended by majority Conference action.

Section 2.    All approved amendments shall be sent to the IAM International President for approval and designation of an effective date.

Section 3.    The Council Secretary-Treasurer shall supply each Local and District Lodge a copy of all approved amendments.

Section 4.    A current copy of the By-Laws shall be made available at each conference meeting and be disbursed upon request of any delegates.

ARTICLE 9

Section 1.    All checks shall be signed by Council Secretary-Treasurer and co-signed by the President and/or Vice President. All bills of this Conference shall be paid by check.

Section 2.    The books of the Council Secretary-Treasurer shall be audited at least once a year and a report made to the delegates.

Section 3.    The officers of this Conference shall be bonded in accordance with the I.A.M. Constitution and the I.A.M. Policy relating thereto.

ARTICLE 10

Section 1.    The following shall be standing committees of the Wood, Pulp and Paper Council

1.    Legislative/Political Education
2.    Safety and Health
3.    Apprenticeship
4.    Organizing

The post Wood, Pulp & Paper Workers Council Bylaws appeared first on IAMAW.