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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MADISON, Wis., April 8, 2024 – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) applauds Wisconsin Gov. Evers’ decisive action today in vetoing Senate Bill 436 at the IAM’s Wisconsin State Council of Machinists meeting in Madison, Wis. The right-wing, corporate-backed legislation aimed to dismantle vital safeguards for some of Wisconsin’s most vulnerable workers, 14 and 15-year-olds. 

“Eliminating these permits would have been a reckless gamble with the well-being of young people,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Work permits are not merely red tape. They are essential shields protecting our children from exploitation, unsafe conditions, and disrupted education. By vetoing this bill, Gov. Evers has shown clear leadership in prioritizing the safety and welfare of Wisconsin’s future workforce.” 

The IAM supports Gov. Evers and all Wisconsin workers’ rights champions fighting to protect our future. We remain committed to fighting alongside them to ensure our youth enter the workforce with the protections and opportunities they deserve, not as pawns in a race to the bottom.

“The IAM stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Governor Evers and our allies in the labor movement,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “We’re committed to ensuring young people entering the workforce have the protections and opportunities they deserve. They’re not pawns in a race to the bottom but the future of the great state of Wisconsin. We must safeguard their rights at all costs so their potential can thrive.” 

“Child labor safeguards are in place to protect the life, health, safety, and welfare of children,” said IAM District 10 Directing Business Representative Alex Hoekstra. “We thank Governor Evers for taking action to uphold the work permit process for kids in Wisconsin. Strong child labor laws are essential to keeping kids safe from injury or harm at work.”

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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 District 6, Local 388, Local 1010, and Local 1191 sponsored a Quad City Storm minor-league hockey game in Moline, Ill., that raised $18,408 for Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines (GDA|TLC).

The IAM and GDA|TLC sponsored game raised funds through a live auction of game-worn custom IAM/GDA|TLC-branded jerseys, online replica jersey sales, a game-night jersey raffle, and chuck-a-puck sales.

IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli and Midwest Territory volunteers accepted a check for GDA|TLC on the ice at a recent Quad City Storm game.

Last year’s IAM/GDA-TLC sponsored hockey night raised $15,500, and planning for next year’s game is already in the works. 

“The GDA|TLC mission is close to many IAM members’ hearts,” said Cicinelli. “Our territory looks forward to this event every year. Every year, we raise more and more money, and it’s a wonderful time for the members and for the GDA|TLC guide dog recipient guests who join us.”

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Approximately 1,900 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 778 on Saturday overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new agreement with Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies (FM&T) in Kansas City, Mo after rejecting an initial offer in December 2023.

The four-year contract includes:
– Removal of a two-tier wage system
– 90% of members will receive an additional 40 to 60 vacation hours
– 50% increase on the 401k matcha
– Reduced health care costs
– Maintaining the pension plan for legacy employees
– 13 guaranteed holidays for all members.
– Addition of 40 hours in paid absence time
– Increased paid absence to 56 hours effective on hire date
– Enhanced vacation for employees in years 0-15
– Additional committee person representation
– Shift differential increase from $0.85 to $1.50 per hour

“These were tough negotiations, but we are proud of the gains made in this contract,” said IAM Local 778 Directing Business Representative Scott Brown. “This bargaining committee was determined to bring home a contract that addressed the wants and needs of the membership. We appreciate Local 778 members’ trust and support throughout negotiations.”

The union and the company began negotiations on Monday, Nov. 27, more than three months before the contract’s expiration date, March 23, 2024. The membership voted down a tentative agreement on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023 from early bargaining between Local 778 and Honeywell. 

“Every member of this bargaining committee worked extremely hard to address the issues our members told us were a priority after the Company’s initial offer was rejected,” said IAM District 778 Business Representative Landon Miner, the union’s lead negotiator. “We went back to the table this March and bargained until we felt the Company’s offer would satisfy the valid desires of our proud and hard-working IAM members at Honeywell.”

The new four-year contract takes effect on Sunday, March 24, 2024.

“My congratulations to IAM Local 778 members at Honeywell and the bargaining committee on this hard-earned agreement,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “The entire Committee was incredibly dedicated and worked hard in bargaining to achieve significant improvements and were able to negotiate what our members rightfully deserve. DBR Scott Brown and BR Landon Miner did an exceptional job leading these negotiations and keeping the membership informed throughout the entire process.”

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“Spirit of the Midwest” are the annual events hosted by the IAM Midwest Territory. The IAM Midwest Territory hosts several events each year to benefit Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines.

“For more than 15 years, the Spirit of the Midwest “Rides for Guides” Car Shows, Sporting Clay Shoots and Motorcycle rides have provided opportunities and the ability for countless participants to help raise money for Guides Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Each of these events bring together a dedicated group of participants that benefit the mission of Guide Dogs of America. Whether you display your car, clay shoot, or ride your motorcycle, it all raises money for a great cause.”

2024 Spirit of the Midwest Calendar

The 2024 Sporting Clays Shoot to be held Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Brighton, Ill.

The 2024 Classic Auto Show to be held Sunday, May 19, 2024, at IAM Local 837 in Hazelwood, Mo.

The 2024 Motorcycle Charity Ride to be held Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Bloomington, Ind.

For more information about Spirit of the Midwest events, go to SpiritoftheMidwest.org.

Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines provides service dogs for people who are blind/visually impaired, veterans, children 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.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 CHICAGO, March 15, 2024 – Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) has successfully secured $850,000 in funding for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Mechanics Union Local 701 apprenticeship facility in Aurora, Ill., as part of the recent bipartisan government funding package.

The allocation will support the development and expansion of the Local 701 apprenticeship facility in Aurora. Opened in July 2023, the new facility opened with its inaugural cohort comprising 94 automotive and diesel mechanic apprentices.

Due to the hard work of the IAM Local 701 staff, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi secured funding for the training facility. Staff and members attended community meetings, office visits, and congressional events to advocate for additional funding for the facility. This funding was granted because of IAM Local 701’s outstanding track record in creating highly skilled technicians and their commitment to advancing technicians’ education.

“This program is a tremendous success, and we appreciate Rep. Krishnamoorthi’s belief in this program,” said Mark Grasseschi, IAM Directing Business Representative and Chairman of the Local 701 Training Fund. “This facility empowers our students with vital trades education, securing debt-free graduation and union employment. By meeting industry needs, we’re fostering highly skilled technicians. With this funding, we can further expand our facilities and elevate our training to another level.”

IAM Local 701’s apprenticeship program uniquely integrates hands-on experience with theoretical learning, dedicating one day per week to training while working full-time under IAM-represented employers. This approach equips apprentices with essential skills and allows them to earn a livelihood, access health insurance, and contribute to a pension plan.

IAM Local 701 actively engages with federal, state, and local legislators to secure additional grant opportunities to support students’ education. Notably, the organization recently secured a significant grant of one million dollars from the state of Illinois, thanks to the efforts of Illinois State Sen. Karina Villa. 

The roots of IAM Local 701’s apprenticeship program trace back to the 1990s when its founder, Sam Cicinelli, current IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President, initiated efforts to garner support from the Local 701 members before bargaining contributions from the represented employers with whom Local 701 holds contracts with. Over the years, the program has evolved, culminating in partnerships with approximately 496 shops, including 200 auto dealerships. These partnerships span various sectors, including automotive, trucking, forklift, auto/body repair, trailer, marine, heavy equipment, and public transit.  

“Rep. Krishnamoorthi’s advocacy and support for IAM Mechanics’ Local 701 underscore a commitment to investing in workforce development initiatives that empower individuals and strengthen communities,” said Cicinelli. “I want to thank our IAM Political and Legislative Department for their hard work and dedication to ensure this funding was included in the budget. This funding will help create highly-skilled technicians and help fill the high-demand jobs in the auto, trucking and other highly-skilled industries we represent.”  

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade 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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CHICAGO, March 7, 2024 – A majority of 400 lab workers at a downtown Chicago artificial intelligence biotech lab have voted overwhelmingly to join the IAM Union. Workers voted in the National Labor Relations Board election on Thursday, March 7.

Tempus AI workers use artificial intelligence to research diseased cells.

“Our victory to join the IAM union shows our commitment to the future of cancer care and making Tempus AI the best employer possible,” said the IAM Tempus Worker Organizing Committee. “We look forward to negotiating a first contract that includes rigorous safety protocols, pay and benefits that align with the rest of our industry, a voice on the job, and better the outcomes for patients that Tempus serves.”

Tempus AI lab workers, many of whom carry advanced degrees, are seeking stronger safety standards, a better life-work balance, more competitive pay and benefits compared to industry colleagues, and equity and transparency from their employer. 

“The IAM welcomes Tempus AI workers into our union,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Tempus AI workers, who are part of the emerging industry of AI, providing significant advances and innovations in patient care.  These workers deserve respect and dignity on the job. I would like to thank IAM Midwest Territory Grand Lodge Representatives Geny Ulloa and Chris Tucker for all their dedication and organizing talents working with the Tempus AI workers to make this victory possible. With their help, Tempus AI workers have stood up and organized together for a better future.”

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

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The Minnesota State Council of Machinists recently held its conference in Minneapolis, where more than 50 IAM members met to hear updates about legislation vital to the state’s membership. Minnesota State Council President John Steigauf welcomed officers, delegates and guests to the three-day session, which began on Feb. 23. International President Brian Bryant, Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli and Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnson gave essential briefings.

Several state and federal politicians came to the conference to speak. U.S Sen. Amy Klobuchar and U.S Rep. Angie Craig both gave passionate speeches about the importance of voting this November.

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