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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WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2023 – Robert Martinez Jr., International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), released the following statement strongly supporting the Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act: 

“The IAM commends the unwavering dedication and commitment of Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and Senator Tina Smith, alongside Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton and Donald Norcross, for introducing the Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act. This crucial legislation aims to protect the livelihoods of federal contract workers who would be adversely affected by a potential government shutdown.

“Over 1 million federal contract workers went without pay during the 35-day government shutdown in early 2019, including thousands of furloughed IAM members. In a time when government shutdowns loom as a stark reality, the Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act offers hope to those who often find themselves caught in the crossfire of political disputes. This bill builds upon the legislation introduced in 2019 during the longest government shutdown in our nation’s history.

“If enacted, the Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act will provide a lifeline to federal contract workers, including those families facing the reality of missing payments on their mortgages, student loans, school tuition, car loans, health care premiums, daycare, interest fees, and so many other expenses. These dedicated individuals play a vital role in maintaining the smooth operation of our government and deserve to be fairly compensated. 

“Our nation’s federal contract workers, often overlooked heroes, provide essential services that keep our government functioning. They should never have to bear the brunt of political discord in the form of lost wages and benefits during a government shutdown. We applaud Rep. Pressley, Sen. Smith, and Reps. Norton and Norcross for their tireless efforts to ensure these hardworking Americans are protected and fairly compensated.

“The IAM strongly urges members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to come together and pass this vital legislation. By doing so, we can send a clear message that our government values and respects the contributions of all its workers.” 

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries. 

 goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion

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As a result of intense lobbying by the IAM, Congress recently reached an agreement on an end-of-year government spending bill that included an amendment granting Boeing a modification to the certification deadline which would allow the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 jets to complete aircraft certification without major disruptions. The amendment, which includes several mandatory safety enhancements, protects thousands of Machinists’ jobs by ensuring a deadline included in legislation passed in 2020 does not apply to the MAX 7 and MAX 10 models that have yet to enter service.

The actions of the federal lawmakers came just days after IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. sent letters to the Biden Administration, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi urging them to support legislative and administrative remedies to modify the deadline for the Boeing 737 MAX-10 and MAX-7 programs to attain the certification of the flight crew alerting system, as mandated under the Aircraft Certification, Safety and Accountability Act (ACSAA) of 2020.

“This Machinists Union relentlessly fought for this extension that will ensure the livelihoods of thousands of Machinists in the aerospace sector,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “I applaud Senator Maria Cantwell for developing this amendment and Congress for supporting it. This will allow the MAX-10 and MAX-7 variants an opportunity to complete the certification process without jeopardizing aircraft safety.”  

“The amendment affords our Machinists members at Boeing the stability and security they deserve,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “Machinists play a vital role on the frontlines of the aerospace industry by building and producing some of the best aircraft in the world. I commend IP Martinez and our Legislative Department for this achievement.”

“This is great news and a relief to our members who prove every day that they are the most skilled to build these new aircraft,” said IAM District 751 President and Directing Business Representative Jon Holden. “I want to thank International President Martinez, GVP Allen, our Legislative Department, and all Machinists who fought for this certification process of the Max 7 and Max 10.”

President Biden signed the spending bill into law days ago.

The IAM will continue to work with the Biden Administration to further aviation safety, the efficiency of the aircraft safety certification process, and the superiority of the domestic aerospace manufacturing industry.

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IAM members across the United States have hit the ground, advocating to fellow Machinists Union members for pro-labor candidates running in the 2022 Midterm Elections.

In the weeks leading up to November 8, IAM political volunteers have been going door-to-door in battleground states like Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Nevada, to remind IAM members to vote, and to vote specifically for candidates that support workers and workers’ rights.

READ: Machinists Union Hitting Doors for Final Weeks Before 2022 Midterm Elections

But members aren’t just delivering info on labor-supported candidates at doorsteps, they’re also making calls and talking to the other members in their shops about the importance of electing worker-friendly public officials.

As part of the Machinists Union’s member-to-member program, which has been active since September, member volunteers have made thousands of calls to IAM members to remind them to vote.

READ: IAM Issues 2022 Legislative Report Card to Hold Federal Elected Officials Accountable

Labor rights are on the ballot, and IAM’s political team and volunteers are making sure every Machinists Union voter has the information they need to help elect candidates who will support workers and their families.

Make your plan to vote and get information on the labor-supported candidates, here: https://aflciovote.org/.

Machinists are on-the-ground in Georgia going door-to-door in support of the battle-ground state's pro-labor candidates, Senate candidate @SenatorWarnock & Governor candidate @staceyabrams.

Worker rights are on the ballot… VOTE! #IAMStandingStrong #IAMVoting pic.twitter.com/dY8RTAn7m0

— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) November 3, 2022

.@MachinistsUnion getting the day started urging IAM members to vote for @TimRyan for #OHSen!

Vote to support working families and union values! #IAMStandingStrong #IAMVoting #GOTV #1u pic.twitter.com/KlcDZWFpC9

— Elías Flamenco (@EliasFlamenco) November 3, 2022

IAM District 98’s Kermit Forbes met with 31-year member Scotty Leber who’s retired from LL#175 (Harley Davidson’s York plant) to remind him to vote for PA’s pro-labor candidates #IAMStandingStrong #IAMVoting pic.twitter.com/RNKYEndUpy

— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) November 2, 2022

IAM Reps and Local Leadership in Nevada are with @SteveSisolak @GovSisolak, @SusieLeeNV, and @RepHorsford @StevenHorsford to #GetOutTheVote for these pro-labor candidates! #IAMStandingStrong #IAMVoting pic.twitter.com/WHUneY2yug

— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) November 2, 2022

Shaq is with me in our home town of Pittsburgh today (looking very serious) with 2 pieces of advice for PA union members:
1. VOTE
2. Vote for Pro-Labor Candidates!

Labor rights are on the ballot! #UnionDogs #IAMStandingStrong #IAMVoting pic.twitter.com/wjJE47Fz7Q

— Angela Colaizzi (@TheNotoriouzANG) November 2, 2022

Out here in York, Pa. getting out the @MachinistsUnion vote for @JohnFetterman and @JoshShapiroPA!

When labor votes, we ALL win! #IAMStandingStrong #IAMVoting #1u pic.twitter.com/7IacgEEc0V

— Jonathan Battaglia (@jrbattaglia) November 1, 2022

@NJMachinists mobilizing in support of PRO-LABOR candidates!
New Jersey State Council of Machinists joined @CountyClc to support @RepSherrill for Congress. #IAMStandingStrong #IAMVoting pic.twitter.com/Sg0Cg7om1X

— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) November 1, 2022

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IAM Locals 2135 and 174 at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) formed a coalition with other unions representing BEP workers to express serious concerns with their working conditions and BEP’s noncompliance with Executive Order #14003 and policies of the Biden Administration regarding collective bargaining.  

The coalition sent a letter to U.S. Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen asking for intervention as BEP refuses to bargain in good faith.

In the letter, the local unions describe how BEP’s failure to follow the executive order has “resulted in increased violations of contracts, policies, and regulations.”

The local unions are eager to negotiate new contracts, but BEP management has delayed bargaining new contracts and hasn’t attempted negotiations about unilaterally-implemented workplace policies, resulting in the unions filing multiple grievances.

“Every day without renewed contract negotiations is a message from management that they do not respect the collective bargaining process—which is a clear departure from the Biden Administration’s stated policies and requirements,” states the letter. “And every day that management is permitted to pretend it has no obligation to bargain in good faith with the unions that represent its employees, workplace morale continues to fall.”

The BEP has facilities in Texas and Washington, D.C. and recently announced plans to open a new facility in Maryland. The local unions are seeking the Maryland senators’ help in bringing BEP to the bargaining table to remedy the situation.

The letter is signed by IAM Local 2135 President Carl L. Snyder, IAM Local 174 President Benjamin Bright, GCC/IBUT Local 1C President Danny Whitmer, GCC/IBUT Local 4B President James Mularkey, Washington Plate Printers Union Local 2 President Robert Suplee, Local 24 President Kenneth Garner, FOP Lodge 50 President Michael Pupalalaikis, and GCC/IBUT Local 285M President William Mark Poole.

Read the complete letter here.

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WASHINGTON, July 13, 2022 — Robert Martinez Jr., International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), released the following statement:

“On behalf of the IAM Executive Council and our entire membership, I want to congratulate Owen on this historic accomplishment. Owen has been an important voice for manufacturing, international and employment law, and workers’ rights globally. In his 34-year career as IAM Chief of Staff to the International President, Director of Trade and Globalization, and more, Owen served as an invaluable resource to the IAM and workers worldwide. His work to advance global trade and human rights that benefit working people has been internationally recognized inside and outside the labor movement.

“The IAM applauds President Biden and Majority Leader Schumer for Owen’s appointment and confirmation to the Export-Import Bank Board of Directors. The Ex-Im Bank is one of the few U.S. trade policies that support U.S. exports and jobs. This confirmation will help to maintain and create U.S. jobs and contribute to a stronger national economy.”  

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, and shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.

goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion

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IAM members recently gathered in York, PA to hold the 76th annual Pennsylvania State Council of Machinists conference. 

Over 100 delegates and guests attended the three-day meeting, with members from all over the state,.

“The participation was fantastic, and the support from Districts 1, 15, 65, 98, 141, and 142 has been incredible,” said Obie O’Brien, Pennsylvania State Council President. “We heard from many political speakers and our attendees were given lots of good information they will bring back to the membership.”

The big message this year was the importance of voting.

“We won’t tell members how to vote, but we sure will educate them on who in Harrisburg and Washington are supporting union labor,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan  

The mid-term election this fall will be on Nov. 8 and members in Pennsylvania and around the country are strongly encouraged to register and vote. 

WATCH: Rich Howell, Vice President of the State Council gives a full recap 

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102 members of Congress wrote a letter urging the Committee to support President Biden’s request of $14.8 billion in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 for the Social Security Administration (SSA) operating budget. The members called for reducing excessive delays and strengthening services. 

“Social Security is a cornerstone of our nation’s economic security,” reads the letter. “As we continue to face the national disaster of the COVID-19 pandemic, Social Security’s role is more important than ever. Almost all workers are contributing to Social Security and earning its benefits, and nearly 1 in 3 households include at least one person who receives Social Security. The income Social Security provides is vital for retirees, families who have lost a breadwinner, and workers who have experienced a career-ending injury or illness. It is impossible to overstate the importance of the program to its 65 million beneficiaries: for many retirees, Social Security provides most or all of their income.” 

Active and retired IAM members have long called for strengthening services at the Social Security Administration and have long been on record for measures that secure the solvency of Social Security.

Read the complete letter. 

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This statement originally appeared on the SEIU website.

A coalition of labor leaders released the following statement today ahead of the Senate’s vote to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court:

“As the elected leaders of 27 unions and worker organizations collectively representing tens of millions of working people providing essential services across our great nation, we stand together in strong support for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination to the United States Supreme Court of the United States. This historic nomination demonstrates our nation’s continued path towards becoming a more just society where all children have the opportunity to succeed regardless of what they look like, where they’re from or what their parents do for a living.

“In recent years, working families have experienced firsthand how critical it is to have an equitable, fair, and balanced Supreme Court. We need justices who will uphold the Constitution and maintain fidelity to the rule of law, considering every case on its merits without favoring powerful corporations. Judge Jackson meets that test. Her impressive legal career — nearly a decade as a federal judge, service as Vice Chair and Commissioner on the U.S. Sentencing Commission, and her work representing people of various socioeconomic backgrounds as a federal public defender — demonstrates that she is more than qualified to sit on the Supreme Court.

“Working families also know a federal bench that reflects and respects the diversity of our nation is vital to robust and informed decision-making, which is imperative to fostering public trust in the judiciary. Representation matters in our justice system where cultural experience shapes the decisions made by judges. Confirming a Black woman to the Supreme Court after 233 years will not only add a needed perspective to the court, it inspires future generations and is a step towards creating a more just system by demanding a Supreme Court that looks more like America and serves all of us. 

“Based on Judge Jackson’s record, demonstration of judicial temperament at last month’s Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearings, and past and current bi-partisan support, we believe senators should enthusiastically vote to confirm her. Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s strong character and exemplary service reflect the best of our nation. Working people of all backgrounds will hold their senators accountable for how they treat this outstanding nominee when they vote in this year’s midterm elections.”

Signed:

Robert Martinez Jr., International President, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM)

Mary Kay Henry, International President, Service Employees International Union (SEIU)

Elizabeth H. Shuler, President, American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)

John A. Costa, International President, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU)

Dr. Everett B. Kelley, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)

Lee Saunders, President, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers (AFT)

Sara Nelson, International President, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA

Anthony Shelton, International President, Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers’ International Union (BCTGM)

Chris Shelton, President, Communications Workers of America (CWA)

Jennifer Dorning, President, Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO

Matthew D. Loeb, International President, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)

Sean M. O’Brien, General President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT)

Matthew Biggs, President, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE)

Ray Curry, President, International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace & Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW)

Lonnie Stephenson, International President, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

James Hart, President, Metal Trades Department, AFL-CIO

Fredric Rolando, President, National Association of Letter Carriers AFL-CIO (NALC)

Becky Pringle, President, National Education Association (NEA)

Bonnie Castillo, RN, Executive Director, National Nurses United (NNU)

Michael Sacco, President, Seafarers International Union (SIU)

Lee Blackmon, Director NAGE Federal Division, The National Association of Government Employees (NAGE)

John Samuelsen, International President, Transport Workers Union of America (TWU)

Will Attig, Executive Director, Union Veterans Council (UVC)

D. Taylor, International Union President, UNITE HERE

Anthony M. Perrone, President, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW)

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Leaders from the IAM and TCU/IAM recently met with Amit Bose, Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Administrator Bose and the agency are responsible for allowing safe, reliable, and efficient movement of people and goods.

“TCU/IAM was one of the first unions to support Amit Bose to head the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and for good reason: he believes that rail safety begins and ends with its frontline workforce,” said TCU/IAM National President Artie Maratea. “Mr. Bose has the understanding and institutional wherewithal to reform and rededicate the FRA to its core mission of safety for railroad workers and the general public.” 

“Administrator Bose will serve as an advocate for railroad workers and listen to a workforce that has been neglected over the past few years,” said Richie Johnsen, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President. “The IAM looks forward to working with him and his staff to address the safety issues that remain unsolved in our industry.”

Click here to read the bio of Amit Bose on the DOT website.

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