In a momentous gesture of recognition and gratitude, the members of Local 794 embarked on a journey to commemorate the legacy of one of their own – IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. This remarkable initiative stemmed from a deep-rooted respect and admiration for a leader who not only rose from their ranks but also pioneered a path of inclusive and dedicated leadership.

“I am extremely humbled and honored to be recognized by my home Local,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “I hold in high regard the blessing it is to serve my Union and my Local. Words cannot truly express my feeling of gratitude at this gesture.”

The seeds of this endeavor were sown in 2018 when the membership, under the guidance of the prior President and Directing Business Representative Red Dow, passed a motion to dedicate the Union hall meeting room to GVP Allen. However, unforeseen challenges, including the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, delayed the realization of this tribute.

Undeterred by the hurdles, retirees such as Ernest “Red” Dow and Gerald “Lanny” Languit, persisted in their efforts to craft a dedication plaque, a symbol of their unwavering commitment to honoring GVP Allen’s service. Their perseverance bore fruit as they presented the plaque at the March Local monthly membership meeting.

“GVP Allen’s ascent to leadership is not just remarkable; it’s revolutionary,” said Western Territory Chief of Staff Bobby Martinez. “He shattered barriers and stereotypes, emerging as the youngest President and Directing Business Representative in the history of the Local. His appointment marked a departure from tradition, symbolizing a shift towards modern, inclusive leadership reflective of the membership’s diversity.”

In honoring GVP Allen, Local 794 pays tribute not only to a remarkable leader but also to a trailblazer who has paved the way for generations to come. His legacy serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us all of the transformative power of inclusive leadership and unwavering dedication to the service of others.

“As the dedication of the Hall signifies, GVP Allen’s impact transcends boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the IAM community across the United States and Canada,” said Local 794 President and Directing Business Representative Ashley Long. “In honoring him, Local 794 celebrates not just a leader, but a visionary whose influence will endure for years to come.”

Image Gallery

603831498-hall-6

603831494-hall-5

603831487-hall-4

603831481-hall-3

The post Honoring a Trailblazer: The Dedication of the Union Hall Meeting Room at Local 794 appeared first on IAMAW.

The Western Territory is proud to announce the recent appointments of Ashley Gunckel and Joelle Depue as Special Representatives.

Gunckel initiated into Long Beach Public Employees Local 1930 in 2012 where she served as a Steward and Trustee and played a pivotal role in establishing the Local 1930 Women’s Committee. Gunckel was then appointed as a Business Representative for District 947 in 2017 and became the first Local 1930 member to negotiate their contract with the City of Long Beach. In addition to her roles at the District and Local, Gunckel served as Sergeant at Arms for the last two Grand Lodge Conventions and is a mentor in the IAM Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (LEADS) program.

Depue initiated into Local 25 when her shop at Raytheon at Fort Irwin in California voted to join the IAM in 2016. At the Local, Depue served as Steward and Auditor before being appointed to Apprentice Organizer at District 725 in January 2019. In August 2019, Depue was appointed Business Representative and then Area Director in 2022. Depue has been the lead negotiator in several successful negotiations both in the aerospace and Service Contract industries. 

“Both Ashley and Joelle are coming to the Territory with unique talents, skillsets, and perspectives,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “They will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our Territory and our Union. I look forward to witnessing their accomplishments as they grow into their new roles.”

The post Ashley Gunckel and Joelle Depue Appointed Western Territory Special Representatives appeared first on IAMAW.

Long-awaited contract negotiations for 32,000 IAM members at Boeing in the Pacific Northwest have begun in Seattle. The current collective bargaining agreement expires at 12:01 a.m. PT on Sept. 13, 2024.

After years of input from membership, and 16 years since the group’s last full contract negotiations with the Boeing Co., the IAM District 751 and District W24 negotiating committee is pushing for many priorities, including:

• Increasing wages at least 40 percent over three to four years.
• Quality and safety measures that restore and grow quality control personnel and oversight of aircraft manufacturing.
• Restoring retirement security by reinstating the defined-benefit pension plan the company took away in 2014.
• Lowering out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
• Easing mandatory overtime and other work rules that negatively impact work-life balance.
• Ensuring that Boeing’s next airplane is built in the Puget Sound region.

“We need jobs for 50 years, not four years,” said IAM District 751 President and Directing Business Representative Jon Holden. “The fight for future work is not just for members, but for the betterment of all. This collective effort will benefit current and future members, engineers, other Boeing employees, the supply chain, our communities, and generations to come. We are fighting for everyone.”

Watch District 751 President and Directing Business Representative Jon Holden’s press conference following the Friday, March 8 contract opener.

“This is the first contract for almost half of our members, and it’s the most important one for all of them. We want to ensure their involvement from the beginning and educate them about what we’re doing on their behalf,” said IAM District W24 President and Directing Business Representative Brandon Bryant. “The membership is the lifeblood of our union and our districts. This contract negotiation is one of the most important things that we do for them. This is our future, this our fight. We are truly fighting for the best future we can get.” 

A strike sanction vote, which authorizes a strike if a collective bargaining agreement is not reached, will take place on July 17, 2024.

“Our members – and no one else – will guide this process and be the ultimate deciders on their future,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Our membership has made it very clear that they will accept nothing less than a fair and just contract that will make us the leading compensated aerospace workers in the world because we deserve nothing less than that. This is about building back the reputation of Boeing as the best, most dependable, most cutting-edge aerospace company on Earth.”

Click here for IAM District 751 updates throughout the collective bargaining process.

“Ultimately, the goal of these negotiations is to win fairness and justice for our members. This means ensuring that the contract reflects the values and priorities of IAM members and provides the means for a prosperous future for them and their families,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “Achieving this goal will require a collective effort from all our members to come together in unity and fight for what they believe in, the IAM Western Territory is confident that, together, we can win a contract that sets the standard for the aerospace industry and raises our members and their families’ standard of living – Boeing has made billions and our members deserve to receive their fair share!”

IAM District 751 represents more than 30,000 Boeing production workers in the Puget Sound region, while District W24 represents about 1,200 who work at Boeing’s parts plant in Portland, Ore.

“The IAM and our membership are expecting Boeing to come to table ready to reach a fair and just agreement,” said IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett. “Our membership deserves a contract that treats them as the best and most skilled aerospace workers in the world, because that’s exactly what they are. We will be fair, but firm, on all our priorities – especially on delivering job security to our membership.”

Negotiations Opener - Image Gallery

DSC_0797

DSC_8897

DSC_8884

DSC_8860

03_12_2024_Boeing

DSC_8807

DSC_8805

DSC_8791

DSC_8784

DSC_8778

DSC_8767

DSC_8762

DSC_8755

DSC_8741

DSC_8740

DSC_0955

DSC_0953

DSC_0945

DSC_0940

DSC_0918

DSC_0905

DSC_0894

DSC_0892

DSC_0831

Wide Table 4

Wide Table 3

Table Full 2

Table Full 1

Handshake 5

The post IAM Stands Fully Behind 32,000 District 751, District W24 Members as Boeing Negotiations Kick Off appeared first on IAMAW.

The IAM Human Rights Department has taken on its own identity within the IAM, with the sole purpose of advancing equality and justice. 

This February, the IAM Human Rights Department is featuring accomplished IAM members of the Black community in celebration of Black History Month. 

IAM members being honored for Black History Month are among the many trailblazers in our union.

Donte’ L. Vickers
Nominated by: IAM Western Territory

Between my uncle, son and grandfather, Floyd M. Jones, they both taught me how to work on cars, houses and cement work. I started working on cars at the age of 9 with my uncle Son. He taught me how to do oil changes, brakes and tune ups. My Uncle James retired from being a long shoreman back in 1983. 

My grandfather also had a great influence on me. He also worked as a long shoreman, super cargo. His supervisor would call him at 6 p.m. and ask him if he would come to Benicia waterfront and work. When his check came in, he would show me how much he made, which varied from $1,800 to $2,500 a week. I would always say “Grandfather, you only worked four hours in two days, not including driving.” He would say, “Yes, and say all I picked up was a clipboard.”

As a young person, I always stayed in the presence of either mechanics or general contractors that I worked with. As a result, I was well rounded with knowledge of working as a mechanic, iron worker, plumber, carpenter, roofer, electrician and cement mason. 

In 1991, I started working with Lee Latimore (Castle Construction Co.), a general contractor that had $10,000,000 worth of equipment. I did everything from building forums to pouring cement, plumbing, excavating raw ground to building homes. On the side, I would build VW motors as a hobby and also worked on cars.

In 1997, I worked for as an iron worker for Salinas Rebar. It was my first union job. I liked it, but having to punk iron all day got to me, so I ended up working for U-Haul two years later in 1999. 

Working at U-Haul gave me opportunity to understand what working for a non-union job really felt like. I came in as a mechanic and within two years became Forman. In 2005, the company moved me up to shop supervisor. The day I became shop supervisor, I gave everyone a raise between $5 and $13. I had a problem with people being treated like second class citizens. The mechanics were not being treated fair and I had a problem with that. I felt everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. I did the best I possibly could for my employees, so with that said, because it wasn’t a union job, I was demoted three times for nothing, but still kept the same pay.

In 2014 I came to the City and County of San Francisco as a transit operator for SFMTA. A year later, in 2015, I was hired as a mechanic at Central Shops in San Francisco working on fire trucks. I really enjoyed this and always stepped up to the director with any issues the mechanics had that the supervisor wouldn’t address.

In 2021, I was on the negotiation team as an observer for the Automotive Machinist. This is when I felt like I could help make a difference with the process of bargaining. In April 2022, I transferred to SFMTA Woods Division and started working at the machine shop. It was a very great decision. I actually was able to meet new people and look at the process – a lot of different things pertaining to politics in the work force. In November 2022, I put in for Business Representative for Local 1414 and my first day was Jan. 3, 2023.

I work closely with my church and am presently the President of the Men’s Ministry.

The post Celebrating Black History: IAM Spotlights Donte’ L. Vickers appeared first on IAMAW.

The IAM Human Rights Department has taken on its own identity within the IAM, with the sole purpose of advancing equality and justice. 

This February, the IAM Human Rights Department is featuring accomplished IAM members of the Black community in celebration of Black History Month. 

IAM members being honored for Black History Month are among the many trailblazers in our union.

Aubria Hopes-Walker
Nominated by: IAM Western Territory

Aubria Hopes-Walker has 30 years of experience with Daimler Trucks North America, where she currently works as the TOS coordinator. She collaborates with floor staff to ensure they are not overworked, and in cases where they are, she conducts time studies and provides recommendations to management for equitable work distribution.

Hopes-Walker holds the position of President for District W24 in Local 1005. Additionally, she is now serving as the interim Chief Shop Steward. Hopes-Walker has organized Local 1005’s Volunteer Organizing Community (VOC). They have actively and consistently shown support by participating in picket lines for every union that seeks our assistance.

Hopes-Walker became involved with the union after witnessing instances of injustice within the workplace. She refrained from expressing dissatisfaction and instead aimed to actively contribute to resolving the issue. Consequently, she assumed the role of shop steward. Recognizing her determination, Dwayne Panion invited her to join the executive board as the communicator. Upon attending her inaugural leadership course at the Winpisinger Center, Hopes-Walker had a revelatory experience on the potential for transformative change in which she could actively participate. She encountered some exceptional individuals at the W3 Center with whom she could discuss and seek advice on various circumstances and problems.  

Hopes-Walker has diligently pursued leadership education, successfully completing several leadership courses as well as specialized departmental and staff courses. She felt privileged upon receiving an invitation to the IAM Diversity Initiative, where she had the opportunity to engage with numerous accomplished individuals in deliberating the future of our esteemed union. 

Last year, thanks to District W24 Organizer Jessica Denning, Hopes-Walker had the opportunity to collaborate with her on the Volvo mechanics campaign, as well as the Weyerhaeuser campaign. Local 1005 engaged in regular weekend walks until Weyerhaeuser resumed operations. She had the privilege of participating in the Adidas red card campaign, where members of the Local 1005 VOC, along with several others, attended the power breakfast to advocate for the workers’ rightful salaries.

Through her membership in constituency groups such as the Coalition of Labor Union Women and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Hopes-Walker has had the opportunity to connect with individuals from different unions. Engaging in this activity has provided her with the chance to disseminate her knowledge to other labor organizations and to recognize the value of the IAM and its benefits for its members. She says she has not encountered any other educational facility comparable to the IAM’s W3 Center. She is highly appreciative of the progressive development of W3 and the noticeable transformation that has occurred since her initial enrollment in 2016.

Hopes-Walker has always been an advocate for change, and the IAM is where she firmly believes she has discovered her true vocation. During her brief tenure as interim Chief Shop Steward, Hopes-Walker observed a transformation in the individuals who approached her with grievances. This has assisted every employee in understanding that their union values their opinions. If she had to redo the entire process, Hopes-Walker says she would become involved much sooner, because she has received numerous accolades for her effective demonstration of valuing employees’ perspectives with their grievances and advocating for them on the work floor, while also helping them recognize our collective identity as a union.

The post Celebrating Black History: IAM Spotlights Aubria Hopes-Walker appeared first on IAMAW.

IAM District 751 President and Directing Business Representative Jon Holden recently testified at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia in support of Senate Bill 5777 and House Bill 1893. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Des Moines, and Rep. Beth Doglio, D-Olympia, will allow striking or locked-out workers access to unemployment benefits to help reduce the economic burdens often wielded by employers to hinder workers from striking.

During his testimony, Holden highlighted the significance of S.B. 5777/H.B. 1893 to help rectify the power imbalances faced by workers in negotiations with powerful employers that often leave workers in vulnerable positions where they must choose between accepting harmful concessions or risking their livelihoods by striking for fair treatment. 

“Our goal is always to negotiate a fair contract that maintains and grows reasonable wages, benefits, and job security that we can recommend and our members can accept,” said Holden. “Workers won’t vote to strike to receive the partial wage replacement in unemployment benefits. While they do have a right to strike, and when they vote to do so, it is to protect the reasonable wages and benefits that are often threatened to be taken away.  Giving workers access to the unemployment insurance (UI) safety net is a good use of the UI system, and the state Employment Security Department has the resources to move forward and be successful.”

Holden also sent a letter to the Washington State Senate expressing confidence in the collaborative efforts between workers, legislators, and employers to advance the interests of Washington State’s workforce and economy.  

“IAM District 751 and their leadership are paving the way for workers in Washington state to receive the protection of reasonable wages and benefits that are often threatened to be taken away by the employer,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “This historic legislation will ease the minds of working families across the state who exercise their right to strike. No workers should have to choose between making a long-term sacrifice and keeping the lights on.” 

IAM District 751 represents over 32,000 working families in Washington State, with 30,000 employed by Boeing.

The post IAM District 751 Urges Swift Passage of Unemployment Benefits Legislation for Striking Workers appeared first on IAMAW.

In 1973, 409 employees of Dyna Electron Corporation and Land Air Corporation at White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base became the charter members of IAM Local 2515 in southern New Mexico.

Through tough times they stood together and weathered many storms. Now, they celebrate their 50th anniversary.

“It’s an honor to represent a long history of committed union members,” said Local 2515 President and Directing Business Representative Ramon Martinez.

Though many of these workers have left us, Local 2515 charter members Jim Villavisencio, Luis Chavez and Joseph Robert “Bob” De Aresso were recently recognized for their effort in unionizing southern New Mexico by the Democratic Party of New Mexico and U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez.

“Local 2515 has done an exemplary job of representing the members and raising the standard of living for southern New Mexicans,” said Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “I congratulate them on their 50-year anniversary and look forward to what they will achieve in the next 50 years.”

The post New Mexico Local 2515 Marks 50 Years Fighting for Working Families appeared first on IAMAW.

The IAM Human Rights Department has taken on its own identity within the IAM, with the sole purpose of advancing equality and justice. 

This February, the IAM Human Rights Department is featuring accomplished IAM members of the Black community in celebration of Black History Month. 

IAM members being honored for Black History Month are among the many trailblazers in our union.

Richard Jackson
Nominated by: IAM Western Territory

Richard Jackson was hired into the Boeing Co. as an assembly electrician in 1989 and became a union Steward in 1997.  Around 2000, he was chosen to be a part of the newly negotiated Work Transfer Group, which was charged with fighting to keep work within our membership that Boeing sought to offload. Jackson also held Local positions as an auditor and a District Council delegate.  

In May 2007, Jackson was appointed Business Representative, and in 2008 during District elections, he ran and secured a position as a Business Representative. In 2014, newly-elected District President Jon Holden appointed Jackson his Chief of Staff. In that role, Jackson led negotiations for many contracts outside of Boeing, as well as represented members at NAS Whidbey Island. Jackson also chaired District 751’s Human Rights Committee, which encouraged more people of color to get involved with their union. He also took on community service projects, such as presenting workshops during the annual Seattle MLK celebration, which is aimed at raising awareness on the benefits of union membership.  

In 2020, Jackson was encouraged to run for the position of District Secretary-Treasurer and was nominated and chosen as the first African American to hold this position. He also serves as Secretary-Treasurer of the Washington Machinists Council and as one of three IAM delegates to the AFL-CIO.

The post Celebrating Black History: IAM Spotlights Richard Jackson appeared first on IAMAW.

The delegates of the IAM New Mexico State Council met in Santa Fe, N.M. from February 1-3 for their annual winter meeting.

During the meeting, delegates heard from Rep. Christine Chandler, lead House sponsor for New Mexico’s Paid Family Medical Leave Act, legislation which was the focus of delegates’ lobbying efforts and meetings during their visit to New Mexico’s capitol, the Roundhouse. While in the capitol, Council delegates also met with New Mexico Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales, and spoke about our union’s work in the defense, aerospace, and other New Mexico-based industries.

Additionally, the New Mexico State Council hosted Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen, Western Territory Chief of Staff Robert Martinez, and IAM Legislative Representative Ty Richardson. During the meeting, the New Mexico State Council presented a “Council Champion” award to GVP Allen for his advocacy and support of the Council and the members across New Mexico.

“I am humbled and honored to have received this award from the New Mexico State Council of Machinists,” said Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “The work of this Council has a profound impact on working families in New Mexico and I am extremely grateful for their effort and dedication.”

Delegates finished the Council meeting by re-electing officers for the next term of office, including, John Dyrcz (Local 794) as President, Tina Davis (Local 794) as Secretary-Treasurer, Virgil Thompson (Local 794) 2nd Vice President, and Trustee Ron Moore (Local 2515). Newly elected officers include Art Pardo (Local 2515) as 1st Vice President, and Lynelle Jimenez (Local 1635) and James Robles (Local 2515) as Trustees. GVP Allen presided over the swearing-in of the new and returning officers.

“I am honored to be re-elected to lead the State Council for the next term,” said New Mexico State Council President John Dyrcz. “Our Council delegates have truly stepped up to envision, create, and enact the Council they want to see in our state. As we continue to advocate for policies that help labor and working people, I will always do my best to deliver for Machinists in New Mexico.”

The post New Mexico State Council Holds Winter Meeting in Santa Fe appeared first on IAMAW.

The IAM Human Rights Department has taken on its own identity within the IAM, with the sole purpose of advancing equality and justice. 

This February, the IAM Human Rights Department is featuring accomplished IAM members of the Black community in celebration of Black History Month. 

IAM members being honored for Black History Month are among the many trailblazers in our union.

Brad Durant
Nominated by: IAM Western Territory

Brad Durant is a married retired sailor, with 21.5 years in the U.S. Navy. He worked as a civilian contractor on U.S. Navy F/A-18 aircraft at VFA-122, the Navy’s West Coast F/A-18 training squadron. When the IAM was voted in to represent workers at the site in 2013, Durant was voted to be one of the negotiators for the site’s first collective bargaining agreement with the union. 

Once the negotiation was completed, and the CBA ratified, Durant was appointed as the assistant Chief Steward for the site in late 2013. When the Chief steward was terminated in 2014, Durant took over as the Chief Steward. From 2013 to 2021, Durant was the Chief Steward or a Steward, the longest serving Steward at the site. 

When Local 2947 was created in 2014, Durant was appointed the Recording Secretary, a position he held until 2021. In 2021, Durant was offered a position on District 725’s staff as a Business Representative. In that position, Durant services over 600 members at 14 different sites. Durant has been involved in numerous negotiations, bridge agreements and grievance discussions. 

Durant says he is proud to be a part of a union that fully embraces diversity.

The post Celebrating Black History: IAM Spotlights Brad Durant appeared first on IAMAW.