Category: Politics & Legislation

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Delta Air Lines’ Union Coalition Joins Congressional Labor Caucus for Workers’ Organizing Efforts Roundtable

Source: US GOIAM Union

WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2024 – Representatives of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM), the Teamsters, and the Association of Flight Attendants (CWA-AFA) participated in a roundtable discussion at the U.S. House of Representatives’ Labor Caucus to promote the organizing and collective bargaining efforts for Delta Air Lines workers.

The worker roundtable discussion was hosted by the Congressional Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) and Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.). 

The event included remarks by Delta Air Lines workers and Delta Air Lines’ Union Coalition representatives, including IAM Air Transport Territory Coordinator James Carlson, AFA-CWA International President Sara Nelson, and Teamsters National Organizing Director Chris Rosell.

“Congressional leaders were able to gain a complete understanding of the persistent challenges that Delta Air Lines employees face while trying to secure union representation,” said IAM Air Transport Territory Coordinator James Carlson. “The discussion was a crucial step towards identifying solutions that will ultimately help improve the workers’ lives.”

Around 55,000 employees who work on the ramp, tower, cargo, and as flight attendants and mechanics for Delta Air Lines are currently organizing with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), respectively.

“The IAM applauds the Congressional Labor Caucus for providing support in amplifying the voices of workers in Delta Air Lines,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “This support is instrumental in the success of one of the most significant organizing campaigns in recent memory.”

“We are here to ask Congress to support Delta Air Line workers to unionize and to resist the company’s attempts to interfere in the process of obtaining a voice in the workplace,” said Delta worker and activist Felix “Flex” McGhee. “We believe that every worker has the right to join a union and collectively bargain with management for better wages, benefits, and working conditions.”

The roundtable was attended by elected officials and congressional staff who gathered to learn about updates regarding the organizing campaign, discuss challenges and opportunities, and share ideas to build collective power for workers at Delta Air Lines.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the most significant 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.

goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion

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Buy America Works When We Work Together

Source: US GOIAM Union

By Michael Keroulle, President and CEO, Alstom Americas 
 Robert Martinez, Jr., International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers(IAM)

 The outlook on American manufacturing and production has never been better as we experience the strongest manufacturing job recovery since the 1950s. Bipartisan support is increasing for new policies aimed at onshoring American jobs and manufacturing facilities, and our work at Alstom should serve as a proof point: Buy America works, and it works for all of us.

In Hornell, New York – home of the largest passenger transit manufacturing plant in North America -our efforts directly support American industry. From the rail products assembled on American factory floors to the union labor working right now to produce America’s first 28 next-generation high-speed trains, Alstom has fostered a system borne out of Buy America policies that deliver for American businesses, workers, and communities. 

Our decision to invest over $66 million in Hornell was driven by our commitment to create hundreds of highly skilled, long-term jobs., right here in America.. This investment has leveraged more, with $80 million in public and private funds flowing into Hornell’s community of 8,000+ residents spurring the local economy and revitalizing the area’s manufacturing industry.

Buy America is helping build a great local workforce and our partnership with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), a member of the AFL-CIO, has been a critical success factor. Our investments in Hornell have created 400 new, well-paying, union jobs in a small industrial town. Without Buy America, those jobs would not exist and the future of Hornell, and towns like it, would be more uncertain. 

Why would we send our money someplace else when we have hardworking, skilled labor right here at home?

Alstom has worked with our network of foreign suppliers to onshore rail supply chains into the U.S. that did not exist before, differentiating rail from most of the transportation industry as they face issues sourcing overseas parts. 

While some argue that high-speed rail technology only comes from Asia or Europe, our work proves this is false. Alstom’s trains are made from 95% domestic content and Buy America policies have driven our suppliers to set up shop right here in America, creating long-term local manufacturing jobs and the foundational supply chains needed for tomorrow’s rail innovations. 

There’s a long list of European suppliers we’ve brought to America to work with us: Eaton/Danfoss for tilting, Hoppecke for battery systems, ABB Hitachi and ABB Inc. for transformers and battery chargers, Hutchinson for suspension systems.

Beyond Hornell, our decision to invest $590 million in American suppliers has spurred economic development in communities across the country. In New York alone, Alstom has spent $160 million with local suppliers in support of the delivery of the future of high-speed rail for American commuters. We invested $80 million in Illinois, $42 million in Pennsylvania, $22 million in Kentucky, as well as hundreds of millions across 23 other states. 

Over half of this went to small and disadvantaged businesses, including 20 minority and women-owned businesses and 63 small business enterprises. And the suppliers we on shored made their own investments in this vein, creating a virtuous cycle and widening the benefits. 

Building a strong American supply chain not only helps deliver new transit infrastructure. It also ensures that rail and transit agencies will have the parts they need to maintain this infrastructure over the long-term, with the reliability and quality that American passengers deserve. 

Buy America is about using the soul of the nation to invest in itself. Over 60% of the value of a highspeed train flows to suppliers and, here, at Alstom, we plan to keep working with every American supplier we can find.

Senator Schumer and DOT Undersecretary Monje visited Alstom in Hornell this spring, where we are building the latest generation of high-speed rail. Speaking with employees on our local factory floor, they witnessed that Buy America is fulfilling its goals – driving industrial development across the country, building a highly-skilled workforce, and strengthening the country’s supply chain – three vital elements for the future of rail and transit in America. 

We appreciate the Senator’s strong leadership championing a smart Buy America policy that ensures Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding creates U.S. jobs and strengthens local communities.

In his State of the Union address, President Biden told the nation that “American roads, American bridges, and American highways will be made with American products.” The future is here as we make our trains with American products and accelerate towards the future of American transportation. High-speed rail is happening now and, to put it simply, is only possible through the enforcement of policies like Buy America.

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IAM-Championed ‘Buy American’ Defense Increase Becomes Law in Major Win for Workers, National Security

Source: US GOIAM Union

WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2023 – Robert Martinez Jr., International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), released the following statement applauding the increase in Buy American domestic content requirements for major defense programs in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“The Buy American requirement in the NDAA is a significant and commendable step towards securing the future of our nation’s defense capabilities and the prosperity of American workers and our close allies like Canada. The Buy American requirement will support high-quality U.S. jobs, national defense, and the domestic defense industrial base.

“This crucial provision will not only strengthen the domestic content requirement for major defense acquisition programs but also create and support hundreds of thousands of manufacturing jobs in the U.S. This, in turn, ensures that our men and women in uniform have consistent access to the tools they need to safely complete their mission while bolstering our industrial base and domestic supply chain.

“The IAM commends Representative Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) for his unwavering commitment to championing this critical language. His dedication to supporting Buy American policies demonstrates a clear understanding of prioritizing U.S. labor, environmental, and health and safety standards in government procurement.

“President Biden’s enforcement of Buy American provisions in manufacturing continues to build and grow an economy that works in the best interest of working families.

“Buy American policies align with the labor movement’s values, ensuring that government procurement supports U.S. labor, environmental, and health and safety standards. By reinvesting taxpayer dollars in domestic products, these policies lead to family- and community-sustaining jobs in cleaner and safer American factories.”

READ: ‘Buy American’ policies strengthen nation’s defense, workforce Defense News

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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IAM, Labor, Civil Society Groups Urge Biden Administration to Eliminate Corporate Power Grab ISDS in Existing U.S. Trade Agreements

Source: US GOIAM Union

The IAM and more than 200 organizations and labor groups sent a letter to the Biden administration urging the elimination of the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) in existing free trade agreements and bilateral investment treaties.

The letter highlights the need to address the ongoing liability of ISDS in existing trade agreements. ISDS empowers multinational corporations to sue governments before panels of corporate lawyers, which threatens public interest policies.

Under the ISDS mechanism, corporations can seek compensation from taxpayers for the loss of expected future profits due to a challenged government policy. The lawyers acting on behalf of these corporations can award unlimited sums to be paid by taxpayers if they are convinced that a safety regulation, court ruling, law, or any other government action violates the investors’ rights granted by an agreement enforced by ISDS.

“When trade and investment agreements include ISDS, it is clear that they are not designed to benefit working people, but to give special rights to consolidate, formalize and expand corporate power,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “The IAM urges the Biden administration to eliminate these rigged and anti-democratic trade rules prioritizing corporate rights over national sovereignty and working people.”

As a strong supporter of workers’ rights, the IAM has consistently advocated for fair U.S. trade policies that prioritize the well-being of workers, including fighting to reduce ISDS liability in the renegotiated U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

It is crucial for trade policies to prioritize and uphold fundamental human rights rather than creating incentives for multinational corporations to undermine labor, health, environmental, and other essential public policies. 

Read the full letter here.

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IAM, AFL-CIO Urge Congress to Support High-Quality U.S. Jobs and National Defense

Source: US GOIAM Union

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2023 – IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. has sent a letter to members of Congress, urging them to sign on to a letter supporting high-quality U.S. jobs, national defense and the domestic defense industrial base. The letter, led by U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) urges the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to support efforts to bolster Buy American domestic content requirements for major defense programs through H.R. 2670 Section 869 in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“The IAM applauds Congressman Norcross for championing this important language, which passed into the House version of the FY24 NDAA with bipartisan support,” wrote Martinez in the letter. “This language would dramatically strengthen the domestic content requirement for future major defense acquisition programs and thereby create and support hundreds of thousands of manufacturing jobs in the U.S., ensure that our men and women in uniform have consistent access to the tools they need to safely complete their mission, and bolster our industrial base and domestic supply chain.”

The AFL-CIO, the largest federation of unions in the United States, has also voiced its support for the Buy American language. In a letter to members of Congress, the AFL-CIO emphasized that Buy American policies align with their values, ensuring that government procurement supports U.S. labor, environmental, and health and safety standards. By reinvesting taxpayer dollars in domestic products, these policies lead to family- and community-sustaining jobs in cleaner and safer American factories. 

The Union Veterans Council weighed in with a letter urging members of Congress to support the Buy American language. 

The IAM, AFL-CIO, and the Union Veterans’ endorsements emphasize the importance of strengthening domestic manufacturing and supporting the men and women in uniform who rely on high-quality, American-made defense products.

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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IAM Endorses Legislation for Striking Workers to Receive Unemployment Insurance

Source: US GOIAM Union

The IAM recently endorsed the Empowering Striking Workers Act, a bill that U.S. Representatives Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), and Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), introduced to Congress this week. 

The proposed law would allow striking workers to collect unemployment benefits two weeks after a strike begins, at the start of a lockout, or when the company hires replacement workers, whichever comes first. 

“This legislation would be an enormous relief to workers who sacrifice so much to raise the standard of conditions, treatment and compensation in our workplaces,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Workers do not strike without good reason, and they risk their livelihoods and their families’ security to do it.” 

Workers who become unemployed after a strike or lockout ends would also be eligible for unemployment benefits under the act. 

The IAM joins a long list of organizations that have also endorsed the bill, including more than a dozen unions representing millions of workers. 

“As a society, we need to be supporting workers who go on strike or get locked out, because they support the communities where we all live and work,” said Martinez. “The IAM thanks Congressman Schiff for taking this initiative and strongly encourages Congress to pass this bill.”

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Maryland State Council of Machinists Endorse Angela Alsobrooks for United States Senate

Source: US GOIAM Union

WASHINGTON, October 2, 2023– Today, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Maryland State Council of Machinists announced its endorsement of Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks in Maryland’s open U.S. Senate race.

“Angela Alsobrooks stands as an unwavering champion for working people and their families,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Her track record is a testament to her unyielding commitment to securing good jobs, fostering safe communities, ensuring affordable healthcare, and delivering quality education for all. We wholeheartedly and proudly endorse her for the United States Senate.”

Alsobrooks serves as the current County Executive of Prince George’s County, Maryland, and has held various roles in county government before making history as the youngest and first woman elected Prince George’s County State’s Attorney. As County Executive, Alsobrooks has focused on creating jobs, improving schools, and reducing crime. She has also strongly advocated for working families and has fought to raise the minimum wage and expand access to affordable healthcare.

“We are thrilled to endorse Angela Alsobrooks for the U.S. Senate,” said Maryland State Council of Machinists President Joseph “Rick” Compher. “She acknowledges our union’s contributions and champions the tireless dedication of IAM members who are the backbone of our state. Our union deserves nothing less than a fierce advocate in the United States Senate, and Angela Alsobrooks embodies that champion, ready to fiercely and tirelessly fight for our interests.”

IAM members will work on educating our members about what’s at stake in this election. 

“I am honored to receive the endorsement and support of the Maryland/DC State Council of Machinists,” said Alsobrooks. “This organization works hard to protect workers and their families, ensuring that each of its employees has the right to earn a good salary, with benefits that support themselves and their loved ones. As U.S. Senator, I fight hard for workers’ rights and for Maryland families.”

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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Machinists Union Applauds Passage of Legislation Avoiding Government Shutdown

Source: US GOIAM Union

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2023 – Robert Martinez Jr., International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), released the following statement applauding the passage of a clean 45-day continuing resolution to avoid a shutdown and allow lawmakers to continue negotiating a final budget for the fiscal year:  

“On behalf of the thousands of federal employees and federal contract workers that we proudly represent, we applaud the passage of a clean continuing resolution to end the political theatre and help ease the worries of millions of working families throughout our nation. 

“The recent weeks of uncertainty, brinksmanship, and partisan wrangling have taken a toll on the dedicated public servants who keep our government running smoothly. Federal workers and contractors have been living in the shadow of potential furloughs, reduced paychecks, and disrupted services. This unnecessary stress and anxiety have weighed heavily on their shoulders.

“The bipartisan passage of a clean continuing resolution is a testament to the power of cooperation and a commitment to the American people. It is a responsible and necessary step forward that ensures our government can continue its vital functions without interruption.

“IAM has always stood with workers and their families during challenging times, and today, we stand together to celebrate a Congress that has put the needs of the American people first. We call on our elected officials to withstand extremist lawmakers in Congress and continue working together in the spirit of unity to address the many pressing issues facing our nation.

“We must use this moment to realize our nation’s true superpower, the strength of our democracy. When leaders push back against radical lawmakers who have no interest in compromise and prioritize the well-being of the people they serve, everybody wins. We hope this spirit of cooperation continues to guide our nation as we tackle the important challenges ahead.”

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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A Message to IAM Federal Employees and Federal Contract Workers Regarding a Possible Government Shutdown

Source: US GOIAM Union

Dear IAM Family,

The IAM has been closely following the increasing likelihood of a government shutdown beginning Friday, Oct. 1, 2023, which would affect tens of thousands of IAM federal employees and federal contract workers, as well as countless others. Unfortunately, a faction of right-wing extremists in Congress are again demanding draconian spending cuts and a variety of poison pill policy riders, and threatening to shut down the government if they don’t get their way.

The IAM and the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) have been in consistent contact with congressional leadership urging Congress to quickly pass a Continuing Resolution to avoid a shutdown. We have been reminding them that many federal employees and federal contract workers live paycheck to paycheck and that a shutdown for any length of time is devasting to our members and their families.

TAKE ACTION: Send an online message to your lawmakers and urge them to fund the government now.

As a reminder, the IAM and NFFE-IAM worked hard to champion the successful passage of the 2019 Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, which ensures that all furloughed federal employees during a funding lapse receive their pay retroactively upon the government reopening. This law was a great victory, but does little to bring financial relief to workers during a shutdown.

Government shutdowns are even more destructive for our federal contract worker membership, who work alongside federal employees and perform equally essential work for our nation and often do not get any backpay at all. An IAM local lodge president recently wrote an op-ed on the profound impact that government shutdowns have on federal contract workers.

As a further reminder, the IAM worked with allies in Congress to push for the passage of the Fairness for Federal Contractors Act, which would have provided some level of lost wages to federal contract workers. Unfortunately, partisan gridlock prevented the legislation from passing. The IAM is working with allies in Congress to renew this push, should a government shutdown occur.

In addition to preparing personal finances to cover bills and other expenses during a shutdown, the IAM and NFFE-IAM recommend the following steps to stay safe at work and stay in touch if forced into a furlough:

  1. Report to work as usual unless your agency or employer informs you in writing that you are officially furloughed. Otherwise, you risk an unexcused absence if you are not furloughed.
  2. Sign up to receive emails using your personal email from the IAM here and NFFE-IAM here.

Additional resources from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management: Unemployment Insurance Q&A, Shutdown Guide, OPM 2019 Shutdown Guidance, Shutdown FAQ. 

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IAM Mourns Passing of Retired Legislative and Political Action Director William Holayter

Source: US GOIAM Union

Few figures in the labor movement and politics have left a lasting impression as much as William “Bill” Holayter, retired IAM Legislative and Political Director. Born in 1931 in the union stronghold of East Chicago, Ind., Holayter’s journey through life was deeply influenced by the values of hard work, solidarity and activism. As the IAM mourns his recent passing, we celebrate his remarkable life and profound impact on the IAM, the labor movement and American politics.

Growing up, he witnessed the power of organized labor firsthand. His father, a skilled carpenter, had emigrated from Hungary to the United States, seeking a better life and the promise of the American Dream. This early exposure to his father’s work ethic and immigrant background instilled in Holayter a deep respect for the values of hard work and opportunity that America represented.

At age 16, his family relocated to California due to growing environmental pollution concerns in East Chicago. This move marked a significant turning point in his life, setting the stage for his future endeavors on the West Coast.

After graduating high school, Holayter enlisted in the Navy and answered the call of duty. Following his military service, Holayter embarked on a career as a journeyman machinist. His skills and dedication quickly led him to the doors of Hiller Helicopters, where he joined the IAM. Within a year, he was elected as a shop steward, marking the beginning of his journey into union leadership.

Holayter’s commitment to the labor movement was unwavering. He later joined Westinghouse, continuing to rise through the union ranks. As an assistant chief steward, he became a shop steward and business agent, representing and fighting for workers’ rights in an increasingly challenging industrial landscape.

In 1969, Holayter made a pivotal move to Washington, D.C., to serve as the assistant political director of the IAM. In 1972, he ascended to the role of political director, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the union’s political agenda. Holayter’s tireless work extended beyond the walls of the union hall as he worked on various political campaigns, supporting candidates like Nancy Pelosi and George McGovern. He led the IAM’s endorsement of Joe Biden’s first run for United States Senate in 1972. The IAM was the first union to endorse Biden for Senate. 

In 1992, he retired from his role as the IAM’s political director, but his dedication to the cause didn’t waver. He remained active with the Machinists’ Retiree Program, advocating for the rights and well-being of retired union members.

“In the history of the labor movement, Bill’s contribution was marked by strong dedication, relentless effort, and a strong commitment to justice,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “His memory lights the way for future generations of union members and political supporters. As we grieve his loss, we honor the lasting impact he had on the IAM, the labor movement, and American politics.”“Bill Hoylater was a giant in the labor movement,” said IAM Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon. “He was a powerful voice for the Machinists Union and working families for many years on Capital Hill. It’s because of the relationships that he built and doors of power that he opened that to this day we have a seat at the table.” 

Bill’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of union members and political advocates, reminding us of the power of dedication, hard work, and the pursuit of justice.

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