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IAM Scores $3,000,000 Win Over TVA At the same time, TVA argued that 18 IAM gas and diesel mechanics were “unqualified” to do the work that had been the subject of the grievance. Once again, the IAM swung into action. Initially, TVA refused to agree to arbitration, but a federal court again ordered the employer to submit to arbitration, Pierce explained.
The union prevailed on almost every point. The arbitrator ruled that 14 of
the 18 mechanics were qualified. This victory cost TVA another $2,323,603.
The total amount in the two cases reached $3,003,673, Pierce explained. “I
bet this is a new record for IAM arbitration wins,” he laughed.
UAL Mechanics Exit
House of Labor The vote was conducted by the National Mediation Board (NMB) following a year-long campaign that shadowed each step of the carrier’s descent into bankruptcy. “United Airlines’ Mechanic & Related employees decided to take a new direction for their future,” said the IAM in a statement following release of the election results. “We will continue to aggressively represent our members through the worst economic conditions in the history of air transportation.”
The IAM remains the largest union at United Airlines, representing more
than 26,000 Ramp & Stores, Public Contact Employees, Security Guards and
Dining Service employees.
Overtime Pay Under Fire The White House is pushing for changes in the Fair Labor Standards Act that could eliminate overtime pay for as many as 8 million American workers, according to the Economic Policy Institute. Any worker making more than $22,100 a year could be denied overtime pay if they are classified as “professional, administrative or executive” employees exempt from federal overtime rules. A
vote on the appropriations bill is coming up soon in the Senate and the
fight in the House continues with a bipartisan effort to stop the
revisions.
It’s (still) The
Economy, Stupid! Democratic presidential hopefuls believe they have an effective campaign issue as unemployment figures increase and more and more jobs disappear. Even though Republican flacks point to rebounding stock market as a harbinger of economic good times, it has been a jobless recovery. Just last month, the jobless rate jumped to 6.4 percent, the highest unemployment rate in nine years. President Bush’s once-invincible approval ratings are beginning to reflect those grim economic tidings. His approval rating stood at 60 percent in a recent poll by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press. That’s a significant drop from his 74 percent rating in an earlier survey. Those polled showed growing doubts about President Bush’s efforts to improve the nation’s economy and improve its health care system.
“An unemployment rate of 6.4 percent is terrible news,” declared House
Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-CA. “Instead of a serious economic
recovery plan, the Republicans insist on giving tax breaks to the wealthy
and tough breaks to American workers. Their so-called plan is reckless,
irresponsible and unfair,” she said.
IAM Develops Retiree Drug Plan “It is a program that offers IAM retirees and their families a low-cost, safe and convenient way to buy much-needed prescription medications,” Cordone said. “Our program has been designed in response to the needs of seniors throughout North America who desperately need affordable prescription medication,” she said. A
brochure and additional information about the unique mail-order plan may
be obtained from the IAM Community Services Dept. at 301-967-3433 or by
e-mail at
mcordone@iamaw.org.
“They decided enough is enough and won’t work under false promises, intimidation and lies any longer,” said the victory announcement from IAM Siouxland Lodge 1426, which assisted in the organizing drive. Also taking part in the campaign was GLR Mike Woltz, District 6 DBR Bob Connett, Organizing Apprentice Tony Scislowicz and members of Local 1569, District 5, Local 543, Local 1426 and Local 31.
The new IAM members will become part of Local Lodge 31 in Omaha, Nebraska.
House Panel Deals
Amtrak Setback Rep. Ernest J. Istook, Jr. (R-OK), chairman of the House Appropriations subcommittee, is calling for a $580 million annual subsidy, with $300 million pegged to maintain services in the critical Northeast Corridor between Washington and Boston. Amtrak president David L. Gunn said the subcommittees’ bill would lead to the immediate shutdown of all Amtrak operations, including the Northeast Corridor. “Until certain legislators recognize the critical need fulfilled by Amtrak and abandon the fantasy of an unsubsidized national rail service, we will continue to see proposals designed to starve, rather than sustain essential rail service,” said GVP Robert Roach, Jr.
The Istook proposal runs counter to the sentiment of a majority of House
members, who signed a letter calling for the full $1.8 billion requested
by Amtrak President Gunn.
Swissport Industries Techs Choose IAM
“Please join me in welcoming these new members into the IAM
family,” said GVP Warren Mart. “On behalf of the Eastern Territory Office
and its members, I extend our congratulations and appreciation to District
Lodge 26 Organizers Donna Perinetti and John Harrity, Directing Business
Representative Everett Corey, Assistant Directing Business Representative
James Parent, and all of the team for a job well done.” |
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