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Violence Probed at
FTAA Protest “The Miami Police Department’s performance before this panel was a farce,” said Trumka. “They used this panel as a public platform to whitewash their own record and twist the truth.” The forum also drew dozens of labor activists who charged police with assaulting peaceful protestors and violating agreements to provide safe passage for busloads of senior citizens headed for a labor rally at Bayfront Park. The massive response by police to last November’s largely peaceful protest continues to draw scrutiny and criticism. In a recent PBS special, graphic footage showed police firing tear gas and rubber bullets at protestors and news crews. The AFL-CIO is calling for the removal of Miami Police Chief John Timony, who said he was “completely satisfied” with police actions during the protest. “We did everything according to the book – the way we planned it.”
Federal Worker Unions Demand Answers “This proposal by DoD leads the wish list of an anti-union administration that is using national security as an excuse to turn back the clock on union rights,” said Frank Carelli, director of the IAM Government Employees Dept. Congress authorized modifications to rules governing DoD workers last year following an intense lobbying campaign by the Bush administration and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. The changes were necessary, according to Rumsfeld, to help the DoD carry out its war on terrorism. Among changes proposed are the replacement of collective bargaining with a non-binding consultation process; the elimination of a jointly controlled grievance procedure and exclusion of many DoD employees from union membership, including attorneys, work leaders and professional employees.
Supermarket Strikers Celebrate Return
IAM
Wins Agreement for 700 Airport Workers With SecuriGuard winning the bid for the pre-board screening contract, all members remain employed in their existing jobs with existing salaries, seniority and benefits. AeroGuard, who lost the bid, previously employed the IAM members. The IAM and SecuriGuard reached the agreement subject to probationary clauses. "This agreement is now going out to our members for ratification," said Dave Ritchie, IAM General Vice President for Canada. "This agreement keeps our membership's seniority intact as well as maintaining their other rights," said IAM General Chair Mike Clegg, who was involved in the negotiations. The members of IAM Local Lodge 16 work at Vancouver International, Kamloops, Cranbrook, Prince George, Comox, Kelowna and Victoria airports in British Columbia.
Smith
Named Special Rep for Southern Territory Smith initiated into the IAM June 1979 in Local Lodge 776A while working as an assembler at General Dynamics in Fort Worth. A succession of leadership positions followed, including Committeeman, District delegate, legislative committee, and Vice President of the Texas AFL-CIO. He became a Business Representative for District Lodge 776 on February 1994, recently serving as Assistant Directing Business Representative. He is married to wife LaTisha, and has two children and three grandchildren.
Legislative Conference Set for May 10-13 Hotel reservations for the Conference can be made by contacting the Hyatt Regency Washington at 202-737-1234. Be sure you identify yourself as a member of the Machinists Union. The cut off date for reservations is April 9, 2004. Past iMail|Your Email|Visit www.goiam.org|Print Version|Sign-Up for iMail
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The IAM is repeating its members-only photo contest again this year
and you are encouraged to enter. Photo entries should catch IAM members
at work in unposed photos. If your entry wins, you'll win a cash prize
and your photo will appear in the 2005 IAM Calendar. Go to:
pc2005.
President Bush's promise of new jobs is falling far short. Find out how much at www.jobwatch.org
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