Tuesday, April 27, 2004 |
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Officers & Territories R. Thomas Buffenbarger Warren L. Mart Lee Pearson Dave Ritchie Robert V. Thayer Robert Roach, Jr. Lynn Tucker Robert Martinez James Brown |
And despite wholesale outsourcing of unionized industries to low wage countries, the annual AFL-CIO Union Industries Show, held this year in St. Louis, MO, still provides tens of thousands of visitors with the best examples of why union-made American-made products are still worth looking for. "This Show has everything from union-raised, union-trained seeing eye dogs to union-made wedding cakes, motorcycles and blue jeans, all under one roof," said Charles Mercer, president of the Union Label and Service Trades Department, AFL-CIO, which produces and manages the free event. More than 300 exhibits covering an area equal to four football fields helped bring to life the theme of this year’s show: “America at Its Best.” The IAM fielded a large presence at the Union Industries Show, with 17 exhibits staffed by members and representatives describing what goes into a product before the union label goes on. “High value, union-made products are the backbone of this nation’s economy,” said GST Warren Mart. “The annual Union Industries Show is a terrific example of why unions and union members deserve credit and thanks for their role in creating and protecting the economic security we all rely on.” Contract Countdown Continues at Boeing-St. LouisMain table negotiations between IAM District 837 and Boeing Co. began this week in St. Louis, MO for a new contract covering 2,800 workers who build jet fighters and high tech munitions for the nation’s armed forces. Key issues in the talks, which commenced on March 15, are health care costs, outsourcing and job security. By a 70 percent margin, members listed healthcare issues and job security at the top of their overall priorities. IAM members and negotiators are also concerned by Boeing’s growing use of subcontractors to perform work that could be done by some of the 1,500 Boeing workers currently laid off. The company is expected to present its so-called “last, best and final offer” to union negotiators by May 18. On May 23, 2004 IAM members at Boeing-St. Louis will cast ballots to “Accept” or “Reject” the company’s offer. If a majority accepts the contract proposal, that proposal becomes the new contract. If that proposal is rejected, members will then vote to authorize a strike, again by secret ballot. Two-thirds majority vote to strike is required in order for a sanctioned strike to begin. Click here for background information, a timeline of important dates and up-to-date bulletins about the progress of negotiations with Boeing are available at.
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Which late night talk show do you prefer — Letterman, Leno, or O'Brien? More>> President Bush keeps saying the recession is over, but in counties across America, families struggle to find work. JOBS will be a driving force in the 2004 election. Read the Spring 2004 IAM Journal. 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. See who works for you, how the IAM is structured, and what services the IAM offers. Go to: IAM2004 President Bush's promise of new jobs is falling far short. Find out how much at www.jobwatch.org FlatRateTech is an organization "created for and by Ford and Lincoln Mercury service technicians solely to speak as one loud voice rather than 50,000 smaller voices," according to their website The fast-growing site offers forums for Ford customers, technicians and dealers to exchange information. The official site for the 36th Grand Lodge Convention to be held in 2004 in Cincinnati, Ohio is now online. Check it our for convention news, sponsorship offers, and convention gear. |