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Thursday,
June 5, 2003 Machinists Rally for Contract at U-Haul Delegates at the IAM Transportation Conference suspended their agenda to attend a rally in support of 77 newly organized union members seeking a contract with U-Haul in Las Vegas. Busloads of boisterous IAM supporters traveled to U-Haul in Henderson, Nevada, for the mid-day rally following a request by local union representatives for a public demonstration to convince U-Haul management that any delay negotiating a first contract will not be tolerated. “A contract delayed is a contract denied,” said IP Tom Buffenbarger. “The employees of U-Haul voted overwhelmingly last month for IAM representation and the benefits of collective bargaining. That’s their right and we’re going to make sure they get the contract they deserve.” The engine and body specialists who maintain the rental truck fleet at U-Haul locations in Las Vegas and nearby Henderson, voted to join the IAM after a campaign that saw harassment, discrimination and the firing of union supporters and supervisors in a failed bid by the company to block the organizing drive.
“These workers stood tall throughout the organizing drive and refused to
be intimidated,” said Dennis London, who helped organize the U-Haul
workers. “They represent the future of the union movement in America and
the IAM is proud and fortunate to represent them.” Senator Robert F. Kennedy Remembered Thirty-five years ago today, Senator Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated in Los Angeles. His 85-day campaign for president had pulled together a broad yet diverse coalition of those the conventional politicians had scorned. He spoke to the hope and ambitions of all Americans, not just the powerful few. He always said, “we can do better.” And he was right. Today, the International Association of Machinists remembers this friend of working families. Please click here http://216.211.131.3/iamaw/video.ram?c=4424 to see this democratic candidate talk about jobs.
Labor Secretary Lauds Local 830 Chao noted that cooperation between IAM members and Raytheon managers “saved $2.2 million in operating expenses, lowered the employee grievance rate and helped lead to one million worker hours without a loss or injury.” In a letter to John Jeffries, Local 830 president, Chao said “such cooperation results in safer workplaces and more productive workers. I commend you and your partner, Raytheon.” The award honors those partnerships that set high standards labor-management cooperative efforts. “We join Secretary Chao in her recognition of this honor. Our members are the most productive and most highly skilled workers on the face of this good green Earth,” said IP Tom Buffenbarger. “Congratulations for a job well done.”
Transportation Conference Heats Up “We need to learn the lessons of history,” said Buffenbarger. “It was a near-total lack of government regulation that allowed the financial meltdown of our economy in 1929. It took a new President, a new Congress and the New Deal to restore fairness to our laws and our economy.” President Buffenbarger urged delegates to return home with a renewed commitment to speak out on issues and to be fully involved in the upcoming elections. “The penalty for not getting involved in politics is being governed by your inferiors,” said the IP. Delegates also heard from Cameron Findlay, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Dept. of Labor. “Our being here is a sign of respect for your president and for this great union,” said Findlay, whose later comments supporting the Bush administration tax cut drew a sharp reaction from delegates.
Rumsfeld’s Plan Moves Forward in Congress The Rumsfeld plan takes aim at the federal employees’ right to collectively bargain, their pay and performance systems, the appeals process during disciplinary proceedings, current whistleblower protections, and much more. Rumsfeld also wants to gut “Buy American” provisions and allow the Pentagon to shop offshore for military services and equipment. The Senate is now acting on Rumsfeld’s plan. Frank Carelli, IAM Director of Government Employees, urges all members to contact their Senators and urge them to oppose Rumsfeld’s plan. Click on Action Alert to send them an email In addition, talking points have been developed to assist locals in communicating with Congress and the community.
Bush Tax Bill Dumps Children Opponents of the child care credit claimed it was far too expensive, $3.5 billion, to be left in the tax bill. At the same time, the measure provides a whopping $90 billion in tax cuts for those earning $1 million or more a year, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Missouri Auto Tech’s Vote IAM “This was not an easy campaign,” said Mark Conner, District 9 Organizer. "The company spent thousands of dollars to fight 10 technicians’ desire to have IAM representation. "The overwhelming vote was due to the fact that there were three former IAM Local Lodge 777 members who were able to extinguish the anti-union propaganda." The IAM Midwest Territory would like to congratulate DBR Phil Gruber, Organizer Mark Conner and Organizer Scott Stackle on the hard fought win.
Organizing Win Adds 83 in Illinois "The
main reason Huck Store Fixture Company went IAM was to have a strong voice
at their work place and the security of an IAM negotiated contract," said
IAM Business Representative Terry Lindley. Lindley credited the In-Plant
Committee's hard work and leadership for the organizing victory. |
See who works for you, how the IAM is structured, and what services the IAM offers. Go to: IAM profiles for 2003. The 108th Congressional Directory . . . get your copy. Send $5 to the MNPL Education Fund, c/o IAMAW, 9000 Machinists Place, Upper Marlboro, MD, 20772. Everyday discounts and benefits for union members. Go to: Union Privileg
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. |
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