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from the IAM communications department |
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Tuesday, July 17, 2001
Today’s the Day to Halt ‘Fast Track’ Today is Stop Fast Track e-Activist National Call-In Day. Call your members of Congress toll-free at 1-800-393-1082. Tell them that working families need fair and balanced trade, which protects people and the environment—NOT “fast track.” Don’t delay. It’s time to pick up the phone and add your voice to the chorus of protest against that “fast track” legislation that gives President Bush and his corporate cronies the power to ram trade agreements through Congress with little debate or modification. That’s a sure-fire formula for more lop-sided trade deals like NAFTA. If Bush wins this round, we’ll lose even more jobs, suffer wage erosion and more pollution of our air and water. Make your calls today. Urge your members of Congress to stand up for working families and to stand fast against “fast track.” Dial the toll-free number, 1-800-393-1082, and make your voice heard. You CAN make a difference. For more information go to the IAM’s Legislative Alert at http://www.goiam.org/politics.asp
Workers Rip Into First Ergonomics Hearing The first of three ergonomic hearings staged by the Department of Labor unexpectedly became a forum for workers and their advocates. Hundreds of union members appeared and demanded real workplace protection against the painful injuries caused by repetitive and poorly designed jobs. The hearing, held at George Mason University in Arlington, Virginia, saw AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka slam the Bush administration for overturning the nation’s first federal ergonomic standard. “We are going to go to Congress and the courts and do whatever it takes to see that workers have protection and (that) a strong ergonomics standard is the law of the land,” pledged Trumka. The first proposal for ergonomics protection surfaced in 1990. Yet, despite more than a decade of scientific research, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is using the trio of hearings to start over by asking the questions: What is an ergonomics injury; how can it be determined to be work related; and what can the government do? “There are more than 500,000 workers who suffered ergonomic injuries since the federal standard was overturned in March,” said Mike Flynn, IAM Safety and Health Director. “We are going to use these hearings to make a strong statement about the painful state of workplace safety in America.” The next hearing is scheduled for July 20 in Chicago. For more information and directions, click on to the Safety and Health page of the IAM website at http://www.goiam.org/visit.asp?c=1719.
NLRB: Avondale Shipyard was “Reckless” An NLRB judge ordered Avondale Shipyard to repay $5.4 million to the U.S. Navy, to re-hire—with full back pay and benefits—22 illegally fired workers and pay the legal fees incurred by unions and the federal government for defending those workers. Avondale’s total liability is nearly $10 million for its misconduct during the past eight years. The shipyard waged a virulently anti-union campaign against workers trying to organize the Louisiana facility. The IAM and other unions joined the AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department in the organizing effort. NLRB Judge Philip McLeod described the company’s anti-union campaign as “broad in scope, reckless in implementation, and … likely to have a continuing coercive effect on the free exercise of employee rights for some time to come.” He was especially critical of Avondale’s use of taxpayer dollars to defend its actions. “It is patently contrary to public policy for Avondale
to pass its costs for litigating these cases back to the U.S. government,”
he said.
Midwest Territory Makes Staff Appointments GVP Alex M. Bay announced two new staff appointments in the Midwest Territory. Brother Luther Williams has been promoted to Grand Lodge Special Representative. Brother Edward Lewis, Jr. will replace Williams as the Midwest Territory’s Education Representative. Both appointments are effective July 2, 2001. Williams is a member of Local Lodge 97 in Norfolk, Virginia. He brings to his position many years of grassroots unionism and numerous positions in his local and district lodges. GVP Bay described him as “a dedicated and passionate trade unionist whose skills and commitment will help advance the interests and goals of the IAM.” Lewis is a member of Local Lodge 1650 in Kansas City, Missouri. He brings to his appointment an impressive career in the trade union movement that has spanned more than 30 years. He has held countless positions in his district and local, his most recent being Human Rights Coordinator. Lewis has extensive experience on various councils and boards in the Greater Kansas City area as well as nationally, and has received numerous awards for his outstanding achievements. “He is an activist who has promoted equality in the community and the workplace for many years,” stated GVP Bay. Related Link:
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