Thursday, November 4, 2004 |
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Mobilize, Organize, Get Out the Vote Campaigns Fail to Reach Young Voters
Warren L. Mart Lee Pearson Dave Ritchie Robert V. Thayer Robert Roach, Jr. Lynn Tucker Robert Martinez James Brown |
Union Members Showed Up in ForceUnion members made sure their concerns about jobs were heard on Election Day. Union households accounted for nearly one out of every four votes cast. “Our members did their part for democracy,” said IAM President Tom Buffenbarger. “They worked hard to register and educate their fellow members about the important issues in this election. I want to thank everyone who put in so much effort to make sure IAM voters knew where the candidates stood on our issues of jobs, affordable healthcare, the right to organize and the right to a safe workplace.” “One quarter of votes cast will be a hard block of voters to ignore,” said Buffenbarger. “Now we’ll see if keeping good jobs in North America is really part of the governing party’s agenda.” Despite a high turnout, which historically favors Democratic candidates, GOP candidates eked out wins in several close Congressional races. The GOP extended its majority to 55 seats in the Senate, up from the current 51. In the House, Majority Leader Tom DeLay’s underhanded redistricting plan in Texas succeeded in knocking off several Democratic incumbents. The result was a net gain for the GOP in the House, who now hold a 231 to 201 majority, up from 229 to 205. According to an election-day survey of union voters, jobs and healthcare topped their concerns in their decision for president. About 65 percent of union members voted for John Kerry and 67 percent of those surveyed said they have only some or very little confidence President Bush will look out for working families. Western Territory Scores Organizing WinDistrict 160 in Seattle, WA added to an impressive string of organizing successes last week by bringing the benefits of IAM membership to 125 federal workers in Silverdale, WA. Under the direction of DBR Don Hursey, District 160 is one of the first IAM district lodges to exceed the new Grand Lodge Convention goal of organizing 250 new members per district per year. Prior to this latest election win, District 160 organizers secured applications for dues check off from 80 percent of the new bargaining unit. Western Territory GVP Lee Pearson congratulated District 160 Organizer Sam Martin, Business Rep Mike Goddard and the entire district for a job well done. "This is a great win, and this district continues to prove that effort and talent can get the job done,” said Pearson. District 250 Helps Stricken MemberRichard “Rick” Wilkinson, a 43-year old member of IAM Local 692 in Vancouver, British Columbia is proof that it pays to belong to the IAM. Recently diagnosed with Lou Gherig’s Disease, Wilkinson bravely endured the battery of medical tests and questions that come with any serious medical condition. Married and the father of two children, Rick also faced the daunting prospect of caring for himself and his family as the disease progressed. With help from IAM District 250 Business Rep Ron Jordan, Rick was able to secure a disability pension and financial assistance to meet his medical and drug expenses. Local IAM members also joined a community fundraising effort that provided money to build wheelchair access in the Wilkinson home. Click here for more information about this IAM member and how his union is helping him meet one of life’s biggest challenges. Woodworkers Contract Survives Ownership ChangeIAM Local W33 members employed at Boise Cascade’s International Falls paper mill in northern Minnesota welcomed news this week that their contract and pension will remain intact despite a change in ownership at the mill. Unlike many corporate transactions that call for existing labor contracts to be renegotiated, the new owners of the International Falls paper mill will continue operations with the existing workers under terms of the current labor contract. Guards at NASA Facility Ratify New AccordIAM members of Local 2552 who provide security at a NASA flight facility in Wallops Island, VA ratified a new contract that increases hourly pay and preserved the workers’ existing pension and health insurance plans. The security guards, who work at the flight facility under contract for Sterling, VA-based Cube Corp., threatened to strike over changes that would have left some employees paying hundreds of dollars each month in insurance premiums. Under the new agreement, workers will retain their current health plan, though they will have to pay some of the premium. The company now pays the entire cost of the plan. IAM negotiators also scored a victory in getting the company to remove an opt-out provision for the workers' pension, a change which would have jeopardized the future of the workers’ pension plan.
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The official site for the 36th Grand
Lodge Convention held in 2004 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Check the "Highlights" section for covrage of Convention events and photos. |