Machinists Union Applauds the Passage of the FAA Reauthorization Bill

Machinists Union Applauds the Passage of the FAA Reauthorization Bill

May 16, 2024 | Featured, Featured News, Front Page, MNPL, Perusals, Recent News, Recent News, Row 2

Machinists Union Applauds the Passage of the FAA Reauthorization Bill

Machinists Union Applauds the Passage of the FAA Reauthorization Bill

IAM141.org
16 May 2024

WASHINGTON — The Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, H.R. 3935, reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through 2028. This comprehensive bill, led by Representative Sam Graves (R-MO), covers airport planning, development, facilities, equipment, and operations. Key provisions include increasing air traffic controller hiring targets, creating a workforce development program for aviation professionals, and enhancing protections for airline workers. The bill has attracted widespread bipartisan support, reflecting its critical importance to the aviation industry.

IAM International President Brian Bryant emphasized the bill’s importance, stating, “While the bill, H.R. 3935, does not address all the IAM’s demands in an FAA reauthorization package, it does include several of our requested provisions and will ultimately help improve the safety and working conditions of our air transport members.”

The bill addresses a wide range of issues crucial to the aviation industry. It directs the FAA to hire and train more air traffic controllers to fill the current gap of 3,000 vacancies. It also mandates increased access to training simulators across air traffic control towers nationwide. To enhance runway safety, the bill requires the installation of additional runway technology at medium and large hub airports.

Passenger protections are also a significant focus of the legislation. The bill mandates that the Department of Transportation (DOT) establish standards to ensure the aircraft boarding and deplaning process is accessible for individuals with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs. Additionally, airlines are required to seat young children next to an accompanying adult without charging extra fees if adjacent seats are available.

The bill further enhances protections for airline workers by expanding legal protections to ground-based employees, such as gate and check-in agents, and improving self-defense training for flight attendants. Bryant noted, “This legislation offers some positive means to ensure the safety and well-being of workers and passengers. For instance, we’ve witnessed the increase in passenger attacks towards aviation workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve also witnessed the string of tragic accidents and fatalities of ramp workers like in April 2023 when an American Airlines’ ramp worker died while working on the tarmac at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas. Policy changes are needed and this FAA reauthorization legislation, while not perfect, offers many much-needed positive changes for passenger and worker safety and helps transform this vital industry into the future.”

It also includes provisions for increasing cockpit voice recording to 25 hours, enhancing oversight of aircraft production, and ensuring automatic cash refunds for canceled or substantially delayed flights.

The bill also provides for the establishment of an FAA Ombudsman to coordinate responses to issues related to aircraft certifications, pilot certificates, and operational approvals. The legislation also mandates a peer review of current aviation whistleblower protections and requires the FAA to work directly with the Department of Labor on whistleblower cases.

Now that the bill has passed in the House, it will head to President Joe Biden for his signature. Once signed into law, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act will provide the necessary framework and funding to ensure the continued safety and efficiency of the U.S. aviation industry through 2028.

Overall, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act aims to improve aviation safety, enhance protections for passengers and airline workers, and invest in airport and air travel infrastructure nationwide.

We have a quick favor to ask. If only 10% of union members sign up for regular donations to support important legislative and regulatory goals like this, we can put airline workers front and center on Capitol Hill. Becoming a recurring donor is more than a contribution—it’s a commitment to our cause and a testament to the power of collective action. Every donation helps, no matter the size.

Donate Today - and THANK YOU

Related News

Pre-Negotiation Surveys at American Airlines are Now Open

Pre-Negotiation Surveys at American Airlines are Now Open

Apr 1, 2024

To all Fleet Service Association Members employed at American Airlines:We are contractually permitted to begin Section 6 Negotiations with American Airlines in September of this year. In preparation for those negotiations, we will be surveying all Association Members...

Stay up to date with all the latest news and information from the District 141 of the Machinists Union

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Machinists Union Applauds the Passage of the FAA Reauthorization Bill

16 May 2024

WASHINGTON — The Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, H.R. 3935, reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through 2028. This comprehensive bill, led by Representative Sam Graves (R-MO), covers airport planning, development, facilities, equipment, and operations. Key provisions include increasing air traffic controller hiring targets, creating a workforce development program for aviation professionals, and enhancing protections for airline workers. The bill has attracted widespread bipartisan support, reflecting its critical importance to the aviation industry.

IAM International President Brian Bryant emphasized the bill’s importance, stating, “While the bill, H.R. 3935, does not address all the IAM’s demands in an FAA reauthorization package, it does include several of our requested provisions and will ultimately help improve the safety and working conditions of our air transport members.”

The bill addresses a wide range of issues crucial to the aviation industry. It directs the FAA to hire and train more air traffic controllers to fill the current gap of 3,000 vacancies. It also mandates increased access to training simulators across air traffic control towers nationwide. To enhance runway safety, the bill requires the installation of additional runway technology at medium and large hub airports.

Passenger protections are also a significant focus of the legislation. The bill mandates that the Department of Transportation (DOT) establish standards to ensure the aircraft boarding and deplaning process is accessible for individuals with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs. Additionally, airlines are required to seat young children next to an accompanying adult without charging extra fees if adjacent seats are available.

The bill further enhances protections for airline workers by expanding legal protections to ground-based employees, such as gate and check-in agents, and improving self-defense training for flight attendants. Bryant noted, “This legislation offers some positive means to ensure the safety and well-being of workers and passengers. For instance, we’ve witnessed the increase in passenger attacks towards aviation workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve also witnessed the string of tragic accidents and fatalities of ramp workers like in April 2023 when an American Airlines’ ramp worker died while working on the tarmac at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas. Policy changes are needed and this FAA reauthorization legislation, while not perfect, offers many much-needed positive changes for passenger and worker safety and helps transform this vital industry into the future.”

It also includes provisions for increasing cockpit voice recording to 25 hours, enhancing oversight of aircraft production, and ensuring automatic cash refunds for canceled or substantially delayed flights.

The bill also provides for the establishment of an FAA Ombudsman to coordinate responses to issues related to aircraft certifications, pilot certificates, and operational approvals. The legislation also mandates a peer review of current aviation whistleblower protections and requires the FAA to work directly with the Department of Labor on whistleblower cases.

Now that the bill has passed in the House, it will head to President Joe Biden for his signature. Once signed into law, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act will provide the necessary framework and funding to ensure the continued safety and efficiency of the U.S. aviation industry through 2028.

Overall, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act aims to improve aviation safety, enhance protections for passengers and airline workers, and invest in airport and air travel infrastructure nationwide.

We have a quick favor to ask. If only 10% of union members sign up for regular donations to support important legislative and regulatory goals like this, we can put airline workers front and center on Capitol Hill. Becoming a recurring donor is more than a contribution—it’s a commitment to our cause and a testament to the power of collective action. Every donation helps, no matter the size.

Donate Today - and THANK YOU

Related

Pre-Negotiation Surveys at American Airlines are Now Open

Pre-Negotiation Surveys at American Airlines are Now Open

Apr 1, 2024

To all Fleet Service Association Members employed at American Airlines:We are contractually permitted to begin Section 6 Negotiations with American Airlines in September of this year. In preparation for those negotiations, we will be surveying all Association Members...

Reality Check: The Fallacy of “Just Save More” and Why Union Protections Matter More Than Ever

Reality Check: The Fallacy of “Just Save More” and Why Union Protections Matter More Than Ever

May 13, 2024 | Featured, Front Page, Perusals, Recent News, Recent News, retirement, Row 2

Reality Check: The Fallacy of “Just Save More” and Why Union Protections Matter More Than Ever

Reality Check: The Fallacy of “Just Save More” and Why Union Protections Matter More Than Ever

IAM141.org
13 May 2024

Last month, T. Rowe Price issued recommendations on retirement savings that, while perhaps well-intentioned, come across as not only unrealistic but downright insulting to many working Americans. They suggest that by age 35, someone earning $60,000 annually should have saved between $60,000 and $90,000. By the time they reach 60, that savings should balloon to $750,000 to $1,100,000. These figures might work in theory, but for most, they’re nothing short of a fantasy.

T. Rowe Price proposes a plan that sounds deceptively simple: start saving early and increase your savings rate over time. They advise beginning with 6% of your income at age 25 and gradually bumping it up each year. According to them, this will help maintain your lifestyle in retirement without relying too heavily on Social Security. But this advice, while it might delight your inner stoic, completely disregards the financial realities faced by most people today.

To understand how out of touch this advice is, consider the stark difference between the average and median savings rates in the U.S. The average savings account balance might be over $65,000, but this figure is skewed by the ultra-wealthy. The median savings account balance—reflecting what most Americans actually have—is less than $8,000. This huge disparity highlights just how unrealistic these savings targets are for the vast majority of people.

Moreover, the cost of living paints a grimmer picture. The average rent in the United States is around $1,500 per month, and in many major markets, it’s much higher. For someone earning $60,000 a year, after taxes, they might have just over $30,000 left to cover all other expenses—food, transportation, healthcare, student loans, and more. Under these conditions, saving $60,000 to $90,000 by age 35, let alone $750,000 to over a million by age 60, is nearly impossible.

This advice also fails to account for the broader economic challenges many face, such as stagnant wages, rising living costs, and economic disruptions like the pandemic. These factors make it clear that the problem isn’t a lack of discipline or intelligence among workers but systemic issues that financial advisors often overlook.

The idea that young people can simply forgo the latest iPhones and $10 coffees to afford retirement is not just out of touch—it’s insulting. It suggests that financial struggles are the result of frivolous spending rather than real economic pressures. This perspective ignores the reality that many are doing their best just to make ends meet. It’s not about skipping a few luxuries; it’s about the fundamental affordability of living and saving in today’s economy.

In stark contrast, unionized workers often have access to defined benefit pension plans that provide a steady income in retirement. These pensions, secured through collective bargaining, offer a level of financial security that individual savings plans often can’t match. For union members, retirement isn’t just about scraping by—it’s about living with dignity and stability.

The message is clear: while saving money is important, it alone isn’t enough to ensure a comfortable retirement. Structural supports, like those provided by unions, are crucial in securing the kind of retirement that financial advisors dream about. It’s time for financial advice to align more closely with the realities of most Americans’ lives and recognize the importance of collective action in achieving financial security.

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Pre-Negotiation Surveys at American Airlines are Now Open

Pre-Negotiation Surveys at American Airlines are Now Open

Apr 1, 2024

To all Fleet Service Association Members employed at American Airlines:We are contractually permitted to begin Section 6 Negotiations with American Airlines in September of this year. In preparation for those negotiations, we will be surveying all Association Members...

Stay up to date with all the latest news and information from the District 141 of the Machinists Union

Sign up for Email Alerts

Reality Check: The Fallacy of “Just Save More” and Why Union Protections Matter More Than Ever

13 May 2024

Last month, T. Rowe Price issued recommendations on retirement savings that, while perhaps well-intentioned, come across as not only unrealistic but downright insulting to many working Americans. They suggest that by age 35, someone earning $60,000 annually should have saved between $60,000 and $90,000. By the time they reach 60, that savings should balloon to $750,000 to $1,100,000. These figures might work in theory, but for most, they’re nothing short of a fantasy.

T. Rowe Price proposes a plan that sounds deceptively simple: start saving early and increase your savings rate over time. They advise beginning with 6% of your income at age 25 and gradually bumping it up each year. According to them, this will help maintain your lifestyle in retirement without relying too heavily on Social Security. But this advice, while it might delight your inner stoic, completely disregards the financial realities faced by most people today.

To understand how out of touch this advice is, consider the stark difference between the average and median savings rates in the U.S. The average savings account balance might be over $65,000, but this figure is skewed by the ultra-wealthy. The median savings account balance—reflecting what most Americans actually have—is less than $8,000. This huge disparity highlights just how unrealistic these savings targets are for the vast majority of people.

Moreover, the cost of living paints a grimmer picture. The average rent in the United States is around $1,500 per month, and in many major markets, it’s much higher. For someone earning $60,000 a year, after taxes, they might have just over $30,000 left to cover all other expenses—food, transportation, healthcare, student loans, and more. Under these conditions, saving $60,000 to $90,000 by age 35, let alone $750,000 to over a million by age 60, is nearly impossible.

This advice also fails to account for the broader economic challenges many face, such as stagnant wages, rising living costs, and economic disruptions like the pandemic. These factors make it clear that the problem isn’t a lack of discipline or intelligence among workers but systemic issues that financial advisors often overlook.

The idea that young people can simply forgo the latest iPhones and $10 coffees to afford retirement is not just out of touch—it’s insulting. It suggests that financial struggles are the result of frivolous spending rather than real economic pressures. This perspective ignores the reality that many are doing their best just to make ends meet. It’s not about skipping a few luxuries; it’s about the fundamental affordability of living and saving in today’s economy.

In stark contrast, unionized workers often have access to defined benefit pension plans that provide a steady income in retirement. These pensions, secured through collective bargaining, offer a level of financial security that individual savings plans often can’t match. For union members, retirement isn’t just about scraping by—it’s about living with dignity and stability.

The message is clear: while saving money is important, it alone isn’t enough to ensure a comfortable retirement. Structural supports, like those provided by unions, are crucial in securing the kind of retirement that financial advisors dream about. It’s time for financial advice to align more closely with the realities of most Americans’ lives and recognize the importance of collective action in achieving financial security.

Related

Pre-Negotiation Surveys at American Airlines are Now Open

Pre-Negotiation Surveys at American Airlines are Now Open

Apr 1, 2024

To all Fleet Service Association Members employed at American Airlines:We are contractually permitted to begin Section 6 Negotiations with American Airlines in September of this year. In preparation for those negotiations, we will be surveying all Association Members...

Union Members at O’Hare Walk Out on Kirby; Sick and Tired of the Same Old Lip Service

Union Members at O’Hare Walk Out on Kirby; Sick and Tired of the Same Old Lip Service

May 6, 2024 | Featured, Featured News, Front Page, Other News, Perusals, Recent News, Row 2, United

Union Members at O’Hare Walk Out on Kirby; Sick and Tired of the Same Old Lip Service

7 May 2024

United Airlines is no longer the airline it was under Oscar Muñoz. From 2015 to 2020, this company respected its employees, and, in return, those workers gave the airline the best years in its history.

Recently, United management has been eliminating Customer Service Centers and developing metrics that force our members to meet unreasonable demands. This practice has resulted in poor customer service for our passengers, including mis-boards, as well as increases in damages and on-the-job injuries.

Moreover, company management is demanding that Reservations Agents maintain scorecards of 97% or higher or face unfair discipline. Now, top management has launched an outright assault on Protected Work related to the movement of jet bridges by Passenger Service Employees.

Our Union Membership has had enough. 

Last week, United CEO Scott Kirby walked into a Customer Service Breakroom in Chicago to meet with front-line union members. He had hoped to pose for selfies and chat about how much United values its workers. Instead, all but two employees walked out on him.

Under Article 2 A 1 of the Passenger Service contract, the movement of jet bridges is protected as core work. Despite the clarity of the contractual language, United is insisting that it has the right to move that work to other groups.

In response,  last week, we also concluded a two-day arbitration case to let United management know we are protecting the work of IAM-represented Customer Service Representatives.

The company claims it can assign anyone to do any work covered under the airline’s seven different contracts. Management’s flawed logic would mean that a Customer Service Representative could be told to walk down the jet bridge, position a belt loader to an aircraft, and offload the aircraft. If that sounds like nonsense, that’s because it IS nonsense.

It’s also a sign of absolute disrespect to every IAM member covered under any IAM collective bargaining agreement at United Airlines. Even more maddening, Article 2 A 1 of the Fleet Service contract explicitly states that the movement of a jet bridge is NOT Fleet Service work.

This grievance is in no way an attempt to take work away from our Move Team sisters and brothers. In fact, it’s just the opposite: the goal is to help the Move Team do their job more efficiently by holding the Company accountable for assigning a Customer Service Representative to each aircraft brought to the terminal from another area.

A final decision from this arbitration hearing will take some time to arrive. Both sides are allotted around 30 days to write their post-hearing briefs. Once his process is complete, the Arbitrator will render a decision based on all the evidence and witness testimony.

We expect the decision to be handed down in July.  When we do, we will immediately report back to the membership.

Mike Klemm,
PDGC, District 141,
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
LGR

Recording Secretaries: Please print and post on all IAMAW bulletin Boards.

Get Printable Copy
Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

May 3, 2024 | Featured, Featured News, Front Page, GOIAM Stories, MNPL, Perusals, Recent News, Row 2, Safety

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

IAM141.org
3 May 2024

On April 28, the Machinists Union gathered to honor workers lost to preventable accidents on Workers Memorial Day, pledging to continue the fight for safer working conditions.

Workers Memorial Day serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost to workplace hazards and the need for better safety standards. Among those remembered was Albert Williams, a highly respected ramp agent at United Airlines, who tragically suffered a severe health crisis while at work and passed away in August 2022. A dedicated union representative, he was deeply involved in community service events through Houston’s Local Lodge 811, where he also served as an auditor. Born in Louisiana, Williams was a devoted father and avid LSU football fan.

Although he never got to see his sons reach their college football dreams, he would have been proud. AJ, his younger son, won a football scholarship, and is now a freshman at Mary-Harden Baylor. His elder son, Zion Williams, is close to graduating from the University of Houston.  His daughter, Jaden, is a medical assistant in the Dallas area. Williams had been married to his wife Jaha for 20 years before his untimely passing.

Albert was among the workers honored at this year’s ceremony. 

Albert Williams Community

From Right, Gary Welch, Victor Hernandez, and Albert Williams at a Community BBQ

Bricks at the Worker’s Memorial

Screenshot

Machinists Union Worker’s Memorial

Albert Williams Going Home

Albert Williams

“Despite all of our progress, we are still reminded every year of the dangerous nature of our work,” emphasized IAM International President Brian Bryant. “We are reminded that it is our union’s most sacred duty to ensure our members’ safety.”

The ceremony was held at the IAM William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center at Workers’ Memorial Park. It brought together union members and leaders to honor workers who lost their lives due to preventable workplace injuries and illnesses. The event emphasized the importance of continuing to advocate for strong safety standards in workplaces across the country. A wreath was laid at the memorial to pay tribute to those who had passed, and attendees observed a moment of silence in their honor.

Brian Bryant and Michael Oathout, IAM Safety and Health Director, delivered remarks urging members to hold employers accountable and fight for safe working conditions. Oathout stated, “We must continue to bond together to keep our families, coworkers, and neighbors safe. We must hold employers accountable to keep workers safe. We must fight to protect our fundamental right to a safe job.” The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the human cost of unsafe workplaces and the need for continued vigilance in protecting workers’ rights to a safe job.

Recent statistics on workplace fatalities emphasize the urgency of this cause. In 2022, workplace fatalities rose by 5.7%, resulting in 5,486 deaths, with transportation incidents being the leading cause, accounting for 37.7% of all deaths. Violence-related deaths also saw an increase of 11.6%, underscoring the range of risks that workers face. Workers in transportation and material moving occupations experienced the highest number of fatalities, followed by construction workers. Additionally, significant disparities were found in fatality rates among different demographics, particularly Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino workers.

These statistics highlight the critical importance of workplace safety initiatives and reinforce the need for stronger regulations to prevent these preventable tragedies.

To watch the ceremony, click here. To view the full photo gallery, click here.

Fallen Members: 18
Frederick M. Anderson, Jr. – TCU/IAM Local 6334
James Balk – IAM Local 2777
Albert Banks Sr. – IAM Local 1445
Matthew Carter – IAM Local 4 
Derek James Etzcorn – IAM Local 1635
Bryan Fleigle – IAM Local 175
Daniel Fumar – IAM Local 1781
Sandra Grosberger – IAM Local 175
John Hammerbacker Jr. – IAM Local 175
Sherri Harrison – IAM Local 175
Devvin Patrick Hasson – TCU/IAM Local 6004
Otha “Jay” Jones Jr. – IAM Local 2003
Kevin Lamond – IAM Local 175
Robert “Jeff” Moore – IAM Local 18
Robert H. Skinner – IAM Local 18
Christina Smith – IAM Local 1635
Danny Suafoa – IAM Local 2202/District 142
Terry Trowbridge – IAM Local 175 

Special Remembrances: 11
Retired Business Rep for IAM Local 1769/District 75 – Charles Cooper Jr.
Retired IAM Local 2003 Member – Carl “CT”  Dean
Retired GST Special Assistant – Steven Dunn
Retired Railroad Coordinator/General Chair – Mark “Flip” Filipovic
Grand Lodge Auditor – Michael Gonzales
Retired Western Territory Chief of Staff – Robert Gregory
Retired Director of Legislative and MNPL – William Holayter
Retired IAM Local 1125 Life Member – Wayne Ihrig
Retired Headquarters Resident General Vice President – George Poulin 
Retired Grand Lodge Representative – Jack Sams
Retired IAM Local  777 Member – Terry R. Sutton

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Pre-Negotiation Surveys at American Airlines are Now Open

Pre-Negotiation Surveys at American Airlines are Now Open

Apr 1, 2024

To all Fleet Service Association Members employed at American Airlines:We are contractually permitted to begin Section 6 Negotiations with American Airlines in September of this year. In preparation for those negotiations, we will be surveying all Association Members...

Stay up to date with all the latest news and information from the District 141 of the Machinists Union

Sign up for Email Alerts

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

3 May 2024

On April 28, the Machinists Union gathered to honor workers lost to preventable accidents on Workers Memorial Day, pledging to continue the fight for safer working conditions.

Workers Memorial Day serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost to workplace hazards and the need for better safety standards. Among those remembered was Albert Williams, a highly respected ramp agent at United Airlines, who tragically suffered a severe health crisis while at work and passed away in August 2022. A dedicated union representative, he was deeply involved in community service events through Houston’s Local Lodge 811, where he also served as an auditor. Born in Louisiana, Williams was a devoted father and avid LSU football fan.

Although he never got to see his sons reach their college football dreams, he would have been proud. AJ, his younger son, won a football scholarship, and is now a freshman at Mary-Harden Baylor. His elder son, Zion Williams, is close to graduating from the University of Houston.  His daughter, Jaden, is a medical assistant in the Dallas area. Williams had been married to his wife Jaha for 20 years before his untimely passing.

Albert was among the workers honored at this year’s ceremony.

Albert Williams Community

From Right, Gary Welch, Victor Hernandez, and Albert Williams at a Community BBQ

Bricks at the Worker’s Memorial

Screenshot

Machinists Union Worker’s Memorial

Albert Williams Going Home

Albert Williams

“Despite all of our progress, we are still reminded every year of the dangerous nature of our work,” emphasized IAM International President Brian Bryant. “We are reminded that it is our union’s most sacred duty to ensure our members’ safety.”

The ceremony was held at the IAM William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center at Workers’ Memorial Park. It brought together union members and leaders to honor workers who lost their lives due to preventable workplace injuries and illnesses. The event emphasized the importance of continuing to advocate for strong safety standards in workplaces across the country. A wreath was laid at the memorial to pay tribute to those who had passed, and attendees observed a moment of silence in their honor.

Brian Bryant and Michael Oathout, IAM Safety and Health Director, delivered remarks urging members to hold employers accountable and fight for safe working conditions. Oathout stated, “We must continue to bond together to keep our families, coworkers, and neighbors safe. We must hold employers accountable to keep workers safe. We must fight to protect our fundamental right to a safe job.” The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the human cost of unsafe workplaces and the need for continued vigilance in protecting workers’ rights to a safe job.

Recent statistics on workplace fatalities emphasize the urgency of this cause. In 2022, workplace fatalities rose by 5.7%, resulting in 5,486 deaths, with transportation incidents being the leading cause, accounting for 37.7% of all deaths. Violence-related deaths also saw an increase of 11.6%, underscoring the range of risks that workers face. Workers in transportation and material moving occupations experienced the highest number of fatalities, followed by construction workers. Additionally, significant disparities were found in fatality rates among different demographics, particularly Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino workers.

These statistics highlight the critical importance of workplace safety initiatives and reinforce the need for stronger regulations to prevent these preventable tragedies.

To watch the ceremony, click here. To view the full photo gallery, click here.

Fallen Members: 18
Frederick M. Anderson, Jr. – TCU/IAM Local 6334
James Balk – IAM Local 2777
Albert Banks Sr. – IAM Local 1445
Matthew Carter – IAM Local 4 
Derek James Etzcorn – IAM Local 1635
Bryan Fleigle – IAM Local 175
Daniel Fumar – IAM Local 1781
Sandra Grosberger – IAM Local 175
John Hammerbacker Jr. – IAM Local 175
Sherri Harrison – IAM Local 175
Devvin Patrick Hasson – TCU/IAM Local 6004
Otha “Jay” Jones Jr. – IAM Local 2003
Kevin Lamond – IAM Local 175
Robert “Jeff” Moore – IAM Local 18
Robert H. Skinner – IAM Local 18
Christina Smith – IAM Local 1635
Danny Suafoa – IAM Local 2202/District 142
Terry Trowbridge – IAM Local 175 

Special Remembrances: 11
Retired Business Rep for IAM Local 1769/District 75 – Charles Cooper Jr.
Retired IAM Local 2003 Member – Carl “CT”  Dean
Retired GST Special Assistant – Steven Dunn
Retired Railroad Coordinator/General Chair – Mark “Flip” Filipovic
Grand Lodge Auditor – Michael Gonzales
Retired Western Territory Chief of Staff – Robert Gregory
Retired Director of Legislative and MNPL – William Holayter
Retired IAM Local 1125 Life Member – Wayne Ihrig
Retired Headquarters Resident General Vice President – George Poulin 
Retired Grand Lodge Representative – Jack Sams
Retired IAM Local  777 Member – Terry R. Sutton

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Pre-Negotiation Surveys at American Airlines are Now Open

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Apr 1, 2024

To all Fleet Service Association Members employed at American Airlines:We are contractually permitted to begin Section 6 Negotiations with American Airlines in September of this year. In preparation for those negotiations, we will be surveying all Association Members...

Association Update

Association Update

May 1, 2024 | American, Featured, Front Page, Other News, Recent News, Row 2, The Association, Uncategorized

Recording Secretaries – Please print and post on all IAMAW Bulletin Boards. GET PRINTABLE COPY >>

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Pre-Negotiation Surveys at American Airlines are Now Open

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Apr 1, 2024

To all Fleet Service Association Members employed at American Airlines:We are contractually permitted to begin Section 6 Negotiations with American Airlines in September of this year. In preparation for those negotiations, we will be surveying all Association Members...