Machinists Union Joins Call for Police Reform, Racial Justice

Machinists Union Joins Call for Police Reform, Racial Justice

Jun 16, 2020 | Community Service, Community Service Page, Front Page, MNPL, Row 2, Uncategorized | 0 comments

The IAM is supporting recommendations issued by the AFL-CIO’s general board to take concrete action to address America’s long history of racism.

The board approved the recommendations after emergency meetings of the AFL-CIO Committees on Civil and Human Rights and the AFL-CIO Committee on Legislation and Policy. Both committees discussed the murder of George Floyd and unanimously agreed to actions the labor movement could take to address racial injustice and police brutality against people of color.

Read the full AFL-CIO general board recommendations.

Members and leaders of the IAM are also encouraged to participate in future central labor council community listening sessions on racial justice.

“On behalf of myself and the entire IAM Executive Council, we ask everyone in our union family to not only participate in these discussions, but take a look inward and see how you can be part of the solution,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Our union has a proud history of human rights activism. We will always stand firm in our belief that any form of discrimination has no place in our society.”

Read Martinez’s full statement addressing racial justice.

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Helping Hands Newsletter: Healthy Workplace Relationships

Helping Hands Newsletter: Healthy Workplace Relationships

May 14, 2020 | Community Service, Community Service Page, COVID, EAP, Featured, Featured News, Front Page, Helping Hands, Home, Home, Uncategorized | 0 comments

EAP Peers;

As many communities and states start to ease the restrictions everyone has been under, there will be concerns about returning to the workplace. For most of us, we have been at work as essential workers. Returning to the workplace isn’t an issue because we have continued to be in the workplace. There are many physical issues that have been and will be addressed. Of concern also are the relationships in the workplace. Each of us brings our own set of concerns about what our workplace will look like going forward. This issue focuses on workplace relationships. 

There are ideas about how to foster positive relationships in the workplace. Additionally, responding to co-workers when they are anxious, depressed or showing any signs of not coping are addressed.

The EAP peer network is an important part of the corona virus recovery. Thank you for continuing to be a part of this network! I am grateful for each one of you and all of the support you are giving to everyone around you. We will get through this!

Bryan,
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Houston Locals 2198 and 811 Lobby to Avoid Crowded Busses

Houston Locals 2198 and 811 Lobby to Avoid Crowded Busses

Apr 12, 2020 | Community Service, Community Service Page, COVID, Featured, Front Page, Home, Home, Safety, Safety, Uncategorized | 0 comments

After unions called on authorities to bring down the cost of parking at Houstons’ airports during the COVID-19 outbreak, Airport Commissioner Mario Diaz announced that free parking passes would be issued for airport workers.

Victor Hernandez, Assistant General Chairperson from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District 141, said, “Our employees park remotely and have to take a bus to the terminal, but these buses are packed like sardines. It is nearly impossible to practice social distancing. Our union asked the city of Houston and Houston airport system to make airport terminal parking available to airport workers at no or low cost, and after weeks of advocacy they listened.”

Hernandez and other Union activists in Houston were able to secure hundreds of free parking passes for airline workers, preventing thousands of dollars in fees. More importantly, it will make the commute to work safer for everyone, including those who do not end up using the passes, since the remaining workers will come to work in busses that are much less crowded. 

“Airport workers would like to express appreciation to Mayor Sylvester Turner, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Houston airport system director Mario Diaz, and Ian Wadsworth, Chief Commercial Officer of the Houston airport system, for their support,” said Hernandez.

Hernandez and the International Association of Machinists led the advocacy effort for workers at the airport, with support from the Texas Gulf Coast area labor Federation.

Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation Executive Director Hany Khalil said, “this is a great win for the working people keeping Houston’s airports running. Having a union gives workers a voice to speak up for safety protections on the job and protect public health. But it’s just a start. Working families need the city of Houston to adopt bold measures to protect the health of workers and critical industries and provide relief to workers who have lost jobs and hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

District 141 President Mike Klemm also praised the union in Houston, saying, “This work could not have been done by a single person. This is the kind of effort that can only be done in union with other people that share our same goals. This is one more example of outstanding leadership from our front-line sector. I applaud the women and men of Local Lodges 2198 and 811 for getting this done.”

Our Union is facing the COVID-19 Pandemic together. Everyone is pitching in. Nobody can do it alone. Share the hard work that your local lodge, membership, and committees are doing to help protect airline workers and passengers through this crisis. 

Share Your COVID-19 Story Here
COVID Update: In Memory of Carlos Consuegra

COVID Update: In Memory of Carlos Consuegra

Apr 11, 2020 | Community Service, Community Service Page, COVID, EAP, Featured, Front Page, Home, Home, Safety, Safety | 0 comments

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the news that one of our own, Carlos Consuegra, a Ramp Services Agent at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, passed away from complications related to COVID-19.

Our Brother Carlos was a 12-year veteran at United Airlines who loved his job because it allowed him to travel, something he enjoyed. His daughter Kay described him as a devoted father and a huge sports fan who loved playing and coaching baseball and softball. He also enjoyed singing and karaoke and often took his parents on trips to visit family and close friends. Members of Local 914 remember him as a generous co-worker always willing to share his knowledge with younger members of his team.

Our union family joins his two children, three grandchildren, eight siblings, his parents and his partner in their sorrow. We are doing our best to comfort the family under these difficult circumstances.

Carlos’s passing is a blow to all of us who are facing this unprecedented challenge to our industry and our nation from the front lines. We are in mourning, but this sadness will only strengthen our fight for better protections at work, wider availability of testing and a stronger call to everyone in our communities to do their part to stop the spread of this deadly virus. We must all work harder so we do not have to experience more tragedies like this.

Rest in Peace, Brother Carlos.

In Solidarity,

Mike Klemm
President and Directing General Chair
District 141, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers

VIDEO: Make a Face Cover With a Uniform Scarf

VIDEO: Make a Face Cover With a Uniform Scarf

Apr 6, 2020 | Community Service, Community Service Page, COVID, Featured, Front Page, Home, Home, Safety, Uncategorized, United | 0 comments

CDC recommendations updated to include face coverings.

The Centers for Disease Control continue to study the spread of coronavirus in the United States. Last week, they updated recommendations for people in situations where social distancing can be difficult, such as workplaces like airports or call centers. Wearing a face cover is now encouraged to help slow down the spread of the virus, which can happen even when people are showing no symptoms of the disease. 

Medical grade and one-time-use masks are in short supply and they are urgently needed by healthcare workers. Maintaining a 6-foot distance is still the best way to protect yourself while interacting with others, and using a mask is not a substitute for that practice. The new CDC recommendation however, states that a simple cloth mask is an additional and effective measure. 

Alice Martins from Local 914 in Newark, NJ is working in one of the epicenters of the outbreak of coronavirus. She shared  her video showing how to make a face cover using a United Airlines uniform scarf. All you need is a scarf and two rubber bands – no sewing required! Thank you, Alice!  

What measures are you taking in your city to protect workers from the spread of coronavirus? Let us know in the comments below!

IP Martinez Message to IAMAW Members on COVID-19 Outbreak

IP Martinez Message to IAMAW Members on COVID-19 Outbreak

Mar 14, 2020 | Airlines, American, Community Service, Community Service Page, COVID, EAP, Education, Featured, Front Page, Hawaiian, Home, Home, Philippine, Safety, Safety, Spirit, Uncategorized, United

GOIAM.COM /////////////

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

I know there is much uncertainty surrounding the evolving COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak that has now been classified as a global pandemic. Our daily routines are being affected by the cancellation of many events in an effort to limit the spread of the virus. I want each and every member of our IAM family to know that the IAM is taking all necessary action to keep all of us safe while continuing the important work of our union.

The most important thing each of us can do now is to heed the advice of health officials. Please closely follow guidelines and monitor updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The best way to avoid being exposed to this virus is to:

– Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

– Avoid close contact with people who are sick

– Stay home and seek medical care if you are sick

– Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow

– Wear a facemask if you are sick

– Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily

I also encourage you to monitor the IAM Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Center for more information, specific safety tips for our membership in the healthcare and transportation industries, as well as any updates on changes in IAM operations. Beginning this Saturday, March 14, we have made the decision to suspend programming at the Winpisinger Education and Technology Center for two weeks. We will closely monitor the situation and provide updates on all status changes.

To ensure that everything possible is being done to protect our membership at work, IAM Local Lodge Safety and Health Committees should meet with employers on steps being taken to mitigate the risk of virus transmission. Every employer has the responsibility to do everything necessary to keep its employees safe. Our union has a duty to hold employers responsible to that commitment.

The IAM Grand Lodge is working with elected officials to ensure that sufficient funding is available to respond to the outbreak and that steps are taken to protect jobs in industries that are especially affected by the pandemic.

Lastly, I want our membership to know that we will get through this difficult time together. Throughout our union’s 132-year history, we have always confronted great challenges. Our unity has pulled us through the toughest of times and this situation will be no different.

Let’s be smart, stay safe and continue our march toward dignity and justice for all working people.

Fraternally,

Robert Martinez Jr.
International President