Study: More Workers Demand Employers Pay at Least $76k

Study: More Workers Demand Employers Pay at Least $76k

Study: More Workers Demand Employers Pay

at Least $76k to Start New Job

IAM141.org

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has released the results of a survey that analyzed the experiences of individuals during their job search. The survey had a sample size of over 1,000 respondents and was conducted from October 2020 to March 2021. 

Over the last four months, the average full-time wage that people were offered has gone up to $62,088 from $59,834 in November 2022. However, people are less satisfied with the amount of money they’re getting paid, the non-wage benefits they receive, and their chances of being promoted at their current jobs. 

The average “reservation wage,” which is the lowest salary that people would accept for a new job, has reached a record high of $75,811. This increase is mainly because older people over the age of 45 and those who have attended college are asking for more money.

If people are expecting to get a job offer, the average expected yearly salary has decreased to $58,710 from $61,187 in November 2022. This means people are expecting less money than before. For those who are already employed, the chance of them finding a new employer in the next four months has increased to 12.5%, while the likelihood of them becoming unemployed has risen to 2.5%. Men and people who did not attend college are primarily responsible for the increase in unemployment expectations.

The results show that the time needed to find a job and perceived job availability varies significantly across different demographic groups and income levels.

Individuals with a high school degree or less are taking longer to find a new job than those with a college degree or higher. 

Individuals with a high school degree or less typically needed ten weeks to find a new job, compared to 6 weeks for those with a college degree or higher. Higher levels of education may lead to greater job opportunities and a quicker job search.

The survey also found that women reported longer job search durations than men, with a median duration of 8 weeks for women compared to 6 weeks for men. 

Additionally, job search duration was even longer for Black and Hispanic respondents compared to white respondents. Black and Hispanic job seekers had a median of 9 weeks and eight weeks, respectively, to find a job. By comparison, white respondents only needed 6 weeks.

Another interesting finding of the survey is that people with higher incomes tended to think there were more job openings than those who earned less. 

People with an annual household income of less than $50,000 were less likely to think there were good job opportunities available. Only 31% of these people reported that job availability was good or very good. In contrast, people who made $100,000 or more annually were more likely to think there were good job opportunities available. 59% of these people reported that job availability was good or very good. These findings suggest that income inequality may be a factor in how people view job availability.

The survey also asked respondents about their wage expectations when starting a new job. On average, respondents expected a wage of $20.80 per hour. However, wage expectations varied across different demographic groups and income levels. 

Women expected to be paid less than men, with an expected wage of $19.20 per hour compared to $22.30 per hour for men. 

Additionally, individuals with a high school degree or less expected a lower wage than those with a college degree or higher, with an expected wage of $16.80 per hour compared to $23.20 per hour for those with a college degree or higher. These findings suggest that certain demographic groups and education levels may face wage disparities when starting a new job.

The survey results highlight the importance of understanding the experiences of individuals during their job search. The findings suggest that certain demographic groups and income levels may face additional barriers to employment and may have different perceptions of job availability and wage expectations. This information can be used to inform policies that aim to address income inequality and reduce barriers to employment.

To address the longer job search durations experienced by individuals with a high school degree or less, policymakers may consider investing in education and training programs to provide these individuals with the skills needed to compete in the job market. Additionally, policies that aim to reduce discrimination based on gender and race may help to reduce the disparities in job search duration and wage expectations experienced by specific demographic groups.

Legislation could also include increasing the minimum wage or providing tax credits to low-income individuals to help them make ends meet.

Read the Report Here >>

 

Related News

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the LivingMARYLAND- 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.Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the...

Association Update

Association Update

Today the TWU-IAM Association has served notice to American Airlines of our intent to commence negotiations on all TWU-IAM Association Collective Bargaining Agreements. Recording Secretaries - Please print and post on all IAMAW Bulletin Boards. GET PRINTABLE COPY...

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

Study: More Workers Demand Employers Pay at Least $76k to Start New Job

April 20, 2023

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has released the results of a survey that analyzed the experiences of individuals during their job search. The survey had a sample size of over 1,000 respondents and was conducted from October 2020 to March 2021. 

Over the last four months, the average full-time wage that people were offered has gone up to $62,088 from $59,834 in November 2022. However, people are less satisfied with the amount of money they’re getting paid, the non-wage benefits they receive, and their chances of being promoted at their current jobs. 

The average “reservation wage,” which is the lowest salary that people would accept for a new job, has reached a record high of $75,811. This increase is mainly because older people over the age of 45 and those who have attended college are asking for more money.

If people are expecting to get a job offer, the average expected yearly salary has decreased to $58,710 from $61,187 in November 2022. This means people are expecting less money than before. For those who are already employed, the chance of them finding a new employer in the next four months has increased to 12.5%, while the likelihood of them becoming unemployed has risen to 2.5%. Men and people who did not attend college are primarily responsible for the increase in unemployment expectations.

The results show that the time needed to find a job and perceived job availability varies significantly across different demographic groups and income levels.

Individuals with a high school degree or less are taking longer to find a new job than those with a college degree or higher. 

Individuals with a high school degree or less typically needed ten weeks to find a new job, compared to 6 weeks for those with a college degree or higher. Higher levels of education may lead to greater job opportunities and a quicker job search.

The survey also found that women reported longer job search durations than men, with a median duration of 8 weeks for women compared to 6 weeks for men. 

Additionally, job search duration was even longer for Black and Hispanic respondents compared to white respondents. Black and Hispanic job seekers had a median of 9 weeks and eight weeks, respectively, to find a job. By comparison, white respondents only needed 6 weeks.

Another interesting finding of the survey is that people with higher incomes tended to think there were more job openings than those who earned less. 

People with an annual household income of less than $50,000 were less likely to think there were good job opportunities available. Only 31% of these people reported that job availability was good or very good. In contrast, people who made $100,000 or more annually were more likely to think there were good job opportunities available. 59% of these people reported that job availability was good or very good. These findings suggest that income inequality may be a factor in how people view job availability.

The survey also asked respondents about their wage expectations when starting a new job. On average, respondents expected a wage of $20.80 per hour. However, wage expectations varied across different demographic groups and income levels. 

Women expected to be paid less than men, with an expected wage of $19.20 per hour compared to $22.30 per hour for men. 

Additionally, individuals with a high school degree or less expected a lower wage than those with a college degree or higher, with an expected wage of $16.80 per hour compared to $23.20 per hour for those with a college degree or higher. These findings suggest that certain demographic groups and education levels may face wage disparities when starting a new job.

The survey results highlight the importance of understanding the experiences of individuals during their job search. The findings suggest that certain demographic groups and income levels may face additional barriers to employment and may have different perceptions of job availability and wage expectations. This information can be used to inform policies that aim to address income inequality and reduce barriers to employment.

To address the longer job search durations experienced by individuals with a high school degree or less, policymakers may consider investing in education and training programs to provide these individuals with the skills needed to compete in the job market. Additionally, policies that aim to reduce discrimination based on gender and race may help to reduce the disparities in job search duration and wage expectations experienced by specific demographic groups.

Legislation could also include increasing the minimum wage or providing tax credits to low-income individuals to help them make ends meet.

Read the Report Here >>

Related

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the LivingMARYLAND- 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.Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the...

Association Update

Association Update

Today the TWU-IAM Association has served notice to American Airlines of our intent to commence negotiations on all TWU-IAM Association Collective Bargaining Agreements. Recording Secretaries - Please print and post on all IAMAW Bulletin Boards. GET PRINTABLE COPY...

New Bill Promises Living Wages and Benefits for Airport Workers

New Bill Promises Living Wages and Benefits for Airport Workers

New Bill Promises Living Wages and Benefits for Airport Workers

IAM141.org

Washington D.C.: A new proposed law called the “Good Jobs for Good Airports Act” aims to ensure airport service workers in the United States receive a living wage and important benefits like health care. The law would help create fair working conditions for airport employees and improve airport safety and security nationwide.

Representative Jesús García from Illinois introduced the law. It would apply to small, medium, and large airports that get money from the federal government or federally authorized fees. By focusing on airports that get federal support, the legislation seeks to ensure taxpayer money is used to promote fair labor practices and keep a well-trained aviation workforce.

Representative García said the legislation ensures that the people who help airports run smoothly are treated fairly and receive the benefits they need to support their families. He emphasized the important role that airport service workers have in keeping airports safe and functioning.

SUPPORT THIS LEGISLATION;
Call the Committee at (202) 225-9446

The law would create a system to balance aviation-sector interests without causing major disruptions for the flying public. Airport sponsors would need to certify every year that they pay their service workers a wage and benefits that follow the law. This certification process would help ensure airports are transparent about their labor practices.

The Secretary of Transportation would be in charge of making sure everyone follows the new rules. This oversight would help maintain fairness among airports and ensure that the benefits of the legislation reach the workers it’s meant for.

“Just as airplanes don’t fly without pilots, our aviation system would collapse without airport service workers. Unfortunately, airport workers are often overworked and underpaid. This isn’t just bad for workers, it’s bad for travelers too,” stated Senator Ed Markey, a sponsor of the bill. 

Earlier this year, airport employees urged airlines to address the low-paying jobs at airports. However, with no response from airline CEOs, airport workers took their demands to their elected representatives.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS LEGISLATION >>

“I’m here humbly to ask all of Congress to pass this bill,” expressed Ababuti Oloki, a skycap at Boston Logan International Airport.

While some airport service workers have secured better wages and benefits in an increasing number of states, localities, and airport authorities, numerous major airports still lack any minimum standards beyond the minimum wage. An airport service worker in one city might earn $18/hour for the same job that a worker in another city receives as little as $8/hour.

“The safety of everyone in the planes depends on us, but we’re not respected for the work we do. We make low wages,” said Verna Montalvo, a cabin cleaner at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act of 2022 intends to establish national wage and benefits standards for airport service workers at major airports receiving federal funds. Its goal is to stabilize air travel and ensure there is sufficient, well-trained staff to maintain a strong, safe, and secure aviation system.

The legislation has gained support from members of the CWA, Unite Here!, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), the Transport Workers Union (TWU), the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), and the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers (NCFO).

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS LEGISLATION >>

The law would apply to airport grants and terminal programs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Funding for airport infrastructure and terminals would depend on whether the airports follow the labor standards for service workers. This approach encourages airports to adopt fair labor practices to get the funding they need for improvements and expansions.

Labor unions support the proposed law because they’ve long pushed for better working conditions and wages for airport service workers. Some airport operators also support the legislation, as they see the benefits of having a stable, well-paid workforce for improving airport security and efficiency.

The “Good Jobs for Good Airports Act” has been sent to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for more consideration. The committee will likely examine the bill’s details, potential impacts, and any needed changes before it goes to a vote.

If passed, the law would help airport service workers get the minimum wages and benefits they need to support their families and help keep the nation’s airports safe and secure. 

Read the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act >>

 

Related News

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the LivingMARYLAND- 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.Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the...

Association Update

Association Update

Today the TWU-IAM Association has served notice to American Airlines of our intent to commence negotiations on all TWU-IAM Association Collective Bargaining Agreements. Recording Secretaries - Please print and post on all IAMAW Bulletin Boards. GET PRINTABLE COPY...

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

New Bill Promises Living Wages and Benefits for Airport Workers

April 20, 2023

Washington D.C.: A new proposed law called the “Good Jobs for Good Airports Act” aims to ensure airport service workers in the United States receive a living wage and important benefits like health care. The law would help create fair working conditions for airport employees and improve airport safety and security nationwide.

Representative Jesús García from Illinois introduced the law. It would apply to small, medium, and large airports that get money from the federal government or federally authorized fees. By focusing on airports that get federal support, the legislation seeks to ensure taxpayer money is used to promote fair labor practices and keep a well-trained aviation workforce.

Representative García said the legislation ensures that the people who help airports run smoothly are treated fairly and receive the benefits they need to support their families. He emphasized the important role that airport service workers have in keeping airports safe and functioning.

SUPPORT THIS LEGISLATION;
Call the Committee at (202) 225-9446

The law would create a system to balance aviation-sector interests without causing major disruptions for the flying public. Airport sponsors would need to certify every year that they pay their service workers a wage and benefits that follow the law. This certification process would help ensure airports are transparent about their labor practices.

The Secretary of Transportation would be in charge of making sure everyone follows the new rules. This oversight would help maintain fairness among airports and ensure that the benefits of the legislation reach the workers it’s meant for.

“Just as airplanes don’t fly without pilots, our aviation system would collapse without airport service workers. Unfortunately, airport workers are often overworked and underpaid. This isn’t just bad for workers, it’s bad for travelers too,” stated Senator Ed Markey, a sponsor of the bill. 

Earlier this year, airport employees urged airlines to address the low-paying jobs at airports. However, with no response from airline CEOs, airport workers took their demands to their elected representatives.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS LEGISLATION >>

“I’m here humbly to ask all of Congress to pass this bill,” expressed Ababuti Oloki, a skycap at Boston Logan International Airport.

While some airport service workers have secured better wages and benefits in an increasing number of states, localities, and airport authorities, numerous major airports still lack any minimum standards beyond the minimum wage. An airport service worker in one city might earn $18/hour for the same job that a worker in another city receives as little as $8/hour.

“The safety of everyone in the planes depends on us, but we’re not respected for the work we do. We make low wages,” said Verna Montalvo, a cabin cleaner at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

The Good Jobs for Good Airports Act of 2022 intends to establish national wage and benefits standards for airport service workers at major airports receiving federal funds. Its goal is to stabilize air travel and ensure there is sufficient, well-trained staff to maintain a strong, safe, and secure aviation system.

The legislation has gained support from members of the CWA, Unite Here!, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), the Transport Workers Union (TWU), the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), and the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers (NCFO).

The law would apply to airport grants and terminal programs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Funding for airport infrastructure and terminals would depend on whether the airports follow the labor standards for service workers. This approach encourages airports to adopt fair labor practices to get the funding they need for improvements and expansions.

Labor unions support the proposed law because they’ve long pushed for better working conditions and wages for airport service workers. Some airport operators also support the legislation, as they see the benefits of having a stable, well-paid workforce for improving airport security and efficiency.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS LEGISLATION >>

The “Good Jobs for Good Airports Act” has been sent to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for more consideration. The committee will likely examine the bill’s details, potential impacts, and any needed changes before it goes to a vote.

If passed, the law would help airport service workers get the minimum wages and benefits they need to support their families and help keep the nation’s airports safe and secure. 

Read the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act >>

Related

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the LivingMARYLAND- 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.Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the...

Association Update

Association Update

Today the TWU-IAM Association has served notice to American Airlines of our intent to commence negotiations on all TWU-IAM Association Collective Bargaining Agreements. Recording Secretaries - Please print and post on all IAMAW Bulletin Boards. GET PRINTABLE COPY...

Secretary Buttigieg Addresses Air Rage at the 2023 North American Transportation Conference

Secretary Buttigieg Addresses Air Rage at the 2023 North American Transportation Conference

Secretary Buttigieg Addresses Air Rage at the 2023 North American Transportation Conference

IAM141.org

In response to a question about the recent attacks on airline workers by disgruntled passengers, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg outlined the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) efforts to combat air rage during the 2023 North American Transportation Conference. Nina Caldwell, Vice President at Machinists Union District 142, posed the question.

“There is still unacceptable violence happening and intimidation happening on our planes,” said Buttigieg. “Flight crews are there for your safety and need to be respected.” The Secretary detailed the DOT’s zero-tolerance policy for unruly passengers, which has been progressively enforced. “We’re going to keep doing it, and we proposed millions in penalties last year. At least fifty of those cases got referred to the DOJ for criminal prosecution review, and we’re going to continue looking at other steps that would make a difference.”

Buttigieg also mentioned the DOT’s request for airports to work with concessionaires in monitoring alcohol sales and not providing ‘to-go’ cups for alcoholic beverages. The department is partnering with airports on signage and public messaging to ensure everyone knows the zero-tolerance policy and its consequences.

The Secretary highlighted the progress made so far, stating, “We’re seeing results; we’re down about 80% from the record highs in 2021, but even one of these incidents is too many.” He emphasized that the DOT will not rest in addressing this issue and will stand with the industry every step of the way.

Buttigieg went on to say, “It is not just a huge affront to the life-saving work that our workers do, but of course, it endangers everybody on board when you see these incidents occur.” The continued efforts of the DOT aim to ensure the safety of both airline workers and passengers when air travel is facing multiple challenges.

The sharp increase in air rage incidents was partly fueled by masking requirements implemented during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the removal of these requirements, incidents have been reduced overall. However, attacks on airline workers remain high by historical standards.  While the easing of masking requirements has helped reduce tensions, it is crucial to continue addressing this issue to ensure airline workers’ and passengers’ safety and well-being.

Machinists Union Chief of Staff Edison Fraser and General Vice President Richie Johnsen led the 2023 North American Transportation Conference. These influential figures played a significant role in facilitating discussions and fostering collaboration among transportation industry stakeholders. Their leadership contributed to the conference’s success, ensuring that critical issues like air rage incidents and the safety of airline workers were brought to the forefront and addressed by critical decision-makers like Secretary Buttigieg.

Machinists Union Political Activists were supportive of Secretary Buttigieg’s comments. 

“The work the DOT and Justice department have done to help reduce violence against airline workers is a huge benefit to all of us, said Rich Jakubowski, a legislative chairman from Chicago. “If the administration is able to get the FAA reauthorization signed this year our members and the flying public will continue to see positive safety improvements.”

 

Related News

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the LivingMARYLAND- 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.Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the...

Association Update

Association Update

Today the TWU-IAM Association has served notice to American Airlines of our intent to commence negotiations on all TWU-IAM Association Collective Bargaining Agreements. Recording Secretaries - Please print and post on all IAMAW Bulletin Boards. GET PRINTABLE COPY...

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

Secretary Buttigieg Addresses Air Rage at the 2023 North American Transportation Conference

April 3, 2023

In response to a question about the recent attacks on airline workers by disgruntled passengers, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg outlined the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) efforts to combat air rage during the 2023 North American Transportation Conference. Nina Caldwell, Vice President at Machinists Union District 142, posed the question.

“There is still unacceptable violence happening and intimidation happening on our planes,” said Buttigieg. “Flight crews are there for your safety and need to be respected.” The Secretary detailed the DOT’s zero-tolerance policy for unruly passengers, which has been progressively enforced. “We’re going to keep doing it, and we proposed millions in penalties last year. At least fifty of those cases got referred to the DOJ for criminal prosecution review, and we’re going to continue looking at other steps that would make a difference.”

Buttigieg also mentioned the DOT’s request for airports to work with concessionaires in monitoring alcohol sales and not providing ‘to-go’ cups for alcoholic beverages. The department is partnering with airports on signage and public messaging to ensure everyone knows the zero-tolerance policy and its consequences.

The Secretary highlighted the progress made so far, stating, “We’re seeing results; we’re down about 80% from the record highs in 2021, but even one of these incidents is too many.” He emphasized that the DOT will not rest in addressing this issue and will stand with the industry every step of the way.

Buttigieg went on to say, “It is not just a huge affront to the life-saving work that our workers do, but of course, it endangers everybody on board when you see these incidents occur.” The continued efforts of the DOT aim to ensure the safety of both airline workers and passengers when air travel is facing multiple challenges.

The sharp increase in air rage incidents was partly fueled by masking requirements implemented during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the removal of these requirements, incidents have been reduced overall. However, attacks on airline workers remain high by historical standards.  While the easing of masking requirements has helped reduce tensions, it is crucial to continue addressing this issue to ensure airline workers’ and passengers’ safety and well-being.

Machinists Union Chief of Staff Edison Fraser and General Vice President Richie Johnsen led the 2023 North American Transportation Conference. These influential figures played a significant role in facilitating discussions and fostering collaboration among transportation industry stakeholders. Their leadership contributed to the conference’s success, ensuring that critical issues like air rage incidents and the safety of airline workers were brought to the forefront and addressed by critical decision-makers like Secretary Buttigieg.

“The work the DOT and Justice department have done to help reduce violence against airline workers is a huge benefit to all of us, said Rich Jakubowski, a legislative chairman from Chicago. “If the administration is able to get the FAA reauthorization signed this year our members and the flying public will continue to see positive safety improvements.”

Related

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the LivingMARYLAND- 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.Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the...

Association Update

Association Update

Today the TWU-IAM Association has served notice to American Airlines of our intent to commence negotiations on all TWU-IAM Association Collective Bargaining Agreements. Recording Secretaries - Please print and post on all IAMAW Bulletin Boards. GET PRINTABLE COPY...

Illinois State Council of Machinists Holds Annual Conference

Illinois State Council of Machinists Holds Annual Conference

Illinois State Council of Machinists Holds Annual Conference

IAM141.org

The Illinois State Council of Machinists and Aerospace Workers recently held its annual conference in Springfield, Illinois, from March 21-23. The conference began with a reception for Illinois State Representatives and Senators, allowing union members to discuss their concerns with political representatives.

The conference was opened by Illinois State Council of Machinist President Steve Jones, followed by General Vice President of the Midwest Territory Steve Galloway. Galloway thanked attendees for their efforts in the recent elections, which resulted in the election of four out of seven candidates for governor in various states. He emphasized the importance of organizing and lobbying for the union’s concerns.
Galloway also shared that 96% of non-union workers stated they would join a union if offered. He stressed the need for union members to understand the value of their dues and what they receive in return.
During the conference, one member mentioned the cannabis industry and the possibility of organizing workers in that field. The United Food and Commercial Workers Union can focus on that industry from seed to sales. Still, the Machinist Union is exploring the possibility of splitting the levels of the cannabis industry to focus on specialized areas.

Vincent Ceraso, IAM Director of Addiction Services, presented new programs to address the needs of union members dealing with divorce, elder care, financial issues, addiction, and substance abuse. From Employee Benefits System, Galen Bullock discussed the many programs that would help active and retired members.

General Vice President from the Midwest Territory Brian Simmons recapped the message from the previous speakers, adding that Illinois has excelled in labor concerns, and other states are using their accomplishments as an example.

IL State Representatives and Senators spoke on various topics, emphasizing the Machinist Union’s instrumental assistance in the last election. Eloisa Rosales and Sunni Isaac provided information on planning for retirement. At the same time, Karin Connelly, an attorney for Ridge & Downs, explained the process of worker injury claims and the importance of consistency when reporting injuries.

The Illinois State Council of Machinists and Aerospace Workers conference proved to be a productive and informative gathering for union members, providing opportunities for networking, learning, and engagement with political representatives.

Related News

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the LivingMARYLAND- 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.Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the...

Association Update

Association Update

Today the TWU-IAM Association has served notice to American Airlines of our intent to commence negotiations on all TWU-IAM Association Collective Bargaining Agreements. Recording Secretaries - Please print and post on all IAMAW Bulletin Boards. GET PRINTABLE COPY...

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

Illinois State Council of Machinists Holds Annual Conference

March 25, 2023

The Illinois State Council of Machinists and Aerospace Workers recently held its annual conference in Springfield, Illinois, from March 21-23. The conference began with a reception for Illinois State Representatives and Senators, allowing union members to discuss their concerns with political representatives.

The conference was opened by Illinois State Council of Machinist President Steve Jones, followed by General Vice President of the Midwest Territory Steve Galloway. Galloway thanked attendees for their efforts in the recent elections, which resulted in the election of four out of seven candidates for governor in various states. He emphasized the importance of organizing and lobbying for the union’s concerns.
Galloway also shared that 96% of non-union workers stated they would join a union if offered. He stressed the need for union members to understand the value of their dues and what they receive in return.
During the conference, one member mentioned the cannabis industry and the possibility of organizing workers in that field. The United Food and Commercial Workers Union can focus on that industry from seed to sales. Still, the Machinist Union is exploring the possibility of splitting the levels of the cannabis industry to focus on specialized areas.

Vincent Ceraso, IAM Director of Addiction Services, presented new programs to address the needs of union members dealing with divorce, elder care, financial issues, addiction, and substance abuse. From Employee Benefits System, Galen Bullock discussed the many programs that would help active and retired members.

General Vice President from the Midwest Territory Brian Simmons recapped the message from the previous speakers, adding that Illinois has excelled in labor concerns, and other states are using their accomplishments as an example.

IL State Representatives and Senators spoke on various topics, emphasizing the Machinist Union’s instrumental assistance in the last election. Eloisa Rosales and Sunni Isaac provided information on planning for retirement. At the same time, Karin Connelly, an attorney for Ridge & Downs, explained the process of worker injury claims and the importance of consistency when reporting injuries.

The Illinois State Council of Machinists and Aerospace Workers conference proved to be a productive and informative gathering for union members, providing opportunities for networking, learning, and engagement with political representatives.

Related

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the LivingMARYLAND- 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.Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the...

Association Update

Association Update

Today the TWU-IAM Association has served notice to American Airlines of our intent to commence negotiations on all TWU-IAM Association Collective Bargaining Agreements. Recording Secretaries - Please print and post on all IAMAW Bulletin Boards. GET PRINTABLE COPY...

Michigan Senate Passes Right to Work Repeal

Michigan Senate Passes Right to Work Repeal

Michigan Senate Passes Right to Work Repeal

IAM141.org

On Tuesday, the Michigan Senate passed a bill to revoke the state’s right-to-work legislation, which permits employees in unionized positions to collect union-negotiated wages, pensions, and work rules without contributing dues to help pay for the costs of negotiating and enforcing union contracts.

Big corporate lobbyists and political donors now face the prospect of watching a fortune spent lobbying for Right to Work in Michigan go to waste. Efforts to implement Right to Work in Michigan have cost at least $30 million since 2007. 

In a tight 20-17 vote along party lines, the bill aims to eliminate provisions in the state’s Employment Relations Commission Act allowing individuals in unionized workplaces to ignore union membership and fees but collect union benefits.

The bill will now proceed to the state House for consideration.

While the state House has already approved its version of the bill, both chambers must agree on the final language. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, has pledged to sign the bill into law if it reaches her desk.

This legislation could be the next significant achievement for union-friendly Michigan lawmakers, who secured control of the state Senate, House, and governorship in November for the first time in four decades. “It is a new day here in Lansing,” declared Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks.

Proponents of the bill point out that the right-to-work legislation has negatively impacted workers’ wages and rights since its introduction in 2012. 

Right-to-work legislation reduces wages for union and non-union employees, averaging a $1,500 annual decrease, and diminishes the chances of workers receiving health insurance or pension benefits through their employment. These laws indirectly impact consumer spending by decreasing compensation, posing a risk to economic expansion. With every reduction of $1 million in workers’ wages, there is an estimated $850,000 decline in economic spending. This means six jobs are lost for every $1 million reduction in statewide wages. 

Critics claim that the law has increased the competitiveness of the state’s businesses. However, Right to Work supporters often have difficulty pointing out any business or company that has moved to the state citing Right to Work. They also cannot name companies that have increased hiring or created new jobs thanks to Right to Work legislation.

In a 2012 effort to counteract right-to-work legislation and invalidate laws preventing collective bargaining, United Auto Workers and other unions devised a proactive strategy: passing a state constitutional amendment. The ballot initiative, Proposal 2, aimed to enshrine collective bargaining as a constitutional right within the state.

However, Proposal 2 was resoundingly defeated, with 57% voting against it and 42% in favor. The proposal succumbed to a well-funded misinformation campaign featuring ads claiming that, without Right to Work, school districts would be barred from firing child molesters.

According to The Detroit News, Senate Republicans opposed the bill, contending that it would remove workers’ freedom to choose whether to join a union and financially back labor groups that support Democratic campaigns. It’s already a violation of federal laws to use dues money from union members to fund political campaigns. 

In 2022, there were 589,000 individuals affiliated with unions in Michigan. Furthermore, 55,000 other salaried workers in the state were either represented by a union in their primary occupation or protected under an employee association or agreement without being actual union members.

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the percentage of salaried workers in Michigan who were union members in 2022 was 14.0 percent, an increase from 13.3 percent in 2021. Jason Palmer, the Regional BLM Commissioner, highlighted that Michigan’s highest union membership rate was 26.0 percent in 1989, the first year data was accessible. The lowest rate occurred in 2021, after the enactment of multiple laws that negatively impacted workers in the state.

Across the nation, 10.1 percent of employed wage and salary workers were union members in 2022, a decrease from 10.3 percent in 2021. This drop was mainly due to a significant surge in the total number of salaried employees compared to the growth in union membership. The 2022 unionization rate of 10.1 percent marks the lowest in recorded history. Since 1989, Michigan’s union membership rates have consistently exceeded the national average.

Right-to-work laws are currently in place in 27 states and Guam.



Related News

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the LivingMARYLAND- 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.Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the...

Association Update

Association Update

Today the TWU-IAM Association has served notice to American Airlines of our intent to commence negotiations on all TWU-IAM Association Collective Bargaining Agreements. Recording Secretaries - Please print and post on all IAMAW Bulletin Boards. GET PRINTABLE COPY...

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

Michigan Senate Passes Right to Work Repeal

March 15, 2023

On Tuesday, the Michigan Senate passed a bill to revoke the state’s right-to-work legislation, which permits employees in unionized positions to collect union-negotiated wages, pensions, and work rules without contributing dues to help pay for the costs of negotiating and enforcing union contracts.

Big corporate lobbyists and political donors now face the prospect of watching a fortune spent lobbying for Right to Work in Michigan go to waste. Efforts to implement Right to Work in Michigan have cost at least $30 million since 2007. 

In a tight 20-17 vote along party lines, the bill aims to eliminate provisions in the state’s Employment Relations Commission Act allowing individuals in unionized workplaces to ignore union membership and fees but collect union benefits.

The bill will now proceed to the state House for consideration.

While the state House has already approved its version of the bill, both chambers must agree on the final language. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, has pledged to sign the bill into law if it reaches her desk.

This legislation could be the next significant achievement for union-friendly Michigan lawmakers, who secured control of the state Senate, House, and governorship in November for the first time in four decades. “It is a new day here in Lansing,” declared Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks.

Proponents of the bill point out that the right-to-work legislation has negatively impacted workers’ wages and rights since its introduction in 2012. 

Right-to-work legislation reduces wages for union and non-union employees, averaging a $1,500 annual decrease, and diminishes the chances of workers receiving health insurance or pension benefits through their employment. These laws indirectly impact consumer spending by decreasing compensation, posing a risk to economic expansion. With every reduction of $1 million in workers’ wages, there is an estimated $850,000 decline in economic spending. This means six jobs are lost for every $1 million reduction in statewide wages. 

Critics claim that the law has increased the competitiveness of the state’s businesses. However, Right to Work supporters often have difficulty pointing out any business or company that has moved to the state citing Right to Work. They also cannot name companies that have increased hiring or created new jobs thanks to Right to Work legislation.

In a 2012 effort to counteract right-to-work legislation and invalidate laws preventing collective bargaining, United Auto Workers and other unions devised a proactive strategy: passing a state constitutional amendment. The ballot initiative, Proposal 2, aimed to enshrine collective bargaining as a constitutional right within the state.

However, Proposal 2 was resoundingly defeated, with 57% voting against it and 42% in favor. The proposal succumbed to a well-funded misinformation campaign featuring ads claiming that, without Right to Work, school districts would be barred from firing child molesters.

According to The Detroit News, Senate Republicans opposed the bill, contending that it would remove workers’ freedom to choose whether to join a union and financially back labor groups that support Democratic campaigns. It’s already a violation of federal laws to use dues money from union members to fund political campaigns. 

In 2022, there were 589,000 individuals affiliated with unions in Michigan. Furthermore, 55,000 other salaried workers in the state were either represented by a union in their primary occupation or protected under an employee association or agreement without being actual union members.

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the percentage of salaried workers in Michigan who were union members in 2022 was 14.0 percent, an increase from 13.3 percent in 2021. Jason Palmer, the Regional BLM Commissioner, highlighted that Michigan’s highest union membership rate was 26.0 percent in 1989, the first year data was accessible. The lowest rate occurred in 2021, after the enactment of multiple laws that negatively impacted workers in the state.

Across the nation, 10.1 percent of employed wage and salary workers were union members in 2022, a decrease from 10.3 percent in 2021. This drop was mainly due to a significant surge in the total number of salaried employees compared to the growth in union membership. The 2022 unionization rate of 10.1 percent marks the lowest in recorded history. Since 1989, Michigan’s union membership rates have consistently exceeded the national average.

Right-to-work laws are currently in place in 27 states and Guam.

Related

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the LivingMARYLAND- 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.Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the...

Association Update

Association Update

Today the TWU-IAM Association has served notice to American Airlines of our intent to commence negotiations on all TWU-IAM Association Collective Bargaining Agreements. Recording Secretaries - Please print and post on all IAMAW Bulletin Boards. GET PRINTABLE COPY...

Justice Department Expected to Block JetBlue / Spirit Merger

Justice Department Expected to Block JetBlue / Spirit Merger

DOJ Expected to Block JetBlue / Sprit Merger

IAM141.org

According to two anonymous sources familiar with the matter, the Justice Department plans to file a lawsuit as early as Tuesday to prevent JetBlue’s proposed $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit Airlines. The lawsuit alleges that the acquisition would remove an essential low-cost carrier, further consolidating the industry and increasing prices, potentially resulting in antitrust concerns. If the DOJ ultimately decides to block the merger, it will be the second antitrust action JetBlue faces. 

As reported by Bloomberg, the Biden administration’s recent efforts to enforce antitrust regulations in the airline industry have led to the likely lawsuit against JetBlue’s proposed acquisition of Spirit Airlines. 

A spokesperson for JetBlue confirmed that the airline is bracing for a lawsuit, which it expects “this week.” Spirit and the Department of Justice did not issue public statements.

According to Bloomberg, a lawsuit from the Department of Justice could foil the merger between the two carriers for over a year. However, if the JetBlue / Spirit merger gets approval from Federal Regulators, it will create the fifth-largest carrier behind American, United, Delta, and Southwest. 

The Justice Department has taken a dim view of the argument from JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes that a merger between his airline and Spirit would create lower prices for air travelers. In public statements, Hayes predicted that a post-merger Spirit would adopt JetBlue boarding policies, which use fewer seats. Hayes explained that removing seating capacity from the market would lower prices since fewer seats for sale would mean faster boarding times and more flights overall. 

The Department of Justice has studied the effect a JetBlue / Spirit merger will likely have on airfares. If the Department moves to block the merger, it will signal that Federal Regulators have come to the opposite conclusion. 

In response to concerns expressed by the Department of Justice, JetBlue has proposed a plan to sell Spirit’s assets in their entirety at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, New York’s LaGuardia Airport, and Boston Logan International Airport in Massachusetts, and five slots at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida. Jetblue is not offering to divest itself of assets related to its “Northeast Partnership” with American Airlines. That deal has been called a “de facto merger” by the Justice Department. 

Related News

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the LivingMARYLAND- 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.Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the...

Association Update

Association Update

Today the TWU-IAM Association has served notice to American Airlines of our intent to commence negotiations on all TWU-IAM Association Collective Bargaining Agreements. Recording Secretaries - Please print and post on all IAMAW Bulletin Boards. GET PRINTABLE COPY...

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

DOJ Expected to Block JetBlue / Spirit Merger

March 6, 2023

According to two anonymous sources familiar with the matter, the Justice Department plans to file a lawsuit as early as Tuesday to prevent JetBlue’s proposed $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit Airlines. The lawsuit alleges that the acquisition would remove an essential low-cost carrier, further consolidating the industry and increasing prices, potentially resulting in antitrust concerns. If the DOJ ultimately decides to block the merger, it will be the second antitrust action JetBlue faces. 

As reported by Bloomberg, the Biden administration’s recent efforts to enforce antitrust regulations in the airline industry have led to the likely lawsuit against JetBlue’s proposed acquisition of Spirit Airlines. 

A spokesperson for JetBlue confirmed that the airline is bracing for a lawsuit, which it expects “this week.” Spirit and the Department of Justice did not issue public statements.

According to Bloomberg, a lawsuit from the Department of Justice could foil the merger between the two carriers for over a year. However, if the JetBlue / Spirit merger gets approval from Federal Regulators, it will create the fifth-largest carrier behind American, United, Delta, and Southwest. 

The Justice Department has taken a dim view of the argument from JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes that a merger between his airline and Spirit would create lower prices for air travelers. In public statements, Hayes predicted that a post-merger Spirit would adopt JetBlue boarding policies, which use fewer seats. Hayes explained that removing seating capacity from the market would lower prices since fewer seats for sale would mean faster boarding times and more flights overall. 

The Department of Justice has studied the effect a JetBlue / Spirit merger will likely have on airfares. If the Department moves to block the merger, it will signal that Federal Regulators have come to the opposite conclusion. 

In response to concerns expressed by the Department of Justice, JetBlue has proposed a plan to sell Spirit’s assets in their entirety at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, New York’s LaGuardia Airport, and Boston Logan International Airport in Massachusetts, and five slots at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida. Jetblue is not offering to divest itself of assets related to its “Northeast Partnership” with American Airlines. That deal has been called a “de facto merger” by the Justice Department. 

Related

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the Living

Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the LivingMARYLAND- 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.Honoring the Fallen, Protecting the...

Association Update

Association Update

Today the TWU-IAM Association has served notice to American Airlines of our intent to commence negotiations on all TWU-IAM Association Collective Bargaining Agreements. Recording Secretaries - Please print and post on all IAMAW Bulletin Boards. GET PRINTABLE COPY...