IAM141 Safety Director for American and Spirit Airlines, Tony D’Aloiso and Safety IAM141 Coordinator Dennis Spenser met with IAM Members at DCA this week.
“I had the opportunity to walk the ramp, the bag room, to give safety briefings and to discuss the issues that are needed for IAM Members to work in a safe environment,” D’Aloiso of the visit.
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IAM141 Communications Coordinator and MNPL Activist Ines Garcia-Keim has been elected to lead the New Jersey State Council of Machinists, AFL-CIO. As Council President, Garcia-Keim will join Machinists around the nation to promote public policies that support working families. Garcia-Keim was nominated to a full three-year term after serving the remainder of the term of outgoing Council President Vincent Addeo, who was recently appointed as Director of Organizing for the IAMAW.
In addition to being the first IAM141 member to lead the Council, Ines is also the first woman ever to hold the position.
“I’m humbled for the opportunity to help advance the priorities of the 20,000 IAM Members who live and work in New Jersey,” Ines said of her appointment. “Getting involved has never been more important, and we see that reflected at the State Council.”
Previous Council President Vinny Addeo praised the choice of Garcia-Keim, saying “I know better than anybody how much hard work, and all the time and energy that it takes to put this Council together. It didn’t take me long to zero in on who I thought would do the best job of honoring the role that our Council plays in this state on behalf of working people.” Addeo went on to tell the delegates that “There’s no doubt in my mind that Ines Garcia-Keim will take our Council up to the next level, and as we can see from all our guest speakers, she has already done that.”
The New Jersey State Council of Machinists is a gathering of representatives from IAM Local Lodges and Districts throughout the Garden State, who determine legislative priorities and which candidates will earn the support of the Machinists Union. These representatives meet with office holders, candidates, and activists at the annual Council Conference as they vie for the official backing of Machinists Union members. District 141 AGC Gil Simmons and local 914 President Bill Gula also serve on the NJ Council’s Executive Board.
“Control of the House could very well come down to what happens right here in New Jersey,” said Congressional Candidate Andy Kim to the Council. “These races matter, what people like you do matters.” Ultimately our work is about human dignity. That’s something every working person is entitled to.”
Speaking about the vital role that airline workers within the IAM play in helping to shape legislation, Chris Wagoner, Director of the acclaimed Winpisinger Center said, “We have great union density in the airlines. We have a heavy presence in all the major airlines. Moreover, because we have that support, we can get better contracts.”
Ines Garcia-Keim has previously served as the Legislative Chairperson for Local 914, and as Shop Steward, where she participated in contract enforcement for airline workers.
The New Jersey State Council of Machinists was held in Atlantic City from August 13-14.
IAM141 Coordinator, Ines Garcia-Keim presented the Frank Darcy Leadership Award to outgoing State Council President Vinny Addeo at the New Jersey State Council of Machinists. Addeo is leaving the State Council after being named Director of Organizing for the IAM.
Vinnie Addeo was initiated into the IAM in 1980 when he began his career in aviation as an aircraft technician at Eastern Airlines. Over the years, Addeo has served as a Shop Steward, Grievance Committeeman, Local Committee Chairman, Flight Safety Rep, EAP Rep, and Recording Secretary for Local 1445 at Newark Airport, among many other roles.
IAM International President, Robert Martinez praised the appointment of Addeo to Director of Organizing, saying, “Addeo not only brings experience, education and drive to the department, but also innovative ideas that will grow the IAM and bring union representation to those who need it most.”
In presenting the Frank Darcy Leadership Award to Addeo, incoming State Council President and IAM141 Coordinator, Ines Garcia-Keim hailed Vinnie Addeo’s activism on behalf of the IAM. “I consider him a mentor and a friend,” Ines told the State Council delegates of Addeo.
The Frank Darcy Award recognizes outstanding leadership among IAM Members in furthering the mission of the union and of working people. It is presented each year in honor of lifelong trade unionist, Frank Darcy, an IAM Activist from the New Jersey area.
The New Jersey State Council of Machinists meets yearly with candidates for public office to discuss topics critical to IAM Members. IAM141 Members can learn more about their State Council at their Monthly Local Lodge Business Meeting.
Chicago Local 1487 hopes to raise awareness, as well as funds, in support of Guide Dogs of America and the social activism of the MNPL.
The event included a raffle, golf outing and a special guest appearance by Stetson, a Golden Labrador retriever that loves to help visually impaired people live more autonomous lives. Guide Dogs of America Trainer Kim Gezzi was proud to show off Stetson to the attendees, explaining that he had almost completed his training and would soon be paired with a blind person.
Guide Dogs of America is completely non-profit, and is funded entirely through the work of activists and donor support. The organization raises service dogs from puppyhood all the way through to placement.
Praising the efforts of Local 1487, Gezzi said, “Events like this are amazing fundraisers for us, as these dogs are raised, trained, and provided to the blind at no charge to them.”
IAM141 MNPL Director Dave Roderick was also raising money and awareness of the urgent need for Machinists to make their voices heard as public policy decisions are being made. Local 1487 President Tony Licciardi pointed out that “no matter what, we want people representing us in congress, no matter if they are Republican or Democrat.”
Licciardi thanked the more than 130 attendees who came out in support of the event, saying that programs such as the golf outing, “gives us a chance to recognize one another out here on the course – not just as union guys, but just as members out here having a great time.”
Local 1487 is home to some of the most active fundraisers in the nation, with golf outings, car shows, and other events a regular part of the Chicago Local’s Activism. If you are a member of Local 1487 and would like to volunteer, please contact President Tony Licciardi or attend the regularly scheduled 1487 Monthly Business Meetings. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 3:00PM, and the 3rd Tuesday at 9:30 AM at the Local Lodge Offices, located at 50 West Oakton St., Des Plaines, Il.
Brothers and Sisters,
The Association Executive Negotiating Committee met with American Airlines this week in Washington, D.C. to continue the discussion about Scope proposals. Your Executive Committee presented the company with comprehensive proposals. The Association proposals are reasonable and recognize the sacrifices our members have collectively made through our company’s bankruptcies by securing our work into the future.
Our members deserve nothing less!
All of our responses to the company continue to fall on deaf ears!
Management continues to disrespect our members hard earned stake in this company by blatantly disregarding our attempts to come to fair and equitable Scope agreements for all classifications. With each passing negotiating session, the company’s negotiating committee’s disregard for our membership has become more apparent. They continue to ignore the contributions our members have made to help them become the most profitable airline in the world.
The company’s negotiating committee continues to make proposals that contradict what their Chairman and CEO Doug Parker and President Robert Isom have publicly promised our members from the beginning of negotiations. In stark contrast, American’s proposal will eliminate 2,500 AMT jobs, not include facilities maintenance work protections and allows the outsourcing of almost any fleet service work.
The company must know that our members will remain strong and united; that you will not waver in the protection of your scope and the jobs of all of our members!
Fraternally,
Your Association Executive Negotiating Committee
The IAM maintains the only fully-functioning year-round Union Educational Facility in North America, educating more than 60,000 IAM Activists since first opening its doors in 1981.
Hear about the IAM’s World-Class Winpisinger Center firsthand, from Brian Harrison, an IAM141 Grievance Committeeman from SkyHarbor Lodge 2559 in Tempe Arizona.