Machinists & Aerospace Union Demands More Protections for Airline and Rail Workers in Light of Threats

Machinists & Aerospace Union Demands More Protections for Airline and Rail Workers in Light of Threats

/* Post title separator line with icon */ .dd-spl4 .dd-divider-container { width: 66%; max-width: 800px; align-items: center; display: flex; flex-flow: row nowrap; margin: auto; } .dd-spl4 .dd-sep-holder { flex: 1 1 auto; height: 1px; min-width: 10%; position: relative; } .dd-spl4 .dd-sep-lines { border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-top-color: #fff; display: block; height: 1px; position: relative; top: 1px; width: 100% } .dd-spl4 .dd-icon-holder { margin: 0 5px!important; } .dd-spl4 .dd-icon-inner { line-height: 1; } .dd-spl4 .dd-icon-inner i { color: #fff; font-size: 27px; height: 1em; width: 1em; text-align: center; } .dd-spl4 .dd-icon-inner .et-pb-icon::before { content: "e0dc"; /* Change this to use a different ETModules character */ } /* Social sharing plugin styles */ .dd-spl4 .supsystic-social-sharing a { background-color: #0c0c0d!important; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; } .dd-spl4 .dd-share .supsystic-social-sharing a.social-sharing-button.sharer-flat.facebook:hover, .dd-spl4 .dd-share .supsystic-social-sharing a.social-sharing-button.sharer-flat.twitter:hover, .dd-spl4 .dd-share .supsystic-social-sharing a.social-sharing-button.sharer-flat.googleplus:hover, .dd-spl4 .dd-share .supsystic-social-sharing a.social-sharing-button.sharer-flat.pinterest:hover, .dd-spl4 .dd-share .supsystic-social-sharing a.social-sharing-button.sharer-flat.delicious:hover { background-color: #0c0c0d!important; opacity: 0.66; } /* increase paragraph padding */ .dd-spl4 .dd-post p { padding-bottom: 2em; } /* style the comment form */ .dd-spl4 .dd-comment-form .form-submit { float: none; } .dd-spl4 .dd-comment-form.et_pb_comments_0 .et_pb_button, .dd-spl4 .dd-comment-form.et_pb_comments_0 .et_pb_button:hover { padding: 9px 20px!important; } /* responsive media queries */ @media only screen and (min-width: 981px) { /* Remove default padding from body area on desktop*/ .single #left-area { padding-bottom: 0; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 479px) { /* remove boxed layout effect on mobile*/ .dd-spl4 .dd-row { width: 100%!important; } }

Machinists & Aerospace Union Demands More Protections for Airline and Rail Workers in Light of Threats

[supsystic-social-sharing id='4']

IAM Transportation Department General Vice President Sito Pantoja issued the following statement regarding the need for increased airline and railroad security in the coming weeks:

“As a result of the assault on the Capitol Building and subsequent violent behavior by unruly airline travelers, the IAM demands that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and all airlines and rail carriers adjust and reinforce their security policies to further ensure the safety of all airline and rail workers and passengers.
 
While there have been some security improvements at airports and rail stations, more needs to be done. We have already witnessed dangerous behavior on aircraft from unruly passengers and with reports circulating of upcoming “protests” nationwide in the days leading up to the inauguration, the threat of violence to airline and rail workers and passengers will be increased.
 
Airline and rail workers have already risked their health by working tirelessly through the COVID pandemic, transporting travelers and goods across the globe. This country must do a better job protecting the people who work and use the transportation industry than they have done protecting those in the U.S. Congress.”

Organizing for Power: District 141 Recognized for Growing Union

Organizing for Power: District 141 Recognized for Growing Union

/* Styling the category buttons */ .dd-spl1 .dd-categories p.et_pb_title_meta_container { color: #fff; } .dd-spl1 .et_pb_bg_layout_light.dd-categories p.et_pb_title_meta_container a { color: #fff; } .dd-spl1 .dd-categories a { font-size: 11px; padding: 6px 12px; background-color: #415370; border-radius: 3px 3px 3px 3px; -webkit-transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out; -moz-transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out; } .dd-spl1 .dd-categories a:hover { background-color: rgba(65,83,112,0.66); } /* Increase post paragraph padding */ .dd-spl1 .dd-post-content p { padding-bottom: 2em; } /* Styling the comment form */ .dd-spl1 .dd-comment-form .form-submit { float: none; } .dd-spl1 .dd-comment-form.et_pb_comments_0 .et_pb_button, .dd-spl1 .dd-comment-form.et_pb_comments_0 .et_pb_button:hover { padding: 9px 20px!important; } /* Styling for the social sharing plugin */ html body .dd-spl1 .supsystic-social-sharing a.social-sharing-button { padding: .63em .55em .63em .55em!important; } .dd-spl1 .dd-share .supsystic-social-sharing a { background-color: #415370!important; margin-left: 5px; } .dd-spl1 .dd-share .supsystic-social-sharing a.social-sharing-button.sharer-flat.facebook:hover, .dd-spl1 .dd-share .supsystic-social-sharing a.social-sharing-button.sharer-flat.twitter:hover, .dd-spl1 .dd-share .supsystic-social-sharing a.social-sharing-button.sharer-flat.pinterest:hover { background-color: rgba(65,83,112,0.66)!important; } /* responsive media queries */ @media only screen and (max-width: 980px) { /* remove margin from code module on mobile */ .dd-spl1 .dd-code .et_pb_column { margin-bottom: 0; } } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 980px) { /* display post image in landscape on tablet */ .dd-spl1 .dd-post-image img { height: 360px; object-fit: cover; object-position: 50% 50%; width: 100%; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 767px) { /* display post image in landscape on mobile */ .dd-spl1 .dd-post-image img { height: 180px; object-fit: cover; object-position: 50% 50%; width: 100%; } } @media only screen and (min-width: 981px) { /* Remove default padding from body area on desktop*/ .single #left-area { padding-bottom: 0; } /* Increase left column width on desktop */ .dd-spl1 .et_pb_gutters2 .et_pb_column_2_3, .dd-spl1 .et_pb_gutters2.et_pb_row .et_pb_column_2_3 { width: 63.666%; } .dd-spl1 .et_pb_gutters2 .et_pb_column_1_3, .dd-spl1 .et_pb_gutters2.et_pb_row .et_pb_column_1_3 { width: 33.333%; } /* Position share buttons on title line on desktop */ .dd-spl1 .dd-share { position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; z-index: 999; } }

District 141 was recognized for union organizing efforts that saw more than 800 new members and 11 new locations added to the Machinists & Aerospace Union in 2019.

Organizing for Power: District 141 Recognized for Growing Union

District 141 of the Machinists & Aerospace Union was recognized for its union organizing work, which saw 11 new locations and more than 800 new members added to the union in 2019. The accolades were presented at the second annual International President’s Excellence in Organizing Awards, held near Washington, DC., last week. 

The event, held virtually this year due to the pandemic, recognizes union members for their continued efforts to grow the IAMAW and increase working families’ power. 

District 141, one of the largest aviation and transportation workers’ groups in the US, was singled out for two awards, the Top Organizing District Award and the Top Organizer Award. Accepting on behalf of the District was President & Directing General Chair Mike Klemm. 

After decades of decline, labor is starting to show real signs of growth in recent years. According to a recent Gallup Poll, 64% of Americans have a favorable view of unions, marking a 50 year high. Union members make an average of 20% more overall compensation and are more likely to have pensions and better health care than their non-union counterparts. Because of this, labor is finding increasing success in places like aviation. 

“In 2018, we were number one in the entire AFL-CIO for organizing,” said the Machinists & Aerospace Union International President Bob Martinez. “We continue to organize new members across North America and deliver a better life to working families.” Martinez praised the union’s efforts to create a multi-level strategic organizing strategy that has proven that labor can grow and expand – even in the face of the COVID pandemic. 

In presenting the awards, Machinists & Aerospace Organizing Director Vinny Addeo said, “This district… has consistently demonstrated the Transportation Department’s strategy for organizing through collective bargaining, and this approach has been working, as is evident by their success.” 

“District 141 is the largest district in the IAM, and that’s not by accident,” said IAMAW General Vice President, Sito Pantoja. “Eight years ago, District 141 had about 24 thousand members. Today, they have 38 thousand members. That tells you the effort that they’ve put into organizing. Organizing over 13 thousand members in that period of time is quite an achievement. Congratulations to Mike Klemm and District 141.” 

“I am so proud of the efforts our organizers and leaders have put in to growing our great union and bringing power back to the working people in the U.S. and Canada,” said Martinez. “Organizing can be an extremely difficult, yet rewarding job and these members do it with tenacity, passion and drive. I want to thank Organizing Director Vinny Addeo, the Organizing Department and all the organizers in every Territory for their dedication to working families and to growing the IAM.”

“Recognizing our Brothers’ and Sisters’ successes in organizing is so paramount to the task itself,” said Addeo. “Organizing is the most difficult challenge in the labor movement and that’s why it is so important for our Union to show our appreciation to them, which reinforces the significance of their accomplishments.”

 Awards for 2019 were given for the top District or Local from each respective territory, top individual organizer from each respective territory, top organizing territory and top individual organizer.

Top Organizing Territory: Western Territory

Organizer of the Year: Justin Mauldin, District 725 Director of Organizing


Western Territory

Top District/Local: District 725

Individual: Justin Mauldin, District 725 Organizing Director

Transportation Department

Top District/Local: District 141

Individual: Mike Klemm, District 141 President and Directing General Chair

Eastern Territory

Top District/Local: District 1

Individual: Brent Coleman, District 1 Organizer

Southern Territory

Top District/Local: District 776

Individual: Valerie Rodriguez, Grand Lodge Representative

Canadian Territory

Top District/Local: District 11

Individual: Nektarios (Nik) Sifakis, District 140 Organizer

Midwest Territory

Top District/Local: Local 701

Individual: Scott Brown, Local 778 Business Representative

IAM Headquarters

Individual: Dennis Mendenhall, Grand Lodge Special Representative

Register for the 2021 AFL-CIO MLK Virtual Conference

Register for the 2021 AFL-CIO MLK Virtual Conference

Register for the 2021 AFL-CIO MLK Virtual Conference

2021 MLK

Virtual Conference

Thousands of organizers and activists protested across the country, demanding to be heard as they said, “Black Lives Matter.” Millions of people elected Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to the White House, winning a labor-friendly administration and the first African American and Indian American woman as vice president. 

The conference will be free of charge, and all sessions and trainings will be held online so that everyone can attend safely.

Join the Movement

Join fellow Machinists, other union members and activists for the 2021 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference January 15-16, 2021. Register for the conference today.

With the inspiration of progress made in 2020, the theme for the 2021 Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference is “From Protest to Power: When We Fight, We Win.”

On Jan. 15 and 16, activists will gather virtually to build on victories and strategize about the continued fight for economic and racial justice with—and also within—the labor movement.

“We are honored to carry on the legacy of Dr. King by continuing his fight to dismantle systems of economic and racial inequality and improve the lives and livelihoods of working people and their families—a monumental task, but one that we can help achieve with the strength and solidarity of our Union,” said IAM Director of Women’s and Human Rights Carla Siegal.

The conference will be free of charge, and all sessions and trainings will be held online so that everyone can attend safely. Register today.

141 Video Report: District 141 Communications Team

141 Video Report: District 141 Communications Team

/* Styling the category buttons */ .dd-spl1 .dd-categories p.et_pb_title_meta_container { color: #fff; } .dd-spl1 .et_pb_bg_layout_light.dd-categories p.et_pb_title_meta_container a { color: #fff; } .dd-spl1 .dd-categories a { font-size: 11px; padding: 6px 12px; background-color: #415370; border-radius: 3px 3px 3px 3px; -webkit-transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out; -moz-transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out; transition: all 0.4s ease-in-out; } .dd-spl1 .dd-categories a:hover { background-color: rgba(65,83,112,0.66); } /* Increase post paragraph padding */ .dd-spl1 .dd-post-content p { padding-bottom: 2em; } /* Styling the comment form */ .dd-spl1 .dd-comment-form .form-submit { float: none; } .dd-spl1 .dd-comment-form.et_pb_comments_0 .et_pb_button, .dd-spl1 .dd-comment-form.et_pb_comments_0 .et_pb_button:hover { padding: 9px 20px!important; } /* Styling for the social sharing plugin */ html body .dd-spl1 .supsystic-social-sharing a.social-sharing-button { padding: .63em .55em .63em .55em!important; } .dd-spl1 .dd-share .supsystic-social-sharing a { background-color: #415370!important; margin-left: 5px; } .dd-spl1 .dd-share .supsystic-social-sharing a.social-sharing-button.sharer-flat.facebook:hover, .dd-spl1 .dd-share .supsystic-social-sharing a.social-sharing-button.sharer-flat.twitter:hover, .dd-spl1 .dd-share .supsystic-social-sharing a.social-sharing-button.sharer-flat.pinterest:hover { background-color: rgba(65,83,112,0.66)!important; } /* responsive media queries */ @media only screen and (max-width: 980px) { /* remove margin from code module on mobile */ .dd-spl1 .dd-code .et_pb_column { margin-bottom: 0; } } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 980px) { /* display post image in landscape on tablet */ .dd-spl1 .dd-post-image img { height: 360px; object-fit: cover; object-position: 50% 50%; width: 100%; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 767px) { /* display post image in landscape on mobile */ .dd-spl1 .dd-post-image img { height: 180px; object-fit: cover; object-position: 50% 50%; width: 100%; } } @media only screen and (min-width: 981px) { /* Remove default padding from body area on desktop*/ .single #left-area { padding-bottom: 0; } /* Increase left column width on desktop */ .dd-spl1 .et_pb_gutters2 .et_pb_column_2_3, .dd-spl1 .et_pb_gutters2.et_pb_row .et_pb_column_2_3 { width: 63.666%; } .dd-spl1 .et_pb_gutters2 .et_pb_column_1_3, .dd-spl1 .et_pb_gutters2.et_pb_row .et_pb_column_1_3 { width: 33.333%; } /* Position share buttons on title line on desktop */ .dd-spl1 .dd-share { position: absolute; top: 0; right: 0; z-index: 999; } }

The IAMAW District 141 Communications Department at the 2019 IAM Communications Conference. From left, Eric Price, Ines Garcia-Keim, and Dave Lehive. 

141 Video Report: District 141 Communications Team

This week, the IAM141 Communications Team makes a rare appearance in front of the camera to talk to Dave about some of the work that goes into union communications.

IAMAW Communications teammembers Ines Garcia-Keim and Eric Price joined fellow coordinator Dave Lehive to talk union communications, art, and outreach. 

Abusive Protesters Prompt New Flight Restrictions at American Airlines

Abusive Protesters Prompt New Flight Restrictions at American Airlines

/* social sharing plugin styles */ .dd-spl3 .supsystic-social-sharing a { background-color: #0c0c0d!important; color: #cf7d72!important; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; } .dd-spl3 .dd-share .supsystic-social-sharing a.social-sharing-button.sharer-flat.facebook:hover, .dd-spl3 .dd-share .supsystic-social-sharing a.social-sharing-button.sharer-flat.twitter:hover, .dd-spl3 .dd-share .supsystic-social-sharing a.social-sharing-button.sharer-flat.pinterest:hover, .dd-spl3 .dd-share .supsystic-social-sharing a.social-sharing-button.sharer-flat.stumbleupon:hover { background-color: #0c0c0d!important; } .dd-spl3 .supsystic-social-sharing .sharer-flat.sharer-flat-8 { width: auto!important; } /* style the category links */ .dd-spl3 .dd-categories a { color: #cf7d72; } .dd-spl3 p.et_pb_title_meta_container { padding-bottom: 5px; } .dd-spl3 .dd-categories a:hover, .dd-meta-author a:hover { opacity: 0.66; } /* set divider margin */ .dd-spl3 .dd-divider { margin-bottom: 0!important; } /* increase paragraph padding */ .dd-spl3 .dd-post p { padding-bottom: 2em; } /* style the comment form */ .dd-spl3 .dd-comment-form .form-submit { float: none; } .dd-spl3 .dd-comment-form.et_pb_comments_0 .et_pb_button, .dd-spl3 .dd-comment-form.et_pb_comments_0 .et_pb_button:hover { padding: 9px 20px!important; } /* responsive media queries */ @media only screen and (min-width: 981px) { /* Remove default padding from body area on desktop*/ .single #left-area { padding-bottom: 0; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 479px) { /* remove boxed layout effect on mobile*/ .dd-spl3 .dd-row { width: 100%!important; } }
[supsystic-social-sharing id='3']

Abusive Protesters Prompt New Flight Restrictions at American Airlines

Abusive and disruptive acts by Trump supporters prompt American Airlines to impose new restrictions on flights to and from Washington, DC.

Repeated attacks on flight crews and passengers involve confrontations over face masks, racist and verbal attacks against other passengers, shouting at elected officials, and a “9/11-style threat” broadcast on a radio frequency used by commercial pilots ahead of the protests. 

Following a deadly insurrectionist riot at the Nation’s Capitol on Wednesday, American Airlines has announced new restrictions on Washington, DC flights. The measures are intended to protect flight crews, who have been the targets of numerous politically motivated threats over the past week. According to one union representing flight attendants at the airline, workers have been “forced to confront passengers exhibiting politically motivated aggression towards other passengers and crew.” 

“This is not a political debate. This is a growing trend of increasing abuse and hostility directed at airline workers, and it is unacceptable,” said Mike Klemm, President of IAMAW District 141, which represents over 38 thousand workers at five airlines, including American. “Machinists Union members have worked closely with airlines and government officials to see these attacks penalized with arrests and legal sanctions. As a result, we’ve won significant new protections for gate and ticket agents. We are pleased to see the leadership at American Airlines taking action, and we support any policies that create safer conditions for our members and our passengers.” 

Incidents reported over the past few days include abusive confrontations involving anti-mask protesters, harassment of elected representatives including Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) as they moved through airports, and clashes between passengers on-board flights. 

The increased safety measures follow several well-publicized incidents between flight crews and pandemic deniers and were announced on the same day that hundreds of Trump supporters traveled to Washington and invaded the Capitol in an attempt to stop the certification of the election of Joe Biden as President of the United States. 

“We are working closely with local law enforcement and airport authority partners to ensure the safety of our customers and team members on the ground and in the air,” the airline said in the announcement of the new restrictions. In addition to increased staffing and reporting to law enforcement, the airline is also cutting back on alcohol service on some flights as a “precautionary” measure. 

Other airlines are expected to follow American by establishing new policies geared towards protecting airline workers and passengers from attacks, though few announcements have been made. 

IAM&AW Plays Key Role in Override of Trump’s Veto of Defense Bill

IAM&AW Plays Key Role in Override of Trump’s Veto of Defense Bill

/* social sharing plugin styles */ .dd-spl3 .supsystic-social-sharing a { background-color: #0c0c0d!important; color: #cf7d72!important; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; } .dd-spl3 .dd-share .supsystic-social-sharing a.social-sharing-button.sharer-flat.facebook:hover, .dd-spl3 .dd-share .supsystic-social-sharing a.social-sharing-button.sharer-flat.twitter:hover, .dd-spl3 .dd-share .supsystic-social-sharing a.social-sharing-button.sharer-flat.pinterest:hover, .dd-spl3 .dd-share .supsystic-social-sharing a.social-sharing-button.sharer-flat.stumbleupon:hover { background-color: #0c0c0d!important; } .dd-spl3 .supsystic-social-sharing .sharer-flat.sharer-flat-8 { width: auto!important; } /* style the category links */ .dd-spl3 .dd-categories a { color: #cf7d72; } .dd-spl3 p.et_pb_title_meta_container { padding-bottom: 5px; } .dd-spl3 .dd-categories a:hover, .dd-meta-author a:hover { opacity: 0.66; } /* set divider margin */ .dd-spl3 .dd-divider { margin-bottom: 0!important; } /* increase paragraph padding */ .dd-spl3 .dd-post p { padding-bottom: 2em; } /* style the comment form */ .dd-spl3 .dd-comment-form .form-submit { float: none; } .dd-spl3 .dd-comment-form.et_pb_comments_0 .et_pb_button, .dd-spl3 .dd-comment-form.et_pb_comments_0 .et_pb_button:hover { padding: 9px 20px!important; } /* responsive media queries */ @media only screen and (min-width: 981px) { /* Remove default padding from body area on desktop*/ .single #left-area { padding-bottom: 0; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 479px) { /* remove boxed layout effect on mobile*/ .dd-spl3 .dd-row { width: 100%!important; } }
[supsystic-social-sharing id='3']

IAM&AW Plays Key Role in Override of Trump’s Veto of Defense Bill

Congress, feeling pressure from the IAM and other labor leaders, delivered a harsh rebuke to President Trump by overwhelmingly overriding his veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The IAM had been pressuring Congress to quickly vote again to approve this bipartisan bill that will fund numerous military programs built and maintained by Machinists members.

“President Trump tried to use the great men and women of our military as pawns in his agenda to defend confederate names of military bases,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Our legislative team worked around the clock to ensure Congress voted again to get this crucial bipartisan legislation passed that will help preserve hundreds of thousands of IAM aerospace defense and shipbuilding jobs.”

Thanks to the IAM’s lobbying efforts, the 2021 NDAA authorizes funding for the following IAM-built and maintained programs:

– 93 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters
– 24 F-18 Super Hornets
– 15 C-130 Super Hercules
– 12 F-15 Eagles
– 15 KC-46 Tankers
– Eight P-8 Poseidons
– Two DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class Destroyers
– One Columbia-class Ballistic Submarine
– Two Virginia-class Attack Submarines

The 2021 NDAA (H.R. 6395) also includes a well-deserved 3 percent pay raise for our nation’s armed service members and also provides additional pandemic leave and paid parental leave provisions for most federal employees.

 

In addition to securing the NDAA, the IAM also procured important provisions for IAM members and all working people in the recently passed COVID-19 relief bill.