Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ken Thiede

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ken Thiede

Sep 16, 2024 | Featured News, Front Page, Perusals, Recent News, Recent News, retirement, Row 2

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ken Thiede

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ken Thiede, a Lifelong Union Advocate, Mentor, and Visionary

IAM141.org
16 September 2024

Ken Thiede, a beloved and respected leader in the Machinists Union, passed away peacefully on Thursday due to natural causes. He was 87. 

He leaves behind a rich legacy, having dedicated 65 years to union service and touching the lives of countless workers along the way.

Ken’s remarkable career was celebrated earlier this year at the June Retirees Club meeting at Chicago’s Local 1487. Friends, family, labor activists, and well-wishers gathered to honor his service to the Machinists Union, where he was presented with a 65-year service pin and certificate by Local President Tony Licciardi. “It is an absolute honor and privilege to stand up here today and recognize his lifetime of service,” Licciardi said at the ceremony.

Initiated into the IAM on March 29, 1957, Ken began his career at Capital Airlines and quickly rose to become a strong advocate for labor rights. Throughout his time in the union, Ken was involved in three pivotal airline industry strikes. One of the most notable was the 43-day strike in 1966, which grounded five major airlines and resulted in a 6% wage increase for workers. Ken continued to fight for the rights of his fellow union members during strikes in 1975 and 1978, each time helping secure better wages and benefits.

In his career, Ken filled numerous vital roles, including Recording Secretary and Grievance Committee member for Local 1487. In 1976, he became Assistant General Chair and later President and Directing General Chair of Machinists District 141 and District 141M, where he remained a powerful advocate for airline workers until his retirement in 2000.

Even in retirement, Ken remained deeply involved in the union. “Ken, I can’t thank you enough for all the support and guidance you’ve provided throughout the years,” said Local 1487 President Tony Licciardi. “Your involvement with our organization can’t be matched by anyone in our union.”

Ken Thiede will be remembered as a tireless advocate for workers’ rights and a source of inspiration for all who had the privilege of working alongside him. His legacy will live on through the generations of union members he inspired.

Ken’s legacy will be celebrated by Chicago Local 1487 with an October 3 gathering of retirees.

Ken is survived by his  wife of 61 years, Ellen, and his son Jim. He will join his beloved son Tom, who passed away in 1976.



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Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ken Thiede, a Lifelong Union Advocate, Mentor, and Visionary

16 September 2024

Ken Thiede, a beloved and respected leader in the Machinists Union, passed away peacefully on Thursday due to natural causes. He was 87. 

He leaves behind a rich legacy, having dedicated 65 years to union service and touching the lives of countless workers along the way.

Ken’s remarkable career was celebrated earlier this year at the June Retirees Club meeting at Chicago’s Local 1487. Friends, family, labor activists, and well-wishers gathered to honor his service to the Machinists Union, where he was presented with a 65-year service pin and certificate by Local President Tony Licciardi. “It is an absolute honor and privilege to stand up here today and recognize his lifetime of service,” Licciardi said at the ceremony.

Initiated into the IAM on March 29, 1957, Ken began his career at Capital Airlines and quickly rose to become a strong advocate for labor rights. Throughout his time in the union, Ken was involved in three pivotal airline industry strikes. One of the most notable was the 43-day strike in 1966, which grounded five major airlines and resulted in a 6% wage increase for workers. Ken continued to fight for the rights of his fellow union members during strikes in 1975 and 1978, each time helping secure better wages and benefits.

In his career, Ken filled numerous vital roles, including Recording Secretary and Grievance Committee member for Local 1487. In 1976, he became Assistant General Chair and later President and Directing General Chair of Machinists District 141 and District 141M, where he remained a powerful advocate for airline workers until his retirement in 2000.

Even in retirement, Ken remained deeply involved in the union. “Ken, I can’t thank you enough for all the support and guidance you’ve provided throughout the years,” said Local 1487 President Tony Licciardi. “Your involvement with our organization can’t be matched by anyone in our union.”

Ken Thiede will be remembered as a tireless advocate for workers’ rights and a source of inspiration for all who had the privilege of working alongside him. His legacy will live on through the generations of union members he inspired.

Ken’s legacy will be celebrated by Chicago Local 1487 with an October 3 gathering of retirees.

Ken is survived by his  wife of 61 years, Ellen, and his son Jim. He will join his beloved son Tom, who passed away in 1976.

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Association Update

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September 13, 2024 

To Association Fleet Sisters and Brothers,

The Association Fleet sub committee met with AA leadership on September 12th to discuss contractual issues unrelated to the economic extension proposals offered by management on August 27th and 28th.  Association leaders will meet on September 18th and 19th to receive what we believe to be a final economic presentation from American management. 

We know that expectations have been set by pundits on social media, but Association leaders are working to ensure that the wage proposals offered next week are consistent with the industry and ultimately, meet the approval of our members.

Please trust that we are moving through this process as quickly and precisely as possible.  Thank you for your continued support.

Fraternally,

Association Fleet Negotiations Committee

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

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Association Update

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Aug 29, 2024 | American, Featured News, Front Page, Other News, Row 2, The Association

 August 29, 2024 

All Association Members: 

This will serve as the official update to the Association membership for M&R, MLS, MCT, MTS, and Fleet Service. 

As discussed in earlier communications, the Association met with American Airlines leadership this week to discuss the interest in a short-term economic only extension. During our initial sessions, we had thorough and meaningful discussions about the essential elements that would form the basis of a potential agreement. The American Airlines team came well-prepared and ready to discuss the framework of their economic proposal. In parallel, the Association Leadership Principals and Negotiating Teams held meetings to review and collaborate on practical options to pursue and reach an understanding of the facts that were presented. The Association teams came to a consensus and agreed to entertain an option that would best benefit the members we represent in all work groups. 

The second day consisted of group meetings between the chairs and co-chairs of the negotiating committees and American Airlines labor teams to ascertain language consistent with the proposal. There are future meetings set up in September to continue the dialogue between the parties to get closer to an understanding and an agreement. We realize there may be an influx of information circulated on social media by folks that are not present in the room for any of these discussions and their speculations could at times set unmanageable expectations. These were our first sessions of meetings with the Company, and we urge our membership to understand the delicate nature of this process as we navigate forward. We ask that our membership rely on the facts and information that will be shared with you through our updates during this process. 

The Association will publicize all information as it becomes available related to these discussions to keep you informed as it transpires, leading up to a possible short-term economic agreement. The next sessions of meetings are September 5th-6th for the Maintenance and Related groups, September 12th for Fleet Service, then September 18th and 19th for all workgroups. 

We thank you for your confidence and continued support. 

Fraternally, 

The Association 

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

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United Airlines Negotiations Update

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Aug 20, 2024 | Front Page, Perusals, Recent News, Recent News, Row 2, United

United Contract Negotiations Update

20 August 2024

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Last week, your IAM District 141 negotiating team and United Airlines management continued contract negotiations for seven different contracts last week in Chicago, Illinois.

The District 141 Maintenance Instructors sub-committee was also present and engaged in negotiations that cover items specific to the Maintenance Instructor Collective Bargaining Agreement.

While we are frustrated regarding the pace of negotiations and the Company’s reluctance to memorialize and clearly define the Agent on Demand (AOD) work area in the Passenger Service Employee Agreement, we did make some progress in those areas. We exchanged and discussed proposals regarding specific provisions of Article 1. These include Temporary Assignments, Interpreters, Location and Point and Contact Center vacancies. Robust discussions took place on these elements of our contracts, and we expect to resolve and finalize these issues in the coming rounds of negotiations.

The Maintenance Instructor sub-committee had discussions on Article 1 and 10. These include locations, report time for vacancies and International Travel.

We made clear to the Company that we did not appreciate their unpreparedness to begin work at the start of the week. They were expected to respond to specific proposals that had been passed to the Company during our last week of negotiations held in July.

IAM District 141 is committed to reaching agreements for seven new contracts in the shortest amount of time possible. However, to accomplish this, we need the Company to work in a timely, professional manner.

It must be emphasized that all of our proposals are reasonable and are modeled according to modern airline industry norms. It is crucial to note that all Union proposals come directly from our front-line membership.

We will continue negotiations the week of September 9th, when we will be joined by the sub-committees from the Security Officer and Storekeeper contracts.

Remember IAM WORKERS LEAD THE WAY.

In solidarity,

Your Negotiating Committee
Olu Ajetomobi
Joe Bartz
Jill Hazamy
Victor Hernandez
Barb Martin
Terry Stansbury
Faysal Silwany
Erik Stenberg
Sue Weisner

Michael G Klemm
President and Directing General Chair, 
District 141,
International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers

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

Get Printable Copy
VOTE! Check Your Registration Status Right Now in Less than Two Minutes

VOTE! Check Your Registration Status Right Now in Less than Two Minutes

Aug 19, 2024 | Front Page, MNPL, Perusals, Recent News, Recent News, Row 2

Are you SURE you are registered to vote? Want to make sure before it’s too late?

Vote.org has got you covered! CLICK RIGHT NOW to see if you are registered.

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Register to Vote

It’s time to VOTE UNION! Both parties have made their pitches to American voters, and now it’s time for union members to make sure that their pro-worker voices are heard—loud and clear.

This election is one of the most important in our lifetime. The Machinists Union Membership has voted to proudly endorses the Harris – Walz Administration, recognizing the tremendous progress made under their leadership. From investing in infrastructure and manufacturing to securing good jobs and benefits, their work has directly impacted our members and their families.

Read more about the work the Harris / Walz Administration has a done on behalf of working people,

Vice President Harris’s vision for expanding opportunities for working families aligns perfectly with our union’s goals. Together, the Harris – Walz team has shown what can be achieved when leaders prioritize the needs of workers.

So, make sure you’re ready to vote. Check your registration, encourage your fellow members to do the same, and let’s make our union voices heard this election. Together, we can continue to build a future that works for all of us.

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

Click here to donate, and thank you!
Association Update

Association Update

Jul 26, 2024 | American, Featured, Featured News, Front Page, Other News, Perusals, Recent News, Row 2, The Association, Uncategorized

July 26, 2024

All Association Members,

Today, leaders from American Airlines, Inc. reached out to the Association leadership to discuss the possibility of exploring an economics only, short-term extension of existing JCBAs.

American asked to schedule a meeting on August 26th to facilitate those discussions at AA HDQ. As previously announced, we currently have tentative dates for Section 6 contract negotiation openers for the Maintenance and Related, Maintenance Training Specialists, Maintenance Control Technicians, and Material Logistics Specialists groups on August 13th and Fleet Service on August 27th.

Those Section 6 opener negotiation dates will need to be delayed based upon this request from the company.

After the discussions with American Airlines in late August, the Association leadership will communicate any proposed economics with the respective Contract Negotiating Committees. Based upon the outcome of the proposed economic discussions, the Association will take appropriate actions.

The Association will continue to collaborate with the respective Contract Negotiation Committees and will keep the membership informed of all progress as it unfolds. Thank you for your continued confidence and support.

Fraternally,

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

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