Celebration and Solidarity: Local 914 Launches Black Tie Charity Event

Celebration and Solidarity: Local 914 Launches Black Tie Charity Event

Dec 12, 2023 | Community Service, Front Page, Recent News, Recent News, Row 2, Uncategorized

Celebration and Solidarity: Local 914 Launches Black Tie Charity Event

Celebration and Solidarity: Local 914 Launches Black Tie Charity Event

IAM141.org
12 December 2023

Machinists Union Local 914, representing over 4,000 members at Newark Liberty International Airport, recently hosted its inaugural Black Tie Holiday Gala and Toy Drive. The event, held at the prestigious Newark Symphony Hall, was a testament to the local’s commitment to the Newark, N.J. area, IAM leaders, and local dignitaries. Event organizers also collected hundreds of toys – just in time for the Holidays.

The gala was not just a social event but also a charitable one, with over 200 toys collected for local children. IAM Local 914 President Richie Roberts, who has been with the IAM for a decade, highlighted the local’s mission and future aspirations. “We are trying to make a difference in this Local Lodge,” Roberts said. “We are moving the Local forward and there’s a lot more that we have planned.”

Roberts extended his gratitude to Donyea Hoffman, Chair of the Local 914 Human Rights Committee, for her instrumental role in making the gala a reality. The event also served as a platform to honor retiring IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. with an appreciation award. This award recognized the significant contributions of Martinez and the IAM in protecting the jobs of thousands of IAM airline members during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly through their advocacy for the airline Payroll Support Program. The Payroll Support Program was instrumental in preventing widespread President layoffs that would have crippled the commercial aviation sector during the pandemic.

Accepting the award on behalf of Martinez was IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen, who was present along with other notable IAM figures such as Edison Fraser, Chief of Staff of the IAM Air Transport Territory, and IAM Airline Coordinator Tom Reagan. In his keynote address, Johnsen commended Local 914’s efforts, saying, “Local 914 is doing things the right way to represent and bring together our membership. Across the Air Transport Territory, we are seeing our members more engaged in their union and their communities.”

The gala also recognized the contributions of Martin Melody Law LLC and National Group Protection have made on behalf of Local 914 and its membership. The event was graced by several Newark area elected officials, including councilmembers Larry Crump and Patrick Council, a representative for Councilmember Michael Silva, and former councilmembers Gayle Chaneyfield Jenkins and Oscar Sydney James II.

President Roberts expressed deep appreciation for the support from the IAM leadership. “I’d especially like to thank General Vice President Johnsen, Chief of Staff Fraser and the Air Transport Territory staff from the bottom of my heart,” he said. “They are always there for anything we want to do as a Local.”

This gala is the latest in a series of initiatives by Local 914, which includes a breast cancer walk, a member appreciation event, and a local lodge scholarship program, further demonstrating its active and vital role in the Newark community.

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Celebration and Solidarity: Local 914 Launches Black Tie Charity Event

12 December 2023 2023

NEWARK – Machinists Union Local 914, representing over 4,000 members at Newark Liberty International Airport, recently hosted its inaugural Black Tie Holiday Gala and Toy Drive. The event, held at the prestigious Newark Symphony Hall, was a testament to the Local’s commitment to the Newark, N.J. area, IAM leaders, and local dignitaries. Event organizers also collected hundreds of toys – just in time for the Holidays.

The gala was not just a social event but also a charitable one, with over 200 toys collected for local children. IAM Local 914 President Richie Roberts, who has been with the IAM for a decade, highlighted the local’s mission and future aspirations. “We are trying to make a difference in this Local Lodge,” Roberts said. “We are moving the Local forward and there’s a lot more that we have planned.”

Roberts extended his gratitude to Donyea Hoffman, Chair of the Local 914 Human Rights Committee, for her instrumental role in making the gala a reality. The event also served as a platform to honor retiring IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. with an appreciation award. This award recognized the significant contributions of Martinez and the IAM in protecting the jobs of thousands of IAM airline members during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly through their advocacy for the airline Payroll Support Program. The Payroll Support Program was instrumental in preventing widespread President layoffs that would have crippled the commercial aviation sector during the pandemic.

Accepting the award on behalf of Martinez was IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen, who was present along with other notable IAM figures such as Edison Fraser, Chief of Staff of the IAM Air Transport Territory, and IAM Airline Coordinator Tom Reagan. In his keynote address, Johnsen commended Local 914’s efforts, saying, “Local 914 is doing things the right way to represent and bring together our membership. Across the Air Transport Territory, we are seeing our members more engaged in their union and their communities.”

The gala also recognized the contributions of Martin Melody Law LLC and National Group Protection have made on behalf of Local 914 and its membership. The event was graced by several Newark area elected officials, including councilmembers Larry Crump and Patrick Council, a representative for Councilmember Michael Silva, and former councilmembers Gayle Chaneyfield Jenkins and Oscar Sydney James II.

President Roberts expressed deep appreciation for the support from the IAM leadership. “I’d especially like to thank General Vice President Johnsen, Chief of Staff Fraser and the Air Transport Territory staff from the bottom of my heart,” he said. “They are always there for anything we want to do as a Local.”

This gala is the latest in a series of initiatives by Local 914, which includes a breast cancer walk, a member appreciation event, and a local lodge scholarship program, further demonstrating its active and vital role in the Newark community.

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Strength Through Solidarity: Grievance Committee Members Convene in Philadelphia

Strength Through Solidarity: Grievance Committee Members Convene in Philadelphia

Oct 12, 2023 | Front Page, Recent News, Recent News, Row 2, Uncategorized

Strength Through Solidarity: Grievance Committee Members Convene in Philadelphia

Strength Through Solidarity: Grievance Committee Members Convene in Philadelphia

IAM141.org
October 12, 2023

PHILADELPHIA – Hundreds of Grievance Committee Members from the Machinists Union gathered in Philadelphia to discuss the future of work in the airline industry.

A major focus of the deliberations was the upcoming contract negotiations at American and United Airlines, both of which are likely to fall under Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act, often referred to simply as “Section 6.”

Last year, Union Negotiators were optimistic that Section 6 could be avoided at United Airlines in favor of an expedited process that would have delivered an agreement to union members much faster. The carrier had initially agreed to keep the negotiations focused on a few contractual provisions deemed critical to front-line union members. Unfortunately, the company began using endless stalling tactics that threatened to drag negotiations out indefinitely, making the expedited process impossible.

Section 6 outlines the procedure for amending and renegotiating existing collective bargaining agreements in the airline and railroad sectors. Typically, Section 6 negotiations can take several years to complete.

The Railway Labor Act was initially established to prevent disruptions in interstate commerce due to strikes and other job actions that could create economic havoc. The Act mandates that both parties, in this case, the union and the airlines, engage in extended discussions once changes to the prevailing agreement are proposed. These changes can encompass rates of pay, rules, or working conditions. A critical aspect of Section 6 is its emphasis on maintaining the status quo during negotiations, preventing companies from unilaterally imposing pay cuts, mass layoffs, or other policy changes.

The conference, held within the historic Penns Landing area of Philadelphia, zeroed in on the upcoming Section 6 contract negotiations at industry giants United Airlines and American Airlines. These negotiations are set to redefine standards for pay, working conditions, and work-life balance for thousands, impacting both union and non-union workers, but are showing signs they may be lengthy.

Tom Regan, Airline Coordinator for the Machinists Union Air Transport Territory, and Mike Klemm, President and Directing General Chair of Machinists District 141, were among the luminaries who addressed the attendees.

The event was hosted by Larry Reeves from Local Lodge 1776 in Philadelphia.

Machinists Union District 141 includes 40,000 airline workers at American, Hawaiian, Philippine, Spirit, and United Airlines. The union’s reach in commercial aviation means that decisions made by union members will shape the rest of the industry.

The pandemic’s aftermath saw a strategic move by airlines to encourage senior agents towards early retirement. This strategy has led to a scenario where nearly half of all airline workers are relatively new to the industry. Many of these workers, coming from non-union professional backgrounds, are still acclimatizing to the nuances of the collective bargaining process and union dynamics. President Klemm’s call to action emphasized the need for seasoned committee members to mentor and engage these newcomers.
The conference also highlighted the altered dynamics between airlines and union grievance committees in the wake of the pandemic. With many workers being novices in the industry, there exists a gap between their union action expectations and the realistic outcomes. Addressing this gap is pivotal, according to District President Klemm.

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Stay up to date with all the latest news and information from the District 141 of the Machinists Union

Sign up for Email Alerts

Strength Through Solidarity: Grievance Committee Members Convene in Philadelphia

October 12, 2023

PHILADELPHIA – Hundreds of Grievance Committee Members from the Machinists Union gathered in Philadelphia to discuss the future of work in the airline industry.

A major focus of the deliberations was the upcoming contract negotiations at American and United Airlines, both of which are likely to fall under Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act, often referred to simply as “Section 6.”

Last year, Union Negotiators were optimistic that Section 6 could be avoided at United Airlines in favor of an expedited process that would have delivered an agreement to union members much faster. The carrier had initially agreed to keep the negotiations focused on a few contractual provisions deemed critical to front-line union members. Unfortunately, the company began using endless stalling tactics that threatened to drag negotiations out indefinitely, making the expedited process impossible.

Section 6 outlines the procedure for amending and renegotiating existing collective bargaining agreements in the airline and railroad sectors. Typically, Section 6 negotiations can take several years to complete.

The Railway Labor Act was initially established to prevent disruptions in interstate commerce due to strikes and other job actions that could create economic havoc. The Act mandates that both parties, in this case, the union and the airlines, engage in extended discussions once changes to the prevailing agreement are proposed. These changes can encompass rates of pay, rules, or working conditions. A critical aspect of Section 6 is its emphasis on maintaining the status quo during negotiations, preventing companies from unilaterally imposing pay cuts, mass layoffs, or other policy changes.

The conference, held within the historic Penns Landing area of Philadelphia, zeroed in on the upcoming Section 6 contract negotiations at industry giants United Airlines and American Airlines. These negotiations are set to redefine standards for pay, working conditions, and work-life balance for thousands, impacting both union and non-union workers, but are showing signs they may be lengthy.

Tom Regan, Airline Coordinator for the Machinists Union Air Transport Territory, and Mike Klemm, President and Directing General Chair of Machinists District 141, were among the luminaries who addressed the attendees.

The event was hosted by Larry Reeves from Local Lodge 1776 in Philadelphia.

Machinists Union District 141 includes 40,000 airline workers at American, Hawaiian, Philippine, Spirit, and United Airlines. The union’s reach in commercial aviation means that decisions made by union members will shape the rest of the industry.

The pandemic’s aftermath saw a strategic move by airlines to encourage senior agents towards early retirement. This strategy has led to a scenario where nearly half of all airline workers are relatively new to the industry. Many of these workers, coming from non-union professional backgrounds, are still acclimatizing to the nuances of the collective bargaining process and union dynamics. President Klemm’s call to action emphasized the need for seasoned committee members to mentor and engage these newcomers.
The conference also highlighted the altered dynamics between airlines and union grievance committees in the wake of the pandemic. With many workers being novices in the industry, there exists a gap between their union action expectations and the realistic outcomes. Addressing this gap is pivotal, according to District President Klemm.

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Online Comms Tools

Online Comms Tools

Oct 10, 2023 | Uncategorized

Machinists Union, District 141

Online Comms Tools 

Websites:

  1. Wix: A user-friendly platform for crafting websites with customizable templates.
  2. WordPress: A robust platform suitable for creating diverse websites and blogs with a variety of free themes.
  3. Weebly: A drag-and-drop website builder with a free plan available.

Flyers and Memes:

4. Canva: A versatile design tool offering templates for flyers, social media graphics, and more.

  1. Crello: A design platform with templates similar to Canva, suitable for various formats.
  2. Meme Generator: A straightforward tool dedicated to quick meme creation.

Photo Editing and Graphics:

7. GIMP: A free and open-source raster graphics editor.

  1. Photopea: An online photo editing tool.
  2. TinyPNG: An online tool for compressing PNG and JPEG images.

Free Photography:

10. Pixabay: Offers a wide range of free stock photos, videos, and music.

  1. Unsplash: A platform for high-resolution photos.

3D Graphics and Animations:

12. Blender: An open-source tool for 3D modeling and animation.

  1. SketchUp Free: A beginner-friendly, web-based 3D modeling tool.

Text Editing:

Grammarly: The top name for proofreading for spelling, grammar, and tone detection. A limited free plan is available.

2023 IAMAW Committee Conference Information Page
TImeline & speakers
2023 Conference timeline and information

2023 Conference timeline and information

Oct 5, 2023 | Uncategorized

Machinists Union, District 141

2023 Committee Conference

Good Morning! Breakfast this morning is from 7:30 to 8:45 in the Grand Ballroom. The Conference will be adjourned today at noon.

When you have time, please complete our 2023 IAMAW 141 Conference Review Survey and tell us about your experience this week. You can find the Survey HERE or at the link below. 

Thank you for your service!

TImeline & speakers
Please Review this Conference
Free & Low cost tools for Union Comms
Domestic Abuse Awareness Day: Standing Together in Strength

Domestic Abuse Awareness Day: Standing Together in Strength

Oct 4, 2023 | Community Service, Front Page, Other News, Recent News, Row 2, Uncategorized

Domestic Abuse Awareness Day: Standing Together in Strength

Domestic Abuse Awareness Day: Standing Together in Strength

IAM141.org
October 4, 2023

Chicago, October 4th, 2023 – Machinists Union Local Lodge 1487 hosted a poignant Domestic Abuse Awareness Day event today, drawing a full house with standing room only. The event aimed to shed light on the various forms of abuse, some of which often go unnoticed, and to provide a platform for survivors to share their stories.

April Walker, President of the Local 1487 Women’s Committee, led the effort to organize the event, along with her fellowess Committee members Kimberly Smith, Larainen Brooks-Tyler, Deena Pena, and Nikia Peoples. As a union leader and staunch supporter of women’s issues, Walker emphasized the importance of solidarity among women. “Programs like this are important because they give women a chance to share our stories, to stand together in strength, and to let each other know that we are not alone,” she remarked.

The event was graced by the presence of Grammy-Award Nominated Gospel vocalist Kim Stratton. She delivered a heart-wrenching performance of her gospel hit, “More Than Enough,” after sharing a deeply moving personal story of her own experiences with abuse. Trapped in a toxic marriage, Statton recounted the challenges she faced, from a husband who tried to turn her children against her to his jealousy of her success. Today, she has transformed her “misery into ministry,” inspiring countless others with her resilience.

Sheerese Croft delivered a deeply moving account, shedding light on the pain she endured and her journey to healing and empowerment. “I’ve lived with this my whole life, but I’ve never spoke on it,” she began, capturing the attention of every attendee. The physical and emotional scars of her past were evident, but so was her resilience.

 Sheerese highlighted the facade many victims wear: “Everything might look good on the outside, but you have no idea what’s going on on the inside. I’ve put up a good front for years.” “I covered the scar on my back with a tattoo,” she shared, symbolizing her early efforts to hide her experiences.

Her decision to share her story at the event was a significant step in her healing journey. “Today, I’m here, sharing my truth,” she declared with determination. “I’m tired of hiding, tired of pretending. Today, I’m not scared anymore.”

The audience responded with strong support, reflecting the profound impact of her words and the shared experiences of many in the room.

Shelly Marsh, a Director of the award-winning WINGS Program, provided insights into the various forms of abuse, many of which remain hidden. These can include financial, cyber, and spiritual abuse. The WINGS Program aims to provide emergency housing, integrated services, education, and advocacy to end domestic violence. The program’s emergency shelters house those fleeing violent situations, offering refuge and critical services.

The event also saw the attendance of IAMAW District 141 Assistant General Chair Andrea’ Myers, who flew in from Detroit to show her support, further highlighting the event’s significance and the community’s solidarity.

Also in attendance was Machinists Union District Legislative Director David Roderick, who has been helping lead efforts to reduce cases of air rage, which disproportionately harm female gate agents and flight attendants. “People who think they can physically and verbally abuse our gate agents are the same people who think they can abuse their partners at home,” he said. “If we can help stop abuse behind closed doors, we will go a long way towards preventing abuse in public.”

Addressing the persistent challenge of domestic abuse, events such as this are pivotal in heightening awareness, providing vital support, and building a resilient community united against violence.

To learn how you can support the WINGS program and its mission to end domestic violence, visit their website at WINGSprogram.com. 

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Sign up for Email Alerts

Domestic Abuse Awareness Day: Standing Together in Strength

October 4, 2023

Chicago, October 4th, 2023 – Machinists Union Local Lodge 1487 hosted a poignant Domestic Abuse Awareness Day event today, drawing a full house with standing room only. The event aimed to shed light on the various forms of abuse, some of which often go unnoticed, and to provide a platform for survivors to share their stories.

April Walker, President of the Local 1487 Women’s Committee, led the effort to organize the event, along with her fellowess Committee members Kimberly Smith, Larainen Brooks-Tyler, Deena Pena, and Nikia Peoples. As a union leader and staunch supporter of women’s issues, Walker emphasized the importance of solidarity among women. “Programs like this are important because they give women a chance to share our stories, to stand together in strength, and to let each other know that we are not alone,” she remarked.

The event was graced by the presence of Grammy-Award Nominated Gospel vocalist Kim Stratton. She delivered a heart-wrenching performance of her gospel hit, “More Than Enough,” after sharing a deeply moving personal story of her own experiences with abuse. Trapped in a toxic marriage, Statton recounted the challenges she faced, from a husband who tried to turn her children against her to his jealousy of her success. Today, she has transformed her “misery into ministry,” inspiring countless others with her resilience.

Sheerese Croft delivered a deeply moving account, shedding light on the pain she endured and her journey to healing and empowerment. “I’ve lived with this my whole life, but I’ve never spoke on it,” she began, capturing the attention of every attendee. The physical and emotional scars of her past were evident, but so was her resilience.

 Sheerest highlighted the facade many victims wear: “Everything might look good on the outside, but you have no idea what’s going on on the inside. I’ve put up a good front for years.” “I covered the scar on my back with a tattoo,” she shared, symbolizing her early efforts to hide her experiences.

Her decision to share her story at the event was a significant step in her healing journey. “Today, I’m here, sharing my truth,” she declared with determination. “I’m tired of hiding, tired of pretending. Today, I’m not scared anymore.”

The audience responded with strong support, reflecting the profound impact of her words and the shared experiences of many in the room.

Shelly Marsh, a Director of the award-winning WINGS Program, provided insights into the various forms of abuse, many of which remain hidden. These can include financial, cyber, and spiritual abuse. The WINGS Program aims to provide emergency housing, integrated services, education, and advocacy to end domestic violence. The program’s emergency shelters house those fleeing violent situations, offering refuge and critical services.

The event also saw the attendance of IAMAW District 141 Assistant General Chair Andrea’ Myers, who flew in from Detroit to show her support, further highlighting the event’s significance and the community’s solidarity.

Also in attendance was Machinists Union District Legislative Director David Roderick, who has been helping lead efforts to reduce cases of air rage, which disproportionately harm female gate agents and flight attendants. “People who think they can physically and verbally abuse our gate agents are the same people who think they can abuse their partners at home,” he said. “If we can help stop abuse behind closed doors, we will go a long way towards preventing abuse in public.”

Addressing the persistent challenge of domestic abuse, events such as this are pivotal in heightening awareness, providing vital support, and building a resilient community united against violence.

To learn how you can support the WINGS program and its mission to end domestic violence, visit their website at WINGSprogram.com. 

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United Pilots Ratify New Contract Worth $10 Billion

United Pilots Ratify New Contract Worth $10 Billion

Oct 2, 2023 | Front Page, Other News, Recent News, Row 2, Uncategorized, United

United Pilots Ratify New Contract Worth $10 Billion

United Pilots Ratify New Contract Worth $10 Billion

IAM141.org
September 29, 2023

CHICAGO — United Airlines’ pilots have approved a new four-year agreement valued at over $10 billion, as stated by their union.

Previously, the union mentioned that this agreement would lead to a pay increase of up to 40% throughout the four years.

On Friday, the Air Line Pilots Association disclosed that 82% of participating pilots voted in favor of the new terms.

Garth Thompson, the head of the union’s United faction, described it as a pioneering contract that “delivers considerable advantages to our pilots.”

United follows Delta Air Lines and American Airlines in securing new pilot contracts, mitigating tensions with a crucial labor faction, and ensuring the airline can attract critical staff in a tight labor market. Pilots at Southwest Airlines, represented by a different union, and flight attendants at various airlines are still in the negotiation phase.

The union representing the pilots stated that the contract with United encompasses unprecedented raises and enhancements in employment terms, sick leave, holiday duration, and retirement perks. United employs approximately 16,000 pilots.

This contract is set to be in effect until September 30, 2027.

 

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February Helping Hands: Financial Health

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EAP Peers:        February is often a month that people are struggling with finances after the holidays. We focus on a government agency that has some terrific resources - the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau. This agency has a myriad of resources to help with any...

Stay up to date with all the latest news and information from the District 141 of the Machinists Union

Sign up for Email Alerts

United Pilots Ratify New Contract Worth $10 Billion

September 29, 2023

CHICAGO — United Airlines’ pilots have approved a new four-year agreement valued at over $10 billion, as stated by their union.

Previously, the union mentioned that this agreement would lead to a pay increase of up to 40% throughout the four years.

On Friday, the Air Line Pilots Association disclosed that 82% of participating pilots voted in favor of the new terms.

Garth Thompson, the head of the union’s United faction, described it as a pioneering contract that “delivers considerable advantages to our pilots.”

United follows Delta Air Lines and American Airlines in securing new pilot contracts, mitigating tensions with a crucial labor faction, and ensuring the airline can attract critical staff in a tight labor market. Pilots at Southwest Airlines, represented by a different union, and flight attendants at various airlines are still in the negotiation phase.

The union representing the pilots stated that the contract with United encompasses unprecedented raises and enhancements in employment terms, sick leave, holiday duration, and retirement perks. United employs approximately 16,000 pilots.

This contract is set to be in effect until September 30, 2027.

 

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EAP Peers:        February is often a month that people are struggling with finances after the holidays. We focus on a government agency that has some terrific resources - the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau. This agency has a myriad of resources to help with any...