Union Members at O’Hare Walk Out on Kirby; Sick and Tired of the Same Old Lip Service

Union Members at O’Hare Walk Out on Kirby; Sick and Tired of the Same Old Lip Service

May 6, 2024 | Featured, Featured News, Front Page, Other News, Perusals, Recent News, Row 2, United

Union Members at O’Hare Walk Out on Kirby; Sick and Tired of the Same Old Lip Service

7 May 2024

United Airlines is no longer the airline it was under Oscar Muñoz. From 2015 to 2020, this company respected its employees, and, in return, those workers gave the airline the best years in its history.

Recently, United management has been eliminating Customer Service Centers and developing metrics that force our members to meet unreasonable demands. This practice has resulted in poor customer service for our passengers, including mis-boards, as well as increases in damages and on-the-job injuries.

Moreover, company management is demanding that Reservations Agents maintain scorecards of 97% or higher or face unfair discipline. Now, top management has launched an outright assault on Protected Work related to the movement of jet bridges by Passenger Service Employees.

Our Union Membership has had enough. 

Last week, United CEO Scott Kirby walked into a Customer Service Breakroom in Chicago to meet with front-line union members. He had hoped to pose for selfies and chat about how much United values its workers. Instead, all but two employees walked out on him.

Under Article 2 A 1 of the Passenger Service contract, the movement of jet bridges is protected as core work. Despite the clarity of the contractual language, United is insisting that it has the right to move that work to other groups.

In response,  last week, we also concluded a two-day arbitration case to let United management know we are protecting the work of IAM-represented Customer Service Representatives.

The company claims it can assign anyone to do any work covered under the airline’s seven different contracts. Management’s flawed logic would mean that a Customer Service Representative could be told to walk down the jet bridge, position a belt loader to an aircraft, and offload the aircraft. If that sounds like nonsense, that’s because it IS nonsense.

It’s also a sign of absolute disrespect to every IAM member covered under any IAM collective bargaining agreement at United Airlines. Even more maddening, Article 2 A 1 of the Fleet Service contract explicitly states that the movement of a jet bridge is NOT Fleet Service work.

This grievance is in no way an attempt to take work away from our Move Team sisters and brothers. In fact, it’s just the opposite: the goal is to help the Move Team do their job more efficiently by holding the Company accountable for assigning a Customer Service Representative to each aircraft brought to the terminal from another area.

A final decision from this arbitration hearing will take some time to arrive. Both sides are allotted around 30 days to write their post-hearing briefs. Once his process is complete, the Arbitrator will render a decision based on all the evidence and witness testimony.

We expect the decision to be handed down in July.  When we do, we will immediately report back to the membership.

Mike Klemm,
PDGC, District 141,
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
LGR

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

Get Printable Copy
Association Update

Association Update

May 1, 2024 | American, Featured, Front Page, Other News, Recent News, Row 2, The Association, Uncategorized

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

Related News

February Helping Hands: Financial Health

February Helping Hands: Financial Health

Feb 8, 2024

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...

New DOT Rules Promise to Make Air Travel Less Horrible

New DOT Rules Promise to Make Air Travel Less Horrible

Apr 25, 2024 | Featured, Featured News, Front Page, MNPL, Other News, Recent News, Row 2

New DOT Rules Promise to Make Air Travel Less Horrible

New DOT Rules Promise to Make Air Travel Less Horrible

IAM141.org
25 April 2024

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Pete Buttigieg, announced sweeping new regulations on Wednesday, requiring airlines to offer automatic cash refunds for significant delays and cancellations, marking a major shift towards enhanced passenger rights.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them – without headaches or haggling,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”

Currently, airlines can offer passengers non-monetary refunds, such as free miles, for things like flight cancellations, delayed baggage, and poor Wi-Fi connections. The new rules will require airlines to refund the money passengers have paid for these services without requiring those passengers to ask for cash refunds.

“Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops,” stated Secretary Buttigieg, emphasizing the new mandate to simplify and ensure fairness in the refund process.

“Up until now, even though technically you’re already supposed to be able to get your money back for cancellation, you have to really fight for it,” Buttigieg said about the new rules. “A lot of times, what the airline would do is they’d say, ‘OK, well, here’s 5,000 miles,’ and that might sound great if you’re not aware that 5,000 miles is worth, say, $50 and you’re actually entitled to 400 bucks in a ticket refund,” Secretary Buttigieg explained.

The new rules will also eliminate the frustration of hidden and surprise fees by requiring airlines to disclose all costs upfront during the booking process. This transparency ensures that passengers can make informed decisions about their travel options, free from unexpected charges at the time of purchase or check-in.

“Today’s announcements will require airlines to both provide passengers better information about costs before ticket purchase, and promptly provide cash refunds to passengers when they are owed — not only saving passengers time and money, but also preventing headaches,” Buttigieg said.

Machinists Union District Legislative Director David Roderick expressed strong support for the new regulations, noting their broader impact on the industry and workforce. “These regulations are a win-win for everyone involved,” Roderick said. “Better treatment of passengers directly contributes to more profitable airlines, which translates to more good-paying union jobs. This is exactly the kind of legislation our members should champion.”

Since 2021, the Department of Transportation has implemented several sweeping new airline regulations aimed at protecting the flying public. Under Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued record fines, and returned more money to passengers than ever before.

Thanks to initiatives imposed by the Department of Transportation, all major U.S. airlines now guarantee free rebooking and meals, with most offering hotel accommodations for significant delays. These guarantees are all enforceable by the DOT. 

In 2023, the U.S. achieved a record-low flight cancellation rate of under 1.2% despite high travel volumes. DOT is also reviewing airline privacy practices and loyalty programs aimed at further expanding passenger rights and transparency.

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.

Donate Today - and THANK YOU

Related News

February Helping Hands: Financial Health

February Helping Hands: Financial Health

Feb 8, 2024

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

New DOT Rules Promise to Make Air Travel Less Horrible

25 April 2024

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Pete Buttigieg, announced sweeping new regulations on Wednesday, requiring airlines to offer automatic cash refunds for significant delays and cancellations, marking a major shift towards enhanced passenger rights.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them – without headaches or haggling,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”

Currently, airlines can offer passengers non-monetary refunds, such as free miles, for things like flight cancellations, delayed baggage, and poor Wi-Fi connections. The new rules will require airlines to refund the money passengers have paid for these services without requiring those passengers to ask for cash refunds.

“Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops,” stated Secretary Buttigieg, emphasizing the new mandate to simplify and ensure fairness in the refund process.

“Up until now, even though technically you’re already supposed to be able to get your money back for cancellation, you have to really fight for it,” Buttigieg said about the new rules. “A lot of times, what the airline would do is they’d say, ‘OK, well, here’s 5,000 miles,’ and that might sound great if you’re not aware that 5,000 miles is worth, say, $50 and you’re actually entitled to 400 bucks in a ticket refund,” Secretary Buttigieg explained.

The new rules will also eliminate the frustration of hidden and surprise fees by requiring airlines to disclose all costs upfront during the booking process. This transparency ensures that passengers can make informed decisions about their travel options, free from unexpected charges at the time of purchase or check-in.

“Today’s announcements will require airlines to both provide passengers better information about costs before ticket purchase, and promptly provide cash refunds to passengers when they are owed — not only saving passengers time and money, but also preventing headaches,” Buttigieg said.

Machinists Union District Legislative Director David Roderick expressed strong support for the new regulations, noting their broader impact on the industry and workforce. “These regulations are a win-win for everyone involved,” Roderick said. “Better treatment of passengers directly contributes to more profitable airlines, which translates to more good-paying union jobs. This is exactly the kind of legislation our members should champion.”

Since 2021, the Department of Transportation has implemented several sweeping new airline regulations aimed at protecting the flying public. Under Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued record fines, and returned more money to passengers than ever before.

Thanks to initiatives imposed by the Department of Transportation, all major U.S. airlines now guarantee free rebooking and meals, with most offering hotel accommodations for significant delays. These guarantees are all enforceable by the DOT. 

In 2023, the U.S. achieved a record-low flight cancellation rate of under 1.2% despite high travel volumes. DOT is also reviewing airline privacy practices and loyalty programs aimed at further expanding passenger rights and transparency.

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.

Donate Today - and THANK YOU

Related

February Helping Hands: Financial Health

February Helping Hands: Financial Health

Feb 8, 2024

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...

Machinist Union Members at United Begin Preparations for New Contract Talks

Machinist Union Members at United Begin Preparations for New Contract Talks

Mar 15, 2024 | Featured News, Front Page, Other News, Row 2, United

Machinist Union Members at United Begin Preparations for New Contract Talks

Machinist Union Members at United Begin Preparations for New Contract Talks

IAM141.org
15 March 2024

Union members at United Airlines, including nearly 29,000 workers over seven different workgroups, are preparing to start contract negotiations as soon as this summer, according to an announcement made on Friday by the Union’s District President, Mike Klemm.

According to Klemm, the seven agreements between the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and United Airlines will become eligible for updates on May 1. Thanks to an early start provision in the 2023 agreements, this will be the second round of contract talks between the union and the carrier in as many years.

In 2023, the Machinists Union negotiated industry-leading wages and job protections, with thousands of union members earning more than $37 an hour. They also extended critical job protections for hundreds of employees at airports where United had a smaller footprint, who might have otherwise faced the possibility of being outsourced. The 2023 agreements also insourced several stations, including Miami and Colorado Springs.

In 2023, the Airline committed to “Expedited Negotations,” which would have focused on only the top concerns of union members. The hope was that the talks would bring meaningful job improvements to covered workers quickly, within a few months. However, the Airline proved unable to fulfill that commitment, and talks stalled.

Under the Railway Labor Act, the governing body that oversees labor relations in transportation industries, including airlines, the failure of United to quickly seal a deal with the union meant that the two parties would enter into “Section 6” negotiations instead. Section 6 Negotiations, named after Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act, will require the parties to litigate every aspect of the collective bargaining agreements and are likely to take as long as a year or more to negotiate.

President Klemm warned that the track record of United Airlines’ inability to swiftly cement collective Bargaining Agreements might result in delays in the new round of negotiations.

“It’s essential to recognize the changing dynamics at United Airlines,” he said in a written statement to union members. “This is not the same airline as it was from 2015 through 2020.”

“Our goal remains to secure an industry-leading contract for our membership by the end of this year. Nevertheless, we’re prepared for all possibilities, including the chance that negotiations may be unnecessarily delayed due to United’s strategic use of the laws that govern labor relations in the airline industry,” he continued.

Before the negotiations begin, Klemm said that union negotiators will canvas front-line union members for input.

“The feedback we get from these surveys will be vital to your Negotiating Committee as we prepare to begin talks with United Airlines,” he said, adding that high levels of participation will strengthen the union’s hand at the bargaining table.

“By participating, you’re not just sharing your views; you’re actively contributing to the strength and direction of our negotiations,” Klemm said.

 

Union Members Can Take the Survey Here

Related News

February Helping Hands: Financial Health

February Helping Hands: Financial Health

Feb 8, 2024

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

Machinist Union Members at United Begin Preparations for New Contract Talks

15 March 2024

Union members at United Airlines, including nearly 29,000 workers over seven different workgroups, are preparing to start contract negotiations as soon as this summer, according to an announcement made on Friday by the Union’s District President, Mike Klemm.

According to Klemm, the seven agreements between the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and United Airlines will become eligible for updates on May 1. Thanks to an early start provision in the 2023 agreements, this will be the second round of contract talks between the union and the carrier in as many years.

In 2023, the Machinists Union negotiated industry-leading wages and job protections, with thousands of union members earning more than $37 an hour. They also extended critical job protections for hundreds of employees at airports where United had a smaller footprint, who might have otherwise faced the possibility of being outsourced. The 2023 agreements also insourced several stations, including Miami and Colorado Springs.

In 2023, the Airline committed to “Expedited Negotations,” which would have focused on only the top concerns of union members. The hope was that the talks would bring meaningful job improvements to covered workers quickly, within a few months. However, the Airline proved unable to fulfill that commitment, and talks stalled.

Under the Railway Labor Act, the governing body that oversees labor relations in transportation industries, including airlines, the failure of United to quickly seal a deal with the union meant that the two parties would enter into “Section 6” negotiations instead. Section 6 Negotiations, named after Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act, will require the parties to litigate every aspect of the collective bargaining agreements and are likely to take as long as a year or more to negotiate.

President Klemm warned that the track record of United Airlines’ inability to swiftly cement collective Bargaining Agreements might result in delays in the new round of negotiations.

“It’s essential to recognize the changing dynamics at United Airlines,” he said in a written statement to union members. “This is not the same airline as it was from 2015 through 2020.”

“Our goal remains to secure an industry-leading contract for our membership by the end of this year. Nevertheless, we’re prepared for all possibilities, including the chance that negotiations may be unnecessarily delayed due to United’s strategic use of the laws that govern labor relations in the airline industry,” he continued.

Before the negotiations begin, Klemm said that union negotiators will canvas front-line union members for input.

“The feedback we get from these surveys will be vital to your Negotiating Committee as we prepare to begin talks with United Airlines,” he said, adding that high levels of participation will strengthen the union’s hand at the bargaining table.

“By participating, you’re not just sharing your views; you’re actively contributing to the strength and direction of our negotiations,” Klemm said.

 

Union Members Can Take the Survey Here

Related

February Helping Hands: Financial Health

February Helping Hands: Financial Health

Feb 8, 2024

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...

$8,000 in Scholarships are Now Available!

$8,000 in Scholarships are Now Available!

Feb 6, 2024 | Community Service, Education, Featured News, Front Page, Other News, Recent News, Row 2

$8,000 in Scholarships are Now Available!

$8,000 in Scholarships are Now Available!

IAM141.org
6 February 2024

District Lodge 141 is excited to announce the commencement of its 2024 Adolph Stutz Memorial Scholarship Essay Contest!

The essay competition is designed to encourage a better understanding and appreciation of the role of unions in America and foster a sense of community among our members and their families. By reflecting on the history and principles of unions, participants have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of this important institution and its impact on society. Through their personal experiences and reflections, they can inspire others to recognize the value of collective action and the power of working together towards a common goal. 

This year’s theme asks participants to contemplate “Reviving the American Dream: What Can I Do to Help My Generation Overcome Despair and Build a Better Future?” This competition is open to the children, spouses, and dependent grandchildren of members with one year or more of good standing in District Lodge 141 of the Machinists Union as of June 1, 2023. This includes graduating high school seniors and those who are currently enrolled full-time in college or trade school. The Grand Prize winner will receive a $2,000 award, and six additional winners will each receive a check for $1,000. 

Participants are asked to email their entries to dan@bleicomm.com by midnight on July 15, 2024.

CLICK HERE for the official rules and entry form.

 

Related News

February Helping Hands: Financial Health

February Helping Hands: Financial Health

Feb 8, 2024

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

$8,000 in Scholarships are Now Available!

6 February 2024

District Lodge 141 is excited to announce the commencement of its 2024 Adolph Stutz Memorial Scholarship Essay Contest!

The essay competition is designed to encourage a better understanding and appreciation of the role of unions in America and foster a sense of community among our members and their families. By reflecting on the history and principles of unions, participants have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of this important institution and its impact on society. Through their personal experiences and reflections, they can inspire others to recognize the value of collective action and the power of working together towards a common goal. 

This year’s theme asks participants to contemplate “Reviving the American Dream: What Can I Do to Help My Generation Overcome Despair and Build a Better Future?” This competition is open to the children, spouses, and dependent grandchildren of members with one year or more of good standing in District Lodge 141 of the Machinists Union as of June 1, 2023. This includes graduating high school seniors and those who are currently enrolled full-time in college or trade school. The Grand Prize winner will receive a $2,000 award, and six additional winners will each receive a check for $1,000. 

Participants are asked to email their entries to dan@bleicomm.com by midnight on July 15, 2024.

CLICK HERE for the official rules and entry form.

 

Related

February Helping Hands: Financial Health

February Helping Hands: Financial Health

Feb 8, 2024

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...

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. 

Related News

February Helping Hands: Financial Health

February Helping Hands: Financial Health

Feb 8, 2024

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

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. 

Related

February Helping Hands: Financial Health

February Helping Hands: Financial Health

Feb 8, 2024

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...