JetBlue Union Vote Update: No Back Dues

JetBlue Union Vote Update: No Back Dues

Oct 27, 2022 | Front Page, JetBlue, Organizing, Page Five, Page Four, Page Three, Page Two, Perusals, Row 2

JetBlue Union Vote Update: No Back Dues

Organizing
27 October 2022

Dear GO Crewmembers:

Sadly and unfortunately, it has come to our attention that JetBlue management and their agents are lying about the union dues issue once again.

Let me be as clear as possible: There will be NO PAYMENT OF “BACK DUES” AND NO INITIATION FEE. AFTER GO CREWMEMBERS RATIFY THEIR FIRST CONTRACT, GO CREWMEMBERS WILL PAY $42 PER MONTH IN DUES.

It is not surprising that JetBlue management and their agents are attempting to deceive you. JetBlue management, and the management-controlled “Values Committee,” only seek to maintain the status quo. JetBlue management’s goal is to retain all the power over all the decisions that affect the lives of GO Crewmembers and their families.

They do not want GO Crewmembers to have the right to negotiate their own legally binding contract and vote on that contract. Simply put, they want control. The “Values Committee” is an extension of JetBlue management. The reason it exists is to give GO Crewmembers the impression that the interests of GO Crewmembers are represented.

While there are likely well­meanihg GO Crewmembers who serve, and have served, on the “Values Committee,” the committee has no legal standing and has no legal power to represent GO Crewmembers. JetBlue management makes ALL decisions regarding the wages, benefits and working conditions of GO Crewmembers.

If GO Crewmembers don’t like those decisions, GO Crewmembers have no recourse other than to accept those decisions or cease employment. JetBlue management even says so in Section 1.1 of the Crewmember Blue Book:

“The Crewmember Blue Book is not intended to, and does not, create a term of employment or any employment contract, promise or representation, expressed or implied, with JetBlue; and does not limit or restrict JetBlue in creating or separating employment relationships.”

Why do you think JetBlue management and the “Values Committee” are working so hard to convince GO Crewmembers that you don’t need a union? Is it because they really care about you, or is it because it benefits them if things stay the same?

Because of your unity and efforts to unionize and gain a legally binding contract, JetBlue management and the “Values Committee” are threatened. And when the power structure and the status quo are threatened, people do strange things like lie and misinform their employees and co-workers in an effort to keep their power and cushy positions.

Stay strong sisters and brothers and VOTE YES, THEN NEGOTIATE YOUR CONTRACT WHEN THE TIME COMES!

In Unity,

Richard Johnsen,
General Vice President,
International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers

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JetBlue Union Vote Update: No Back Dues

27 October, 2022

Dear GO Crewmembers:

Sadly and unfortunately, it has come to our attention that JetBlue management and their agents are lying about the union dues issue once again.

Let me be as clear as possible: There will be NO PAYMENT OF “BACK DUES” AND NO INITIATION FEE. AFTER GO CREWMEMBERS RATIFY THEIR FIRST CONTRACT, GO CREWMEMBERS WILL PAY $42 PER MONTH IN DUES.

It is not surprising that JetBlue management and their agents are attempting to deceive you. JetBlue management, and the management-controlled “Values Committee,” only seek to maintain the status quo. JetBlue management’s goal is to retain all the power over all the decisions that affect the lives of GO Crewmembers and their families.

They do not want GO Crewmembers to have the right to negotiate their own legally binding contract and vote on that contract. Simply put, they want control. The “Values Committee” is an extension of JetBlue management. The reason it exists is to give GO Crewmembers the impression that the interests of GO Crewmembers are represented.

While there are likely well­meanihg GO Crewmembers who serve, and have served, on the “Values Committee,” the committee has no legal standing and has no legal power to represent GO Crewmembers. JetBlue management makes ALL decisions regarding the wages, benefits and working conditions of GO Crewmembers.

If GO Crewmembers don’t like those decisions, GO Crewmembers have no recourse other than to accept those decisions or cease employment. JetBlue management even says so in Section 1.1 of the Crewmember Blue Book:

“The Crewmember Blue Book is not intended to, and does not, create a term of employment or any employment contract, promise or representation, expressed or implied, with JetBlue; and does not limit or restrict JetBlue in creating or separating employment relationships.”

Why do you think JetBlue management and the “Values Committee” are working so hard to convince GO Crewmembers that you don’t need a union? Is it because they really care about you, or is it because it benefits them if things stay the same?

Because of your unity and efforts to unionize and gain a legally binding contract, JetBlue management and the “Values Committee” are threatened. And when the power structure and the status quo are threatened, people do strange things like lie and misinform their employees and co-workers in an effort to keep their power and cushy positions.

Stay strong sisters and brothers and VOTE YES, THEN NEGOTIATE YOUR CONTRACT WHEN THE TIME COMES!

In Unity,

Richard Johnsen,
General Vice President,
International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers

Get Printable Flyer

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Tentative Deal at Southwest: Historic Pay, Overtime Protections

Tentative Deal at Southwest: Historic Pay, Overtime Protections

Oct 26, 2022 | Front Page, JetBlue, Organizing, Page Five, Page Four, Page Three, Page Two, Perusals, Row 2

Machinists Union Customer Service Workers at Soutwest are considering a Tentative Agreement that would provide historic wages and overtime protections.

Tentative Deal at Southwest: Historic Pay, Overtime Protections

Organizing
26 October 2022

Southwest Airlines has reached a new tentative agreement that would give its employees the biggest paychecks in the history of commercial aviation. The deal also tightens restrictions on mandatory overtime, a vital issue for the Machinists Union. If ratified by union members, the agreement could set a precedent for United Airlines, which is currently engaged in ongoing negotiations with multiple workgroups, all of whom are also members of the Machinists Union. It could also become a decisive factor as JetBlue Ground Operations prepares to vote on joining the Union.

The deal will give union members at Southwest a pay raise of between 16% and 25% over four years, creating the highest wages in the industry. It will also shorten the time it takes to reach the top wage. The new wage structure will include “Me Too” provisions that will ensure union members will also get whatever future raises and other pay enhancements are won by other unions for similar work at the carrier. In addition, the agreement will provide substantial bonuses. The bonuses are calculated by years at the company, with a minimum of $1,000 for newer workers with under five years of seniority and an additional $200 for each year over five.

The workgroup belongs to District 142 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

Perhaps even more urgent to union members than higher pay is placing strict controls on the abusive use of mandatory overtime. This agreement will put caps on the total amount of overtime the company can demand and allow overtime to be refused under certain conditions. It will also impose double-time pay for some overtime work.

The Tentative Agreement must win the approval of a majority of the 8,300 Customer Service and related union members at Southwest Airlines, who rejected two other proposals earlier this year. The deal does not apply to other workgroups, such as ground service.

The IAM will hold tentative agreement informational meetings once all ratification vote locations and dates are confirmed.

“Our IAM negotiating team and membership has been steadfast to obtain an agreement that treats Southwest Airlines workers with the respect they’ve earned,” said IAM Airline Coordinator Tom Regan. “This agreement represents years of work, through a pandemic, to put our members at the top of the industry.”

 

Since 2008, Machinists Union Members in the commercial aviation industry have collectively bargained a series of historic milestones in the labor movement. Airline workers with the Union have won the highest-ever pay increases no fewer than five times since 2008. This includes setting new industry records for pay at United Airlines, American Airlines, and Alaskan. If Union Members at Southwest ratify the agreement, they will become the newest record-holders for highest-paid customer service workers in the airline industry.

The new agreement got the attention of JetBlue ground Operations Crewmembers, who are currently awaiting a unification vote with the Machinists Union. Within minutes of its announcement, it was shared multiple times on union-themed chat boards and social media platforms. However, in a flagrant violation of labor law, JetBlue managers, who closely monitor the online pro-union discussions, swiftly removed all mention of the Southwest agreement. 

District President Mike Klemm, who is helping lead contract negotiations at United Airlines, said the possible agreement at Southwest could strengthen the Union’s hand at United. “This is where the industry is regarding pay, overtime, outsourcing… any airline has to compete for workers from a dwindling talent pool. Not everyone can pass the background checks, do incredibly hard work with absolute precision, pass the constant training requirements, all the things needed to work in this industry,” he said. “United is saying they need to hire 30,000 new workers over the next few years if they want to keep up,” he continued. “They need to invest in their workforce, or they will lose out to airlines like Alaskan and Soutwest.” 

Read the Agreement Highlights>

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is the largest transportation and aerospace union in North America. The IAM represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in more than 200 industries, including more than 32,000 members in commercial aviation.

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Tentative Deal at Southwest: Historic Pay, Overtime Protections

26 October 2022

The new deal, which still has to win a ratification vote, will have implications for contract talks at United and Organizing efforts at JetBlue.

Southwest Airlines has reached a new tentative agreement that would give its employees the biggest paychecks in the history of commercial aviation. The deal also tightens restrictions on mandatory overtime, a vital issue for the Machinists Union. If ratified by union members, the agreement could set a precedent for United Airlines, which is currently engaged in ongoing negotiations with multiple workgroups, all of whom are also members of the Machinists Union. It could also become a decisive factor as JetBlue Ground Operations prepares to vote on joining the Union.

The deal will give union members at Southwest a pay raise of between 16% and 25% over four years, creating the highest wages in the industry. It will also shorten the time it takes to reach the top wage. The new wage structure will include “Me Too” provisions that will ensure union members will also get whatever future raises and other pay enhancements are won by other unions for similar work at the carrier. In addition, the agreement will provide substantial bonuses. The bonuses are calculated by years at the company, with a minimum of $1,000 for newer workers with under five years of seniority and an additional $200 for each year over five.

Perhaps even more urgent to union members than higher pay is placing strict controls on the abusive use of mandatory overtime. This agreement will put caps on the total amount of overtime the company can demand and allow overtime to be refused under certain conditions. It will also impose double-time pay for some overtime work.

The Tentative Agreement must win the approval of a majority of the 8,300 Customer Service and related union members at Southwest Airlines, who rejected two other proposals earlier this year. The deal does not apply to other workgroups, such as ground service.

The IAM will hold tentative agreement informational meetings once all ratification vote locations and dates are confirmed.

“Our IAM negotiating team and membership has been steadfast to obtain an agreement that treats Southwest Airlines workers with the respect they’ve earned,” said IAM Airline Coordinator Tom Regan. “This agreement represents years of work, through a pandemic, to put our members at the top of the industry.”

Since 2008, Machinists Union Members in the commercial aviation industry have collectively bargained a series of historic milestones in the labor movement. Airline workers with the Union have won the highest-ever pay increases no fewer than five times since 2008. This includes setting new industry records for pay at United Airlines, American Airlines, and Alaskan. If Union Members at Southwest ratify the agreement, they will become the newest record-holders for highest-paid customer service workers in the airline industry.

The new agreement got the attention of JetBlue ground Operations Crewmembers, who are currently awaiting a unification vote with the Machinists Union. Within minutes of its announcement, it was shared multiple times on union-themed chat boards and social media platforms. However, in a flagrant violation of labor law, JetBlue managers, who closely monitor the online pro-union discussions, swiftly removed all mention of the Southwest agreement.

District President Mike Klemm, who is helping lead contract negotiations at United Airlines, said the possible agreement at Southwest could strengthen the Union’s hand at United. “This is where the industry is regarding pay, overtime, outsourcing… any airline has to compete for workers from a dwindling talent pool. Not everyone can pass the background checks, do incredibly hard work with absolute precision, pass the constant training requirements, all the things needed to work in this industry,” he said. “United is saying they need to hire 30,000 new workers over the next few years if they want to keep up,” he continued. “They need to invest in their workforce, or they will lose out to airlines like Alaskan and Soutwest.” 

Read the Agreement Highlights>

Customer Service Agents at Southwest are members of District 142 of The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). The IAM is the largest transportation and aerospace union in North America. The IAM represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in more than 200 industries, including more than 32,000 members in commercial aviation.

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IAM 141, United Continue Contract Talks Amid Massive Profit Announcement

IAM 141, United Continue Contract Talks Amid Massive Profit Announcement

Oct 24, 2022 | Front Page, Page Five, Page Four, Page Three, Page Two, Perusals, Row 2, Uncategorized, United

IAM 141, United Continue Contract Talks Amid Massive Profit Announcement

24 October 2022

IAM District 141 negotiators and United management met last week in Chicago. We resumed contract talks, which broke off in late July due to United management’s refusal to provide the job security and compensation necessary to move the process forward.

Negotiations focused again on job security. Both sides discussed ways to achieve the industry-best job security United IAM members prioritized. Both sides’ positions are still far apart.

It’s essential to understand the job security and scope proposals we’re making are not revolutionary. Other airlines already have similar language in their collective bargaining agreements. Our proposals are reasonable. United’s refusal to include basic job security provisions disrespects every IAM member at United.

Both sides also discussed the idea of a short, one or two-year extension of the existing Agreement. We repeat; any agreement, of whatever duration, must include the significant improvements in job security and overall compensation that IAM members deserve.

Also during the week, United reported almost a $1 billion net profit for the third quarter on nearly $13 billion in revenue, which is 13 percent higher than the same quarter of 2019, before the pandemic. CEO Kirby cheered and called this past season “by most metrics, the best operational quarter in our history.”

The 25,000 IAM-represented ground workers are the largest part of United’s operation. The mega-profits United is bragging about would not have been possible without our membership. It’s time for CEO Kirby and the rest of United management to put their money where their mouths are and do the right thing. In Solidarity,

Your Negotiating Committee

Olu Ajetomobi
Joe Bartz
Victor Hernandez
Barb Martin
Andrea’ Myers
Terry Stansbury
Faysal Silwany
Erik Stenberg
Sue Weisner

Mike Klemm

President and Directing General Chair,
IAMAW District 141
Recording Secretaries: Please print and post on all Union Bulletin Boards.
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New Job Growth “Strong as Hell” After Investments, Says Secretary Of Transportation

New Job Growth “Strong as Hell” After Investments, Says Secretary Of Transportation

Oct 19, 2022 | Front Page, JetBlue, MNPL, Page Five, Page Four, Page Three, Page Two, Perusals, Row 2

New Job Growth “Strong as Hell” After Investments, Says Secretary Of Transportation

Legislation
19 October 2022

In an appearance on CBS News’ face the Nation over the weekend, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg touted the Administration’s economic and pro-union policies as helping to create a job market that he described as “strong as hell.”

Buttigieg credited the Administration’s COVID-19 recovery package and infrastructure investments as helping to set the stage for more than 10 million Americans to return to work following the Pandemic. Relevant to airline workers, these policies include longer mandatory rest periods for flight attendants and $1 billion in funding to modernize aging US airports.

The Department of Transportation will also determine if the proposed merger between JetBlue and Spirit can move forward and whether or not to permit a similar partnership between JetBlue and American to proceed. That deal, called the “Northeast Alliance,” has been compared to a “De-facto merger” by the Justice Department. If approved, the partnership would allow JetBlue and American to operate as if they were a single airline in the Boston and New York markets. However, the two carriers would use different gates and aircraft.

JetBlue Ground Operations Crewmembers are currently seeking to join the Machinists Union. The 3,000 ground workers are filing with the National Mediation Board, which will oversee a vote to determine if the organizing drive is successful.

When asked by anchor Margarett Brennan if pumping $3.6 trillion in total new spending into the economy was a trigger for runaway inflation, Buttigieg responded by pointing out that the investments were also making possible historic levels of new job openings. “We would not have had the 10 million jobs created with this president with the lowest unemployment numbers in history,” he said.

“Look, I don’t think anybody could argue that our unemployment numbers are anything but strong as hell,” he said.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the US added more than 260,000 new jobs in September, pushing the unemployment rate to only 3.5%. The historic drop in unemployment is happening despite high inflation rates, lingering COVID infections, and Hurricane Ian, all of which had minimal effect on the overall economy, according to the Bureau.

Earlier this month, Secretary Buttigieg addressed the Machinists Union Convention in Las Vegas alongside Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and President Joe Biden in a video message. In the address, Buttigieg told union members that the time to end “anti union” tactics is now. “This president and this administration will always stand by the union workers who have stood by our country,” he told the hundreds of assembled Machinists Union members. “And, that means protecting and strengthening your right to organize, preventing companies from using retaliatory anti-union tactics,” he said to loud cheers.

Buttigieg also touted a multi-million dollar grant program to improve airport infrastructure and safety. The grant, part of the American Rescue Plan, will improve airport runways, taxiways, aprons, and Terminal buildings. “The president’s historic bipartisan infrastructure law creates a new generation of good union jobs,” he said. “By rebuilding our crumbling roadways, bridges, rail lines, and modernizing our airports,” he said.

In his bid to become US President in 2020, Buttigieg’s campaign staff formed a union, in part to create the precedent for other political campaigns. After organizing for a few weeks, union organizers announced the campaign had enough coworkers willing to sign Union Authorization Cards. The Buttigieg campaign then allowed the staffers to form the new union unopposed.

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New Job Growth “Strong as Hell” After Investments, Says Secretary Of Transportation

19 October, 2022

In an appearance on CBS News’ face the Nation over the weekend, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg touted the Administration’s economic and pro-union policies as helping to create a job market that he described as “strong as hell.”

Buttigieg credited the Administration’s COVID-19 recovery package and infrastructure investments as helping to set the stage for more than 10 million Americans to return to work following the Pandemic. Relevant to airline workers, these policies include longer mandatory rest periods for flight attendants and $1 billion in funding to modernize aging US airports. The Department of Transportation will also determine if the proposed merger between JetBlue and Spirit can move forward and whether or not to permit a similar partnership between JetBlue and American to proceed. That deal, called the “Northeast Alliance,” has been compared to a “De-facto merger” by the Justice Department. If approved, the partnership would allow JetBlue and American to operate as if they were a single airline in the Boston and New York markets. However, the two carriers would use different gates and aircraft.

JetBlue Ground Operations Crewmembers are currently seeking to join the Machinists Union. The 3,000 ground workers are filing with the National Mediation Board, which will oversee a vote to determine if the organizing drive is successful.

When asked by anchor Margarett Brennan if pumping $3.6 trillion in total new spending into the economy was a trigger for runaway inflation, Buttigieg responded by pointing out that the investments were also making possible historic levels of new job openings. “We would not have had the 10 million jobs created with this president with the lowest unemployment numbers in history,” he said.

“Look, I don’t think anybody could argue that our unemployment numbers are anything but strong as hell,” he said.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the US added more than 260,000 new jobs in September, pushing the unemployment rate to only 3.5%. The historic drop in unemployment is happening despite high inflation rates, lingering COVID infections, and Hurricane Ian, all of which had minimal effect on the overall economy, according to the Bureau.

Earlier this month, Secretary Buttigieg addressed the Machinists Union Convention in Las Vegas alongside Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and President Joe Biden in a video message. In the address, Buttigieg told union members that the time to end “anti union” tactics is now. “This president and this administration will always stand by the union workers who have stood by our country,” he told the hundreds of assembled Machinists Union members. “And, that means protecting and strengthening your right to organize, preventing companies from using retaliatory anti-union tactics,” he said to loud cheers.

Buttigieg also touted a multi-million dollar grant program to improve airport infrastructure and safety. The grant, part of the American Rescue Plan, will improve airport runways, taxiways, aprons, and Terminal buildings. “The president’s historic bipartisan infrastructure law creates a new generation of good union jobs,” he said. “By rebuilding our crumbling roadways, bridges, rail lines, and modernizing our airports,” he said.

In his bid to become US President in 2020, Buttigieg’s campaign staff formed a union, in part to create the precedent for other political campaigns. After organizing for a few weeks, union organizers announced the campaign had enough coworkers willing to sign Union Authorization Cards. The Buttigieg campaign then allowed the staffers to form the new union unopposed.

 

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Dennis Spencer Named New Safety Director for American, Spirit

Dennis Spencer Named New Safety Director for American, Spirit

Oct 18, 2022 | American, Front Page, Page Five, Page Four, Page Three, Page Two, Perusals, Row 2, Safety, Spirit

Dennis Spencer Named Safety Director for American, Spirit Members

Safety
18 October 2022

Dennis Spencer, Safety Chairman from Local Lodge 1776, has been appointed to Safety Director for District 141, overseeing safety programs for Union Members at American Airlines and Spirit.

The promotion was announced at the District Convention in September and became official on October 1. Dennis will be taking the helm following the retirement of Tony D’Aloiso, who held the position for years.

Dennis Spencer is a well-respected safety professional who has worked in the airline industry for over 30 years. Hired initially as a  Catering Agent at US Air in 1989, Dennis worked his way up to Station Trainer, navigating through a merger with American Airlines along the way. 

In 2008, Spencer decided to enter the world of Union Activism and immediately made an impact; he became a Union Steward, Headed up the Safety Committee as Chairman, and served as a Local Trustee – all in the space of a single year.

“I am very competitive in everything I do,” Spencer said of his rapid rise in the union. But, he stressed that his goal has always been clearly trained on the purpose of safety. “Our members have a very physically demanding job,” he said. “There’s a lot of involved in what they do. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to do everything I possibly can to keep our members safe on the job.”

Dennis will coordinate and lead safety initiatives for American Airlines members across the country in his new role. Among his many responsibilities, he will help ensure the safety and health of all fleet service members for American Airlines and fleet service members of Spirit Airlines in (FLL). His jobs will include serving as the primary member of the GSAP ERC Board, making him responsible for all GSAPs filed by Machinists Union Members.

He will also continue to administer the UnionSafe141.org website, which was the subject of special praise at the District 141 Committee Conference, held earlier this year. “I have no doubt that this website has saved lives,” said District Media Director Eric Price at the time. “The site that Spencer’s running allows anyone to report, track and record safety concerns – on the scene, right from their cellphones,” he said. “The work that Spencer’s doing is truly, truly groundbreaking,” he continued, pointing out that the safety tracking done by Spencer at American has won many court cases and prompted sweeping, nationwide changes in how American Airlines operates. 

District 141 President Mike Klemm released a statement saying, “Dennis Spencer is a proven leader with a wealth of experience in aviation safety. I am confident he will do an outstanding job in his new role as Safety Director at the District. I can’t wait to see what his imagination and energy are able to accomplish at the national level.”

“I am honored to be given this opportunity to lead the safety program for District 141, and I will do everything in my power to protect our members,” Spencer said of his assignment. He thanked his family for their patience over the years, as his work often requires long hours and extended time in the field. “And Tony D’Alosio. He was very instrumental in my development professionally and personally, preparing me for the role.”

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Dennis Spencer Named Safet Director for American, Spirit Airlines

18 October, 2022

Dennis Spencer, Safety Chairman from Local Lodge 1776, has been appointed to Safety Director for District 141, overseeing safety programs for Union Members at American Airlines and Spirit.

 The promotion was announced at the District Convention in September and became official on October 1. Dennis will be taking the helm following the retirement of Tony D’Aloiso, who held the position for years.

Dennis Spencer is a well-respected safety professional who has worked in the airline industry for over 30 years. Hired initially as a  Catering Agent at US Air in 1989, Dennis worked his way up to Station Trainer, navigating through a merger with American Airlines along the way. 

In 2008, Spencer decided to enter the world of Union Activism and immediately made an impact; he became a Union Steward, Headed up the Safety Committee as Chairman, and served as a Local Trustee – all in the space of a single year.

“I am very competitive in everything I do,” Spencer said of his rapid rise in the union. But, he stressed that his goal has always been clearly trained on the purpose of safety. “Our members have a very physically demanding job,” he said. “There’s a lot of involved in what they do. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to do everything I possibly can to keep our members safe on the job.”

Dennis will coordinate and lead safety initiatives for American Airlines members across the country in his new role. Among his many responsibilities, he will help ensure the safety and health of all fleet service members for American Airlines and fleet service members of Spirit Airlines in (FLL). His jobs will include serving as the primary member of the GSAP ERC Board, making him responsible for all GSAPs filed by Machinists Union Members.

He will also continue to administer the UnionSafe141.org website, which was the subject of special praise at the District 141 Committee Conference, held earlier this year. “I have no doubt that this website has saved lives,” said District Media Director Eric Price at the time. “The site that Spencer’s running allows anyone to report, track and record safety concerns – on the scene, right from their cellphones,” he said. “The work that Spencer’s doing is truly, truly groundbreaking,” he continued, pointing out that the safety tracking done by Spencer at American has won many court cases and prompted sweeping, nationwide changes in how American Airlines operates. 

District 141 President Mike Klemm released a statement saying, “Dennis Spencer is a proven leader with a wealth of experience in aviation safety. I am confident he will do an outstanding job in his new role as Safety Director at the District. I can’t wait to see what his imagination and energy are able to accomplish at the national level.”

“I am honored to be given this opportunity to lead the safety program for District 141, and I will do everything in my power to protect our members,” Spencer said of his assignment. He thanked his family for their patience over the years, as his work often requires long hours and extended time in the field. “And Tony D’Alosio. He was very instrumental in my development professionally and personally, preparing me for the role.”

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Labor-Friendly Legislation the Topic at Chicago Local 1487

Labor-Friendly Legislation the Topic at Chicago Local 1487

Oct 12, 2022 | Front Page, MNPL, Page Five, Page Four, Page Three, Page Two, Perusals, Row 2, Uncategorized

The Machinists Non-Partisan Political League fights for Pro-Union legislation within the airline industry. To find out how you can help with this critical work, please CLICK HERE >>

Labor-Friendly Legislation the Topic at Chicago Local 1487

MNPL
12 October 2022

On Tuesday, October 11, the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) gathered at the local lodge to learn and discuss how politics influences the workplace and what front-line union members can do to influence these policies.

The topics included a history of some early events in US Rail labor history that led to the creation of the Railway Labor Act in 1926, how the Railway Labor Act applies to the airline industry, and questions frequently asked by members, such as “How do these negotiations work?” “How do we choose which politicians and policies we support?” and dispelling common myths. This event was part of MNPL’s continuing effort to educate members on issues impacting our jobs and families. MNPL is an affiliate of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), AFL-CIO.

“It is important for us to understand how policies can affect us in the workplace by helping and hurting our membership,” said Richard Jakubowski, Local 1487 Legislative Committee Chairperson, who led the discussion. “This event and future events like it aim to ensure the members are informed about what their representatives are doing.”

Following a presentation by Jakubowski, members participated in an open floor discussion. Members could ask and answer each other’s questions and comment on various topics. Union members focused on issues including the voting record of elected representatives across the state to ensure the passage of legislation like the PRO Act, the Global Aircraft Maintenance Safety Act, the Protection from Abusive Passengers Act, and the looming midterm elections next month. Attendees also had conversations about the effect the Supreme Court has historically had on Labor and pending cases that can affect workers’ lives across Illinois and the country.

Focusing on Illinois, members discussed the confusion around the referendum vote on Amendment 1, which has been called the Workers’ Rights Amendment. Confusion surrounding this pro-worker amendment which would enshrine the right to organize and collectively bargain into the state constitution, comes from the similarity of its name to Right to Work laws found in surrounding anti-worker states. The members asked great questions regarding the information being put out by supporters and opponents of the amendment.

“…A couple of things, like strikes, past law, and other rights I didn’t have an understanding of… I have a better understanding of those key subjects.” said Dakota Harrison, a shop steward for the ramp. Nick Stanfa, another shop steward on the ramp, added, “It was informative, and tied past and modern politics to the contract and work regulations, and on how the local, federal, and judicial systems of government can affect our contract going forward.” All attendees expressed excitement to bring this information back to the ready rooms and look forward to future events like this covering more topics important to the membership.

The Machinists Non-Partisan Political League supports members of any political party willing to side with the union on issues critical to working people. The work of the League is funded entirely through voluntary donations from union members. To learn more, please visit IAM141.org/advocacy.

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Top: Attendees listen to a talk by Richard Jakubowski, Local 1487 Legislative Committee Chairperson. Bottom: Jakubowski guiding a discussion about the legislative interests of airline workers. Photo Credit: Daniel Rocano.

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Labor-Friendly Legislation the Topic at Chicago Local 1487

12 October, 2022

On Tuesday, October 11, the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) gathered at the local lodge to learn and discuss how politics influences the workplace and what front-line union members can do to influence these policies.

On Tuesday, October 11, the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) gathered at the local lodge to learn and discuss how politics influences the workplace and what front-line union members can do to influence these policies.

The topics included a history of some early events in US Rail labor history that led to the creation of the Railway Labor Act in 1926, how the Railway Labor Act applies to the airline industry, and questions frequently asked by members, such as “How do these negotiations work?” “How do we choose which politicians and policies we support?” and dispelling common myths. This event was part of MNPL’s continuing effort to educate members on issues impacting our jobs and families. MNPL is an affiliate of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), AFL-CIO.

“It is important for us to understand how policies can affect us in the workplace by helping and hurting our membership,” said Richard Jakubowski, Local 1487 Legislative Committee Chairperson, who led the discussion. “This event and future events like it aim to ensure the members are informed about what their representatives are doing.”

Following a presentation by Jakubowski, members participated in an open floor discussion. Members could ask and answer each other’s questions and comment on various topics. Union members focused on issues including the voting record of elected representatives across the state to ensure the passage of legislation like the PRO Act, the Global Aircraft Maintenance Safety Act, the Protection from Abusive Passengers Act, and the looming midterm elections next month. Attendees also had conversations about the effect the Supreme Court has historically had on Labor and pending cases that can affect workers’ lives across Illinois and the country.

Focusing on Illinois, members discussed the confusion around the referendum vote on Amendment 1, which has been called the Workers’ Rights Amendment. Confusion surrounding this pro-worker amendment which would enshrine the right to organize and collectively bargain into the state constitution, comes from the similarity of its name to Right to Work laws found in surrounding anti-worker states. The members asked great questions regarding the information being put out by supporters and opponents of the amendment.

“…A couple of things, like strikes, past law, and other rights I didn’t have an understanding of… I have a better understanding of those key subjects.” said Dakota Harrison, a shop steward for the ramp. Nick Stanfa, another shop steward on the ramp, added, “It was informative, and tied past and modern politics to the contract and work regulations, and on how the local, federal, and judicial systems of government can affect our contract going forward.” All attendees expressed excitement to bring this information back to the ready rooms and look forward to future events like this covering more topics important to the membership.

The Machinists Non-Partisan Political League supports members of any political party willing to side with the union on issues critical to working people. The work of the League is funded entirely through voluntary donations from union members. To learn more, please visit IAM141.org/advocacy.

Top: Attendees listen to a talk by Richard Jakubowski, Local 1487 Legislative Committee Chairperson. Bottom: Jakubowski guiding a discussion about the legislative interests of airline workers. Photo Credit: Daniel Rocano.

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United Airlines’ Denver Hiring Spree Draws Hundreds from Guam

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Sep 8, 2023

United Airlines officials announced today that 460 residents of Guam have relocated to Denver after accepting positions as ramp agents, following a 2-day job fair held on the island in January.United Airlines' Denver Hiring Spree Draws Hundreds from GuamIAM141.org...