Luther Williams Appointed IAM Midwest Territory Chief of Staff

IAM International President Bob Martinez has announced the appointment of Grand Lodge Representative Luther Williams to Chief of Staff of the IAM Midwest Territory, effective January 1, 2019. “I know Luther will continue his excellent service to our membership in his new role as Chief of Staff in the Midwest Territory,” said IAM International President Bob Martinez. “We are blessed to have such a dedicated trade unionist looking out for the interests of IAM families. The Midwest Territory will be well-served by Luther’s expertise and decades of experience.” Williams initiated into the IAM in 1986 as a Nuclear Marine Machinist […]

IAM Midwest Territory ‘Rides for Guides’ Car Show Raises Over $8.5k for Guide Dogs

The IAM Midwest Territory’s 2018 Spirit of Midwest “Rides for Guides” Classic Auto Show raised over $8.5k to benefit Guide Dogs of America. Guide Dogs of America provides guide dogs free of charge to blind and visually-impaired men and women across the U.S. and Canada. The event, held at IAM District 837 in Hazelwood, MO this year, drew over a hundred participants. Click here for photos and a complete list of winners. “What a fantastic event this year,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Philip J. Gruber. “The passion exhibited by all those involved, year after year, goes further than […]

Boeing Urged by Bipartisan House Coalition to Respect South Carolina Workers

A bipartisan group of 177 members of the House of Representatives, led by Rep. Rick Larsen (WA), sent a bipartisan letter urging Boeing Co. to respect the decision of Flight Line Technicians in South Carolina who voted to join the Machinists Union. In August, 23 U.S. Senators urged Boeing to drop its appeal and immediately begin collective bargaining with its workers. Boeing has refused to negotiate with 178 workers at its North Charleston, S.C. manufacturing facility who chose by a 2-1 margin to join the IAM on May 31, 2018. The National Labor Relations Board in May struck down Boeing’s legal argument and ruled […]

Union Appreciation Day

Start your Labor Day celebration a day early! Union Appreciation Day at Busch Stadium is Sunday, September 2nd when the Cardinals host the Reds. Fans who purchase a special Union Appreciation Day Theme Ticket will receive a specially designed Cardinals Union Proud T-Shirt. Tickets start at just $20! Please note: The Union t-shirt is available ONLY with the purchase of a special Theme Ticket. All Theme Ticket purchases that include giveaway items will come with a game ticket and a separate voucher. The voucher can be redeemed during the game’s distribution window for that event’s giveaway item. You will not be able to receive […]

Missouri Families Win as RTW is Defeated

Missourians sent a clear message to their state lawmakers Tuesday by overwhelmingly voting to overturn the anti-worker right-to-work law by a 2-1 margin. Union supporters in the state worked extremely hard the past year educating voters on the negative impact right-to-work will have on everyone in the state, not just union workers. Watch the Live Celebration “Working Families across Missouri and this nation won tonight,” said International President Bob Martinez. “I want to especially thank all of the dedicated IAM members who gave their time and talent to this winning effort. The Machinists Union is proud of their efforts to […]

Keep Yourself and Coworkers Safe from the Effects of Heat

Heat remains the leading weather-related killer in the United States, even though most heat-related deaths are preventable. Shield yourself and those around you from heat illness. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published its OSHA FactSheet to help protect workers from the effects of heat. Various occupational factors may contribute to illnesses like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash. High temperatures and humidity immediately come to mind as potential causes. Other factors such as limited air movement in the work area, low fluid consumption, wearing bulky protective clothing and physical exertion can also be killers. […]

Union Night at St. Louis FC soccer game Aug. 4 to support $5 for the Fight, encourage visitors to Vote NO on Prop A

BY TIM ROWDEN Editor Join St. Louis Labor Council President Pat White and other working men and women for a night dedicated to unions at the St Louis FC soccer game on Aug. 4, the Saturday before our big Election Day on Aug. 7 when we will Vote NO on Prop A to defeat “right-to-work.” A portion of each ticket sold will go to support the Labor Council’s $5 for the Fight fund to help union members and their families in times of financial hardship. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. in Toyota Stadium at World Wide Technology Soccer Park (formally St. […]

Happy 4th of July!

We know hard Machinists go on the #4thofJuly. BBQ and fireworks? Water balloon fights and parades? Of course. So let’s see it! Post your July 4th selfies with #IAMerica and let’s show everybody how to do the 4th of July right. https://t.co/snhEOnIO90

An Old Clock with a Timeless Story

On the wall, just outside classroom A at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center, is the new home of a clock with an important past. Forty years ago the clock was used by John “Jack” Henrion Jr. and other union members in Missouri to soundly defeat proposed so-called right-to-work legislation in the state. John Henrion, a good friend of IAM Grand Lodge Auditor Bryan Pinette, came across the clock when he was cleaning out his late father’s basement. Discovering it brought back fond memories of how important the fight was to his father and his family. John knew […]

Boeing Super Hornet Appears To Be The New ‘Top Gun’ — Not Lockheed F-35

GILLIAN RICH 5/31/2018 Boeing (BA) may have just received a huge publicity boost for its upgraded F/A-18 Super Hornet, after Tom Cruise tweeted a photo from the set of the “Top Gun” sequel. The photo shows Cruise, who played Maverick in the first “Top Gun” movie, in front of what appears to be a Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, instead of the Navy version of Lockheed Martin‘s (LMT) F-35. Boeing didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment. The Navy told CNN that it provided Paramount Pictures access to Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, Calif., for the filming of “Top Gun: Maverick.” David Evans, with […]

Machinists Taking a Stand for Freedom at Boeing South Carolina

New Machinists Union members at Boeing South Carolina are standing strong despite the company’s attempt to silence their voice. The Boeing Co. on Tuesday issued an appeal with the NLRB challenging the decision of Boeing Flightline Workers in North Charleston to join the IAM. The Flightline workers voted nearly two-to-one for the IAM. IAM International President Bob Martinez wrote a letter to the editor in the Wall Street Journaladvocating for the South Carolina Flightline workers’ right to join the IAM. “The Boeing Co. should respect the workers’ freedom to choose their own union at Boeing in South Carolina and support efforts […]

Celebrate a Union-Made Fourth of July

Make this year’s Independence Day celebration one that supports union workers by shopping Made in America. You can also text: MADE to 235246 on your mobile device to fill your cookout list with products made by union brothers and sisters. If you will be taking a trip or want to find fun activities nearby, the Union Plus Travel Center can help you locate deals too. Find union represented hotels and airlines, get car rental discounts and save money at more than 50 theme parks, sporting events, movies, restaurants and more with Union Plus Travel.

Get your #VoteNoOnPropA Bumper Stickers and Yard Signs TODAY!

Stop by the hall and get your bumper stickers and yard signs at the 837 District office. Come in today, the stickers and signs are going fast! While you are there sign a pledge to vote no on prop A on August 7th 2018. A reminder card will be sent to you before the August 7th vote.   Brothers and Sisters, I am very proud of our members! We have seen a robust involvement in the Vote No On Prop A campaign. As of today our members have placed over 1000 yard signs. We are getting the message out in […]

Machinists Call Out Harley’s Outsourcing Blame Game

Harley-Davidson is blaming newly-imposed European Union tariffs on U.S.-made motorcycles for the company’s most recent plans to offshore production. Harley-Davidson already has plants in Brazil and India, and plans to open another this year in Thailand. “Harley workers are left wondering if Harley is still committed to manufacturing in America,” said IAM International President Bob Martinez. “Isn’t Harley afraid that replacing ‘Made in America’ with ‘Made in Thailand’ will destroy their iconic brand? If the EU rescinds its tariffs, will Harley drop its plans to offshore more production? This is looking like just another excuse by Harley to justify moving more […]

Machinists Statement on Harley-Davidson’s Planned Further Offshoring of U.S. Production

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 25, 2018 – Robert Martinez Jr., International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, released the following statement after Harley-Davidson’s announcement that it will move more production out of the United States. “Harley-Davidson’s announcement today is the latest slap in the face to the loyal, highly-skilled workforce that made Harley an iconic American brand. Harley pounced on news released Friday regarding EU tariffs on Harley motorcycles and the company will be implementing plans to offshore more production. “Even before the EU’s announcement, Harley made the decision to close its plant in Kansas City and has manufacturing […]

Guide Dogs of America Honors IAM Midwest Territory and IAM District 837

  Guide Dogs of America (GDA) honored the IAM Midwest Territory and members of St. Louis IAM District 837 for their 2017 contributions to the organization’s mission of providing the blind and visually-impaired with the gift of sight. Pictured from left to right: Chief of Staff Steve Galloway, General Vice President Philip J. Gruber, IAM District 837 Directing Business Representative Steve McDerman, and IAM District 837 Secretary-Treasurer Dewitt Darity. Guide Dogs of America (GDA) recently honored IAM General Vice President Philip J. Gruber, the IAM Midwest Territory, and members of St. Louis IAM District 837 for their 2017 contributions to […]

Machinists Honor U.S. Army on 243rd Birthday

On National Flag Day, the Machinists Union is proud to congratulate the U.S. Army, as celebrates another year in its distinguished history. “On this day 243 years ago, one of the world’s most respected organizations was born,” said IAM International President Bob Martinez. “For nearly a quarter century, the men and women of the U.S. Army have bravely served and made our nation like no other in history. Today I speak for all Machinists when I say happy birthday to the U.S. Army.” The IAM represents thousands of members currently serving in the Army or who are veterans. The IAM […]

Machinists, Sen. Murphy Call for 100% Buy America Defense Products

The Machinists are joining U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (CT) in a push to increase Buy America provisions for defense products made for the military to 100 percent. The amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, would bolster economic and national security and create good, middle-class jobs. TAKE ACTION: Call your Senators at 202-224-3121 and ask that they support Sen. Murphy’s 100 percent Buy America amendment. “The Machinists Union applauds Sen. Murphy for taking this step to ensure that our tax dollars used on defense are spent as they should be—on products manufactured with 100 percent domestic content produced […]

Boeing South Carolina Flight Readiness Technicians Join Machinists Union

Bob Martinez, Machinists Union International President: “The South Carolina Flight Readiness Technicians at Boeing have spoken loud and clear. They want to be a part of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. I commend them for the courage and integrity they have demonstrated through this contentious process. I am asking Boeing to respect their freedom to choose and not retaliate against them for expressing their rights. The historic votes cast by the 176 Flight Readiness Technicians are not a collective vote against Boeing; it was a vote for the return of American prosperity. Unions are the best mechanism for protecting […]

The New IAM Journal is Here

The Summer 2018 edition of the IAM Journal is online and will be at the doorstep of IAM members soon if it isn’t already. This issue includes a celebration of the Machinists Union 130th anniversary, as well as stories of our members. Learn how a Boston area local lodge worked with the community and elected officials to prevent the privatization of their jobs. See how a Texas IAM member and U.S. Army veteran honors fallen heroes and fellow veterans. There’s plenty more good reading for you and your entire family.

Boeing SC Flight Techs to Vote on IAM Representation

A group of 178 Boeing South Carolina Flight Readiness Technicians have the right to vote on IAM representation, the NLRB ruled Monday. The board has set an election date of Thursday, May 31, 2018. The Flight Technicians are standing strong in the face of the company’s anti-union campaign, even after Boeing lost its legal battle to block their voice at work. SIGN THE PETITION: Tell working people at Boeing that we have their backs “Boeing has done everything in its power to take away freedom at work for its South Carolina teammates. Today the National Labor Relations Board spoke loud […]

Proposed ‘right to work’ constitutional amendment heads to Missouri Senate

Proposed ‘right to work’ constitutional amendment heads to Missouri Senate Protestors line the street outside the abandoned Amelex warehouse in Springfield, Mo. where Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens held a ceremonial signing of “right-to-work” legislation on Monday, Feb. 6, 2017. The governor and other backers of right to work say it will bring business to the state and give workers the choice not to pay into a union if they don’t want to join. (Nathan Papes/The Springfield News-Leader via AP) By SKy Chadde St. Louis Post-Dispatch JEFFERSON CITY • A proposed constitutional amendment to make Missouri a “right to work” state is […]

Machinists Stand Up for Worker Freedom

Machinists Union International President Robert Martinez Jr. joined the Senate and House sponsors of the Workplace Democracy Act at a Capitol Hill press conference.  U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) and introduced the Workplace Democracy Act legislation, a bill that would strengthen the middle class by restoring workers’ rights to bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions. The Workplace Democracy Act will restore the right of every American to join together in union—whether you live in Vermont, Wisconsin, North Carolina or Texas,” said Machinists Union President Robert Martinez, Jr. “Unions strengthen democracy. Unions mean freedom […]

Volunteers needed for Day of Action May 12 to defeat RTW (Prop. A)

Canvassers will focus on education about Prop. A, voter registration to union members By TIM ROWDEN Editor The Missouri AFL-CIO is holding a Statewide Day of Action on Saturday, May 12, knocking on union members’ doors to talk about Proposition A (“right-to-work”) and help members make sure all their family members are registered to Vote NO on Prop. A. “To beat Prop A and the so-called ‘right-to-work,’ we need to make sure we are talking to our family members about the dangers of ‘right-to-work’ and that all of our family members are registered and ready to Vote NO on Prop A,” said Merri […]

A tale of two golf courses: one bad in St. Peters, one good in High Ridge

DON’T DUFF YOUR COURSE CHOICE when you’re golfing this summer. Sugar Creek Golf Course in High Ridge (left) is the ace choice, offering special low rates for union members, retirees, first responders and active duty and retired military. St. Peters Golf Course and Banquet Center (right) is not recommended, as work there is being done by a non-union electrical contractor. Golfers, union tournament planners, please take note By ED FINKELSTEIN Publisher If you’re a golfer, there are two courses you need to be aware of: • The St. Peters Golf Course has turned its back on unions, despite the fact the course […]

Machinists Take Over Capitol Hill

IAM members from across the country are joining together in Washington, DC this week to meet legislators and advocate for working people. “Our message for every elected official is simple: represent the people who make this country move,” IAM International President Bob Martinez said as a part of his opening remarks for the 2018 Legislative Conference. “The most important part of this Legislative Conference will be the conversations our members have on Capitol Hill. We have to let every elected official know that the Machinists will fight for our families, our union and all working people.” Martinez discussed trade, strengthening […]

IAM Machinists On Strike Against ULA

Strike Line Cape Canaveral, FL The first day of a strike always garners a lot of attention; from the media, the community and even union members. But it’s the second day that separates the real heroes. Day two makes it clear who is willing to talk about change and who is willing to fight for it. Strike Line Decatur, AL     “Our members have delivered the reliability and experience that has helped United Launch Alliance create a world-class U.S. space program,” said Machinists Union International President Robert Martinez Jr. “The Machinists Union members at ULA connect the world with our […]

Top Boeing executives in St. Louis to introduce first Super Hornet jets to get upgrades

By Brian Feldt St. Louis Post-Dispatch May 4, 2018 Boeing executives, including president and CEO Dennis Muilenburg, welcomed on Friday the first of potentially hundreds of well-used Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets that will return to the company’s north St. Louis County campus for upgrades designed to extend the life of the Navy’s workhorse aircraft. The fighter jet, with just under 6,000 flight hours under its belt, is one of four Block II Super Hornets that will be delivered to Boeing this year to undergo an 18-month Service Life Modification (SLM) program meant to extend the flight hours of the aircraft […]

IAM Celebrates 130 Years!

The International Association of Machinists is celebrating its 130th birthday. Founded in a railroad pit in Georgia, the union would become one of the backbones of the American manufacturing sector by producing things like military jets, trains and steel.

Show solidarity on #UnionShirtThursday

Wear your union shirts for #UnionShirtThursday every Thursday. Post your picture using the hashtag #UnionShirtThursday on twitter. If you are interested in t-shirts from your local lodge please talk with a plant chairman or attend a local lodge meeting. Follow District 837 @iam837.

Machinists Honor the Fallen on Workers’ Memorial Day

More than 100 IAM members, family and friends gathered Monday to mourn and honor working people who have been killed, injured or sickened on the job this past year. The IAM Safety and Health Department hosted the annual Workers’ Memorial Ceremony at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, MD. Watch the live stream of the Ceremony General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes spoke about the IAM’s commitment to preventing workplace tragedies that take the lives of loved ones each year. “The greatest honor we can bestow upon these men and women, the greatest tribute to their memories, is […]

Frightened anti-worker legislators vote to move RTW (Proposition A) to the August ballot

Frightened anti-worker legislators vote to move RTW (Proposition A) to the August ballot APRIL 24, 2018 by ADMIN in LABOR NEWS FROM OUR REGION MISSOURI WORKERS gathered at the State Capitol in Jefferson City March 28 to meet with their legislators and voice their opposition to Proposition A (RTW) and other anti-worker legislation. On Tuesday, April 24, a Missouri House committee voted to move the vote on Proposition A and whether Missouri should become a RTW state to the August primary election, when traditionally fewer voters go to the polls. – Labor Tribune photo Jefferson City – An anti-worker effort […]

National Prescription Take-Back Day is Saturday

National Prescription Take-Back Day is Saturday The IAM Employee Assistance Program urges you to turn in your unused or expired prescription medications for safe disposal this Saturday, April 28. The Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposal, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. The Take Back Day provides an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths. Find a National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day location.

Give the Gift of Sight on International Guide Dog Day

Wednesday, April 25 is International Guide Dog Day. There is no better way to celebrate than a donation to the IAM’s favorite charity, Guide Dogs of America. Give today! Since its founding through donations by the Machinists Union in 1948, Guide Dogs of America has helped visually impaired men and women in the U.S. and Canada recover their ability to move freely and regain independence through partnership with these remarkable animals. Watch Guide Dogs Chief (in training) and Jasper make their Activate L!VE debut. GDA is funded by donations only, it does not receive any federal, state or local government support. […]

IAM Mourns with Humboldt

IAM members attending the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center last week gathered to send a message of support to the Canadian hockey community, the town of Humboldt and all Canadians following the horrific accident that took the lives of 16 young people aboard a junior hockey league team bus. The bus carrying the junior league Humboldt Broncos team members, support staff and sportscasters was involved in a crash near Nipawin, Saskatchewan on April 6 while on the way to a playoff game. IAM members attending Arbitration, Collective Bargaining, Social Media for Organizing and TCU Local Chair classes all […]

50 Years Later, Machinists March in Footsteps of Dr. King

iMail April 5, 2018 Marching among thousands in Memphis to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s death was Teddy McNeal, an African-American man and 37-year Machinists Union member who grew up on the unpaved end of a segregated street in the rural South. “Marching in the footsteps of Dr. King gives me a tremendous sense of pride,” said McNeal, 65, who is now president of the North Carolina State Council of Machinists. “I really truly believe that it was one of the highlights of my life.” McNeal, along with hundreds of IAM members and thousands more in […]

Machinists Union Pledges $1 Million to Fight Right to Work in Missouri

The IAM pledged $1 million to support “Vote No on Prop A” – a multi-million dollar effort to repeal Right to Work in the state of Missouri. The Machinists presented Missouri AFL-CIO President Mike Louis, third from left, with a check for $250,000 back in February. IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Philip J. Gruber, left, presented Louis with another $250,000 Monday. The remaining half-million-dollars will be used to cover boots on the ground.   The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) have announced a $1 million pledge to support “Vote No on Prop A” – a multi-million […]

Join the Union Sportsmen Alliance Today!

Click Here to join NOW! The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance is a one-of-a-kind hunting, fishing and conservation organization dedicated to Union members, retirees and their families. Whether it’s fins, feathers or fur that get your heart pumping, the USA will make your outdoor experience more enjoyable with exclusive discounts on outdoor gear, the latest hunting and fishing news and tips, chances to win fantastic prizes and trips, the opportunity to participate in shooting events and conservation projects and a wide range of outdoor services.   USA MEMBER BENEFITS: Digital subscription to The Union Sportsmen’s Journal 10% discount on World Trophy Adventures […]

Fearful of RTW defeat, Republican lawmakers threaten to move referendum vote to August primary

By TIM ROWDEN Editor Jefferson City – Republican lawmakers who giddily passed the phony anti-worker, anti-union “right-to-work” (RTW) legislation last year only to have working Missourians turn in 310,567 petition signatures to halt its implementation and force a public vote, have now introduced legislation that would move the statewide referendum on Proposition A (RTW) from the November general election to the August primary, when statistically fewer people turn out to vote. In the House, Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston), the sponsor of the House version of last year’s RTW legislation, has introduced a bill to move the vote from November to […]

PDBR McDerman Throws Out First Pitch for Labor

IAM District 837 Directing Business Representative Steve McDerman had the honor of throwing out the first pitch at Busch Stadium and representing labor before the St. Louis Cardinals game earlier this week. McDerman was honored by Boeing and the Cardinals prior to the first pitch. https://www.facebook.com/IAMMidwest/videos/1148171055315154/ Video courtesy of Matt McDerman

Martinez, Gruber Visit IAM Members at Boeing in St. Louis

IAM International President Bob Martinez recently joined IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Philip J. Gruber in a visit with IAM Local 837A and 837B members who work at the Boeing Integrated Defense Systems facility in Hazelwood, MO. The visit was a part of a three city, three-day tour of the Midwest Territory. The International President and General Vice President toured the Boeing facility where more than 2,200 IAM members make F-15 and F-18 fighter planes, tooling, and perform commercial work on the Boeing 777X. As they walked the shop floor, they met and talked with IAM members and stewards. […]

Boeing’s selection of St. Louis to build new T-X jets could support 1,800 jobs

Machinists District 837 members at the company built two prototypes of the plane By SHERI GASSAWAY Correspondent Boeing’s selection of its St. Louis plant to build its new T-X training jets could support 1,800 local jobs, if the company is awarded the contract by the U.S. Air Force. The recent announcement was great news for members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) District 837 at Boeing who built two prototypes of the jet. Test flights of both aircraft took place in December and again last month. “We’re hopeful Boeing will be awarded the contract,” said Stephen […]

IAM Condemns GKN’s Plan to Ship 300 St. Louis Jobs to Alabama

In a move taken right out of the Corporate America playbook, GKN Aerospace has recently informed IAM District 837 that it will be laying off more than 300 union workers at its St. Louis facility and shipping their jobs to a right-to-work state. GKN has confirmed that the company plans to shut down its St. Louis Composites Department and move the bonding mechanic work to its facility in Tallassee, AL – a right-to-work state. “GKN gathered its employees, some of the highest-skilled aerospace workers in the country, and informed them that the company planned to kick its more than 300 […]