Machinists Union Files for AirTran Representation Election

Cash for Clunkers Bill Passes

The Senate passed an emergency supplemental spending bill that included a new "cash for clunkers" program based on legislation that Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow authored, the Drive America Forward Act. The bill was already passed by the House of Representatives, so it now goes to President Obama for his signature.

Under the provisions of the bill, consumers may trade in their older vehicles and receive vouchers worth up to $4,500 toward the purchase or qualified lease of a new, more fuel-efficient car or truck.  The $1 billion program provides vouchers for vehicles leased or purchased before November 1, 2009.  Once the bill is signed, the Administration will formalize the program and release detailed information about how it will work.
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New Contract for 5,300 Agents at Southwest

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 142 today announced membership ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement with Southwest Airlines. The four-year agreement covers the carrier’s 5,300 customer service and reservation agents and was approved by 54 percent of the members voting.

“This agreement provides financial security for our members while giving Southwest Airlines the stability it needs to continue growing in a very difficult economic climate,” said IAM District 142 President Tom Higginbotham.
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what to expect from the "Union Avoidance" industry

The “Union Avoidance” industry, a term used heavily by employers, employs more than 10,000 lawyers and consultants, and Delta Air Lines managementis no different. These lawyers and consultants are usually called in the moment a company hears that employees are interested in unionizing.

Companies, including Delta Air Lines are charged upwards of thousands of dollars a day, as well as first class expenses, to be trained and advised on how to psychologically manipulate employees in order to attempt to defeat your efforts to bring justice and fairness into the workplace with your IAM contract.
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Health Care Reform Now

Our legislative team on Capitol Hill has told us the most critical area of concern is in the Senate Finance Committee. Sen. Debbie Stabenow is a member of the Finance Committee, and we need your help to make sure she sides with working families instead of big insurance companies.
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Jobs Data Makes Strong Case for Second Stimulus

Experts warn of continued job loss, suggesting the need for another stimulus package in order to thwart the country’s current economic plunge.

Nouriel Roubini, the economist credited with predicting the current global credit crisis, is reported in Reuters as saying the economy will most likely not recover until the end of the year, and even then growth will continue to be slow.

Roubini says the U.S. unemployment rate will likely reach 11 percent – that’s 2.6 million more people added to the unemployment rolls – before things start to get better.
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