"Everyone is now a Organizer"
THIS DRIVE IS INTERNAL AS WELL AS EXTERNAL
You will here this phrase many times throughout this drive so get use to it because thats exactly what it is. Up to the point when all of us will cast our vote for Union Representation,everyone must truly understand that this drive is a drive for our existence as a Union represented group by the IAM.
Since 4-16-08, when District 143 was assigned the task of the Delta Organizing Drive our members at some locations have stepped up their efforts on their own within their Local Lodges and Organizing Committees to ensure this drive is a successful one. From the west coast in LAX to the east coast in LGA JFK and EWR our Brothers and Sisters have gotten active in communicating with the Delta employees in all work groups, by passing out cards and informational flyers on key issues that will effect them as a working group for this so called "Global Airline" that those executive teams say they will bring to our communities with many promises and scenarios of good times.
This organizing drive is two part, "Internal and External". As we continue our efforts organizing those work groups at Delta, we must also look within our own groups and make sure that every Brother and Sister understands what is at stake and really understands that what is at hand. We must make sure that those members who may have a different opinon, must fully understand that every vote will count, and one should be completly clear that the blanket of Union Protection cannot be scrificed in these times within our industry. All of us have sacrificed to much throughout these times, and those sacrifices have not been made without a fight to keep what we have spent years negotiating for.
Every Brother and Sister, ESE, CSA, RES, CLERICAL, needs to be talking. If you know someone at Delta, you need to make a call, or send an e-mail. Talk about the issues facing us and ask yourself if you could possibly put your fate and future in the hands of executives that have no clue what us working people are feeling in these times.
The bottom line here today at NWA, is that everyone of us within the IAM has now become a "Organizer". We must all become active within our Local Lodges with this drive and be communicating with those Delta employees that may be at our locations in all groups. I say that if the NWA DELTA merger brings a "Global Airline", then why not bring to them a "Global Union" that will give each of our work groups a voice as one that will protect our jobs and benefits
that all of us have worked so hard for.
In Solidarity,
Michael Rachfal
District 143
Director Of Organizing
District 143 Supports AFA-CWA Organizing Efforts
On Thursday, May 15, 2008 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., members from District 143 will be in attendance in ATL to show our support for the AFA-CWA in their efforts to organize the Delta flight attendants. 13,500 flight attendants would gain collective bargaining rights upon their certification. Delta flight attendants are voting from April 23 through May 28. Their efforts and ours go hand in hand in our organizing efforts to grow the labor movement and bring Union representation at Delta in all work groups.
Members invited to attend AFL-CIO Union Industries Show
The AFL-CIO Industries Show is coming to the Cobo Center, in Detroit, on May 16-18, 2008. The show is a cooperative effort of unions and companies. There are usually 12-15 companies, whose members are represented by the IAM, that set up booths in our area of the show. It is a colorful, exciting, and educational exhibition of union-made, American made products and services. The main theme of the show is to give the public a first-hand look at the men and women of organized labor in action. The IAM is inviting all members and their families who live in Detroit, and the surrounding areas to visit the show, and visit the IAM represented exhibits. And, to stop by the IAM are and recieve a free IAM t-shirt, or IAM cap. Hours: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.- FREE ADMISSION - THE BIGGEST EVER EXPO OF UNION-MADE-IN-THE-USA PRODUCTS ON SALE - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SPECIAL SHOW PRICES
Merger Hearings Continue
On May 7, 2008 the IAM were once again in attendance at the Capitol. The Senate’s Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee held a hearing on “The State of the Airline Industry and the Political Impact of a Delta/Northwest Merger.” The opening remarks from CEO/NWA Doug Steenland and CEO/DELTA Richard Anderson were reminiscent of their earlier testimonies before the House Judiciary Committee a few weeks ago and once again drew directly from their original “Merger-Announcement Op Ed” piece in the Wall Street Journal. They both reiterated their stance on keeping all “frontline” employees and the hubs intact, with Mr. Steenland adding, “We will be good corporate citizens.” As District 143 has stated previously, we do not believe for one moment that promises made by the merged companies will become a beneficial reality for the IAM and District 143. “Today’s hearing was an extension of Anderson’s broken promises,” said District 143 President/Directing General Chair Stephen Gordon. “Additionally, I would like to thank lodges 1833 and 141 and the rest of the unions for pledging their support.” Other panelists who testified included IAM General Vice President Robert Roach Jr. and Association of Flight Attendants President Patricia Friend, who both asked Congress to take a hard look at the aviation industry and the blown promises that plagued past mergers. When Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) asked about the ongoing flight attendants’ union-certification vote, Mr. Anderson said it will be a “fair and open election all the way;” a peculiar comment most in the room didn’t take too seriously. When asked what word best describes the situation at hand, PDGC Stephen Gordon said without hesitation, “urgency.” District 143 is committed to meeting this urgent threat head on, utilizing any and all resources. The next hearing slated for this proposed merger: Impact of Consolidation on Aviation Industry/Focus on NWA-DAL Merger Wednesday, May 14, 2008 -- 2:00 p.m. 2167 Rayburn House Office Building
District 143 Northwest/Delta merger update
Throughout this past week the top executives of both Northwest Airlines and Delta Airlines continued on their “Synergies” tour promoting how wonderful a merged carrier would be for everyone. On May 5, 2008 Delta’s Chief Financial Officer Ed Bastian was called upon to testify at the Minnesota State House, as well as the Minnesota State Senate. During these hearings we once again heard a very well-scripted testimony about how “this is a merger of addition and not of subtraction,” but then Mr. Bastian contradicted his own testimony when he was asked about the number of jobs that would be lost at NWA World Headquarters. Mr. Bastian also boasted about how Delta Airlines has never had a strike in its history – probably because the only union on the Delta property is the Air Line Pilots Association Mr. Bastian! Then it was off to Washington D.C. for the next “Synergies” tour stop on May 7, 2008. Both Richard Anderson and Doug Steenland testified at the Senate Russell Building. GVP Robert Roach was also there to testify on our behalf as well as to offer rebuttal remarks to the CEO’s testimony. Also present was Patricia Friend, Association of Flight Attendants International President who openly spoke about Delta’s anti-unionization efforts towards her organization. District 143 would like to remind all members that the next hearing is set to take place in Washington, D.C. on May 14, 2008 at Rayburn House Office Building – 2:00 pm. We ask everyone who is readily available to attend in uniform. “Our membership’s participation throughout these hearings only reinforces our commitment to each other, as well as our families. When the legislators look out into the galleries they recognize our vested interest throughout this process,” stated President/Directing General Chair Stephen Gordon.
Full-timers vs part-timers basketball — all members invited to participate
by Vince Proctor
We the members of the Detroit IAM Local Lodge 141 have had a great time relating with some of our membership through the sport of basketball. This began with an inquiry from the part-timers to the full-timers in reference to the knowledge of sports. This escalated into a challenge for bragging rights as to who would be crowned the best players (full-time or part-time).
The game created great interest among the local IAM members who attended the game; as they watched the interaction between the participants. This first game drew a large number of local IAM members with a desire to be involved in the event.
The first game was exciting, with all the fun loving things that are part of a sporting event. The game was lopsided in the first half with the full-timers leading by 15 points. The second half saw the part-timers rallying back to within 5 points with four minutes to go. Calling a time out the part-timers collected themselves to run on the full-timers who called a time out with one minute and thirty-five seconds remaining in the game. The pressure, and running by the part-timers allowed them to steal the game by 2 points 58-56.
There were questions about who really won the game. Therefore, a second game was scheduled, and played April 22nd. This time the full-timers came prepared. They built a 22 point lead at half time. The second half was as it was in the first game. The part-timers came out playing defense. Encouraged by the cheers from the crowd, they were only behind 5 points with one minute and fifteen seconds remaining on the clock. Calling a time out the full-timers recouped. Forcing turnovers by the part-timers the full-timers went on to win the game 78-66. A 12 point victory which left no doubt who won the second game.
However, before the teams left the floor they called for a third and final game. This will be held at the Westland Recreation Complex (Bailey Recreation Center), on Ford Rd., between Wayne and Newburgh roads on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 beginning at 10:00 a.m.
After the game, I plan to hold tryouts for anyone wanting to participate. We will also have age brackets, allowing the opportunity for members of all ages to be a part of these athletic events. We are not limited to just basketball. We are open to all other activities such as softball, bowling, golf, tennis, etc. These events are limited to Detroit; we can have other IAM stations participate to member participation throughout the country. Thanks for your ear.
Your help is needed to save our jobs
On April 24th, IAM members attended The House Judiciary Committee ’s Anti Trust and Competition Taskforce chaired by Rep. John Conyers –D-MI.
Then again on April 29 and April 30 before the Minnesota State Legislature. These hearings will continue throughout the merger process and we need all who are able to participate and show support to do so. The next hearing dates are as follows:
Washington D.C.
House Committee on Transportation And Infrastructure's Subcommittee on Aviation hearing on the "Impact of Consolidation on the Aviation Industry, with a Focus on the Proposed Merger between Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines."
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Time: 2:00 PM - Get there early to ensure a seat
Rayburn House Office Building Room 2167
Print ready version HERE. 
Latest Merger Watch update released
Machinists Call for Airline Re-Regulation
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today urged lawmakers to resist appeals to approve additional airline consolidation, calling instead for measured re-regulation of fares and capacity as the only way to ensure safe and reliable air transportation in the United States. “Limited re-regulation is the only long-term solution for an industry that is continually seeking government assistance,” said IAM General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr., at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the state of the airline industry. “This industry is simply unable to turn away from pricing its product below the cost of providing it, further perpetuating the chaotic spiral that brings us here today.” The IAM’s complete testimony is available at www.goiam.org/mergers. “Airlines today compete by cutting standards, eliminating services and reducing ticket prices to the bone, which makes a profitable industry impossible,” said Roach. “The Government Accountability Office estimates that median ticket prices have dropped nearly 40 percent since 1980, while the costs of aircraft, airport leases and fuel have increased dramatically.” “When an industry essential to the national economy can no longer function, it is the responsibility of elected representatives to step in and provide the necessary guidance and stability,” said Roach. Check out the local lodge MergerWatch page HERE.
On the Delta Ramp Workers Blog:
NEVER COMPROMISE WITH UNCOMPROMISING PEOPLE
“IF IT’S NOT BROKEN WHY FIX IT?”
BASTIAN MINNESOTA TESTIMONY TELLS ALL
Recently our President and CFO, Ed Bastian, was spending time attempting to answer questions and soothe nerves with the understandably nervous Minnesota Legislature. One of the questions put to him was what about the union status of Northwest people when (IF) they become Delta employees. Would the union be welcomed? His reply was worrisome. Why the need for a union at Delta, he said; “if it’s not broken why fix it?” His plans for the future combined Delta Air Lines apparently don’t include the employees’ voice, the IAM, or any other union on property, except of course the well established and cozy relationship shared with the pilot’s union.
When CEO Richard Anderson was recently testifying before congress, a persistent and tough congresswoman pushed Mr. Anderson to tell whether or not he would remain neutral in the ongoing union campaigns at Delta. Mr. Anderson, in an evasive and lawyerly manner, answered that he would be neutral to the extent that he would always follow NMB (National Mediation Board) rules. Mr. Anderson, you have many managers and supervisors who have NEVER followed them nor have any intention of EVER following them. We surmise that you know this and they are simply following instructions provided through your management team to them. Your testimony before Congress coupled with this wink-and-a-nod to your management team is shameful and disrespectful to us, your hard working and loyal employees.
It all comes down to intentional misinterpretation of the rules themselves. We have seen that Richard Anderson was not entirely open and honest with Congress. The rules are constantly being challenged by overzealous supervisors who ride the edge of interfering in the Union campaign; some may even pass over the edge. Their objective is successful when many organizers are intimidated into not passing out literature. This is unfortunate, but sadly part of management’s master plan. Remember that $23 an hour job you used to have that turned into a $17 dollar an hour job over night? We have recently had success in slowly bringing that number back up slightly but still have so far to go. If we allow this management team to succeed in breaking this combined future union effort, the direction of our pay will surely move more towards $14 an hour rather than the $23 we used to make.
The ONLY thing that stands in the way of this grand plan is the Union we have been fighting to join and the one our soon to be co-workers at NWA already belong to, the IAM. We, as combined workers at this new carrier, simply will not survive financially if we allow a collective bargaining unit to disappear. It will be one less deterrent for the airlines to further strip us of our job security, economic well being and healthcare safety net. Stand tall and don’t buy the baloney and rhetoric coming your way about our future. Our success is in our hands to keep…or toss away. The choice is coming: Union or no union? A real living wage with a more secure future, or pay that does not meet our needs with a day-to-day existence? Which is it going to be? Sign your IAM card today! Check out the Delta Ramp Workers Organizing Blog
"We can't make it here anymore" by James McMurtry
A song that touches on all the things all working class Americans are facing these days.
IAM GVP Robert Roach on Lou Dobbs radio show—discusses merger
IAM GVP Robef Roach talked with Lou Dobbs on his radio show about the proposed merger, it's impact, and the future of the airline industry. Listen to the segments from each show by clicking on the format that best serves you. You can also download these files to your computer by right clicking on your chosen format, then clicking "save as", select where to save file to, click OK.
| April 16 2008: | Windows Media | MP3 |
|---|---|---|
| April 30, 2008: | Windows Media | MP3 |
Local lodge to run organizing training
Local lodge 141 will be gathering a list of volunteers who
will be interested in recieving training on organizing. The training will be focused on the recent announcement of the Delta/Northwest Airlines merger. Recently the drive to organize the Delta Airlines employees was passed on to IAM District 143. Local lodge 141 will spare no expense in assisting District 143 in making this a successful organizing drive. Members interested in recieving the training should submit the sign-up to local lodge 141, or District 143 Education Director Raymond Painter.
Print ready sign-up form and version HERE.
Send a message to Just Say No! to Airline Mergers
The Machinists Union strongly opposes mergers among the major airlines: airline hubs will be eliminated, service frequency will be reduced, competition will be diminished, jobs will be lost, customer service will deteriorate and pension obligations will be jeopardized and fuel prices will remain unaffected by a merger. The IAM is part of a coalition of consumer advocates, political leaders and passenger rights groups who oppose the mega-mergers, but we need your help. All IAM members are asked to contact their elected representatives and urge their opposition for airline mergers that will only benefit airline executives and bankers. Please contact your US Senators and Representatives as soon as possible to voice your opposition to this merger by clicking on the following link: Send an Email !
Employee Assistance Program: Geared To Help
As our members face personal problems in their lives the E.A.P. program offers free, confidential help for employees and their families when personal problems develop. For confidential help members can call the Local Lodge 141 EAP extension to leave a message for EAP Committee Members Mike Satlowski and Judy Haag at: 734-946-6140 ext.13. Or call your EAP Committee:Judiy Haag, 313-234-6841; Mike Satlowski 734-247-3280. Contact us regarding yourself; or for a brother or sister in need of help. See the newly updated EAP page HERE.
2008 IAM Members Only Photograhy Contest
The IAM is repeating its members-only photography contest again this year and you are encouraged to enter.
You can download a complete contest entry HERE. You must have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to access the form.
Or request a contest entry form by mail:
IAM Photo Contest
9000 Machinists Place
Upper Marlboro, MD
20772-2687
Photo entries should catch IAM members at work in un-posed photos. If your entry wins, you'll win a cash prize and your photo will appear in the 2009 IAM Calendar. (A portion of the sale of each calendar is donated to Guide Dogs of America.)
Photos may be in a film or digital format. However, digital photos must be shot with a digital camera with at least three megapixels and must be set at the "fine" setting.
There is no fee to participate in the contest and the deadline for entries is June 01, 2008.
Contest Winners will be announced in the Fall, 2008.
Detroit Air Transport Local Lodge 141
Notice of Election of Delegates and Alternates
The 37th CONVENTION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS AND AEROSPACE WORKERS
Pursuant to the current Grand Lodge Consitution Article II, Section 3, and all other applicable articles, notice is hereby given to all members.
Elections: P.M. Union Meeting
Will be held May 21, 2008
All proceedings will take place at: 9335 Middlebelt Road, Romulus, Michigan 48174
Absentee ballot upon request in accordance with Grand Lodge Constitution Article II, Section 3. Please have requests in by May 5, 2008. The ballot will then be due May 21, 2008.
Respectfully submitted,
Larry Webb
Recording Secretary
IAM Airline Districts Unveil Merger Survey
Although the IAM strongly opposes mergers among major airlines, some airline executives remain fixated on merging one or more U.S. carriers.
IAM Airline Districts have prepared a brief survey to give airline employees an opportunity to weigh in on potential mergers.
You can take the survey here, or from the Merger Pages on the Districts 141, 142 and 143 websites.
Pursuant to each District’s Bylaws, Local Lodge 141 Bylaws and the IAMAW Constitution the members
are hereby notified of District Elections to be held June 4, 2008 at Local Lodge 141 located at 9335 Middlebelt Road in Romulus, MI, 48174. Polls will be open from 7AM until 12-Midnight. Only members in good standing will be allowed to vote. All terms are for four (4) years unless otherwise noted. District Offices up for election are as follows:
| DISTRICT 141 | DISTRICT 142 | DISTRICT 143 |
|---|---|---|
| President/Directing General Chair Secretary Treasurer Vice President—East Vice President—Hawaii Vice President—West (2 year term) Vice President—At Large (2) Trustees (11) General Chairs (3) Assistant General Chairs (2 year term) |
Secretary Treasurer Vice President, Foreign Flags Trustee General Chair, Latin America (3) General Chairs, Continental (2) General Chairs, Southwest General Chair, Express Jet (2 year) |
Trustee Vice President—Alaska Airlines Vice President—Air Wisconsin VP (NWA) Hawaii (2 year term) Vice President (NWA) East Vice President (NWA) West Vice President (NWA) DTW/MI (5) General Chairs |
All absentee ballot requests, must filled out completely and legibly and be received no later than May 7, 2008. Drop off or send request to the local lodge (see address at bottom of HERE).
Official District 143 Notice--HERE. District 143 Election schedule and rules-HERE.
United Way offers help to those in need - Just dial 2-1-1
2-1-1 is here to help improve the lives of individuals and families through thousands of local resources and our compassionate and understanding staff. By dialing 2-1-1, you can get access to thousands of resources such as: housing and utility assistance, after school programs and tutoring, medical care and senior care services, and credit counseling and mortgage foreclosure assistance. You can also call 2-1-1 to get connected to volunteer opportunities in your area.
United Way 2-1-1 is a multi-lingual, comprehensive information and referral service available 24/7/365. Its database contains more than 7,000 programs and services such as after school programs, senior care services, medical and prescription assistance, credit counseling and mortgage foreclosure assistance, and housing and utility resources. Individuals can also call 2-1-1 to be connected to volunteer opportunities in their area. 2-1-1 partners include: The Information Center, The Detroit Public Library, Common Ground Sanctuary, Macomb County Crisis Center, Neighborhood Service Organization, and United Way 2-1-1 Monroe and Washtenaw Counties. Click HERE to see the countless services available for those in need.
FHA and HUD offer help with mortgages
Owning a home has always been at the center of the American Dream. For many homeowners, however, that dream is threatened by foreclosure. An estimated 240,000 families can avoid foreclosure by refinancing their mortgages using the new FHASecure plan. FHA will allow families with strong credit histories who had been making timely mortgage payments before their loans reset-but are now in default-to qualify for refinancing. For all the details: FHASecure: Working Hard for Your Homeownership