To get where you're going–you've got to know where you've been

Power concedes nothing without demand, it never will. Find out just what people will quietly submit to, and you found out the exact measure of injustice, and wrong that will be imposed upon them. And, these will continue until resisted. —Frederick Douglas, 1857

by Hubert Bell
I feel the most important thing for all of us to remember is that we are one, and our cause is one. We must help each other if we are to succeed at any level in this union. That includes this local, our district, and the international. Without some knowledge of our union, as workers, we are left out blindfolded, disarmed, and somewhat defenseless. We will be unable to hold on to what we have, or win what we need.

How can we defend ourselves, if we don't understand our position in a union? What do we have to do to get where we need to go? How can we make real progress if we don't know the real focus of our union? Well, knowledge is indeed power, and the battles and debates of our past are rich lessons that should guides, and inspire us. The light at the end of the tunnel is bright, and corporate America knows this all too well. The true history of the worker is almost never taught in school, or featured in movies, or television. We are a living link of information and knowledge of our past. It's up to us to pass along the lessons we have learned, so the next generation of workers may benefit from our successes, and avoid our mistakes.

We are all one, all 1,143 local lodges in every region of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Panama. We range from 100 members to 10,000. We are one, and will continue to be one. To progress, we have to know the forces in society that have historically opposed us, and those who have stood by our side. And, the IAM, with its committees have stood beside us since 1888 where it was founded in the very city Delta calls home—Atlanta. So remember, to get where you are going, you've got to know where you've been. Solidarity is power.

The IAM Human Rights Department

The Human Rights Department reflects the IAM's commitment to the fight against discrimination of all types. The Human Rights Department ensures minorities and women are free from discrimination in employment, education, training and housing. The Department fights workplace discrimination and assures equal opportunity for all minorities and women within the IAM. The Human Rights Department maintains ties with the A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI), Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU), Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW),  Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), Pride at Work (PAW),  National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); and the  National Rainbow Coalition (NRC).

Human Rights Committees

• Investigate and Mediate Grievances Alleging Discrimination
• Initiate Preventative Action
• Encourage Greater Minority and Female Participation in Union Affairs  
• Promote Greater Unity Through Education and Understanding   
• Promote Job Training for Minorities, Women and the Differently Abled   
• Keep Track of Federal, State and Local Laws and Ordinances   
• Increase Steward and Membership Understanding of Human Rights Issues  
• Serve As Union's Link to Other Organizations
• Counsel with members who believe they have suffered discrimination as a result of employer and/or union action.
• Seek solutions and remedies that bypass expensive and time-consuming administration or legal proceedings.
• Work with the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) to insure IAM compliance with both the letter and the spirit of the law.
• Help GLR's and Business Representatives to conciliate specific cases and generally seek to increase staff understanding of their duties and responsibilities under the law.
• Prepare and distribute various kinds of manuals and materials to help local and district lodge human rights committees understand and fulfill their mission.

Services of the Human Rights Department at the Grand Lodge

In setting up and administering the human rights program in your local or district lodge, you should know the many kinds of help and services you can get from the Human Rights Department at Grand Lodge. 

The duties of the Human Rights Department as set forth in the International President''s January 1978 policy letter, are to: 

• Meet with members who believe they have suffered discrimination as a result of employer and/or union action.
  
• Seek solutions and remedies that bypass expensive and time-consuming administrative or legal proceedings.
  
• Work with the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) to ensure IAM compliance with both the letter and the spirit of the law.
  
• Help Grand Lodge Representatives and Business Representatives conciliate specific cases and generally seek to increase staff understanding of their duties and responsibilities under the law.
  
• Assist the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center (Placid Harbor) in developing course outlines, information and other materials on human rights for IAM Leadership Schools and other forms of steward and officer training.
  
• Prepare and distribute various kinds of manuals and materials to help local and district lodge human rights committees understand and fulfill their mission.
  
• Serve as the IAM''s link with the A. Philip Randolph Institute, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, the Coalition of Labor Union Women and other organizations, allied in the effort to increase and solidify human rights in the labor movement.

You can contact the Human Rights Department at Grand Lodge, Room 305, 9000 Machinists Place, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772-2687, 301-967-4571 (F: 301-967-4572). 

Human Rights in the IAM

Official Circular No. 817 Issued: June 1, 2003
TO THE MEMBERSHIP EVERYWHERE, GREETINGS:

Purpose:

To update Official Circular 811 and previous circulars, to clarify the IAM’s continuing commitment to civil and human rights for all IAM members throughout the United States and Canada, and to emphasize the need for all lodges to be in compliance with the IAM’s policies and the laws governing discrimination and harassment.

Information/Instructions:

For more than a quarter century, the delegates assembled at Grand Lodge Conventions have reaffirmed the IAM’s commitment to ensuring civil and human rights not only for all IAM members, but also for all minorities throughout our nation and the world. Each year we make progress toward achieving our goals. For example, the IAM Women’s Department was created by delegate action in 1996 to ensure that the needs of women in our union and throughout the workplace are met. This department has numerous programs devoted to ensuring that women take active and leading roles at all levels of the IAM.

Nevertheless, with a return to more conservative governments in both the United States and Canada, we continue to face many challenges. Accordingly, the IAM Human Rights Department will continue its work to ensure, among other things:

That all women, racial and ethnic minorities, and people of color enjoy effective and non-discriminatory national, state, provincial and local laws, and programs relating to employment, job training, health care, housing, and education.

That the IAM continue fighting workplace discrimination specifically in the areas of job training, promotions, access to skilled jobs, and pay.

That the IAM continue its support of organizations, such as the A. Philip Randolph Institute, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, the Coalition of Labor Union Women, the Asian Pacific Alliance, Pride at Work, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, the National Action Committee and National Child Care Coalition in Canada, and other similar organizations in both the United States and Canada, which join in the fight for dignity, equality, and equal opportunity.

That the IAM continue to ensure education, training, and equal opportunity for the full integration of women and minorities into every level of the life and leadership of our Union.

That every lodge establish an active and involved Human Rights Committee to assist in achieving these goals.  In this regard, the Human Rights Department has developed the following new materials to help the lodges’ Human Rights Committees fulfill their missions:

1. A pamphlet called “Human Rights in the IAMAW” which sets forth the IAM’s commitment to providing an environment free of harassment and discrimination for all of our members in the union, the workplace, and the community.
2. An “Action Guide” explaining the role of the lodge’s Human Rights Committee.
3. A “Pocket Guide” to handling discrimination complaints.
4. An extensive, completely revised “Human Rights Manual” for use by the members of the lodge’s Human Rights Committees.

All these materials may be obtained from the IAM Human Rights Department.  They should be carefully reviewed by the lodge leaders and distributed, as appropriate.

Finally, by this Official Circular, the IAM reaffirms its commitment to providing an environment free of harassment at all International Union workplaces and activities and reiterates previous instructions to all districts, locals, councils, and conferences to do the same.  We must all take this commitment seriously.   As trade unionists, mutual respect must be the basis of all our interactions.  Any form of harassment — racial, sexual, or other — flies in the face of the fairness and dignity that we seek for all workers.

IAM policies at the International level have long sought to conform to the directives of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act to prohibit any discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, or age, and we have issued policies and conducted regular training on this subject.  These policies apply to the Grand Lodge’s employees.  If, however, an IAM member has a complaint about discrimination or harassment by a Grand Lodge employee, that member may request an investigation under the Grand Lodge’s policy by contacting the IAM’s Human Resources Department.  In addition, all lodges have received information from the Grand Lodge concerning their need to educate, train, and adopt policies in order to be in compliance with federal and state laws.  Recent federal court cases have made it abundantly clear that harassment and discrimination will not be tolerated in our interactions with employees or prospective employees of our lodges or in our interactions with our members.  Lodges that fail to take appropriate steps do so at their peril.

Accordingly, IAM lodges, councils, or conferences are directed to bring themselves into compliance with all laws and to ensure that no behavior is tolerated that is likely to undermine the dignity or self-esteem of an individual, or create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. 

Fraternally yours,

R. Thomas Buffenbarger

INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT

Donald E. Wharton

GENERAL SECRETARY-TREASURER

Member Affiliations

IAM Local and District Human Rights Committees should establish and maintain a relationship with coalitions that are especially oriented toward unions and/or join in the fight for equality. Listed below are some of these coalitions with which IAM is a member and participates throughout the year:

A. Philip Randolph Institute

Named for America''s foremost black labor leader, APRI works for democracy and racial integration within the labor movement. Their mission has been to fight for racial equality and economic justice, serving as a bridge between labor and the black community. With more than 150 chapters in 36 states, APRI members are involved in political and community education, lobbying, legislative action and labor support activities in an effort to increase black participation in the political process. These local APRI affiliates, made up of black trade unionists, assist in organizing campaigns and strikes. - A. Philip Randolph Institute, 1444 "I" Street, N. W., Suite 300, Washington DC 20005-2210; (Tel) 202-289-2774; (Fax) 202-289-5289. Website 

Asian Pacific American  Labor Alliance

AFL-CIO. Founded in 1992, the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO, is the first and only national organization of Asian Pacific American union members. It organizes and works with Asian Pacific American workers, many of them immigrants, to build the labor movement and address exploitative conditions in the garment, electronics, hotel and restaurant, food processing, and health care industries. Backed with the strong support of the AFL-CIO, APALA has thirteen chapters and a national office in Washington DC. - Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, 815 16th Street, NW, Washington DC 20006; (Tel) 800-848-3021; (Fax) 202-842-1462. Website 

Labor Council for Latin American Advancement

AFL-CIO. Founded in the early 1970s by unionists of Latin descent and designed to bring together all the Latin American men and women union members, LCLAA advocates for the rights of all Latino workers and their families in all phases of the American trade union movement and the political process. Through their national advocacy and political work, LCLAA strives to achieve social dignity, economic and political justice, and a higher living standard for every Latino Worker.- Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, 815-16th Street, NW, Room 310, Washington DC 20006; (Tel) 202-347-4223; (Fax) 202-347-5095. Website 

Leadership Conference on Civil Rights

Their purpose is to present and protect favorable civil rights legislation. Task forces on administration of justice, education, employment, housing, immigration, veterans affairs, and welfare are organized to review government activities, present testimony, submit suggestions for rules and regulations and meet with cabinet officials and agency administrators. Leadership Council on Civil Rights, 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 1010, Washington DC 20006; (Tel) 202-466-3311; (Fax) 202-466-3435. Website

Martin Luther King, Jr., Center

The MLK, Jr., Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Inc., established in 1968, is dedicated to continuing the legacy and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through research, education and training in the principles, philosophy, and methods of Kingian Nonviolence. In addition, it conducts community service and nonviolent action initiatives tailored for community and economic empowerment. The King Center plays a vital leadership role in coalitions for gun control, full employment, freedom for oppressed people world wide, universal health care and other social causes. It supports legislative reforms and helps to organize mass marches and nonviolent demonstrations on behalf of the goals to which Dr. King dedicated his life. Martin Luther King, Jr., Center for Nonviolent Social Change, 449 Auburn Avenue, NE, Atlanta GA 30312; (Tel) 404-524-1956. Website

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

The NAACP''s principal objective is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of minority group citizens of United States and eliminate race prejudice. The NAACP seeks to remove all barriers of racial discrimination through democratic processes. This mission is accomplished by seeking the enactment and enforcement of federal, state and local laws securing civil rights, and by informing the public of the adverse effects of racial discrimination.- NAACP, 4805 Mt. Hope Drive, Baltimore MD 21215-3297; (Tel) 410-358-8900. Website 

National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.

Statement of Purpose: "The African American Community must begin to look inward to address its myriad of problems. The institutions of the African American Community cannot afford to go its own way. Recognizing that we have many common concerns, the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., Labor Relations Department joins with representatives from the labor movement to form a new coalition (Religion/Labor Roundtable). The roundtable will work on issues of mutual concern which impact their respective memberships. The roundtable will address legislation, public policy issues, voter education and registration, civil rights and social concerns. NBC Labor Relations Department, 509 W. Gwinnett Street, Savannah GA 31401; (Tel) 912-232-8291; (Fax) 912-232-8050.Website

National Black Caucus of State Legislators

  Their primary mission is to develop, conduct and promote educational, research and training programs designed to enhance the effectiveness of its members, as they consider legislation and issues of public policy which impact, either directly or indirectly upon "the general welfare" of African American constituents within their respective jurisdictions. National Black Caucus of State Legislators, 444 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 622, Washington DC 20001; (Tel) 202-624-5457; (Fax) 202-508-3826. Website

National Council of La Raza 

The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) was formed in 1968 to promote the social and economic well-being of Americans of Hispanic descent. Hispanics are underrepresented in and underserved by the United States health care delivery system; the NCLR''s Hispanic Health Fairs Project addresses these needs by assisting in organizing health fairs to provide screening and appropriate follow-up for Hispanics. The Council is concerned with preventive health services and health education, as well as advocacy to improve health care services for Hispanics, especially low-income Hispanics and migrant farmworkers. NCLR, 1111 19th Street, NW, Suite 1000, Washington DC 20036; (Tel) 202-785-1670; or go to their Website. 

National Urban League 

Their mission is to enable African Americans to secure economic self-reliance, parity and power and civil rights. This mission is carried out at the local, state and national levels through direct services, advocacy, research, policy analysis, community mobilization, collaboration and communications. Examples of this enablement are to ensure that our children are well-educated and equipped for economic self-reliance in the 21st century; help adults attain economic self-sufficiency through good jobs, home ownership, entrepreneurship and wealth accumulation; and assure our civil rights by eradicating all barriers to equal participation in the economic and social mainstream of America. National Urban League, Inc., 120 Wall Street, New York NY 10005; (Tel) 212-558-5300. Website 

United States Hispanic Leadership Institute

  The mission of the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute is to fulfill the promises and principles of democracy by empowering Hispanics and other ethnic and similarly disenfranchised groups by promoting and providing leadership development, and maximizing civic awareness and educated participation in the electoral process. United States Hispanic Leadership Institute, 431 S. Dearborn Street, Suite 1203, Chicago IL 60605; (Tel) 312-427-8683; (Fax) 312-427-5183. Website

National Pride at Work

National Pride at Work (P@W) is affiliated as the newest constituency group of the AFL-CIO.  The Purpose of P@W is to mobilize mutual support between the organized labor movement and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community around organizing for social and economic justice.Pride at work strives to create a labor movement that cherishes diversity, encourages openness and ensures safety and dignity.  P@W wants to see full equality for LGBT workers in their workplaces and their unions.  They aim to educate the LGBT community about the benefits of union membership for LGBT working people.  This is done in the spirit of the historic motto, “An injury to one is an injury to all.”  P@W is opposed to all forms of discrimination on the job and in unions based on sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, religion or political views.IAM Member and Connecticut State AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Lori Pelletier serves as  Pride at Work Executive Board Member. Website