UCubed

UCubed

The IAM Journal (ISSN 1083-0413) is published quarterly by the InternationalAssociation of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, 9000 Machinists Place, UpperMarlboro, MD 20772-2687. PHONE: 301-967-4520 FAX: 301-967-4586. The IAMJournal is mailed to every member in accordance with convention and referendumaction. Subscription price $10 per year. Printed by Kelly Press, 1701 Cabin BranchRoad, Cheverly, Maryland. Postmaster: Change of Address Form 3579 should be sentto: IAM Journal, 9000 Machinists Place, Upper Marlboro, MD. Periodicals postagepaid at Upper Marlboro, MD and additional mailing offices.

IAM WEBSITE: www.goiam.orgRichard S. Sloan, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Bill Upton, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

EDITORIAL STAFF: Donna Georgallas, Cornel Dunmore,Frank Larkin, Valana Reid, John Lett, Deirdre Kaniewski,Bobbie Sullivan, Kiley Hernandez, LaToya Egwuekwe andJoyce Bond.

R. Thomas BuffenbargerInternational President

Warren L. MartGeneral Secretary-Treasurer

GENERAL VICE PRESIDENTS:Dave Ritchie, 15 Gervais Drive, Suite 707,Toronto, ON, Canada M3C 1Y8

Robert Roach, Jr., 9000 Machinists Place,Upper Marlboro, MD 20772-2687

Lynn D. Tucker, Jr., 135 Merchant Street,Suite 265, Cincinnati, OH 45246-3730

Robert Martinez, Jr., 1111 W. MockingbirdLane, Dallas, TX 75247

Richard Michalski, 9000 Machinists Place,Upper Marlboro, MD 20772-2687

Philip J. Gruber, 1733 Park Street, Suite100, Naperville, IL 60563

Gary R. Allen, 620 Coolidge Drive, Suite 130,Folsom, CA 95630

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTSAND AEROSPACE WORKERS, AFL-CIO

IAM JOURNAL

Commentary

When our friends and neighbors are hurting, IAMmembershave always stepped up and taken a leadership role to help easetheir pain. Natural disasters – hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes,floods and forest fires – have brought out the best in each of us.

This time, the disaster is man-made. Over 30millionAmericans have been idled by this Grave Recession, an economicdisaster brought on byWall Street greed andmade longer by

Pennsylvania Avenue ineptitude.

Taking care of the bankers, insurance brokers and hedge fund operators becameWashington’s highest priority. But the fate of the jobless – well, they still wait for a jobs billto match their cries for help.

That’s why the IAM launched “Ur Union of Unemployed,” nicknamed UCubed. It isour community service project. And its goal is to unify the unemployed in a unique anduseful way.

How can you help end this Grave Recession? Pass this IAM Journal along to anunemployed friend, neighbor, relative or co-worker. Hand out the three enclosed UCubedcards to jobless Americans youmeet. Ask them all to visitwww.unionofunemployed.com.

But don’t stop there. Even those who still have jobs can create a cube and invite thejobless to be part of ending this Grave Recession. Take the lead. Build a community thatcares for the jobless.

Please be part of getting America back to work.

R. Thomas BuffenbargerInternational President

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2 IAM JOURNAL Spring 2010

ContentsFEATURES

Delta Campaign Moves Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6The campaign to organize Delta workers and pro-tect the IAM contracts at Northwest is moving for-ward with efforts to make election rules fairer.

Cover Story: UCubed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10The IAM launches “Ur Union of Unemployed,”UCubed for short, to organize the 30 million unem-ployed and underemployed Americans into apotent force to demand action for JOBS Now!

Honoring Civil Rights Heroes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22In 1960, four brave African-American men satdown at an all-white lunch counter and helpedspark the nationwide civil rights movement. Thelabor community honored the 50th anniversary ofthe famous sit-in in Greensboro, NC.

DEPARTMENTSNoteworthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

TCU News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Aerospace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Cover Story: UCubed

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Spring 2010

Honoring Civil Rights Heroes

PAGE 22On the cover: IAM Local Lodge 639 member Donna Gainer of Wichita, KS, was oneof the first to join UCubed. Gainer was laid off from Bombardier Learjet after workingthere for nine years. Photo by Randy Tobias.

Spring 2010 IAM JOURNAL 3

Delta Campaign Moves Forward

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N O T E W O R T H Y

TheMachinists Union lost a memberof its own “greatest generation” whenformer General Secretary-Treasurer (GST)Eugene D. Glover passed away at age 86.Glover served as GST from 1969 until1987 and was instrumental in the cre-ation of the IAM’sWilliamW.Winpisinger Education &Technology Center.Born in Jonesboro, AR,

Glover grew up in St.Louis, MO, where hejoined Local 688 as anapprentice machine opera-tor for Universal MachineCo. In 1941, Glover enlist-ed in the Army Air Force,and fought in North Africaand Europe.After the war, Glover worked for

McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis as amember of Local 837. He was theMidwest Territory General Vice Presidentwhen he was elected GST.“Gene Glover’s vision for a first-rate

education facility became the renownedWinpisinger Center, which has trainedmore than 60,000 IAM activists,” saidIAM President Tom Buffenbarger. “Genewill be deeplymissed and his contribu-tions to this union will live on.”

IAM Mourns Passingof Gene Glover

Eugene Glover

The IAM is the firstNorth American transporta-tion union to enter into analliance agreement with theJapan Federation ofAviationWorkers’ Unions(KOHKUREN), the largestfederation of air transportworkers in Japan. Both theIAM and KOHKUREN rep-resent workers at the sameairlines, includingNorthwest/Delta, Unitedand others.“With the potential of a

merger between Unitedand Continental, Delta’sattempt to consolidate inAsia and the impact foreigncarrier alliances have ondomestic airlines, the IAM-KOHKUREN alliance pro-vides the unprecedented

opportunity to jointly pro-tect the wages and benefitsof our combinedmember-ship,” said IAM PresidentTom Buffenbarger.“The alliance agreement

sends a wake-up call to anyinternational airline thatstill believes an ocean canseparate our members,”said IAM TransportationGeneral Vice PresidentRobert Roach, Jr., whoaddressed KOHKUREN’sNational Convention inTokyo. “It’s a testament toour continuing efforts tostrengthen our coordina-tion of organizing and col-lective bargaining activitieswith our brothers and sis-ters in Japan.”

From left, Hiroya Yamaguchi, Chairman of the Japan Federationof Aviation Workers’ Unions (KOHKUREN), and IAM TransportationGeneral Vice President Robert Roach, Jr., sign an historic allianceagreement at KOHKUREN’s National Convention in Japan.

IAM Signs Historic Agreement WithJapanese Aviation Federation


Former GST Gene Glover, top row, third fromleft, served in the U.S. Army Air Force overNorth Africa and Europe during World War II.


Local 655 President Pat Stashekof Wisconsin Rapids, WI, knowsthat unions protect the rights ofworkers on the job, but when hewent to the 2008 Grand LodgeConvention, he found out that theIAM and other AFL-CIO unionsare working to protect their mem-bers’ hunting, fishing and outdoorinterests, as well.Stashek was introduced to the

Union Sportsmen’s Alliance and itsTV show, Escape to the Wild, whereunion members can win trips toworld-class hunting and fishingdestinations. After filling out anapplication, Stashek became thetalk of his town when Escape to theWild host Tom Ackerman showedup on his jobsite to tell Stashek hewas going to Manitoba to huntcaribou.“My local news station covered

[the surprise],” Stashek said. “Iwent to our annual Labor Day pic-nic, and I couldn’t walk 10 feetwithout someone coming up andcongratulating me.”

IAM Member WinsTrip of a Lifetime

Local 655 President Pat Stashekbagged a bull caribou on the last dayof a dream hunting trip sponsoredby the Union Sportsmen’s AllianceTV show, “Escape to the Wild.”

Friends, family andco-workers gatheredfrom across the countryat the IAM’s William W.Winpisinger Educationand Technology Centerto dedicate a memorialto Anna Samick, the firstfemale business represen-tative to become ateacher at the Center andone of the IAM’s trailblaz-ing female union leaders.Samick’s memorial

plaque joins others at theWinpisinger Center hon-oring prominent leadersin IAM history and theNorth American LaborMovement. The roomthat now bears Samick’s

name isdecoratedwithreminders ofher IAMcareer, from a photo ofher first leadership classto a display of cardsarranged in a royal flush,a testament to herrenowned poker playing.“Anna Samick was a

pioneer for women inthe IAM and an inspira-tion to all who knewher,” said IAM PresidentTom Buffenbarger. “Shebrought a unique spiritof respect, determinationand fearlessness to every-thing she did.”

IAM Dedicates Memorialto Anna Samick

Anna Samick’s son, Michael, right, shares memories of his mother atthe Anna Samick Room dedication ceremony. Samick was a pioneerfor women in the IAM. Others at the ceremony included Samick’sfamily, Winpisinger Director Chris Wagoner, at podium, and IAMPresident Tom Buffenbarger, seated at right.

Anna Samick

Immediately after the2008 announcement of amerger between NorthwestAirlines and Delta Air Lines,the IAM began marshalingresources to preserve theunion contracts for 12,500Northwest employees and toextend union benefits to16,000 Delta workers.With elections drawing

closer, Delta employees whovolunteer to talk with theirco-workers about the IAMadvantage play a crucial role.

Under National MediationBoard rules, these “in-house”committee volunteers are ableto speak freely with their co-workers during non-workperiods in non-work areas.

Democratic RightsDelta management has

prohibited IAM representa-tives from addressing employ-ees in the workplace aboutunion representation andcontinues to largely segregateNorthwest’s IAM members at

Delta from the airline’s non-union workforce.The volunteers are able to

provide Delta workers withinformation about their legalrights and give employees anopportunity to ask questionsabout the benefits of profes-sional representation.“Many Delta workers are

afraid to speak with full-timeIAM organizers for fear of los-ing their jobs,” said DeltaAtlanta OrganizingCommittee member TroyBacon. “I understand thatwithout a union, Delta hasthe right to fire anyone forany reason. But I refuse to beintimidated. I have a legalright to support a union, andthere’s too much at stake forme not to get involved.”That determination is

shared by in-house volunteersnationwide.“The in-house committees

are the first step toward amore democratic workplace,”said Salt Lake City Committeemember Kerry Bevan. “Afterthe representation election,we’ll have the opportunity tovote for a contract, for shopstewards and our own griev-ance committee representa-tives. This election providesus the chance to determineour own destiny.”

Non-union employees at Delta Air Lines have a chance to win thebenefits of a strong union contract. “In such an unstable industry, weneed the solid foundation of a strong union,” said Delta employeeGreg Wynn of Atlanta.


Delta Volunteers Holdthe Key to Victory

Northwest/Delta Merger

For more than 70 years,National Mediation Board(NMB) representation electionshave had a unique rule thatconsidered eligible voters whodo not participate in air and railunion representation elections,for whatever reason, to havevoted against unionization.

In October 2009, the NMBproposed to change their elec-tion rules to allow voters whoactually cast a ballot to deter-mine the outcome of the elec-tion, as is done in every otherunion representation and pub-lic election in the United States.

“Every employee should beable to choose for themselveswhether to vote yes, no or toabstain in union elections,” saidIAM Transportation GeneralVice President Robert Roach, Jr.,in testimony at the NMB’s pub-lic hearing about the proposal.

“The government should notemploy a process that assigns aviewpoint to voters who do notcast a ballot.”

IAMmembers and sup-porters also submittedmorethan 24,000 comments in favorof the rule change, although theNMB stopped counting at20,000. Delta Air Lines, the onlymajor airline to actively objectto the proposal, persuaded only500 of its 70,000 employees tooppose a fair election process.

“The Railway Labor Actwas designed so that carrierswould be neutral parties in theelection process,” said Roach.“Today, carriers are no longer

neutral. The system is riggedagainst representation, andneeds to be corrected.”

The NMB’s proposal gar-nered broad Congressional sup-port. Nearly 180 Democraticand 13 Republicanmembers ofthe House of Representativesand 36 U.S. Senators signed let-ters to the NMB in support ofdemocratic voting rights for airand rail workers.

“After 70 years, the NMB’svoting process would be square-ly in line with American idealsof democracy,” said Roach.

At press time, the NMB,was still considering the elec-tion rule proposal.

NMB Proposes Election Rule Change

The National MediationBoard has proposed changesto representation electionrules that will allow voterswho actually cast a ballot todetermine the outcome of theelection, similar to everyother union representationand public election in theUnited States.

During the National MediationBoard’s public comment period, IAMmembers sent in more than 24,000messages supporting the NMB planfor fairer representation electionsfor workers covered by the RailwayLabor Act.


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AsCongress andthe WhiteHouse drew thefinal battle linesin the fight toreform health

care, no better example ofAmerica’s dysfunctional insur-ance system occurred whenAnthem Blue Cross ofCalifornia proposed a 39 per-cent premium increase even asthe five largest insurers inAmerica posted $12 billion inprofits in 2009. Anthem’swhopping increase is just thetip of the iceberg. Other eye-popping premium increasesinclude a 24 percent increaserequest in Connecticut, a 56

percent increase request inMichigan and a 20 percentincrease request in Oregon.To hold the line on costs,

extend insurance to the mil-lions of Americans now with-out coverage and give morerights to consumers, theHouse and Senate each passeda version of health care reformthat corrects the worst excess-es of the current private insur-ance-based system. But theSenate bill contains seriousflaws that threaten to derailthe entire historic effort.The IAM has strongly

opposed any health care planthat taxes benefits, does nothave a public option or effec-

tive federal-level cost-controlmeasures.

No Benefits TaxThe most serious flaw in

the Senate health care bill is a40 percent excise tax on thevalue of benefits above$23,000 for families and$8,500 for individuals. TheHouse version of health carereform does not tax benefitsand funds reform with a sur-charge on households makingmore than $1 million per year.The Senate’s proposed tax

was a big factor in the electionof Scott Brown as the newGOPSenator fromMassachusetts.The AFL-CIO’s own poll showedunion households voted forBrown by a 49 percent margin,versus 46 percent for theDemocratic candidate. That’s ashift from 70 percent unionhousehold support forDemocratic candidates in the2006midterm election, versus28 percent for Republicans.“The election of Republican

Scott Brown to replace TedKennedy, a Democrat who wasa champion of health care forall Americans, is a clear indica-tion that working families willmake incumbents pay if theytry to reform health care on thebacks of workers or don’t get

at the CrossroadsHealth Care Reform

Without a credible reform bill, millions of Americans will be leftwithout health care or held hostage to private insurance companies.

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moving on job creation,”said IAM President TomBuffenbarger.The IAM is fighting hard

against the excise tax, even the“compromise” worked out atthe last minute that delayedimplementation of the tax until2019. Supporters of the taxclaim it will hold down costsand only apply to workers with“lavish” plans. But a new analy-sis of the excise tax conductedby professors at the Universityof California at Berkeley LaborCenter, including a formermember of President GeorgeW.Bush’s Council of EconomicAdvisers, shows that at least 80percent of the workers whose

plans would be subject to thetax in 2019 would be in non-union jobs. Other researchshows the tax would do little tohold down costs and would alsoimpact large numbers of mid-dle-class workers in high-riskoccupations, plans with largegroups of older workers andpeople in geographic regionswith high health care costs.

Bad CompromiseIn late February, President

Obama proposed a compro-mise measure between theHouse and Senate bills. As theJournal was going to press, thepresident’s plan tilted heavilytoward the flawed Senate ver-sion. It kept the excise tax onhealth care benefits, set up a

system of state-run healthexchanges instead of a nationalexchange that ensures qualitycoverage, and did not include apublic option to compete withprivate insurers. It does, howev-er, increase subsidies to makehealth care more affordable forworking families, keeps impor-tant reforms like prohibitingthe denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions, and it clos-es the “donut hole” in prescrip-tion drug coverage for seniors.“The present health care sys-

tem is clearly unsustainable. Butthere’s no point passing areform bill that does more harmthan good,” said Buffenbarger.“Costs won’t come under con-trol without a strong publicoption and a federal-level insur-ance exchange.Without thesefoundations for reform, andelimination of the excise tax inthe final legislation, we will con-tinue to oppose the entirereform bill. The voices whosounded the alarm inMassachusetts will be heardnationwide in November.”

In an effort to salvage health care reform, President Obama held a summit of Congressional Democratic andRepublican leaders to try and craft a solution that would pass in the House and Senate.

Many of the worst elements ofthe Senate bill were the result ofunanimous opposition byRepublicans and a small groupof Democratic Senators whowatered down the bill. Sen. JoeLieberman (I-CT), left, threat-ened to filibuster the Senate billif it contained the public optionor lowered the eligibility forMedicare coverage to age 55.

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Ur Union of Unemployed“You just have to get up

each day and say this is goingto be the day that somethinggood is going to happen,” saidIAM Local 639’s Donna Gainerin April 2009. The nine-yearaerospace worker had just

been laid off from her job atBombardier Learjet. She’d beenout of work for two weeks.“I know I’ll be back to

work,” said the Wichita, KS,resident. “It may take sometime, but I’ll be back.”

It’s now been almost a year,and Gainer has yet to receivethat call back – or any callback for that matter.“I don’t think things are

turning around as quickly asthey thought they would forthe aircraft business,” she saystoday. She, like thousands ofother Wichita residents, is stillstruggling to regain her foot-ing after the one-two punchdealt to Wichita’s private jetindustry last year. One hitfrom the economy. The other,media backlash against theindustry’s biggest customers.“I never thought it would

take this long. I didn’t. I reallythought I’d be back to work bythe end of summer,” she says.For Gainer, much has

changed over the last year.Morale is waning. As is money.“I have us budgeted prettymuch down to the penny,”she says. “I know I’m going to

UCubed

IAM Local Lodge 639 member Donna Gainer of Wichita, KS, was one ofthe first to join UCubed after she was laid off from Bombardier Learjet.Gainer hopes to return to her aerospace job, but the industry is slow torecover. In the meantime, “When a decent job comes up, it’s gone in aheartbeat,” says Gainer.

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have to find other work for awhile – but there just aren’tmany jobs out there.When adecent job comes up, it’s gone ina heartbeat.“Of course what saves us

now is that my husband is stillworking.” But, for how long?Gainer believes, with the econ-omy the way it is, no one inher town is safe. “It’s startingto worry me.”Sadly, she’s not alone.

Gainer is one of over 30 mil-lion Americans left idled by arecession the likes of whichmany of us have neverencountered. She’s also one ofthe current 6.1 million workersreeling from long-term unem-ployment after having been

out of work longer than sixmonths.“Being jobless is devastat-

ing,” says IAM InternationalPresident Tom Buffenbarger.“It robs people of their sense ofworth, sense of purpose and

sense of identity. Being joblesschanges everything.“Try looking your kids in

the eye as they leave forschool. Try waiting for callsthat never come from prospec-tive employers. Try walkingdown the block knowing yourneighbors know you’re out ofwork. Try shopping NOT forgroceries but for NECESSITIES –a few dollars at a time. It’s noteasy.“Our country is in the

midst of an historic jobs crisis,”warned Buffenbarger duringthe 2009 No Limits PublicPolicy Conference inWashington, DC. “Thirtymillion is a crisis – a long-termcrisis. Thirty million means it is

More than 30 million Americans are unemployed or forced to work fewer hours in the worst economic downturn sincethe Great Depression.

“There is strength innumbers. And the morejobless Americans worktogether, the quickerthey can end thisdevastating downturn.”

Tom BuffenbargerInternational President

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midnight in America and thedawn is a long way off.”The Machinists Union is

not without its own recessionstruggles. More than 35,000 ofour own members have beenlaid off or are working fewerhours due to halted produc-tion schedules.But as 122-year advocates

for the working class, theIAM refuses to face this jobscrisis lying down. OnJanuary 15, 2010, theMachinists launched“Ur Union of Unemployed,”nicknamed UCubed, a grass-roots online community thataims to unify the unem-ployed and underemployedin a unique and useful way.“When you’re out of work,

it’s easy to feel alone,” saysBuffenbarger. “And it’s easyto lose sight of the fact that

millions of Americans shareyour strains.“There is strength in

numbers. And the more job-less Americans work togeth-er, the quicker they can endthis devastating downturn.That’s the idea behind “UrUnion of Unemployed.”

Organize the UnemployedUCubed organizes the

unemployed and underem-

ployed according to their zipcode into communityactivist groups known as“cubes.” Six activists com-bine to make a cube. Ninecubes create a neighbor-hood. Three neighborhoodscreate a block.“Multiply that again and

again, and what you have isa powerful community thatcan effect real change – apower block that politiciansand merchants cannotignore,” says Buffenbarger.While UCubed is open to

all of America’s jobless, thereis an element of self-interestin its creation. “We desper-ately want jobs for our mem-bers, but most members willnot return to work until thebroader economy starts togrow again,” says Buffen-barger. “By working together,we can get ourselves – andmillions of Americans justlike us – back to work. We’reall in this together. UCubedis our opportunity to speakas a single voice on the sin-gle most important issue ofour time: Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!”UCubed provides a

means for the unemployedto work together to rise upfrom the depths of thisrecession using their skills


”Working together,we can get millionsof Americans backto work.”

Tom BuffenbargerInternational President

The IAM’s “Ur Union of Unemployed,”or UCubed, is a grassroots onlinecommunity for America’s unemployedand underemployed to join together,share resources and demand action tocreate jobs.

www.unionofunemployed.com

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and talents to help eachother – and themselves.By connecting and work-

ing together, jobs activistsshare resources while takingadvantage of a wealth ofemployment resources avail-able on the site.UCubed provides infor-

mation on everything fromwriting a resume and navi-gating the tough job marketto budgeting and re-assess-ing one’s skills set.

Getting ConnectedDonna Gainer was

among the first unemployedworkers to join UCubed.

She was also the first jobsactivist to complete a cubeof six people.“For me, it actually helps

more to talk to other peoplewho have been laid offbecause they know whereI’m coming from and how

I feel,” she says. “I think it’sa great way to network withother Machinists and otherlaid-off people, getting ideasfrom not just people herelocally, but everywhere. Iam now friends with peopleall over, and it’s interestingto hear other stories, seehow people are coping andsee how their coping tech-niques may help peoplehere. We all kind of learn alittle bit from each other.”UCubed jobs activists are

encouraged to hold meet-ings to get to know oneanother, exchange ideas andplan events.


UCubed is a wayfor the unemployedto work together torise up from thisrecession.

Without a bigger federal stimulus program to create jobs, long-term unemployment will increase and competitionfor fewer and fewer jobs, such as at this job fair in New York, will get more intense.

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Turn Up the HeatActivists can also join

forces in turning up the heaton politicians. State legisla-tors, governors, Congressand the White House needto be reminded daily of thereason voters – amid a plum-meting economy, financialsystem and housing marketall racing to see which canmake it to the bottom first –flocked to the polls in thefall of 2008.Many of those voters will

return to the polls later thisyear, warns Buffenbarger.“When one-fifth ofAmerica’s workforce is idledto some degree, the full forceof government, business,labor and academia must bemarshaled to get them back

to work,” said Buffenbargerin response to PresidentBarack Obama’s State of theUnion address. “No suchcomprehensive strategy hasbeen outlined. The growinganger and frustration of thejobless will find an outlet,most probably in the 2010midterm elections.”

UCubed’s legislativeaction center enables jobsactivists to command theirstate and national leaders’attention and demand theyact in addressing the jobs cri-sis immediately. Activists cane-mail leaders on importantissues such as JOBS Now!,the “Jobs for Main Street”bill, unemployment com-pensation extensions,COBRA and food stamps.

JOBS Now!“The American people

need immediate relief fromthis wretched economy,” saysBuffenbarger. “Already meagerunemployment benefits arerunning out. Families are turn-ing to food stamps or going tofood banks in record numbers.Mortgage foreclosures are onthe rise. And, hard-earned lifesavings are being wiped out.“This country cannot

rebuild its economic founda-tion unless the driving forcebehind it is based on manu-facturing and selling prod-ucts made by Americanworkers. The only answer tothis crisis is JOBS Now!”JOBS Now! is a compre-

hensive strategy for gettingmillions of unemployedAmericans immediately backto work by rebuildingAmerica's industrial founda-tion. The initiative calls for asecond stimulus package,one focused on investingmore in the manufacturingand transportation sectors ofour economy. JOBS Now!also calls for a rigorous“Buy American” clause andincentives for workers whowish to return to school andupgrade their skills.UCubed jobs activists

must tell Congress a second,targeted stimulus plan forrebuilding America's manu-facturing and transportationsectors is the only way to

“About one-third of the peo-ple in my town, including somepeople in my family, worked forGM. When the plant closed,everyone lost their job. I havefriends who lost their housesbecause they had to acceptwhat work there is at half thepay they used to make. I planto share UCubed with my fellowmembers, family and friends.”

Mike Mills II, Local 1943Journeyman MaintenanceTechnician

AK STEELMiddletown, OH

jumpstart the economy, andcreate the long-term growthand sustained job creationAmericans desperately need.

Jobs for Main Street“Jobless Americans are

angry. And they have everyright to be,” says Buffen-barger. “They were last inline when Washington doledout trillions of dollars to thebanks, insurance companies,investment firms and gov-ernment contractors. Nowthe politicians have the gallto say, ‘Wait! We need tofocus on deficit reduction.’What they really mean is,‘We got the gold mine; yougot the shaft.’“Well, the days of bailing

out Wall Street, ExecutiveBoulevard and Everybody-Else Turnpike stops here. We

need to make sure legislationhelps Main Street.”House members passed

the “Jobs for Main Street”bill (HR 2847) last December.

The measure proposes tohelp create and save jobs bymaking targeted investmentsin areas that will grow theeconomy over the long run,including highways, publictransit, construction, smallbusinesses, job training, andhiring and retaining teachers,police officers and firefighters.The bill also helps those

who are currently looking forwork by extending unemploy-ment benefits and COBRAcoverage.House members hope to

pay for the estimated $150 bil-lion legislation by taking $75billion from the TroubledAsset Relief Program (TARP)used to bail out Wall Streetand redirecting it to “MainStreet.”The Senate recently


Using UCubed, thousandsof jobs activists can focustheir power on politiciansat the local, state andfederal level to take actionto end the recession andget American families backto work.

For many unemployed workers who have chronic health problems, keepinghealth care coverage is a challenge. UCubed is focused on extending thefederal subsidy under COBRA that allows workers to keep their medicalcoverage at a reduced rate if they get laid off.

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passed its own jobs legisla-tion, but the $15 billion mea-sure pales in comparison tothe House version.American families are

hurting. And, they want toget back to work. UCubedactivists must demand law-makers pass a comprehensive

“Jobs for Main Street” billimmediately.

Extend UnemploymentBenefitsWhile the “Jobs for Main

Street” bill provides for anextension of unemploymentbenefits until June 30 of this

year, economists argue that isnot enough.According to the National

Employment Law Project, job-less workers have remainedwithout work for an average of29 weeks, and 39.8 percenthave been out of work for sixmonths or longer. Worse, theEconomic Policy Institute esti-mates that, because of thestimulative and stabilizingimpact of unemployment ben-efits on local communities, upto 800,000 additional jobscould be lost this year if bene-fits are not extended throughthe end of the year.UCubed activists must

demand Congress craft a long-term unemployment benefitstrategy.“Congress’ June 30 exten-

sion is nothing more than astopgap measure,” explainsBuffenbarger. “It signifies theirfailure to address the real

“No one’s been untouched by this recession.Everybody knows somebody who’s unemployed andlost their job. When UCubed first came out,I immediately sent it to my brother and brother-in-lawsaying this is another resource. Something you can jointo connect with people in your neighborhood. Whenyou’re looking for a job, it’s all about contacts. Younever know what might come of that.

UCubed has a unique perspective coming from aunion and people who really care about workers.”

Christine Diaz, Local 2339-HFlight Attendant

CONTINENTAL AIRLINESHouston, TX

UCubed offers resourcesfor the unemployed tofind work, share ideasand become activists tofight for JOBS Now!

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underlying problem: thehemorrhaging of jobs in thiscountry. America’s joblessdeserve better!“With the ranks of long-

term joblessness continuingto grow and this GraveRecession achieving recorddepths, the unemployed needpolicies that will supportthem throughout their climbtowards re-employment,”says Buffenbarger. “America’sworkers need more thanband-aids put in place just tokeep folks quiet for themoment. Americans needjobs! And until those jobs arecreated, working familiesneed to pressure Congress inorder to ensure workers arenot left out to dry.”

COBRALosing one’s job is bad

enough. Losing one’s healthinsurance adds insult toinjury.According to the Kaiser

Family Foundation, theaverage full cost of COBRAfamily health insurance for aworker who just lost theirjob is $1,137 per month.The average cost under

the 2009 COBRA premiumreduction program is $398per month.While the House bill’s

call for a 15-month exten-sion of the 2009 COBRA pre-mium reduction program isbetter than no action at all,the bill's arbitrary June 30deadline for eligibility, again,stops short of providing realrelief to America’s unem-ployed. “Laid-off workersstruggling financially to

“I thought I was going to retire here, but now Idon’t think so. It’s corporate greed. Their pockets getfatter and fatter, and they don’t care about us. We reallyhave to stick together. Through UCubed, we can try toget more benefits and food stamps for the unemployedbecause they’re starving. There are so many people outthere who don’t have anything.”

Renee MacLean, Local 743Tech II Mechanic

HAMILTON SUNDSTRANDWindsor Locks, CT

UCubed members getaccess to theMachinistsMall, an online retail cen-ter offering discounts onhundreds of necessaryfamily items.

make ends meet should not,at any point in time duringtheir unemployment period,have to worry about premi-ums that exceed 80 percentof their unemploymentincome,” says Buffenbarger.UCubed activists must

demand Congress act nowto create legislation that pro-vides America's laid-offworkers the affordableCOBRA coverage they need.

Food StampAppropriationsWhen 17 million U.S.

households - that's 49 millionpeople - are having difficultykeeping enough food on thetable, and one-in-four chil-dren live in a household thatstruggles with hunger, it is up

to our nation's leaders to act.Food-stamp use is increas-

ingly becoming a necessity forhouseholds looking to keep

food on the table. The pro-gram now helps to feed one-in-eight Americans. But in arecession bigger than most ofus have ever seen, studieshave shown that recentincreases and temporaryimprovements to the programthrough the 2009 AmericanRecovery and ReinvestmentAct are not enough.For most families, most of

those benefits, if not all, areusually gone before the end ofthe month. Record job lossand soaring long-term unem-ployment has pushed the situ-ation far beyond where wewere a year ago when the leg-islation originally passed.Today, more needs to be done.

UCubed activists mustdemand Congress’ support ofan extension and expansionof state food-stamp programsimmediately.


“The company hasnever laid off anyone.But now they want to cut110 jobs, which they willdo by attrition. Before Icame to Omaha, I waslaid off by the phonecompany after I’d workedthere for 11 years. Afriend who still worksthere said they’re layingoff another 100 workersand that the company

expects to close its doors in six months. It’s going to behard for him to find a job. I’m going to pass out theUCubed brochures at all three of my work locations. It’s agood way to get our members involved.”

Scott Palma, Local 31Machinist

OMAHA PUBLIC POWER DISTRICTOmaha, NE

With workers facing a year or more of unemployment, UCubed activistsare advocating for increased monthly food stamp benefits because manyfamilies must turn to food banks when they run out of food stampsbefore the end of the month.

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Machinists MallTo help alleviate the strain

on unemployed workers’ wal-lets when it comes to buyingfood, clothing, personal careproducts, household goods,over-the-counter medicationsand other important services,members of UCubed also haveaccess to the Machinists Mall,a program that offers steep dis-counts and rebates. Savingsare highlighted each week.

Build a Movement”I am convinced that

this unique, useful andunifying idea will add areal sense of urgency inefforts to get all Americansback to work,” saysBuffenbarger.

As the IAM Journalwent to press, UCubed hadjobs activists in more than1,288 zip codes and 318cubes in 43 states andWashington, D.C.

But, as with all change,it must start at home – here,within our own Union. “IAMmembers – employed, unem-ployed and underemployed –can help organize the joblessby creating cubes in theirown zip codes,” affirmsBuffenbarger. “Efforts to helpthe unemployed get back towork, and the machines inour nation’s factories hum-

ming, must start with us.“Your life will change a

little bit at first. But the livesof those you connect with viaUCubed will change dramati-cally,” says Buffenbarger.

“With your activism,UCubed can grow exponential-ly. Help us. Help yourself. Helpyour country. I urge all IAMmembers to join UCubed andstart a movement today.”


“My son’s been unemployedalmost a year now. He’s tryingto maintain, but they’re sendingmost of our jobs to Mexico.Those jobs will never come back.If we aren’t looking out for eachother, who will?”

Unemployment benefits are critical to many families trying to survive long-term unemployment. UCubed allowsactivists to pressure Congress to extend unemployment benefits and call for increased benefit levels.

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Charlotte WashingtonLocal 774Certified SealerCESSNAWichita, KS

Photoby

RandyTobias


Join UCubed1. Click “Join Now” to register.

2. You will be given an avatar(graphic) to represent you. If you'dlike to upload your own avatar,browse your computer and uploadan image.

3. Once you register, you'll receive aconfirmation activation notice in youre-mail. Click the activation link andyou'll be taken to a page where you“Log In.”

4. Enter your username and pass-word.

5. You are now ready to either findand join an existing cube by zipcode, or create a new cube.

Create a Cube1. On the “Cubes” page, click “Create aCube.” Fill in your location and otherinformation so activists can easily findyour cube. Then, click “Continue.”

2. Click “Comment Wire,” if youwant to allow members to chat.Click “Discussion Forum,” to allowactivists to post articles or comments.Click “Next Step.”

3. You will be given a randomavatar that will identify your cube oryou can upload your own graphic.Click “Next Step.”

4. Finally, “Invite Others to Join UCubed.”Enter their e-mail addresses separated bya comma.

5. Click “Submit” and you’re done.

Start a Cube Today!


Find a Cube1. Under “Build a Community”on the UCubed home page,enter your zip code and clickthe arrow to find existingcubes.

2. From the list of cubes in yourarea, click a cube’s name tofind out details, or click“Request Membership” to jointhat cube. The creator of thatcube will be sent a messagethat you are waiting to join.

3. If there is no cube in yourzip code, or if the cube is filled,create a new cube by clicking“Create a Cube.”

Become a Cube Leader6 Activists = 1 CubeThe person who leads the fight for jobs in their area.


Speaker after speaker at thisyear’s AFL-CIOMartinLuther King, Jr., HolidayObservance in

Greensboro, NC, struggled tofind the right words to describethe impact of theWoolworthlunch counter sit-in that beganin that city on February 1, 1960.One called it themost signifi-

cant event in U.S. civil rights his-tory; another described it as theinspiration for themovementthat toppled apartheid rule inSouth Africa, while all agreed itpaved the way for the landmark1964 Civil Rights Act and theVoting Rights Act of 1965.But it was FranklinMcCain,

one of the four North Carolina

Agricultural & Technical Collegestudents who began the historicprotest, who riveted the audi-ence with his recollection of howhe was just plain fed up with notbeing able to get “a lousy cup ofcoffee and a piece of apple pie”because of the color of his skin.

Segregated SouthDescribing the entrenched

segregation that flourished formore than 100 years after theCivil War, McCain recalled theseparate drinking fountains, sep-arate libraries, schools, housingand health care facilities.“It was a system that was

designed to make a segment ofthe population feel inferior and

limit opportunities for growth,”said McCain, who recalled how,at age 17, he preferred jail oreven death to raising his ownchildren under such a system.Two others who took part in

the original Greensboro sit-in,Joseph McNeil and JibreelKhazan (Ezell Blair, Jr.), joinedMcCain at the AFL-CIO event.The fourth student, DavidRichmond, passed away in1990.The three men described

how they planned and executedtheir non-violent protest, andwere ultimately joined bydozens and then hundreds ofsupporters, black and white. Allwere determined to end the

Labor Honors GreensboroCivil Rights Sit-In Heroes

Three of the original students who staged the famous sit-in at a segregated lunch counter in Greensboro, NC,in 1960 returned to Greensboro as part of the 2010 AFL-CIO Martin Luther King, Jr., Day celebration. From left,Joseph McNeil, Franklin McCain and Jibreel Khazan.

practice that encouragedAfrican-Americans to shop inthe chain’s stores, but deniedthem service at the store’slunch counters.Jibreel Khazan described

how his parents approved ofhis taking part in the risky sit-in, but insisted he wear his bestSunday suit. “But mama, sup-pose I get killed?” he com-plained. “Well then, my son,”she replied calmly, “you’ll bedressed to kill.”

Movement BeginsThe resulting photographs

of four well-dressed and seri-ous-looking students areamong the most iconic anddignified images of theAmerican civil rights move-ment. Equally iconic are thephotographs of the same stu-dents being punched andbeaten but never relinquish-ing their seats at the counter.

Despite store manage-ment’s efforts to limit public-ity, word of the Greensborostudents’ non-violent protestspread quickly. Within weeks,sit-ins were being held acrossNorth Carolina, Tennessee,Mississippi, Alabama,Georgia and Florida. Theprotests reached as far asWoolworth’s headquarters inNew York City, whereactivists sought a nationalpolicy of desegregation.Meanwhile in Greensboro,

bomb threats, assaults anddemonstrations organized bythe Ku Klux Klan failed to dis-courage the protestors whilenegotiations between stu-dents, civil rights leaders and

store owners continued formonths without a resolution.

Big VictoryThe stalemate lasted

through April, whenWoolworth’s store managersordered the lunch counterclosed, a move that triggeredincreased picketing at theremaining downtown storesthat practiced segregation.Forty-five students were arrest-ed on April 21 when theyentered the chained-off lunchcounter at Kress, less than ablock away fromWoolworth’s.Finally, on July 25, 1960,

Woolworth and Kress relentedand began serving all cus-tomers at their lunch counters,regardless of their skin color.While the fight to end dis-

crimination continues to thisday, Franklin McCain’s dreamof coffee, apple pie and justicewas finally on the menu atWoolworth’s.

On the second day of the GreensboroSit-In, Joseph A. McNeil and FrankMcCain are joined by William Smith andClarence Henderson at the Woolworthlunch counter in Greensboro, NC.

IAM Executive Assistant DianeBabineaux and Assistant LegislativeDirector Hasan Solomon help dis-tribute clothing and other suppliesfor non-profit agencies inGreensboro as part of the AFL-CIOMartin Luther King, Jr., Day com-munity activities.


TCU News


Q: Negotiationswith the nationalfreight carriersopened on January1, 2010. Whatshould TCU mem-bers expect in thisbargaining round?

Scardelletti: Thispromises to be thetoughest bargaininground we’ve faced indecades. Wages andhealth insurance will bethe battle lines.The railroads point

to the recession – traffic isdown, thousands of employ-ees are furloughed.The carriers have already

made it clear they are seekingfar-reaching changes to ourinsurance plan. They point tolast year’s double-digitincrease in the cost of theplan, even though benefitsstayed the same.

Q: What is yourresponse?Scardelletti:We will fight forwage increases that reflect therailroad’s long-term health,not the short-term economicdownturn that will certainlyend, hopefully sooner rather

than later. Long term, the rail-road industry has perhaps thebrightest prospects of anyAmerican industry. In thatregard, we agree with WarrenBuffett.Even today, rail freight

profits are strong, stock pricesare solid. Going forward, theindustry will benefit fromever-increasing global trade.Unique among Americanindustry, the railroads face noforeign or domestic start-upcompetition. There are nobankrupt railroads.I will continue TCU’s policy

of standing arm-in-arm withthe railroads against externalthreats to their economichealth, whether it be shipperefforts to re-regulate rates, or

attacks on coal production.My view is that the strongerthe industry is economically,the more jobs are available forour members, and the morethe industry can afford to payour members’ wages andhealth insurance.But the key is that this

industry is not structurallyhurting. Each railroad is on alevel playing field with theothers in terms of labor costs.Rail workers play a vital partin the industry’s success, andthe upcoming contract shouldreflect that.

Q: What about thecarriers’ stated priorityto bring down thecosts of the NationalHealth Plan?Scardelletti: I guess we’reheaded for a collision,because protecting ourhealth plan is my top priori-ty. Our plan does what it’ssupposed to. It protects ourmembers when they needmedical care without bank-rupting them. Our membersare already paying enough.My goal is to hold the line.It’s a cost of doing business.You cannot bring down costswithout bringing down

TCU Prepares for Tough NegotiationsAn Interview with TCU President Bob Scardelletti

Bob Scardelletti


benefits, or costshifting, and we willfight that with allour power.

Q: Is the bar-gaining outlookas tough inother negotia-tions?Scardelletti:Unfortunately, yes.Most of our com-muter and transitcontracts are eitherin negotiations now,or will be soon. Andin each case, thepublic agency is fac-ing unprecedentedbudget deficits andpolitical pressure toscapegoat the workers.But just like with thefreight railroads, we takethe long view.We will fight with

everything we have tomake sure that the currentfiscal crisis does notbecome a pretext to rollback the historically goodwages and benefits ourcommuter and transitmembers have earned.

Q: What aboutAmtrak?Scardelletti: Amtrak is adifferent story. Last round,

Amtrak engaged in the sorri-est, most-inexcusable bar-gaining strategy I’ve everseen. They set out to starveour members into conces-sions and put our membersthrough eight years of hell.In the end we prevailed andachieved a good contract.But, in my mind, Amtrak

needs to demonstrate thatit has changed its ways bystepping up to the plateand making a fair contractimmediately; one withgood wages and one thatholds the line on employeeinsurance contributions.

Thanks to PresidentObama and theDemocratic majorities inCongress, Amtrak has thefunds to do it. I will doeverything in my power toreach a fair settlementquickly.

Q: Overall, what mes-sage do you have foryour members?Scardelletti: It's going tobe real hard. But we areready for the fight, and wewill get the very best con-tracts possible.

TCU members are gearing up for tough rounds of negotiations at freight rail,commuter and transit carriers. At Amtrak, a turnaround in federal funding shouldmean a turnaround from the eight-year delay tactics practiced by the Bush admin-istration in the last round of negotiations.


T r a n s p o r t a t i o n

The value of an IAMcontract was on prominentdisplay in a recent rulingfrom the New York StateDepartment of Labor(DOL), settling a disputeover how often IAMmem-bers at Northwest Airlinesin New York would be paid.The dispute began

when Delta manage-ment, following Delta’sacquisition of Northwest,notified IAM Local 1894members at Kennedy andLaGuardia airports thatNorthwest employeeswould be paid every two

weeks, to bring them inline with Delta employ-ees. Northwest’s IAMmembers in New YorkState are paid weekly, inaccordance with theircontract and New YorkState law.Delta requested a waiver

from the New York StateDOL to pay Northwestemployees less frequently.However, under New YorkState law, if the affectedemployees are representedby a union, a waiver cannotbe granted unless theirunion agrees.

The IAM LegalDepartment notified theNew York State DOL thattheMachinists Unionwould not agree to anywaiver. In late December,the New York State DOLordered Delta to continuepaying Northwest IAMmembers as they havealways been paid, on aweekly basis. In the absenceof a legally-binding con-tract, Delta would be free toset wages, benefits andworking conditions as theysee fit, without anyinput from employees.

NNeeww YYoorrkk PPaayycchheecckk VViiccttoorryy

IAM members of Local 1894 in New York celebrate after the IAM stopped Delta Air Lines’ attempt tochange their long-standing weekly pay schedule. From left, Randy Milteer, Dave Chiello, Don Pollicino,Victor Rossi, Jay Robinson, Kenneth Tsui, Charlie Harris, Fred Dallas, Ernie Goldstein and Eric Torres.

Transportation GVP RobertRoach, Jr., testified before theHouse Subcommittee onCommercial and AdministrativeLaw and called for changes tobankruptcy laws that have beenused to extract massive conces-sions from workers whilerestricting their right to employthe self-help provisions in theRailway Labor Act. “If employees are called

upon to sacrifice in order to res-

urrect their bankrupt employer,then bankruptcy laws mustrequire that everyone from thebreakroom to the boardroomshare the pain,” said Roach atthe hearing titled ProtectingEmployees in Airline Bankruptcies.“In recent airline bankruptcies,much of the financial sacrificesmade by employees werediverted into the pockets of thepeople responsible for the com-pany’s failure.”

The Machinists are callingfor bankruptcy reform thatwould allow airline workersthe right to engage in self-helpif the bankruptcy court termi-nates their collective bargain-ing agreement. “The right toself-help fosters good-faith bar-gaining by ensuring that thebargaining parties understandthe consequences of failing toreach a negotiated agreement,”said Roach.


A new $8 billion high-speedrail plan covering 13 corridors in31 states, including California,the Pacific Northwest, theNortheast corridor and the GulfCoast, will create thousands ofU.S. jobs and add a much-need-ed boost to domestic manufac-turing.“Our goal is to develop a

national high-speed rail network,create good jobs here in Americaand help reinvigorate our manu-

facturing base,” said Transpor-tation Secretary Ray LaHood. “If we’re going to really

save this industry and committo high-speed rail, what wehave to do first is have a work-force and a management teamthat understands each other’svalue, and then we tackle it aspartners,” said IAM PresidentTom Buffenbarger, who joinedLaHood at a conferenceannouncing the plan.

At a hearing before the House Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law, IAM TransportationGVP Robert Roach, Jr., right, calls for bankruptcy reform to better protect workers when companies declarebankruptcy and demand concessions from their employees.

IAM Calls for Bankruptcy Law Changes

High-Speed Rail Gets $8 Billion Boost

The Obama administration’s $8 billioninvestment in high-speed rail willmean more jobs and better service forAmerica’s rail passengers.

Bill Burke, Page One Photography

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A e r o s p a c e


Local 700 and 1746-Amembers, labor leaders andstate officials throughoutConnecticut are celebratinga federal court decision thathalts Pratt & Whitney’splans to close a pair ofprofitable factories thatwould have cost more than1,000 jobs and devastatedlocal economies.U.S. District Judge Janet

C. Hall ruled that Pratt &Whitney failed to honorIAM contract language thatrequired the company tomake “every reasonableeffort” to work with theunion to avoid closing the facilities.

“This decision confirmsthe value of a union con-tract when jobs are atstake,” said Gregg Adler, oneof the attorneys who arguedthe IAM’s case. “Without acontract, employees have noability to negotiate over theeffects of a closure and thecompany retains absoluteauthority to send work andjobs overseas.”The dispute began in July

when Pratt announced thatit was considering shuttingplants in Cheshire andMiddletown, CT, and mov-ing the work to Singapore,Japan and a non-union facil-ity in Georgia.

In negotiations that fol-lowed, the IAM proposedmore than $80 million insavings, and state officialsproposed more than $100million in tax incentives tokeep the company from clos-ing the plants. When the company

rejected both proposals, theIAM filed suit and arguedthat Pratt made the decisionto move in advance of anydiscussions with union representatives. The IAM continues to

seek support from PresidentObama to stop additionaloutsourcing of sensitivedefense-related work.

District 26 DBR Everett Corey, left, congratulates Assistant DBR Jim Parent at a press conference announcing the courtdecision that halted Pratt & Whitney’s plans to close two facilities in Connecticut. They are joined by IAM members,state lawmakers, including State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, center, and area labor leaders who all workedtogether to save jobs in the state.

Machinists Prevail in Prattand Whitney Lawsuit

In the wake of Boeing’s deci-sion to build a second 787assembly line in SouthCharleston, SC, rather thanEverett, WA, both states are com-ing to terms with a deal that setsa new standard for sham bar-gaining and corporate greed.A preliminary tally of the

taxpayer-funded incentivesBoeing will get for agreeing tomove to South Carolina exceeds$900 million, including $399million in taxpayer-fundedbonds and another $456 millionin long-term property tax breaksfrom Charleston County.Boeing will receive additional

millions in income tax creditsand investment refunds as con-struction and hiring proceeds.

PPllaannnneedd ttoo LLeeaavvee“There’s no longer any doubt

that Boeing never intended toexpand the assembly line inWashington state,” said IAMGeneral Vice President RichMichalski. “As far back as 2003,Boeing was systematically laying

the groundwork for moving large-scale manufacturing capabilityout of the Puget Sound area.”During discussions with the

IAM over the new assemblyline, Boeing officials repeatedlyclaimed that long-term laborstability was essential.However, when the IAM pro-posed a long-term labor agree-ment, Boeing officials abruptlyterminated all talks.

BBooeeiinngg TTaaccttiiccssRRaaiissee EEtthhiiccssQQuueessttiioonnss

SSppiirriitt TTaallkkss AAiimm ffoorr SSttaabbiilliittyy

Front row, left to right: Local 839 President KathyPeterson, 1st Shift In-plant Rep. David Eagle, District70 DBR Steve Rooney and BR Becky Ledbetter. Middle row: 2nd Shift In-plant Rep. HowardJohnson, Headquarters GVP Rich Michalski, IAM President Tom Buffenbarger and Local 839Communicator Dennis Williams. Back Row: IAMGeneral Counsel Chris Corson, Grand LodgeRepresentative Don Barker, Aerospace CoordinatorRon Eldridge and District 70 BR Mike Burleigh.

Washington state workers and taxpayers gave Boeing billions in incentives toassemble the 787 in the Puget Sound area, but now Boeing is raking in hundredsof millions from South Carolina to open a second 787 assembly plant there.


The members of Local839 and Wichita, KS-basedSpirit AeroSystems havebeen battered by the worstrecession in decades, drain-ing jobs and profits andraising questions about theindustry’s ability to survive.As part of the prepara-

tions for talks for a newcontract that begin inMarch, IAM leaders andthe Local 839 BargainingCommittee met withSpirit’s President and CEOJeff Turner and VicePresident of Labor RelationsSam Marnick.

Both sides are exploringa new collective bargainingmodel that would protectIAM members while bring-ing a level of long-term sta-bility.“We need to move

beyond the old ways of col-lective bargaining,” saidIAM President TomBuffenbarger. “If there is away to protect our mem-bers’ long-term job securityand assure their families’steady economic improve-ment, then we have anobligation to do so.”

Announcing the 2010

IAM Photography ContestLike your union, The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance derives its strength from its members. Help build North

America’s premier hunting and fishing club exclusively for union members and you could win fantastic

U.S. Made gear for the woods and water. www.UnionSportsmen.org

Three Easy Ways to Enter the Drawing: Join / Renew / Tell-a-FriendUse the application below. If it’s not time for you to renew - don’t worry. We will extend your USA membership one

year from your current expiration date, and you’ll still receive a brand-new blaze orange Buck knife. To get “tell-a-friend” credit, fill in your own name on the “Referred by” line on the application below.

Rules & Regulations: You must be at least 18 years old and join/renew/tell-a-friend by Memorial Day 2010 to qualify. Drawing - June 4, 2010. Learn more at UnionSportsmen.org

IAMAW_Spring

BUILD THE USA -WIN FREE GEAR!

THIRD PRIZE: FERN CREEK 1-1/2” SHAD SPOON LURE

Made in the U.S.A. with the highest quality materials, paints, finishes and components, this 1-1/2” nickel shad spoon lure will hold up in the toughest fishing conditions. $3.50 Value (25 winners)

(1 winner)

Designed for greater casting distance and maximum backlash resistance, the U.S.-made XS1000 is Ardent’s top of the line reel used by B.A.S.S. Elite 100 Series professionals including Alton Jones, Pete Ponds and Kevin Short. $270 Value (1 winner)

SECOND PRIZE:ARDENT XS1000 BAITCASTING REEL

The U.S.-made Full Force Archery Griz Series 33” 1.5 cam bow draws smoothly and strikes with power. Specialized with the USA logo, this bow offers excellent shooting and looks impressive too! $800 Value (1 winner)

fantastic

FIRST PRIZE: FULL FORCE SPECIAL EDITION GRIZ BOW

U.S. Made gear for the woods and water. www.UnionSports

This limited-edition Beretta Citizen autoloader featuring the USA logo continues the 3901 family tradition of rugged reliability and simple elegance. Made in America. $900 Value

GRAND PRIZE: BERETTA 3901 AMERICAN CITIZEN 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN

The IAM is holding its annual members-only photography contest andyou are encouraged to enter. TCU mem-bers can also enter the contest. You candownload a contest entry form by goingto www.goiam.org/photocontest.

Be sure to read the contest rules andphotography tips. Entries should catchIAM or TCU members at work in unposedphotos. If your entry wins, you’ll receive acash prize and your photo will appear inthe 2011 IAM Calendar.

A portion of the sale of each calendaris donated to Guide Dogs of America.Photos may be in film or digital format.

Digital photos must be shot with a camera with at least three megapixels and must be set at the “fine” setting.

It costs nothing to enter, and youmay win! The deadline for entries is June 1, 2010 .

To download a contest entry form, go to: www.goiam.org/photocontestor write to:

Announcing the 2010

IAM Photography Contest

Local Lodge 2323 member Jim Stewart of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada won the 2009 Photo Contest with his photo “De-icing Air Force One” that shows Local 2413 members Nigel George and Al Johnston of Servisair de-icing Air ForceOne during U.S. President Barack Obama’s first visit to Canada.

IAM Photo ContestCommunications Department9000 Machinists PlaceUpper Marlboro, MD 20772301-967-4520


Like your union, The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance derives its strength from its members. Help build North America’s premier hunting and fishing club exclusively for union members and you could win fantastic

U.S. Made gear for the woods and water. www.UnionSportsmen.org

Three Easy Ways to Enter the Drawing: Join / Renew / Tell-a-FriendUse the application below. If it’s not time for you to renew - don’t worry. We will extend your USA membership one

year from your current expiration date, and you’ll still receive a brand-new blaze orange Buck knife. To get “tell-a-friend” credit, fill in your own name on the “Referred by” line on the application below.

Rules & Regulations: You must be at least 18 years old and join/renew/tell-a-friend by Memorial Day 2010 to qualify. Drawing - June 4, 2010. Learn more at UnionSportsmen.org

IAMAW_Spring

BUILD THE USA -WIN FREE GEAR!

THIRD PRIZE: FERN CREEK 1-1/2” SHAD SPOON LURE

Made in the U.S.A. with the highest quality materials, paints, finishes and components, this 1-1/2” nickel shad spoon lure will hold up in the toughest fishing conditions. $3.50 Value (25 winners)

(1 winner)

Designed for greater casting distance and maximum backlash resistance, the U.S.-made XS1000 is Ardent’s top of the line reel used by B.A.S.S. Elite 100 Series professionals including Alton Jones, Pete Ponds and Kevin Short. $270 Value (1 winner)

SECOND PRIZE:ARDENT XS1000 BAITCASTING REEL

The U.S.-made Full Force Archery Griz Series 33” 1.5 cam bow draws smoothly and strikes with power. Specialized with the USA logo, this bow offers excellent shooting and looks impressive too! $800 Value (1 winner)

FIRST PRIZE: FULL FORCE SPECIAL EDITION GRIZ BOW

This limited-edition Beretta Citizen autoloader featuring the USA logo continues the 3901 family tradition of rugged reliability and simple elegance. Made in America. $900 Value

GRAND PRIZE: BERETTA 3901 AMERICAN CITIZEN 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN

International Association of Machinistsand Aerospace Workers9000 Machinists PlaceUpper Marlboro, MD 20772-2687

PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

Over 77,000 retirees and beneficiaries are currently receivingbenefits from the National Pension Plan, totaling over $400million each year.

Despite the recent global recession and financial turbulence,their benefits remained the same and arrived on time.They did not have to worry about “making do” with less orrethinking their retirement plans.

Make the National Pension Plan a part of your retirement.

Join the thousands of IAM brothers and sisters who willenjoy known, monthly benefits throughout their retirement,regardless of the economic times. Talk to your businessrepresentative about negotiating the National Pension Planinto your collective bargaining agreement.

To learn more about the Plan, visit the National Pension Planonline at www.iamnpf.org.

Maintain Your Lifestyle in RetirementJoin the National Pension Plan Today

IAM National Pension Fund • 1300 Connecticut Avenue, NW • Suite 300 • Washington, DC 20036-1711 • 1-800-424-9608

For 50 years, the IAM member’s best betfor long-term financial well-being.

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