Haitian Disaster: How You Can Help

The AFL-CIO is calling for the United States and the entire international community, including the global union movement, to “do our utmost to aid our Haitian sisters and brothers in their moment of extraordinary need.” Unions are mobilizing their members to provide aid in Haiti and through donations.

'Buy America' Puts People to Work

A new report presents clear evidence that including Buy America provisions in last year's stimulus package has created jobs and makes the case that the rules should be strengthened in jobs legislation being considered on Capitol Hill.

The 17-page report, "Buy America Works," by the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), highlights success stories showing how Buy America provisions have benefited U.S. companies.

They Sat, So We Could Stand

January 22, 2010 - Nearly 50 years ago in Greensboro, North Carolina, a movement began that changed America. Forever linking together the Civil Rights and Labor Movements.

Three of the four college students who sat down at a segregated lunch counter in Greensboro, NC, on February 1, 1960, returned to that city last week as living legends of the civil rights movement and guests of honor at the 2010 AFL-CIO Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observance.

Watch the video.

Trumka: Obama Absolutely Right to Make Jobs Top Priority

Obama's call tonight to make jobs his No. 1 priority in his State of the Union message is the right message, says AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. As Obama said tonight:

Jobs must be our number one focus in 2010, and that is why I am calling for a new jobs bill tonight.

State of the Union Address

Remarks of President Barack Obama – As Prepared for Delivery The State of the Union Wednesday, January 27, 2010 Washington, DC

Madame Speaker, Vice President Biden, Members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow Americans:

Our Constitution declares that from time to time, the President shall give to Congress information about the state of our union. For two hundred and twenty years, our leaders have fulfilled this duty. They have done so during periods of prosperity and tranquility. And they have done so in the midst of war and depression; at moments of great strife and great struggle.

Work Hard...Play Hard!

That’s the Union Way. When you’re playing hard in the outdoors, you can count on the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance to make your experience even better, while helping to preserve our hunting and fishing heritage.

The USA is a one-of-a-kind, hunting and fishing association of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) and its trade union partners, exclusively for conservation-minded union members, retirees and their families that hunt, fish and appreciate the outdoors.

American Labor Studies Center

The American Labor Studies Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to collect, analyze, evaluate, create and disseminate labor history and labor studies curricula and related materials, aligned to the various state and national standards, to kindergarten through 12th grade teachers nationwide. They will include such areas as the history, organization, activities, and issues affecting the labor movement and the political, economic, and cultural aspects of workers and their unions. It is governed by a Board of Directors and funded by contributions and government grants.

Know Your Rights in the Workplace

Working people have certain basic legal rights in the workplace, such as the right to minimum wages, safe working conditions and to be free from discrimination based on gender or race. But these rights have so many exceptions and loopholes that many workers are left unprotected. Some rights are limited by the size of the employer, length of service or other conditions. Some states have strengthened these protections for workers.

Join Working America

Working America is the nation’s fastest growing organization for working families. Over 3 million members fight for good jobs and a just economy. Join the movement now.

Take Action for Jobs

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

For America’s workers, three words say it all: jobs, jobs, jobs. The AFL-CIO has a jobs plan, and it’s time for Congress and the White House to act.

Our five-point plan for immediate job creation includes increasing aid to state and local governments to prevent layoffs and maintain vital services, creating jobs by repairing and building infrastructure, and putting TARP funds to work on Main Street, not Wall Street.

Working Families Network

The Working Families Network (WFN) is a network of unions that utilize the Internet to get timely news updates and information to those interested in issues concerning America's workers.

Health Care for America Now

Join Health Care for America Now (HCAN) in the fight for quality, affordable health care for all.

Save on your out-of-pocket health costs

The Florida AFL-CIO

The Florida AFL-CIO is a state federation of approximately 500 local labor unions and labor councils, representing 500,000 workers, retires and their families. We are construction workers, health care professionals, classroom teachers, agricultural workers, hotel and restaurant employees, transportation workers, firefighters, law enforcement and correctional officers. Wherever people work in Florida, across a broad range of trades and professions, you will find our members.

Legislative Update

The "Legislative Update" is a weekly to biweekly (depending on the level of session activity) print publication from the Florida AFL-CIO and the United Labor Lobby (ULL). The "Legislative Update" provides a detailed analysis of legislative actions and follows the efforts of the ULL lobbyists. Each "Legislative Update" is mailed to our affiliates, officers, Legislative Conference attendees, VIPs and others who request to be added to the list. It is also made available for all affiliate union members at our web site.

Buy Union, Shop Union, Use Union Services

The Union Label and Service Trades Department, AFL-CIO, was founded in 1909 to promote the products and services produced in America by union members -- especially those products and services identified by a union label, shop card, store card and service button. We are supported by per capita payments from AFL-CIO National and International Unions.

Employee Free Choice Act

Here's why we need the Employee Free Choice Act.

Get the facts about the Employee Free Choice Act.

Donate to the Turn Around America Fund and get out the truth about the Employee Free Choice Act.

Join our Employee Free Choice Act Facebook group.

Health Care for America Now

Compare the U.S. House and Senate health care bills.
Read and comment on personal stories from our 2009 Health Care for America Survey

America Needs Jobs Now

Wall Street has gotten its bailouts. It’s time for Main Street to get some fast help. The AFL-CIO is calling on lawmakers to take five steps now to put America back to work.

AFL-CIO Creates Online College for Union Families

The A.F.L.-C.I.O., the main umbrella group for the nation’s labor unions, announced on Thursday that it was joining with the National Labor College and the Princeton Review to create an online college for the federation’s 11.5 million members and their families.

The new college, tentatively named the College for Working Families, will seek to “expand job opportunities for its members by providing education and retraining in a way that’s affordable and accessible,” the founders said.

Your Retirement Road Map

Take a few minutes (this is fast, but helpful) to determine where you are along the retirement planning path. Once you've answered a few questions, you'll receive a quick outline of important steps you can take to help reach your retirement goals. This tool typically takes 8 minutes to complete.

Scammers Follow Unions from Newsprint to Cyberspace

As long as there have been labor publications, there have been scam artists masquerading as legitimate union newsletters, magazines or newspapers trying to swindle advertising dollars from unsuspecting businesses looking for a vehicle to reach union members and their families.

Tax Time is Approaching

The Union Plus Online Tax Preparation Service Difference:

Discounts from the market leader in filing taxes online - Union Plus TurboTax saves you 10%-15% off regular prices.

Unique free filing for many - Union members with qualifying adjusted gross income can get free filing of federal tax returns and a discounted filing fee for state returns. Learn more.

No charge until you file or print your return.* Start the filing process and save information to complete later. Pay only after filing electronically or printing your return to file by mail.

Members who purchase or download the desktop version of TurboTax must purchase the software through the Union Plus site to receive the discount on the program.

Working Families (on YouTube)

AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka says the Massachusetts election results should be a wake up call for activists to fight harder than ever for issues important to working families.

Maintaining Your IAM Membership

International
Association of
Machinists and
Aerospace Workers

Gateway Lodge No 731
277 Tallulah Ave
Jacksonville, FL 32208
904-612-6456
Fax. 904-764-2629


IAM MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

MAINTAINING YOUR MEMBERSHIP

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RAILWAY LABOR ACT, AND YOUR IAM-COMPANY COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO JOIN THE IAM WITHIN (60) DAYS AFTER YOUR HIRE DATE. TO JOIN YOU MUST PAY AN INITIATION FEE OF ($100) AND MONTHLY DUES IN THE AMOUNT OF ___________FOR THE CURRENT YEAR.

EXCEPTIONS: NEW MEMBERS EARNING LESS THAN ($12) PER HOUR SHALL BE GRANTED SPECIAL DISPENSATION AND PAY LESS FOR THEIR INITIATION FEE AND MONTHLY DUES.

YOU MUST ALSO NOTIFY THE UNION IMMEDIATELY IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS EXIST: YOUR DUES ARE NOT BEING DEDUCTED MONTHLY; YOUR DUES ARE NOT PAID UP-TO-DATE; YOU'RE ON SICK/INJURY LEAVE; TRANSFER OUT; ON LEAVE OF ABSENCE; ON FMLA; NOT RECEIVING A PAY CHECK; LAID OFF OR NO LONGER WORKING IN THE TRADE.

MEMBERS NOT RECEIVING A PAY CHECK DUE TO MANY OF THE REASONS IN THE SECOND PARAGRAPH ABOVE, ONLY HAVE TO PAY MONTHLY UNEMPLOYMENT DUES IN THE AMOUNT OF ($5) A MONTH. IF YOU LEAVE THE TRADE YOU CAN GET A WITHDRAWAL CARD FOR A ($1) FEE AND IF YOU RETURN, YOU MUST TURN IN YOUR WITHDRAWAL CARD WITH A FEE OF ($10) PLUS THE FIRST MONTH'S DUES AND YOU WILL BE RETURNED TO GOOD STANDING. OTHERWISE, AFTER TWO MONTHS YOU WILL BE LAPSED AND HAVE TO PAY A REINSTATEMENT FEE AND BACK DUES IN ORDER TO BE RETURNED TO GOOD STANDING.

REMEMBER: APPLYING FOR MEMBERSHIP WITHIN (60) DAYS, PAYING YOUR INITIATION FEE, MAINTAINING YOUR MONTHLY DUES IN A TIMELY MANNER AND NOTIFYING THE UNION OF ANY CHANGES IN YOUR STATUS IS YOUR OBLIGATION, NOT THE UNION'S.

NOTE: MEMBERS WORKING UNDER A UNION COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE RAILWAY LABOR ACT WHO FAIL TO COMPLY WITH CONDITIONS HEREIN, THE UNION SHALL BE OBLIGATED TO NOTIFY THE RESPECTIVE MEMBER AND THE RESPECTIVE IAM DISTRICT LODGE. IF THE MEMBER FAILS TO RESPOND AND RECTIFY THE PROBLEM THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT LODGE SHALL BE NOTIFIED AND THEY WILL NOTIFY THE RESPECTIVE COMPANY, WHO IS OBLIGATED TO TERMINATE YOUR EMPLOYMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT.

YOU WILL BE A MEMBER OF IAM DISTRICT LODGE __________ AND LOCAL LODGE 731. A LIST OF YOUR LOCAL LODGE OFFICERS IS POSTED ON THE UNION BULLETIN BOARD AT YOUR FACILITY. YOUR LOCAL LODGE SECRETARY TREASURER MAY BE CONTACTED AT THE IAM UNION HALL AT 277 TALLUAH AVE, JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32208, PHONE NUMBER IS 904-612-4656.


IN SOLIDARITY,

YOUR LOCAL LODGE SECRETARY TREASURER

TSA Nominee Erroll Southers Withdraws

President Obama's nominee to lead the Transportation Security Administration withdrew from consideration on Wednesday, saying his nomination was "obstructed by political ideology."

Updates

The web page is still being updated. The links are still being reorganized and increased to provide our members access to vast amounts of information. The current postings allow the member to click on the "Subject" or "Title" and go to the source of the article without having to enter a web address or find the corresponding link on the sidebar. The older postings are being updated with the same functionality.

Only in rare exceptions will the entire article be in the posting.

The Search Box at the top of the sidebar is a very powerful tool. If the words health care reform were entered then every link containing that phrase would appear. The member can click on the corresponding link and go to that article.

Many members have commented in person how great the website looks but "The Voice of 731" would like to have your comments about the content, what do you like or don't like, what you would like to see added. Please take a few moments and click on Contact Us and send an email to thevoice731@gmail.com

Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, Inc. (FLARA)

The Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA), a non-profit organization based in Wellington, Florida, actively pursues and promotes legislation and public policies that are in the best interest of current and future retired Floridians. Through the active civic involvement of it’s over 200,000 members, FLARA advocates programs and activities at all levels of government to prepare for the growing population of older Floridians who desire to remain self-sufficient.

FLARA President, Tony Fransetta is pictured above right.

Class-Action Lawsuits Continue at Wal-Mart

On the heels of a $40 million settlement with its Massachusetts employees regarding wage-and-hour violations, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. now finds itself hit with another class-action lawsuit.

According to Workers Independent News, Wal-Mart warehouse workers in Chicago have announced a class-action lawsuit asserting that the hiring of workers from temporary staffing agencies is, in effect, stealing their wages.

It was only a year ago that Wal-Mart, the largest retailer in the world, agreed to pay $640 million to settle 63 wage-and-hour lawsuits, which was quickly followed earlier this year by a $54 million settlement in Minnesota and then a $172 million settlement in California.

Remembering the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. has now been dead longer than he lived. But what an extraordinary life it was.

At 33, he was pressing the case of civil rights with President John Kennedy. At 34, he galvanized the nation with his "I Have a Dream" speech. At 35, he won the Nobel Peace Prize. At 39, he was assassinated, but he left a legacy of hope and inspiration that continues today.

North Florida Central Labor Council (CLC) January 2010 Business Meeting

The January 2010 Business meeting of the North Florida Central Labor Council (CLC) was held on Wednesday, January 13. Robert Campbell, Flytele/BA, was sworn in as a delegate representing LL731.

The guest speaker was State Senator Dan Gelbert, Democratic candidate for Florida Attorney General. He presented his qualifications to be the next Attorney General for the state of Florida and took questions from the members.

Information packets were handed out for the "Jobs for Jacksonville" rally to be held on Tuesday, January 26, at 3:00 pm.

Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL)

The Machinists Non-Partisan Political League
is the political arm of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. It was created in 1947 to allow IAM members to gather individual contributions, coordinate political activity, and elect candidates who support IAM members and their families.

Candidates we support know that the MNPL stands for economic justice, security in the workplace and equality for every member. They do not take us for granted.

The MNPL scrutinizes each candidate thoroughly. We ask tough questions such as their positions on trade, labor law reform, economic conversion, transportation policies, and enhancement of the U.S. manufacturing base.

Labor News on Talk Radio

President Ernie Hartless (at left) as a "Guest DJ" on "The Brother Stan Labor Show". The program can be heard on WJSJ, FM 105.3, every Wednesday, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm.

The Brother Stan the Union Man Show - Stan Swart offers an hour of political talk from the labor perspective, with regular guests from the labor community.

Legislative Report - January 13, 2010

The Florida AFL-CIO Political Conference was held in Orlando, January 9th - 10th. Mike Williams, President, opened the conference by thanking each member for giving up their weekend. Brian Empsey, Secretary-Treasurer, advised the members that the Florida AFO-CIO is looking for activists with heart and conviction. Ken Johnson, Regional Director/AFL-CIO, thanked all the staff and volunteers that worked so hard dring the past election. Congressman Alan Grayson, District 8, received a standing ovation - look for a bill in the near future to STOP the Billions of dollars going to companies sending our jobs overseas!

Jobs for Jacksonville - Rally

PLEASE JOIN WITH US JAN 26, FOR A RALLY AT THE NEW DUVAL COURTHOUSE JOBSITE. AFTER THE RALLY, WE’LL MARCH TO, AND ATTEND THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING

WHEN: TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, AT 3:OOPM

WHERE: CORNER OF WEST ADAMS, AND NORTH PEARL STREETS

WHY: For the last six months, volunteers from ‘JOBS FOR JACKSONVILLE’, have been regularly attending City Council Meetings, voiced our disapproval of Turner Construction, and have been virtually ignored.

As taxpaying citizens, many unemployed, we are tired of being ignored, and the time is NOW to expose Turners’ unlawful practices to the entire Nation!

FACT: Turner Construction, through their subcontractors have employed undocumented labor, while turning away qualified applicants who are taxpaying Duval County Citizens.

FACT: While acknowledging Turners’ unlawful behavior, rather than entering breech of contract with Turner, the Mayors approach has been an endless series of warnings. Our polls indicate that ten to one, Duval Taxpayers want their Courthouse constructed by local crafts people!

Please come and join us. We anticipate hundreds of taxpayers that agree with our stance, will show up and support our cause. We will not be satisfied until The City adheres to the law and replaces Turner with a reputable contractor, and shows preference to local workers. Bring your family, wear RED shirts, and please BLOG at www.jobsforjacksonville.org

Thank you

RALLY AT THE COURTHOUSE!

Jobs for Jacksonville

We are a grassroots movement, made up of taxpaying citizens of Duval and surrounding counties. Our cause is simple, yet just. We contend that in order for Duval county to recover economically, all municipally funded construction jobs should provide for preferential treatment to local contractors and workers. We also DEMAND from our government, that all undocumented workers be removed from these jobs, contractors that hire them be removed and prosecuted, and that meaningful steps be taken to prevent this from reoccurring on future projects. As of now, the Duval County Courthouse is in the spotlight, but we have a blemished track record here, and many fear that the Grenland Energy Center will continue this infamous tradition.

The purpose of this website is to gather and distribute information, and allow opinions to be voiced on these matters. We encourage participation, and ask that angry citizens contact their Mayor and Council Persons.

LL731 January 2010 Business Meeting

The January 2010 Business meeting of Local Lodge 731 was held on Tuesday, January 12. Special guests included Dora Cervantes, a Grand Lodge representative; John Medeiros, Assistant General Chairperson District Lodge 141; and Sean Ryan, Assistant General Chairperson District Lodge 142.

The Chief Stewards gave reports on their respective units. President Hartless gave his report on the Florida AFL-CIO Political Conference he attended in Orlando, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 8, 9 and 10, 2010.

Robert Campbell (Flytele/BA) was appointed a delegate to the North Florida Central Labor Council (CLC).

Health Care Reform 2010

Obama plunges into health-care talks

White House, unions reach deal on taxing insurance coverage.

Union leaders say they're happy with health-care deal

Click on the Subject Line to read more.

Human Rights in the IAM

SAY NO TO HARASSMENT

We support dignity, diversity and fairness for all our members

The IAM's Department of Human Rights reaffirms the Union's commitment to providing an environment free of harassment and discrimination for all of our members and their communities.


SAY NO TO VIOLATIONS OF PERSONAL DIGNITY

We are dedicated to ensuring that women and minorities are free from discrimination in employment, job training, promotions, access to skilled jobs, and pay. Our programs have been created to uphold dignity, equality and equal opportunity in the workplace - and within every level of the leadership of our Union as well.

IAM policies prohibit any form of discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or any other prohibited grounds.


HOW WE CAN help

The Department of Human Rights will partner with your local and district representatives to:

• Ensure that no behavior is tolerated that undermines the dignity of an individual or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment


• Counsel members who believe they have suffered discrimination as a result of employer and/or Union action


• Investigate and respond to complaints of discrimination or harassment


• Encourage greater minority and women's participation in Union affairs


• Promote job training for minorities, women, and the differently abled


• Serve as a communications link to other similar human rights organizations


• Keep current on human rights legislation and increase staff underestanding of their duties under the law


• Prepare and distribute manuals and materials to help local and district lodge human rights committees fulfill their missions


• Educate members, union officers and staff on these human rights issues

SAY NO TO DISCRIMINATION

We're here to protect you from harassment, racism and discrimination

One of the IAM's key missions is to guarantee members a safe workplace free from harassment and discrimination of any kind. The IAM takes a strong position in the support of diversity and dignity on the job and in your communities.

When called upon, your Union representatives will listen to your complaints, investigate and advise you of your rights and the options available to you.


SAY NO TO RACISM

For additional information about our services and programs, please contact us

Charlotte Sund, USA
Director, IAMAW Human
Rights Department
9000 Machinists PL
Upper Marlboro,
Maryland, 20772
303-967-4571
esund@iamaw.org

The above information is from the IAM brochure "human rights IN THE IAMAW"

Click on the Subject Line to read more about human rights in the IAM.

Statement: IATA Comment on New US Security Procedures

Geneva - IATA understands the need for government-mandated emergency security measures as a result of the attempted downing of Northwest Flight 253 on 25 December 2009. Security is a government responsibility. Emergency measures should be revised as information is gathered in the investigation.

Click on IATA under Airline Industry News to read more.

U.S. FAA Calls for Inspections of Older Boeing 737s-WSJ

Jan 12 (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has called for enhanced inspections of more than 130 older Boeing (BA.N) 737 planes, the Wall Street Journal said, citing a safety directive that is likely to be issued on Tuesday.

The FAA has asked for enhanced structural inspections to find possible cracks in the fuselage skin of the planes, according to the paper.

Undetected cracks "could result in sudden fracture and failure of the fuselage skin panels, and consequent rapid decompression," the paper cited the FAA's safety directive as saying.

Boeing and the FAA could not be immediately reached for comment outside regular U.S. business hours. In July 2009, a 737 operated by Southwest Airlines (LUV.N) developed a foot-wide hole and lost cabin pressure about 30 minutes after takeoff. Inspections in July revealed no problems with 737-300 jetliners flown by Southwest. [ID:nN14286676] (Reporting by Ajay Kamalakaran in Bangalore; Editing by Lincoln Feast)

American Airlines, oneworld partners boost JAL offer

Its a new bidding war for an alliance partner.

Click on Airline Industry News to read the story.

Tokyo Favors Delta Alliance for JAL

TOKYO—Government officials are pushing Japan Airlines Corp. to choose Delta Air Lines Inc. as its new alliance partner over American Airlines parent AMR Corp., according to people familiar with the matter, even as the embattled carrier moves closer to a likely bankruptcy-protection filing.

Click on Airline Industry News to read more.

JOBS Now!

Over 31 million Americans need our help! Idled by this Grave Recession, the unemployed, involuntary part-time workers and discouraged job hunters have run out of options. They need JOBS Now!

Click on IAM website under IAM Links to read more.

Machinists Union Leaders Vote to Oppose Health Benefits Tax

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The IAM Executive Council voted unanimously to oppose any health care reform legislation that is funded by taxing the value of workers’ existing health care benefits.

Click on the sbuject line above to read more.

Tell Congress: Don't Tax Working Families' Health Care Benefits

Today, union leaders are meeting with President Obama to discuss the next step in health care reform legislation, especially the tax on workers’ health care benefits in the Senate bill. On Wednesday, you can join the fight to pass health care reform that works for working families as part of the AFL-CIO’s National Call-In Blitz to the U.S. House.

Both the House and Senate have passed health care reform bills that will be merged into final legislation over the next few weeks. The House version is far better for working families.

Weather Too Much? Get Away!!!

Has the weather in Jacksonville become too much for you? Daytime temperatures in the 30s and 40s and nightime temperatures dropping into the teens. How about a nice break to somewhere with nice warm weather?

Click on the Leisure Time link to check out the get-aways.

LL731 January 2010 Business Meeting

The January 2010 Business meeting of Local Lodge 731 will be held on Tuesday, January 12 at 7:00 pm at the Union Hall, 277 Tallulah Ave, Jacksonville, FL. All union members of Local Lodge 731 are cordially invited to attend. The meeting lasts approximatley one (1) hour. Please find time in your busy schedule and attend the meeting. You will be glad you did. Please click on Maps and Directions for the location and driving directions. See You There!

Updates - Links

There are approximatley 100 links on the web page. These links are being updated and reorganized. Please be patient if you cannot readily find a link you have visited. Thank You.