Workers Memorial Day Honors Those Killed on Job, Including BP Rig Workers

by Mike Hall, Apr 20, 2011

A year ago today–as workers were being pushed to finish drilling faster than some thought was safe, according to news reports–the BP Deepwater/Horizon drilling platform, 72 miles off the Louisiana coast in the Gulf of Mexico exploded. Eleven workers were killed, the rest were rescued.

The BP well then begin spewing 206 million gallons of oil—19 times more than the Exxon Valdez disaster—triggering the worst environmental and economic disaster ever in the Gulf Coast.

Two days later the rig sank to the bottom of the Gulf—likely carrying with it the bodies of the dead workers that have yet to be recovered.

On April 28, as they call for tougher job safety laws as part of the 22nd annual Workers Memorial Day, workers across the country will honor those killed on the BP Deepwater/Horizon rig and the thousands more killed on the job each year. (Click here to find a Workers Memorial Day event near you or to register an event).

In 2009, (the latest figures available) 4,340 workers were killed on the job and another 50-00060,000 died of occupational diseases. Also more than 4.1 million workplace injuries and illnesses were reported in private and state and local workplaces.

Seafarers Send Out SOS to Stop Piracy

by Mike Hall, Apr 19, 2011

High seas piracy, especially in the Arabian Gulf and most of the Indian Ocean, “is becoming more savage and widespread,” says Seafarers (SIU) Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel.

A coalition of international maritime groups has now launched “Save Our Seafarers” (SOS), a new anti-piracy campaign to push governments to do more to protect sailors and ship and prevent pirates from “hijacking the world’s economy.” (Click here to visit the SOS channel on YouTube.)

As Heindel says, “the world has lost control of piracy.”

All the Arabian Gulf and most of the Indian Ocean are now effectively lawless. Yet there is a way that control can be regained: by actively going after pirates, stopping them and prosecuting them. Not this ludicrous situation of taking away their guns and setting them free to strike again.

Even when the mostly Somali pirates—who are currently holding about 800 international seafarers hostage—are captured, 80 percent are released to attack again, according to the SOS campaign.

With Eye on 2012, Republicans Trying to Block Votes

by James Parks, Apr 19, 2011

The anti-middle class agenda of conservative legislators across the country is not limited to attacks on collective bargaining, education and the nation’s safety net. Even before some legislatures took up state budgets and anti-worker legislation, they began trotting out claims of potential voter fraud to try and disenfranchise large groups of voters.

With the White House and control of Congress on the line in 2012, Republicans are pushing changes that would make it significantly more difficult for some traditionally Democratic voters to even cast a ballot–college students, immigrants, rural voters, senior citizens, the disabled, the poor and the homeless.

One popular tactic being used to block votes is to require voters to present their birth certificate before registering to vote and show a DMV-issued photo identification at the polls. In its Progress Report, the Center for American Progress Action Fund (CAP) estimates voter ID bills would depress Latino turnout by as much as 10 percent. The bills also would cost taxpayers millions of dollars.

Conservatives have claimed their assault on voting rights is necessary to combat the threat of mass voter fraud. Yet a study by New York University’s Brennan Center for Justice found that voters are more likely to be struck by lightning than commit voter fraud. In fact, the Bush Justice Department’s five-year so-called “War on Voter Fraud” resulted in only 86 convictions out of 196 million votes cast.

Plan Now for 2011 Guide Dogs Banquet

Tue. April 19, 2011

The 31st William W. Winpisinger Charity Banquet to benefit Guide Dogs of America (GDA) will be held Saturday, November 19, 2011, at the Paris Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

The annual event is the premier fundraiser for GDA, a charitable organization whose mission is to provide guide dogs to visually-impaired individuals free-of-charge. Founded by an IAM member in 1948, GDA and the Machinists Union have been strong partners ever since.

This year’s fundraising activities begin Thursday, November 17, with the Hawgs for Dogs motorcycle ride, followed by the benefit golf tournament on November 19 and culminating with the banquet dinner and awards ceremony on November 20.

Invitations with complete details about this year’s events will be mailed out by mid-July. You can also go to www.GuideDogsofAmerica.org for information as it becomes available.

Thousands Rally in Olympia to Support Workers

Western Territory GVP Gary Allen spoke at a rally in Olympia, WA, and urged lawmakers to acknowledge the true causes of the nation’s financial problems.

Tue. April 19, 2011

“Working families didn't create this mess, and we are not just going to sit by and get blamed for it,” said Western Territory GVP Gary Allen at a rally in support of workers’ rights held in Olympia, WA. “We didn't walk away with billions in bonuses and tax breaks, and we shouldn't have to pay for their mess.”

By some accounts, the rally was the largest held at the Capitol in more than a decade. The crowd displayed signs calling for fairness and demanded accountability for pain caused by corporate excesses, legislative blindness and the lack of sensibility in trade policies.

“We do not have a budget deficit,” Jeff Johnson, president of the Washington State Labor Council, one of the rally’s main organizers, told the crowd. “We have a social services deficit, we have a jobs deficit, we have a revenue deficit, and we have a deficit of leadership.”

Dan Twohig, a worker from the state ferry system said, "Corporations walk away with billions of taxpayer dollars every year, while working families are forced to make do with less and less. The state would do well to stop attacking the workers, we aren't the ones with the money.”

Wisconsin state Sen. Spencer Coggs, one of the " Wisconsin 14," got the biggest applause. He said it was labor groups across the country who “had our backs.”

IAM Honors Retired Activists

Retired DBR John Capobianco is presented with 60-year membership certificate and pin from International President Tom Buffenbarger and General Secretary-Treasurer Warren Mart.

Tue. April 19, 2011

If the labor movement in America has a “greatest generation,” then retired IAM members John Capobianco and Dick Cummings deserve to be in its forward ranks, decorated with respect and appreciation for the decades of service they have given to the cause.

At a recent meeting of the Michigan State Council of Machinists, International President Tom Buffenbarger and General Secretary-Treasurer Warren Mart honored Dick Cummings for a 45-year IAM career that included 20 years as president of the Michigan State Council in addition to active service at every level of the IAM.

Initiated into IAM Local 218 in October of 1966, Cummings’ IAM career included service as a District 60 Business Rep from 1978 to1984 and Directing Business Rep from 1984 to 1996.

Long-time IAM activist John Capobianco was similarly honored for six decades of service to IAM members during the annual meeting of the New England Council of Machinists in Portsmouth, NH. Capobianco headed District 170, formerly District 64, for many years.

“The IAM and its members are very fortunate to have activists like Dick Cummings and John Capobianco in our ranks,” said GST Warren Mart. “We honor them for the depth of their commitment, as well as for their years of service.”

Retired DBR Dick Cummings was honored at the Michigan State Council of Machinists meeting for his twenty years as state council president.

Labor Board Rules for IAM in AutoNation Case

Fighting the good fight (left to right): District 166 Organizer Javier Alamazan, Mercedes Auto Technicians Dean Catalano, Juan Cazorla and David Poppo.

Tue. April 19, 2011

The IAM scored an important legal victory recently for workers at Mercedes of Orlando in Florida, who endured harassment, intimidation and even firings after they voted to unionize. The ruling from the National Labor Relations Board requires the dealership, which is owned by AutoNation, to reinstate five workers who were fired for their union activities, with full back pay.

Auto Tech Juan Cazorla was one of those fired and describes his two-year struggle to overcome the effects of losing his job. “This has ruined my life,” said Cazorla, who claims he was blackballed in the industry by AutoNation. “I’ve been raised to fight for what I believe in, and I still think I did the right thing. Who are they to try to destroy my life, and make it so I can’t find a job? I’m happy with the decision, it proves I was right, but they’ll never be able to give me back what I lost.”

Mercedes of Orlando has indicated it will appeal the decision, and not bring back the techs at this time. This is a normal tactic of the anti-union industry, further punishing the workers by dragging the process out as long as possible.

Cazorla is happy to see workers in other states starting to stand up for their rights. “It feels good that there are a lot of people who are standing up for their rights,” said Cazorla. “We have to stand together for the future.”

“We have a group of technicians at Mercedes that have remained solid,” says Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez. “They have shown a great deal of dedication and bravery, not just for themselves, but because they care about their profession, and to help technicians regain their ability to make a good living.”

In addition to ordering reinstatement and full back pay for the fired workers, the NLRB ordered Mercedes of Orlando to bargain in good faith with the IAM.

Flight Attendants Sound Off on Reserve Flying

Reserve Flight Attendants from United and Continental met at the Winpisinger Education Center in Maryland to explore reserve issues at the new United Airlines.

Tue. April 19, 2011

Most Flight Attendants love their work and wouldn’t trade jobs with anyone, but it’s hard to find even one who believes the current system of creating a Flight Attendants’ work schedule can’t be improved. That’s just one reason why the IAM invited Flight Attendants from both Continental and United to the WWW Center to take part in the first Reserve Summit for Flight Attendants at the new United Airlines.

Over 20 Flight Attendants took part in the summit and compared the reserve systems at both carriers and discussed strategies to fix the worst problems facing reserves. The group also examined scheduling practices in place at other major carriers. Ultimately, the group examined the possibility of establishing an entirely new system to meet the needs of Flight Attendants at the merged airline. To that end, a survey was developed that specifically focuses on reserve issues, ensuring that every voice will be heard in addressing reserve issues.

Click here to view a video of the Reserve Summit.

“Reserve Flight Attendants have taken the first step toward defining their careers at the new United Airlines,” said Transportation GVP Robert Roach, Jr. “The foundation they have laid will be enhanced through additional meetings, surveys and a Reserve subcommittee in negotiations. With direction and active participation of reserve Flight Attendants, the IAM will develop a new, better Reserve system at the new United Airlines.”

Play Ball!

by Mike Hall, Apr 17, 2011

With Major League Baseball’s 2011 season under way, our friends at the Alliance for American Manufacturing remind us that the all-American pastime still features some Made-in-USA sports gear.

Rawlings has been making baseball gloves since 1887. Despite diversifying overseas, Rawlings’ pro model and custom gloves are still made in Washington, Mo.

You can do what the pros do and have your glove tailor-made to your exact specifications at Rawlings’ Missouri factory.

You can’t have a ball game without a bat, so get a good grip on a Louisville Slugger. The wooden bats are crafted by members of the United Steelworkers (USW) at the company’s home in Louisville, Ky. The aluminum bats are produced in Ontario, Calif., by members of the Teamsters (IBT).

Chance Encounter Takes Shuler to Fox News

Liz Shuler, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer

by Mike Hall, Apr 16, 2011

Opportunity can strike at the strangest of times and places. For AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler, who believes in getting the union movement’s message out to audiences that normally don’t hear it, that opportunity came on a recent flight from Washington, D.C., to Detroit when Republican pollster/strategist and Fox News regular Frank Luntz sat right down in the middle seat next to her.

Because of that encounter, Shuler will be talking about teachers, firefighters, baggage handlers, nurses and other workers and their unions with Luntz on Sunday on Fox News prime time at 9 p.m. EDT.

Just minutes before the plane’s doors closed, Luntz, who had been bumped from his first-class seat, came down the aisle and pointed to the dreaded middle seat, says Shuler.

I thought, “I know this guy.” And after he got settled, we introduced ourselves and I said, “I’m Liz and I work for the AFL-CIO.” When he asked me what I did for the AFL-CIO and I told him I was the secretary-treasurer, he was kind of taken aback.

Shuler says they began talking during the bumpy flight—he’s a bit of a white knuckler—and Luntz outlined what he thought— from a conservative’s view—the labor movement was doing wrong and why it was losing some public support. Shuler countered with examples of worker successes and union innovations. That’s when he offered Shuler an appearance on his show.

We talk to ourselves a lot. We really need to be reaching out to audiences we normally don’t talk to and besides a lot of our members do watch Fox. This is an opportunity to reach some people who may have tuned us out and may even be pretty hostile.

In the segment taped earlier this week, Shuler appears in a modified town hall setting in front of some 30 audience members, divided about equally between people who voted for President Obama in 2008 and those who backed Sen. John McCain (R). They ask questions and then respond to Shuler’s answers via electronic devices that register their level of agreement or disagreement.