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.