Latest News in Local 1833

July 2, 2009

Informational Meetings for Clerical Members
Hosted by Local 1833

Informational meetings for clerical workers on retraining and other benefits available for dislocated workers.
In attendance will be Joe Crowe, Director of Quality Career Services,
Bob Ahlin, MN State Unemployment Services, and Wings Financial.
Any questions, call the Local at 952-854-6313 or President Hooker at 612-910-0884.

Local 1833 Retiree's Club News

2009
1833 Retiree's Meeting Dates 

The 1833 Retiree's meet the third Thursday of every month.
Business meetings and Lunches alternate. All begin at 12:30P.M., but come early to socialize. Business meetings are at the Eagles Club in Bloomington and lunches are at the Royal Cliff in Eagan. 

Business Meetings:
January 15^th
March 19
May 21
July 16
September 17
November 19

Lunches:
February 19
April 16
June 18 - Picnic
August 20
October 15
December 16 - Christmas Party 

Any questions, call Maynard or Shirley at 651-454-3482 or Lauree at 952-934-5888.  Or if you prefer, send a note to:  Local 1833 Retiree's Club, PO Box 22276, Eagan, MN 55122. 
 (This is also where checks are mailed for the luncheons.)
  Hope to see you at a gathering soon!

 

Latest News in Your Union

IAM in the NEWS

July 1, 2009
Machinists Union Files for AirTran
Representation Election 

June 29, 2009 - The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today announced it has asked the National Mediation Board (NMB) to hold a representation election for more than 2,000 fleet service, passenger service and reservation employees of Orlando-based AirTran Airways.

"The two main issues driving this campaign are respect and wages," said IAM General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. "AirTran does not value their fleet and passenger service employees despite the entire company relying on their professionalism. The Machinists Union will ensure these AirTran employees are properly compensated and treated with the dignity every worker deserves."

Under NMB rules, a union seeking an election must submit signed election authorization cards from a minimum of 35 percent of the group to be organized. The NMB will review the machinists Union's submission before setting an election date. Employees typically cast votes electronically through an Internet website or by telephone.

"Most other AirTran employees already have the protection of union contracts," said IAM District 141 President Rich Delaney. "It is time for AirTran's fleet service, passenger service and reservation employees to have a voice in their future and benefit from the security an IAM agreement provides."
  
More information about the IAM's AirTran organizing campaign is available at www.airtrancrewmember.com.  

Programs, Resources Available for Unemployed Members

As the recession continues to hit working families hard and economic uncertainty looms, the IAM Employment Resources Department is committed to helping IAM members weather the storm.

If you are without work and facing financial difficulties, visit the IAM’s Unemployment Resources page on www.goiam.org for a list of available resources. The page provides information on health insurance alternatives, employment assistance, benefits, job search tools, retraining, and help with mortgage payments, creditors, and debt.

“The frightening number of layoffs in the current economy is devastating working families all across North America,” said IAM Employment Services Director Tony Chapman. “The IAM Employment Services Department can help our members get through these tough times.”

Also available is the Union Privilege Union SAFE Program. Eligible union members can apply for Union SAFE grant money (which does not need to be repaid) to help combat the problems in today's economy. Grants are available for job loss, hospital expenses, disability, and college savings. The Union SAFE program also provides credit counseling and the “Save My Home” hotline for union members facing foreclosure.

Industry News

Reports: Boeing to buy factory for second 787 assembly line
Boeing Co. is reportedly in talks to buy the South Carolina factory of Vought Aircraft Industries where portions of the 787 fuselage are made. Though neither company would comment on reports, Boeing is said to be on the verge of announcing a deal following months of negotiations. The move would mark a reversal by Boeing, which had sought to reinvent the manufacturing process for the 787 by outsourcing most of the work to companies around the world. The Wall Street Journal (7/2) , AviationWeek.com (7/1)
Court sides with regional in Delta contract suit
A federal appeals court has ruled that Delta Air Lines must continue to honor its contract with a regional operator. Mesa Air Group argued that termination of the contract, which provides about 20% of annual revenue, would be crippling. Delta says it will continue its legal appeal to end the agreement. Chicago Tribune/The Associated Press (7/1)