Local 47 represents at Guide Dogs Of America/Tender Loving Canine 2024 Las Vegas

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IAM, Supporters, and Service Dog Advocates Gather for the 2024 GDA | TLC Charity Week

Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines (GDA | TLC) brought together IAM members, supporters, and service dog advocates for a week of celebration and fundraising, held this year from Nov. 14–16, 2024, in Las Vegas. This year’s theme, “Happy Tails, Happy Trails,” echoed throughout the week, which was highlighted by donors’ generosity and an overwhelming commitment to changing lives.

The week kicked off with exciting events at the iconic Fremont Street Experience, including the Gene Woods Racing Experience and Axehole Vegas. Participants also enjoyed a sporting clay shoot at Clark County Shooting Complex, a golf tournament at the Revere Golf Club, and a heartwarming “Who Let the Dogs Out” meet-the-dog experience.

The main event, the charity banquet, took place in the Paris Hotel Ballroom. Guests wore flannels, boots, and jeans in a nod to this year’s camping-inspired dress code. The banquet featured the annual donation presentations, showcasing the extraordinary efforts of IAM Territories, Districts, and Locals, which organized fundraising events throughout the year. The fundraising events throughout 2024 have raised millions of dollars for this important IAM charity. 

 Comedian Rosie O’Donnell served as the emcee of the 43rd Annual William W. Winpisinger Charity Banquet. O’Donnell is the primary handler of a service dog for her child with autism. After discovering GDA | TLC, O’Donnell started the process of getting her child the support of a dog from the GDA | TLC autism program.

 “Every dollar raised represents freedom, companionship, and a brighter future for someone in need,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Our IAM family’s unwavering support for GDA | TLC continues to change lives and inspire hope, one service dog at a time.”

During the 43rd Annual William W. Winpisinger Charity Banquet, GDA/TLC presented its “Gift of Sight Award” to IAM Canadian General Vice President David Chartrand and Michael’s of Brooklyn. Amy Mell, IAM Local 845 and Marianne DeSantis, IAM District 15 received the “Lifetime Achievement Award.” Kathy Carvalho of IAM District 98 and Caroline Ramos of the Canadian Office also received awards for their commitment and efforts of GDA | TLC fundraising efforts.

This annual award is given to recipients to honor their commitment and support on behalf of this charity that has changed the lives of many. 

The weekend also included a special celebration of GDA | TLC President Russ Gittlen’s retirement. At the Roast & Retirement Night, colleagues and friends gathered to share laughs and fond memories of Gittlen’s remarkable 37-year career. Known for his passion, leadership, and humor, Gittlen leaves behind an amazing legacy whose vision and dedication will continue to guide this organization for years to come. 

For more information about GDA | TLC or to donate, visit guidedogsofamerica.org.

View a photo gallery here.

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Dear IAM family,

As we observe Veterans Day in the United States and Remembrance Day in Canada, it’s essential to take a moment to honor the brave individuals who have selflessly served our countries. Today and every day, we celebrate their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to protecting our freedoms.

These commemorative days serve as a powerful reminder of the many sacrifices made by those in the armed forces. It’s a chance for us to express our gratitude to veterans who have fought for our rights and liberties. Each one of them has a story: stories of courage, resilience, and the struggle to uphold the values we cherish.

As part of our commitment to giving back, the IAM Veterans Services Program offers support to Y.S. veterans and their families in accessing government benefits and resources at no cost. Veterans often encounter challenges when reintegrating into civilian life, and initiatives like this provide essential assistance to help them make a successful transition.

I commend all the IAM Districts and Locals across North America that continue to host and organize events and programs to support our veterans. I recently had the privilege of attending the IAM District 9 Annual Military Brunch in St. Louis, where we gathered to fundraise and pay tribute to our military veterans and families.

Today, let’s take a moment to reach out to the veterans in our lives, whether through a simple thank-you message or attending a local remembrance ceremony. Remember, our appreciation extends beyond just this day—it is a year-round commitment to honor and uplift our veterans and their families.

WATCH: Thanking Military Veterans in the IAM

To all veterans, thank you for your courage, strength, and dedication to keeping us safe. We owe you a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid, but we can strive to honor your service every day. 

Together, let’s ensure that the legacy of our heroes continues to inspire future generations.

Sincerely,

Brian Bryant
International President

Honor the Spirit of Labor Day

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Dear IAM Family,

As we gather to celebrate Labor Day, let’s not just celebrate with a cookout or another day off but take time to truly honor the spirit that ignited this holiday over a century ago.

IAM Delegates from across North America are coming together this week for the 41st IAM Grand Lodge Convention in New York City, where, in 1882, the streets were filled with a parade of different labor unions, followed by a massive picnic where workers from all walks of life came together in solidarity. This was the birth of Labor Day, a tribute started by IAM member Matthew Maguire to honor the determination of working men and women who demanded fairness, safety, and respect in their workplaces.

Labor Day is a celebration of us and the communities we help thrive. It’s a powerful reminder that from those early parades to today’s picket lines, our collective voice, our unity, has the power to shape a better future. We are not alone in this fight. We are part of a larger movement, and our strength lies in our solidarity.

The fight for a national labor holiday echoed these same sentiments in Canada. In 1894, Prime Minister John Thompson’s government made Labor Day official, solidifying the recognition of workers’ contributions across the country.

Today, the IAM stands tall across North America, continuing the legacy of fighting for every worker, regardless of industry. We are united in our mission to secure fair wages, safe conditions, and the dignity every worker deserves.

According to Gallup’s annual survey of union favorability, 70% of Americans approve of labor unions, which is near a 60-year high.

Let’s celebrate our hard-won victories this Labor Day and recommit to the ongoing fight for justice. Our work is not done, and our commitment to securing fair wages, safe conditions, and the dignity every worker deserves is unwavering. Let’s use this day to reignite our determination and continue our fight.

Together, we’ll build a future where every worker’s voice is heard, every job is secure, and every family thrives.

Sincerely,

Brian Bryant
International President

We Celebrate Memorial Day

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Dear IAM Family,

This weekend, we remember those who have given their lives for our freedoms.

For more than 136 years, IAM members have been integral parts of our communities. They have fought—and died—in every major American military mission since our founding in 1888. As a union with deep ties to our military, we will always remember, mourn, and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

That’s why we provide best-in-class services to our military veterans, built an IAM monument to honor our military, and are incredibly proud that IAM members serve the interests of our armed forces each and every day.

This Memorial Day – and every day – we remember those who have given their lives for all of us.

Sincerely,

Brian Bryant
International President

The State of Our Union on the IAM’s 136th Birthday

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Dear IAM Family,

Happy 136th birthday to the IAM! It’s a testament to all of you, and all those who came before us, that our great union has risen from a railroad pit in Atlanta in 1888 to the powerful force for working people that we are today.

Since having the honor of becoming the IAM’s 15th International President on Jan. 1, myself and your Executive Council have hit the ground running to build on our successes.

We are listening to you – our membership. We are organizing and growing our union. We are embracing our diversity. Most of all, we are moving the IAM into an even brighter future.

Led by membership input gathered last year by the IAM Committee on the Future, myself and your Executive Council are already implementing changes to strengthen our union. We are working toward new ways of communicating with our members and branding our union, expanding mentorship and training opportunities, improving our union’s structure, and much more. 

And, our renewed focus on organizing is paying off. The IAM was amongst the fastest growing unions in 2023, and this year, we’ve already won campaigns to represent airline workers, healthcare professionals, artificial intelligence workers, manufacturing workers and more.

We are taking on employers big and small and winning record gains for our members. And, we are realizing our true potential by investing in the leadership of women and other under-represented groups through our new IAM Human Rights Department, and more.

As I continue to travel North America to meet our membership and hear your ideas, I am more hopeful than ever about the future of the IAM. Every day, we are moving closer to fulfilling our purpose of delivering security, dignity and opportunity for all.

Most of all, thank you to all of you for being a part of this journey. Together, we will continue to inspire, empower and create this more perfect union.

In solidarity,

Brian Bryant
International President

Resources for our Brothers and Sisters who were affected by the recent layoffs from Stolle Machinery

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Colorado Department of Labor
CDLE connects job seekers with great jobs, provides an up-to-date and accurate picture of
the economy to help decision making, assists workers who have been injured on the job,
ensures fair labor practices, helps those who have lost their jobs by providing temporary wage
replacement through unemployment benefits, and protects the workplace – and Colorado
communities – with a variety of consumer protection and safety programs.
https://cdle.colorado.gov/

Connect for Health Colorado
The Health Insurance Marketplace for Coloradans: Connect for Health
Colorado works to expand access, affordability and choice for individuals
purchasing health insurance throughout our state.
https://co.colorado.gov/access-connect-health-colorado-states-health-
insurance-marketplace

Cesar Alvarado 720-251-6855
Brandy Cronberg 303-921-9682
Garry Harper 720-490-2795

Machinists Union Celebrates Black History Month

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Machinists Union Celebrates Black History Month

February 2, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/embed/tNz06skng3E?width=640&height=360&autoplay&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goiam.org

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the fullness of African American history and culture while honoring the triumphs and struggles of African-Americans throughout U.S. history.

Black History Month has been celebrated since 1926 when Carter Woodson proclaimed a week in February “Negro History Week.” Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the entire month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada, also devote February to celebrating Black history in their respective countries.

The fight for equal rights still continues today. The IAM shares in that same fight, and has fought for Civil Rights even before the historic passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 

IAM leaders knew racial equality could not be achieved without participation in every part of our union. IAM Shop Steward training played a critical role, and IAM leadership ensured a focus on recruiting and training African American men to become shop stewards going back to at least the 1950s. 

In January of 1963, Local 1781 in San Mateo, CA announced that a multiracial group of members successfully passed the Stewards Training Course. That same year, Local 1666 in Stamford, CT, had a basketball team comprised of eight players, six Black, and two white members. Teams like these continued throughout many lodges through the 1960s.

One act for justice can cause ripple effects that change the world. So don’t hesitate to get involved and support the labor movement’s push for equality. You can become a member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) or the A. Philip Randolph Institute, constituency groups that work with unions to ensure the rights of our African-American brothers and sisters are protected. 

The Fighting Machinists continue to make impacts in the community and have had a large presence recently at the AFL Martin Luther King, Jr Civil, and Human Rights Conference and March.

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Dear IAM Family,

As the year comes to a close and we embrace the spirit of the holidays, I extend my warmest wishes to each and every one of you and your families. Serving as your international president has been the greatest honor of my career, and as I approach retirement at the start of the new year, I reflect with immense gratitude on the journey we’ve shared.

It is with a deep sense of camaraderie that we’ve faced challenges and celebrated victories together. The solidarity that defines our union will undoubtedly continue to flourish under incoming International President Brian Bryant, and other new leaders.

It’s been my privilege to work alongside such passionate and committed individuals who strive for the betterment of workers everywhere. May the spirit of unity, compassion and understanding prevail, not only during these festive moments but throughout the years to come.

I wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season filled with love, laughter, and togetherness. Thank you for your trust and support. Here’s to the legacy we’ve built together and the bright future that awaits our union.

Sincerely,

Robert Martinez Jr.
International President

Join Us in Saying Thank You to Retiring International President Robert Martinez Jr.

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As many of you know, IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. is retiring on Jan. 1, 2024.

After more than 43 years of membership and eight years leading our great union, Bob’s legacy guiding the IAM will forever be remembered across the labor movement.

Bob’s leadership allowed the IAM to emerge from the pandemic with financial stability and historic membership growth through robust and innovative organizing, while putting the IAM in its strongest financial position in generations. Most of all, Bob has dedicated his life to this union and its membership.

We wanted to give everyone the chance to say “thank you, Bob.”

Click here to send Bob a happy retirement message and thank him for his leadership of the IAM.

Bob has also been a true trailblazer for our union. He’s the first Latino international president of a major American labor union in the history of the American labor movement, the first Latino elected to the IAM Executive Council, and the first international president of color in the history of the IAM.

Through Bob’s leadership, the IAM has grown into new industries, including healthcare professionals, gig workers, tech workers, veterinary technicians, museum workers, architectural workers and more. Using new organizing tactics and strategies, the IAM was the leading AFL-CIO affiliate in National Labor Relations Board union election victories from 2018 through 2022.

At Bob’s direction, the IAM also created groundbreaking membership programs that assist members and their families, as well as expanded opportunities for underrepresented groups to advance in the IAM. Martinez commissioned a new department to provide IAM members and their families who are military veterans with VA claims assistance free of charge, as well as an addiction services program and a women’s leadership initiative.

Bob has long been a leading voice for domestic manufacturing, especially for defense production. He has led the charge to increase “Buy American” standards. He made history by initiating a rank-and-file membership vote for the IAM’s endorsement for U.S. president in 2020, and again this year.

And as chair of the 39th and 40th IAM Grand Lodge Conventions, Bob presided over delegate action to pass a Membership Bill of Rights, greatly expand resources for organizing, increase strike benefits, implement electronic meetings, and launch a Committee on the Future to listen to our members and chart the IAM’s next chapter.

We’re so proud of Bob, and excited for the IAM’s next chapter under the leadership of our next International President, Brian Bryant.

Please join us in wishing International President Martinez a great and well-earned retirement.

Happy Thanksgiving Brother and Sisters

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Dear IAM Family,

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. To the 600,000 IAM members who placed their trust in me as International President, I am genuinely thankful. But most of all, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who are making a positive impact in the lives of others, no matter how big or small. Your contributions are truly making a difference, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

We are sincerely grateful for you and all IAM dedicated members in essential industries such as aerospace, transportation, federal government, automotive, defense, woodworking, and more. These industries thrive during the bustling holiday season thanks to your hard work. 

As we celebrate Thanksgiving with our loved ones, let’s pause and express our appreciation for the hardworking people who make our communities and country move forward. Their tireless efforts enable us to relish in cherished traditions and forge unforgettable memories year after year.

IAM family, your dedication and tenacity have and continue to leave a strong mark on our union and myself. Your hard work will always serve as an inspiration to us all.

On behalf of the IAM Executive Council, I wish you all a happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

Robert Martinez Jr.
International President

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Dear Sisters, Brothers, and Friends of the IAM,

Juneteenth is recognized as a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. A holiday that remembers June 19, 1866, when Black Texans gathered to celebrate the first anniversary of the ending of slavery. This day marked the end of an ugly chapter in American history and a new beginning for Black Americans and their quest for equality.

This day is a reminder that the fight continues for democracy and economic justice for all Americans. Our union has played a part in dismantling the barriers that keep everyone from fully participating in our society. 

The collective bargaining agreements we have fought for over the years have been an essential tool that allows everyone to succeed economically and confront any threats to their futures. Threats like the erosion of voting rights, which the labor movement is working to protect by highlighting harmful legislation.

We must all come together and fight for workers’ rights. The best way to achieve that goal is to embrace and celebrate our diversity.

Our union has recognized the importance of racial justice in and outside of the workplace over the years. We fight hard to ensure it’s essential to our collective bargaining agreements. Racial justice and economic justice go hand in hand. 

Please take this holiday to reflect on how far we have come and the work needed in the future to achieve racial and economic equality for all.

In solidarity,

Robert Martinez Jr.
IAM International President