District 161 Organizing Committee

The IAM District 161 has a newly formed Organizing Committee. The year 2011 will be a challenging year for the committee as we will take some time to center our focus around the community and prepare to help struggling workers by unionizing their workplace so they also have a voice on the job.

All members will notice a change at their local lodge meetings as the Organizing Committee will be requesting information from the members.

If you see any of these members around your workplace, take the time to give them a thumbs up for the dedication and time they give to the IAM.

Changing For The Future

http://www.goiam.org/

Check out the IAM's new and improved website.

A look at Local 470 Negotiation Prep

Leadership I Class

Two members from the District that are out of Local 1317 attend their first leadership class at the Machinist Training Center.
Linus Conner and Greg Elfert, education is the future of the Machinist Union

Local Lodge 470 Negotiating Committee

Here is Local Lodge 470 Negotiating Committee that attended the training session at the Machinist Training Center in Hollywood, Maryland.

Mock Negotiations

July 11th through July 17th Local 470 Negotiating Committee attended a Negotiation Prep class at the WWW Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Maryland. The instructor's of the class muzzled DBR Craig Martin so the Committee would learn how to work together and build trust with all involved. This week long class detailed 12 hours of classroom time a day plus a Mock Negotiation which was an incredible experience for the Committee.

Below is a video detailing what a Negotiating Committee goes through during the week of training.

Leadership II Class

At the bottom left hand corner of the picture is LL 470 Secretary Treasurer Bryan Boyett and LL 470 Conductor Sentinel John Leveque. Education is the life of this Local Lodge and the Machinist Union. When you see these guys tell them you saw them on the blog and ask them how YOU can get involved.

Important Dates concerning Local Lodge 470 Negotiations

As the contract expiration nears for IAM Local 470 and PPG Industries here are a few important dates for everyone to mark on your calendar.

July 27th through August 7th – Local Lodge 470 negotiating committee will be working at the Union Hall all day for final negotiation preparations.

August 3rd through August 4th – the Committee will meet with the Company to discuss and receive any legal changes affecting the insurance plan. The Committee will also hear a state of the business address from PPG Vice President Michael H. McGarry.

August 10th – IAM Local 470 and PPG will meet at the negotiation table to exchange proposals and begin the process to negotiating a contract.

August 26th – Reading of the proposal to IAM Local 470 members will be held at the Lake Charles Civic Center in the Contraband Room. The time is yet to be determined.