Education

The William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center

Thursday, 03 September 2009 02:18 | Written by Websteward |

As we enter the new century, the only way to keep up with change is with education. The William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center is the IAM's most visible sign of our commitment to provide a world class educational facility to train future IAM leaders.

The Winpisinger Center teaches what it is to be a trade unionist. By studying labor history and the role unions play in our society, students learn that unions are more than service organizations. We are part of a larger movement toward economic and social justice with dignity on the job.

In addition, the Winpisinger Center is a place where our members learn how to be good leaders. Whether it's a member, shop steward, local or district officer, or grand lodge representative, everyone who attends this facility goes home better prepared and more motivated to do a good job for our members.

We should all be proud of the Winpisinger Center. No other union can match its record of enrolling more than 46,354 students since opening in 1981. That kind of commitment to membership training is an important reason why the IAM will meet the challenges of the 21st century.

The William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center is named after the man whose dream and efforts made this facility a reality. Because of his vision, thousands of future IAM leaders are trained every year.

R. Thomas Buffenbarger
International President

Last Updated (Monday, 07 September 2009 04:48)

Right to Work.....The Big Lie

Wednesday, 02 September 2009 01:53 | Written by Websteward |

Companies like to talk a lot about "right to work." Sounds great, doesn't it! Heck, everyone should have a right to work! We should put that in the constitution!

So next time your boss tries to lay you off, or fire you, tell him he can't do that. You have a right to work! Well, at least you'll give him a good laugh. Nothing will change, but he'll chuckle for hours.

Actually, right to work means you have no rights at all. The true concept is "at will employee". This means you are an employee as long as the company wills it, and no longer. If the boss has a cousin that needs a job, he can fire you to give that job to Cousin Joe, no matter how many years of service you have, or how good you are at your job.

It is perfectly legal for your employer to fire you for any reason or no reason at all. Many people believe that they can be fired only for a good reason. In almost all of the states you are considered an "at will employee". This means your employer can terminate you with or without just cause. This is sometimes stated in employee handbooks. Read the following example taken from a company handbook:

"Neither this handbook nor the policies, procedures and benefits described herein constitute a contract between the Company and you or a guarantee of employment for any definite period of time. The Company has the right to terminate your employment at any time, for any reason, and you retain a similar right to terminate your employment with the Company. No manager or supervisor has any authority to vary by contract or otherwise the employment-at-will relationship between you and the Company..."

Isn't it nice that they do give you the right to quit, too? Of course, we've had that right for a few years, since slavery was abolished...

What is shocking are these facts from the American Civil Liberties Union. First, two million "at-will-employees" are fired every year. Secondly, of those two million workers fired, an estimated 200,000 are fired for no reason at all!

There are exceptions to employment-at-will. Federal and State laws provide that you may not be fired on the basis of your age, sex, race, religion, disability or national origin. You also cannot be fired for trying to organize a union in your workplace. The best protection of all is to work under a collective bargaining agreement which is legally recognized. If you have a union, usually you have a right to that job. The only reason you can be fired is for just cause, such as absenteeism or stealing. And if there are layoffs for lack of work, most contracts stipulate the only fair way, last hired, first laid off.

Companies like "right to work" because it weakens unions. They can pit worker against worker, and lower wages for everyone. It strips rights from working families, and gives no right to the worker at all. But it sure sounds good!

Last Updated (Monday, 07 September 2009 04:49)

What is a Labor Union and How it Serves the Members

Thursday, 27 August 2009 23:27 | Written by Websteward |

Listed in The American Heritage Dictionary is this phrase: “An organization of wage earners formed for the purpose of serving the members' interests with respect to wages and working conditions.” The Union is here to care for employee’s interests. We work with the company and other agencies such as OSHA to protect the workforce.

The Union is not just one or two people; all due paying members are fighting for a better workplace. The company’s
work environment affects your livelihood as well as the community’s well being. As a collective body, we negotiate with the company. Our goal is to obtain a contract that guarantees working conditions and benefits such as: Safety,
Medical Insurance, Overtime, Sick Time, Grievance Process, Work Schedule, Short Term Disability, and many other
items that safeguard the everyone’s well-being.

A Union provides us with a guaranteed salary, an hourly rate that can’t be change for the life of the contract. This is
a fair rate that is equal for men and women, alike. If you do the same work you should receive the same pay.

The Union creates a Labor Agreement with their respective company. This labor agreement is a legal and binding contract. It has all the important information that will protect both employee and the employer. (It’s imperative that every member is active during the negotiation process!)

The Union also negotiates job descriptions. Job descriptions provide work details and guidelines for employees to follow. In addition, each job has a pre-determined wage rate. When someone is hired for a specific job, the employee is set in this occupation. Unless one transfers to a different job classification, the work is eliminated or employment is terminated. It is important to understand why we do the things we do!

For example, at Raytheon: Let’s say you are an Assembler and you started to do some Warehouse Inventory Personnel (WIPS) functions, you are actually taking work and money away from the WIPS. With the CBA, we have contracted our jobs and we are guaranteed pay for the work we do.

It is a good idea to study your contract’s language. Don’t ever assume that each contract is the same. Educate yourself! It is important to you and your livelihood.

Remember, what you agree upon at negotiation time will last the life of the contract, become involved. Speak to your Steward or Negotiation Committee for more information.

Louie Alaimo, LL 933 Educator

Last Updated (Monday, 07 September 2009 04:49)