April - IAM Local Lodge 839

PAGE 1 

APRIL 2009 

International Association of Machinists and 

Aerospace Workers 

Local Lodge 839 

3917 E. MacArthur Rd. 

Wichita, Kansas 67210 

President’s Corner 

April 2009 

By Kathy Petersen 

don’t see that we are represented in all fields 

of industry: safety, transportation, aerospace, 

politics, trade and globalization, communications, 

organizing, and automotive to name a 

few. After all, how could we possibly go headto-head 

with such large companies if we weren’t 

properly diversified? 

Do you have people in your work area who are 

constantly checking the stock market to see how 

their investments are doing? You know, the coworkers 

who can’t wait until their next break or 

lunch to see how much profit they are making or 

how much their stock prices have dropped lately? 

These folks are looking out for their future and 

their retirement security, right? It’s all about 

building a reserve of capital in order to live a 

comfortable life when we reach retirement age. 

Remember the three-legged stool of retirement? 

(Pension + personal savings + social security 

benefits). 

In checking on our investment, do we question 

why unions are in politics and why issues like 

the Employee Free Choice Act are so important 

in helping workers to achieve success and 

prosperity? How many of us realize that corporate 

America is trying to crush the American 

Dream? Times are tough right now yet CEOs 

are raking in huge bonuses and pay while 

wages for workers have stagnated. The best 

way for working men and women to get ahead 

economically is by uniting with their coworkers 

to bargain with their employers for 

better wages and health benefits. 

Today, I’m writing about an investment that we 

should ALL be interested in. It’s a blue chip investment 

that yields high dividends and is available 

at a fair market price. A long-term investment 

that can affect not only our future, but the 

futures of our family members and the future of 

middle class America as we know it. This investment 

is called OUR UNION. Our union is an organization 

that is looking out for our safety, security 

and well-being. It is an organization that enables 

us to build that three-legged stool of retirement 

by having a good-paying job with a defined 

pension benefit. Yet, how many of us are 

“checking in” on our investment? I’ve heard people 

complain about the cost of union dues, yet, 

when questioned, they have no idea what and 

how much the union is doing for them everyday. 

They don’t see that we have representatives meeting 

every day with company officials to try and 

resolve problems on the shop floor, or that our 

fight extends way beyond the shop floor. They 

Are we asking ourselves what we can do to 

help our investment along? How many of us 

are out on the shop floor “talking union,” upholding 

the union contract and showing our 

union pride? Do we attend our monthly lodge 

meetings? Are we protecting our investment 

by showing up to vote at all levels of elected 

leadership? Are we content to say we support 

our union because we pay our monthly dues 

yet we never attend any union functions or volunteer 

to serve in some capacity? How can we 

expect a return on our investment if we’re not 

actively participating? 

Are our jobs worth fighting for? If the answer 

is yes, then it’s time to bond together and join 

the fight for a better future!

PAGE 2 APRIL 2009 

‘Tis A Wee Bit o’ Irish Fun! 

By Kathy Petersen 

The winner of the March St. Patrick’s Day basket is Cierra Erbert. Cierra 

is 17 years old and is a Girl Scout Ambassador. She is also the 

daughter of Curtis Erbert, a union steward on 1st shift in Shop 3134. 

The basket was put together (by M.R.S. Tea) for the Community Service 

Committee’s monthly drawing and filled with plenty o’ treats! The 

value of the basket was over $40.00 and included a “This be Me Lucky 

Shirt” T-Shirt, an Irish Beanie O’Baby, green M&M’s, green Peeps, 

Dean & Deluca candy, a Necklace with Beer Mug, St. Patrick’s Day 

buttons, a St. Paddy’s Ornament and a DVD – “Darby O’Gill & the Little People”. Congratulations, Cierra! 

The Community Service Committee would like to thank the membership for the support you give to us when you 

purchase food from the kitchen and tickets for the basket drawings. The money you spend enables us to procure 

additional items for baskets and raffles and allows us to help members in need. Next month, we will have a drawing 

for a Spring Cleaning basket. We will continue to sell raffle tickets for the camcorder drawing in May and we 

have added a drawing for an autographed WSU basketball that will take place at the April monthly Lodge meeting. 

Lots of good prizes to be had! 

Workers Memorial Day 

From http:/www.aflcio.org/issues/safety/memorial/wmd_poem.cfm 

Decades of struggle by workers and their unions 

have resulted in significant improvements in 

working conditions. But the toll of workplace injuries, 

illnesses and deaths remains enormous. 

Each year, thousands of workers are killed and 

millions more are injured or diseased because of 

their jobs. The unions of the AFL-CIO remember 

these workers on April 28, Workers Memorial 

Day. 

The first Workers Memorial Day was observed in 

1989. April 28 was chosen because it is the anniversary 

of the Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration and the day of a similar remembrance 

in Canada. Every year, people in hundreds 

of communities and at worksites recognize workers 

who have been killed or injured on the job. 

Trade unionists around the world now mark April 

28 as an International Day of Mourning. 

.Workers Memorial Day 

by Jake Lowen 

I have confirmed that House Minority Leader Paul 

Davis will be the guest speaker at our annual 

Worker's Memorial Day dinner to be held Tuesday, 

April 28th at 7pm at the Machinists Hall, 3830 S. Meridian. 

It is important we have a good turnout to this event 

so please recruit your union brothers and sister, family, 

and friends to come out and honor the 85 Kansas 

Workers who lost their lives in 2006 (our most recent 

year with statistics) and the countless more who were 

injured on the job. A catered dinner from Strouds 

Pan-Fried Chicken will be available free of charge.


MACHINISTS MATTERS 

A Member’s Tribute to 

Nancy Edwards 

By Mary Johnson 

My name is Mary Johnson and I was the Secretary-Treasurer for LL 834 for over 10 years, which gave me an opportunity 

to get to know the first shift secretary, Nancy Edwards. Nancy was the one that prepared me for trips 

for the union whether it was for school at Placid Harbor or for a conference or convention. She made sure that I 

turned in my paperwork on time. Nancy was timely, organized and committed to her job. Plus she had fun doing 

it. Nancy loved working for the Local. She knew everybody by their first names and the membership was always 

bringing goodies by for her to taste. (I got in on some of the taste tests). Sometimes I would spend long hours at 

the Local doing my Treasurer’s duties, and Nancy, Marlynn and I would work, laugh, and play. I used to tease 

Nancy about her burgundy hair, and compliment her about her olive complexion. We all knew Nancy loved animals; 

dogs being her favorite. She called her dogs her babies. I remember the day Nancy was going on vacation, 

she said “Mary, I'm not coming back”. I didn't believe her. Maybe I didn't want to believe her, I never saw Nancy 

again until I heard of her passing. Back in January of this year I sent her a singing card of a pretty woman with 

burgundy hair singing “I got a new attitude.” She was on my mind and I just wanted her to know that sometimes I 

think of her and the good times when we worked, laughed and played together. Nancy, Marlynn and I say Goodbye. 

Precious Memories---- Mary L. Johnson—IAM 

Nancy Edwards was the long time 1 st shift Secretary of LL834. She retired from that position in 2004. Her passing 

was on March 17, 2009. Nancy will be remembered and missed by the members of LL834 and LL839. A memorial 

has been established with the Kansas Humane Society. Editor 

April Quote 

Memorial for Workers 

I write these words of honor, for those who gave their 

lives; 

And for their families, their husbands and their 

wives. 

For those whose lives were spent, doing what they 

must 

Working for a living like every one of us. 

Their time cut short, by things that didn’t have to be; 

To make the workplace safer, for people like you and 

me. 

To make sure their stories will never go untold; 

To always keep their memories from ever growing 

cold. 

We must remember the price they all had to pay; 

When we honor the men and women on Workers Memorial 

Day. 

Mike Baird 

Lodge 21, International 

Association of 

Machinists and 

Aerospace Workers 

Read April 28, 

1995 

Bulletin Boards 

This month we are 

talking about Union 

Boards, and the use 

and replacement of 

them. Article 14 section 

14.4 page 79, 

tells us the Company 

shall provide bulletin 

boards for the Union’s 

use in areas conveniently 

accessible 

to bargaining unit employees. Shop Stewards can get 

new or replacements by calling in a trouble call (526- 

2211) giving the location the board is needed or needs 

replaced. 

The shop steward should maintain the boards for the 

purpose of notifying employees of matters pertaining 

to Union business. If a union member should see a 

board that is not being maintained they should contact 

the union office (524-1090) and give the location where 

the board is so it can be taken care of. 

Roger Stamback 

Educator



Becky’s 

Report 

By Becky Ledbetter 

MEXICAN LASAGNA 

Brown 11/2 lbs. of hamburger 

and drain (Some like to use 2 

lbs.) 

Then add to the hamburger: 

Brothers and Sisters, 

I hope this spring weather finds you all well. My 

grievance load at this time is sitting at four. I have 

stated before this is subject to change and it will. I 

would like to say it is good to have Brother Larry 

back with us among the living and hope he is feeling 

much better. I also must remind you again to tell 

each other to watch their time. The termination’s I 

have at this time are for attendance. Keep good track 

of your hours and what you clock. Thank you to all 

the stewards that our helping keep our members informed 

on all that is going on at the company at this 

time. We have got to stick together and continue to 

grow together as we know 2010 is just around the corner. 

I am on the floor and always remember to call 

me if you need anything. 

522-1591 or b.ledbetter@d70iam.org.... 

In-Plant Rep Report 

Brothers and Sisters, 

By David Eagle 

We would like to give an update on the Boeing 

Bridge lawsuit. Basically, every phase has slid 3 

months with the deadline ending December 14 th , 

2009. We will keep you informed with any new details 

as we receive them. 

We are continually working complaints as fast as we 

can. We have won numerous ones on overtime and 

having Disciplinary actions removed or reduced. 

There are currently six jobs issues being worked at 

both the Local and District levels. 

The Local had filed a Union vs. Company complaint 

on hourly employees TP’d to management that was 

finally resolved. The outcome was that no one would 

be TP’d longer than 90 days to management, with all 

exceptions to be worked with the Union. Also, no one 

TP’d to management would be allowed to work hourly 

overtime. The Union believes with all the managers 

and team leaders in place there shouldn’t be any reason 

to TP anyone. 

1 16 oz. can of tomato sauce. 

1 can of Rotel. 

1 can chili beans drained. 

1 package taco seasoning. 

1 pkg. tortillas. 

2 bags of shredded cheese 

Simmer all ingredients together. Grease a 9 x 13 dish. 

Tear flour tortillas into pieces and cover the bottom of 

the dish (don't put too many as it makes it dry). Put 

1/2 of the meat mixture on top of tortilla pieces and 

then a bag of shredded mozzarella or Mexican cheese. 

Add another layer of tortilla pieces, then the rest of the 

meat mixture and then another bag of cheese. Bake at 

325 degrees for 25 minutes. Let it sit for 5 or 10 minutes 

before serving. 

Jill Mason, Bookkeeper 

District Lodge 70 

Fruits of Our Labor 

There is a cook book being sold at the District called 

“Fruits of Our Labor.” All of the recipes have been submitted 

by Union members and their families from Locals 

and Districts of the Southern Territory, Transportation 

Department, Woodworkers & NFFE of the Machinists 

Union.. The cost is $8.00. 

I will print a recipe each month from this book, starting 

with any entries from the area Lodges. - Editor 

With 2010 fast approaching everyone should be 

thinking about what they would like to see improved 

or changed in the contract. There will be committees 

starting to be formed to get prepared for different actions 

to be taken. So if you would like to volunteer, 

turn your name in to the Local. 

Hope everyone has a great Easter and remember 

what it stands for

PAGE 5 


APRIL 2009 

Benefits Resource Guide 

Benefits Enrollment: 

Spirit AeroSystems Benefits Center 

www.myspiritbenefits.mercerhrs.com 

1-877-459-3345 

How to Apply For 

Pension Benefits 

Kansas Medical & Vision Plans: 

Preferred Health Systems (PHS) 

http://www.phsystems.com 

316-609-2559 1-800-660-8114 

Life and Disability: 

Aetna 

http://www.aetna.com 

1-800-523-5065 (life) 1-800-269-9401 (Disability) 

Accidental Death and Dismemberment 

Business Travel Accident: 

AIG 

http://www.AIG.com 

Your application can be requested no more than 180 

days before your intended date or last day of work. 

Request Pension Application: 

By Telephone: 1(800) 424-9608 

By Fax: (202) 857-3713 

By E-mail: 

iamnpf@iamnpf.org 

By Mail: 1300 Connecticut Ave., N. W. 

On-Line: 

Suite 300 

Washington, D.C. 20036 

www.iamnpf.org 

(Applications may be filed on-line) 

You must provide the following information when 

requesting an application: 

Name 

Social Security Number 

1-800-551-0824 

Dental Plans: 

Delta Dental 

http:///www.deltadentalks.com 

316-264-4511 1-800-234-3375 

Flexible Spending Accounts: 

Editors Note. 

At times I will include information 

everyone needs to use if and 

when they plan on retiring from 

Spirit. When you decide to retire 

you will have to contact HR. Be sure to come by the Local to 

inform them and sign up for your retirement life insurance, 

There is a one time fee of $10.00, then $20.28 per year until 

the end of your 75th year for a $5,000.00 policy. L.S. 

Union Choices Employee 

Benefit Systems, Inc. 

To contact EBS to check on coverage, to make a claim, 

to see about making a payment if you are on leave, to 

drop or add coverage or to inform them you are leaving 

Spirit’s employment; 

Employee Benefits Systems, Inc. 

10000 Memorial Drive, Suite 800 

Houston, TX 77024 

http://ebsworksite.org 

Tel: 713-812-0900 

Fax: 713-812-0888 

Toll Free: 1-888-521-2900 

Jeff Black 1-800-604-9775 

jblack@ebsworksite.com



Welcome To Our New Union Brothers & Sisters 

DAVID M. BAILEY 

ANDREW C. HILL 

RALPH J. NOBLE 

DEBRA H. BARNETT 

TODD A. JOHNSON 

ANGIE R. PANGRAC 

RON BARNETT 

MICHAEL LAKOUS 

BRIAN ROSZEL 

Monthly Union Meetings 

LES CLARK 

NHUNG LE 

ROBERT ZOELLER 

2nd Saturday of the Month 

EARL F. COLEMAN 

SHARON MCCALL 

Executive Board meets at 8:00 AM 

SARAVUTH HAN 

RANDY L. MEELROY 

Regular Meeting at 10:00 AM 

Remember IAM Local Lodge 839 

Community Services Committee is raffling a 

Sony DCR-DVD610 DVD Handycam with 40X 

Optical 

Memory Stick Pro Duo 2GB and 

Tripod, Remote Controlled 

$1.00 per ticket or 6 for $5.00 - Donation 

Drawing to be held May 9, 2009 

Get your tickets from the Local or a Community 

Service Committee Person. 

International Association of Machinists 

and Aerospace Workers 


3917 E. MacArthur Rd. 

Wichita, Kansas 67210 

Phone: (316) 524-1090 

Fax: (316) 529-1277 

The Fighting Machinists 

www.ll839.org 


Get Ready to 

Fight & Win 

In 2010 

President - Kathy Petersen 

Vice President - Brent Allen 

Recording Secretary - Larry Stafford 

Treasurer - Joni Pierce 

Conductor/Sentinel - Jeff Meis 

Trustees - Susan Hiebert, Stan Chapman, Terry Rodriquez 

Communicator - Dennis Williams 

Educator - Roger Stamback 

1st Shift In-Plant Rep. - David Eagle 

2nd Shift In-Plant Rep. - Howard “HoJo” Johnson 

Editor - Larry Stafford 

We are the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. We belong to Local Lodge 839 of 

District 70 in Wichita Kansas. We represent the Fighting Machinists of Spirit AeroSystems. We work to give our members a 

voice on the job. Visit our website often at www.ll839.org for helpful and timely information. 

If you have any questions, contact one of your In-Plant Representatives at 524-1090. 

If you have any articles you want published, e-mail the Editor at lstafford@ll839.org 

All Content © of IAM Local Lodge 839 2005-2009, All Rights Reserved

April - IAM Local Lodge 839

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