february - IAM Local Lodge 839

PAGE 5 FEB RU ARY 2009
MACHINISTS MATTERS
A Look Forward
By Michael Burleigh
Last year was a busy and emotionally filled year. District
70 had seven labor contracts that were negotiated and two
very successful strikes. All seven contract negotiations
dealt with health care, wages, and pensions. The two
strikes were caused by the companies that wanted to take
away healthcare, pensions and very important contract
language. The members stood strong and they stayed
united throughout. Now that 2008 is over, we must start
looking forward to better times in 2009.
Last year was not only filled with contract negotiations,
but one thing that everyone has had to face, and that is
the economic melt down. Additionally, there is an ongoing,
relentless attack on Unions and the working class of
America. It can make a person believe, they are going to
lose their mind. I want you to know, “you can make it”.
There is a popular song titled “Never Would Have Made
It”. It states, “Never would have made it, never could have
made it, without you. I would have lost it all, but now I see
how you were there for me. I would have lost my mind a
long time ago, if it had not been for you.”
As your Business Representative, I must say, “keep your
head up, be proud of who you are as a Union, where we
came from, and where are going.” There is no other organization
that looks out for the working class other than your
Union. Without Unions in America, corporations would
have you still making 10 cents an hour, with no benefits
and no pension. Now Corporate America and Wall Street
Executives would like to take even more from the working
class, they’ve taken your jobs and sent them overseas.
They’ve closed plants in the U.S. to open factories in Mexico
and now they want to take your pride away from you.
They want to place blame on you for the economic melt
down by falsifying the facts, adding all of your benefits to
your wages and telling the American public that you, the
American blue collar workers, are greedy. Corporate
America and Wall Street Executives want you to be
ashamed you are represented by a strong Union you earn
a fair wage. With good benefits and a good pension, that
you work hard for many years to receive.
We must speak up for ourselves in many ways by telling
anyone who will listen the true facts about Corporate
America’s wages and their benefit. Also, their kick-backs
are worth more than what a Corporate Jet would cost. We
must continue on for the next generations to come. We
must think about protecting our children and grandchildren.
There will be more fights to come and more mountains
to climb but with your help we can make it.
LL 839 Donates Items to
YWCA
By Kathy Petersen, LL839 President
The Women’s Committee from Local Lodge 839 collected
cell phones, chargers and toiletry items from
members. These items were donated to the YWCA
Women’s Crisis Center in Dec. 2008. The center
helps to provide resources to promote safety and opportunities
for women and children in our community.
The old phones empower women by giving them
access to emergency services. This will be an ongoing
program. If you would like to donate any of the
needed items listed below, please drop them off at the
Local Lodge.
Used cell phones and chargers
Personal hygiene products (deodorant, brushes,
combs, etc.)
Diapers (newborn, preemie, 4, 5, 6)
Pull-ups (2T - 5T)
Baby wipes, baby oil, powder, lotion, shampoo,
body wash, baby comb & brush, baby clippers, sippy
cups, pacifiers.
Band-aids & bandages
Kleenex, paper towels & toilet paper
Cleaning supplies (dish soap, window cleaner,
sponges)
Trash bags (13 & 30 gal.)
Canned & non-perishable food items (soups & fruits)
The LL 839 Women’s Committee would
like to thank everyone who donated
items!
Editors note: The women’s committee will continue to collect
cell phones and all of the other products they have
been collecting. They are planning to make their next donation
around Mother’s Day in May. Continue to drop off
your supplies at the local. L.S.