September - IAM Local Lodge 839

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IAM&AW The Fighting Machinists! SEPTEMBER 2008
Machinists Matters
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
Local Lodge 839
3917 E. MacArthur Rd.
Wichita, Kansas 67210
37th IAMAW GRAND LODGE CONVENTION
By, Larry Stafford, Editor and Delegate
Your ten Delegates to the IAMAW Grand
Lodge Convention arrived in Orlando Florida, Saturday
September 6 th, to represent all of you, the membership,
in conducting the business at the Grand
Lodge Convention. The flight left early in the morning
with a stop in Atlanta and we arrived in sunny
Florida in the early afternoon, hungry and tired. We
all registered and met a lot of people we knew, as
some of the District 70 staff is on the host committee
running this convention.
The convention did not officially open until
2:00 pm Sunday, but there was a meeting with the
Law Review Committee Sunday from 8:00 am till
noon. This committee is responsible with presenting
the amendments to the constitution to the delegation.
This was an important discussion as this is where the
dues increase will come from. Kathy, Susan, Stan,
Brent and I attended this meeting and expressed your
opposition to a 2% dues increase and promoted the
amendment we sent to that committee. I then reported
for the District 70 Delegation, which met last week
that they could not stand behind anymore than a
$3.00 a month increase.
International President, Thomas Buffenbarger,
then opened the meeting with a procession of representatives
from different Local Lodges founded in
each of the 12 decades. After this very moving opening,
we were informed that the vision of this convention
was to celebrate the “Four Freedoms” revealed to
the nation in 1941 by Franklin D. Roosevelt in his
state of the union address. The freedoms are Freedom
of Speech, Freedom from Fear, Freedom of Religion
and Freedom from Want. Discussions from various
blue ribbon panels will speak on each of these fears
during the week.
Toward the end of this session, two sets of
special gavels were presented to the International
President. One gavel was presented by the Woodworkers
and the 2 nd gavel was presented by Local
Lodge 839 representatives David Eagle, Kathy Petersen,
Joni Pierce and Stan Chapman. This gavel,
striker and display block was manufactured in Wichita,
made of stainless steel for this convention.
The second day we had a visit from a dignitary,
Senator Hillary Clinton. The IAM was the first
major Union to endorse her. She came to speak to the
Delegation to thank this Union for that support and
the constant support while on the campaign trail.
(Continued on page 2)

PAGE 2 MACHINISTS MATTERS SEPTEMBER 2008
She stated in her speech that, “I don’t
think there’s ever been higher stakes in an election
than what we’re facing this November.”
“Barack and I may have started on different paths,
but we are on one journey now, and it’s a journey
to take back our country because Americans do
better when we have a democratic president.”
“We’ve got to start with a president who actually
understands the changes we have to make. And
no one has more at stake in this election than the
American labor movement,” said Clinton. Immediately
following her remarks, a resolution was
passed endorsing Barack Obama for president.
Various Labor Leaders spoke on our Country’s
desperate need to not replace the Bush horror
with a “McBush” and bring the country out of the
failed policies of the last eight years by electing a
Democratic President, Senate and House of Representatives.
We started on the Grand Lodge business
by addressing some resolutions presented by the
Resolutions Committee. Most of these resolutions
pertained to politics, organizing, energy. All of
the resolutions presented, were passed except one
which was sent back to the committee.
The third day we got down to the nitty
gritty. The morning session, 13 Amendments sent
in by various locals for consideration, were reported
on by the Law Committee. None of these
were very controversial, except one. The Law
Committee recommended non-concurrence on all
of them, which means they felt all of them needed
to be defeated, and they all were, after much discussion.
A full report will be made at the October
or November meeting on what was proposed and
why they were defeated.
After lunch we received the amendment recommendations
on the dues increase. The Law Committee
listened to all of the speakers, over 200, and
backed away from their 2% increase for an amended
proposal for a dues increase. This is a version of the
one submitted by many Lodges that would add a surtax
to the current per-capita amount, with annual increases
based on the Consumer Price Index - W (CPI-
W).
After listening to thirteen delegates speak in
support of the proposal, four asking for clarification
on points and four speaking against, our LL839 Delegate
Brent Allen, made a motion to send this proposal
back to the committee for further review and clarification.
That motion passed and it was sent back. Per the
Constitution, they could bring back to same recommendation
tomorrow or a slightly different one, but it
could not be sent back to the committee a second time.
At the afternoon session on Wednesday, The
Law Committee brought back a revised proposal for
the dues re-structuring. This approved proposal takes
into account the needs expressed by delegates and
lodges to keep the current method of calculating the
Grand Lodge per capita tax largely intact. To keep the
IAM financially strong, delegates approved a one-time
increase of $4.00 in the Grand Lodge per capita tax.
Coupled with the normal weighted average estimated
increase of 3.02 percent, or 78 cents, the total increase
for 2009 is $4.78, or the equivalent of just 2.76 cents
per hour.
There will be a normal increase of an estimated
80 cents in 2010. In 2011 there will be a one-time increase
of $2.00 in the per capita base rate and then annual
increases will be pegged to the CPI-W. Local
Lodges will have the ability to set their own dues rates
and collection methods based on their own needs.
Also, provisions remain for the International President
to grant special dispensations in certain circumstances.
A full report will be given when we return.
Howard Johnson, David Eagle, Kathy Petersen, Joni
Pierce, Terry Rodriquez, Stan Chapman, Susan Hiebert,
Larry Stafford, Brent Allen and Jeff Meis.

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MACHINISTS MATTERS
SEPTEMBER 2008
In-Plant Representative Report
By David Eagle and Howard “HoJo” Johnson
Left to Right; Joni Pierce, Kathy Petersen, Susan Hiebert,
Larry Stafford, Stan Chapman, Brent Allen and Jeff Meis.
Howard Johnson, Terry Rodriquez and David Eagle are sitting
to the right and behind us.
August Community Service Winner
By Kathy Petersen
At the August meeting of Local Lodge 839, the
Community Service Committee held a drawing for a
back-to-school backpack filled with school supplies.
The backpack was won by Loren Guzzone,
Grand Lodge Organizing Apprentice. Loren donated
everything to the
Hawker Beechcraft
Strike Headquarters.
The Community
Service Committee
cooks and
sells cheeseburgers
at the Local Lodge
meeting each month,
and tries to
have basket drawings whenever they can to help raise
money to donate to community organizations that help
our members in need. There will be no drawing for the
September meeting because most of the committee
members will be out of town on union business. Be
sure to attend the October 12th Local Lodge meeting
for a chance to win another special basket!
Better yet, become a member of the Community
Service Committee and work with us to demonstrate
to the Wichita area that union members are actively
working to help improve our community. We
have immediate openings now on the 2008 committee!
Contact the Local Lodge for information on how you
can get more involved! (524-1090).
To all of our Brothers and Sisters at Local
Lodge 839: We know that the Boeing strike may
create a temporary hardship on all of us. We need
to stand strong and support our Brothers and Sisters
of Local Lodge 834 on strike against Boeing. They
need our show of solidarity and support during
these difficult negotiations to prevent the destruction
of existing contract language.
We have heard from the floor that there is a
lot of confusion on the Spirit short work week.
Stand strong and stay calm. We will work any issues
that have come up when we return.
Business Representative Report
By Becky Ledbetter
Hello to all my Brothers and Sisters. I have
not been able to see any of you lately on the Spirit
shop floor, as I have been filling in at Boeing while
Mike Burleigh has been in Seattle. I managed to
settle two new grievances that belonged to me and
five that were inherited from a previous Representative.
I am still working the inspection grievances,
so please be patient. I can’t wait to get back out on
the floor and visit members on all three shifts! I
miss talking with you. As the strike against Boeing
is ongoing, I would like to talk to you about the
reasons we are unhappy with their offer. It is about
contract language. Once you lose the language, it is
hard to get it back. We are fighting for the language
over retentions, new hire pay rates and insurance
benefits. There is a lot at stake here besides
economic issues. It is time to stand up and stand
together for the working people that make the huge
profits for these companies like Boeing. For the
younger people out there that don’t understand the
issues, please ask us. We will answer any questions
that you have. Please know that your Brothers
and Sisters at Local 834 are fighting for what is
right for the entire membership. They are not
greedy. Over 6,000 newly hired employees at Seattle
are at risk with the current proposed language.
Our more experienced members are out on the line
for them and for future generations of workers.
Let’s get through this together. Hang in there and
hang onto each other.

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2008 District 70 3rd AnnualPoker Run
and 9th Annual Car Show
Submitted by Brent Allen and Kathy Petersen
The Recreation Committee and the Community
Service Committee of Local Lodge 839 are proud
to have hosted the 9 th Annual District 70 Car & Bike
Show and the 3 rd Annual Poker Run held on Saturday,
August 30, 2008.
The Poker Run started early in the morning as
23 motorcyclists headed out from District Lodge 70
for the 160 mile trip. The cash prize for the best poker
hand was won by Jeff Meis. The prize for the second
best hand was won by Daniel Huckabee. The prize for
the Worst Poker Hand went to Tony Spicer.
As you may know, the Wichita/Hutchinson
Labor Fed’s annual picnic was canceled in order to
house and distribute food to the members on strike
against Hawker Beechcraft.
A moonwalk and inflatable obstacle course
was set up by Party Bounce Rentals and was enjoyed
by all. The Wichita Police Department sponsored a
bicycle safety class. The class consisted of a standard
bicycle safety course. After completing the course,
four very lucky boys and girls won brand new bicycles
and safety helmets procured by the Recreation Committee.
MACHINISTS MATTERS
PAGE 4
items donated by sponsors. The baskets were put
together by the owner of M.R.S. Tea, who donated
her time and efforts late into the night before the
show.
Volunteers
and members of
the Community
Service committee
were kept
busy in the
kitchen, cooking
and serving
cheeseburgers,
hot dogs and nachos.
Special thanks are due to so many of our
brothers and sisters for all of the hard work that was
done that evening. Without these volunteers, we
would not be able to have a successful event. Likewise,
many thanks are due to all of the members of
the community who brought their cars and motorcycles
to the show for all to enjoy.
The Car Show raised $600.00 more than last
year which enabled us to increase our donations to
each charity. The committees donated $2300.00 to
both the Muscular Dystrophy Association and to
Guide Dogs of America.
The Car & Bike show began with sunny skies.
Over 75 cars and motorcycles came out to be viewed,
judged and enjoyed by all. Numerous trophies were
awarded at the end of the show. There were lots of
raffle drawings for some fabulous baskets containing

SEPTEMBER 2008
MACHINISTS MATTERS
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SPONSOR LIST FOR THE
9 TH ANNUAL DISTRICT 70 CAR & BIKE SHOW3 RD ANNUAL POKER RUN
Please patronize these sponsors with your business
DISTRICT LODGE 70 LOCAL LODGE 839 L.C.L.A.A.
LOCAL LODGE 774 LOCAL LODGE 639 S.P.E.E.A
LOCAL LODGE 834 LOCAL LODGE 2328 LOCAL LODGE 2799
LOCAL LODGE 733 STEELWORKERS LOCAL 241
WICHITA/HUTCHINSON LABOR FEDERATION of CENTRAL KANSAS, AFL-CIO
TOM HAMMOND – Hammond, Zongker and Ferris, LLC
HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON
GREEN LANTERN CAR WASH
DAN’S CYCLE
NOAH’S DONUT SHOP
ALEF’S HARLEY DAVIDSON
WICHITA THUNDER HOCKEY
BOB’S BIKES
WICHITA WINGNUTS
GREAT PLAINS HONDA YAMAHA
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
UNION LABEL & SERVICE TRADES
PORT OF WICHITA
SEDGWICK COUNTY ZOO
DEVLIN CUSTOMS
CESSNA AIRCRAFT
B & C BARBEQUE
SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS
RED WING SHOES
HAWKER BEECHCRAFT
MOTORSPORTS HONDA
TEXAS ROADHOUSE
UNION OFFICE SOLUTIONS
KLINE’S MEAT MARKET
AD-VENTURES OF KANSAS
KING PETE TATTOO
baskets by M.R.S. TEA
HEATHER LANE HAIR
WICHITA POLICE DEPT
BOSLEY TIRES
KANSASLAND TIRE
BROWN’S TIRE SERVICE
AUTO ZONE
MCDONALD’S
O’REILLY AUTO PARTS
UNITED WAY OF THE PLAINS
LARRY STAFFORD
AWARDS FACTORY
P.F. CHANGS
STAN & MONICA CHAPMAN
GUIDE DOGS OF AMERICA
KISTLERS SERVICE
PREMIER PROFITS
PARTY BOUNCE RENTALS
AQUA CONNECTIONS
DANCE AND KARAOKE EXCITEMENT CICI’S PIZZA
FOX & HOUND PUB & GRILLE
THE ALLEY
JOE’S CAR WASH
SHANE Z PIN-STRIPING
STATE FARM INSURANCE; RAEL HODGSON
Guide Dog Presentation
By Larry Stafford, Editor
We were lucky in having the Guide Dogs of
America present at the IAM Grand Lodge Convention.
Brent Allen, the Chairman of the 2008 District Lodge
70 Car Show, personally presented Jay A. Bormann,
Director of Guide Dogs of America, a check for
$2,300.00. Jay thanked Brent and the committee for
raising these funds for this worthy organization and he
hoped we would continue the Car Show and aiding
this cause.

MACHINISTS MATTERS
Welcome To Our New Union Brothers and Sisters
PAGE 6 SEPTEMBER 2008
JIM CLUTTER
HUE THI DANG
WILANDER H. DANG
KELLY DOCKENS
FREDRICK OGBODO
WILLIE PERKINS
TODD D. RHODES
ROBERT E. ROBINSON
LABOR QUOTE:
There is nothing I love as much
as a good fight.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
JAMES C.FOSTER
STEPHEN W. GORDON
DAVID E. HAMPTON
ROBERT KALINOWSKY
EDWARD M. MCGINTY
MICHAEL J. SOLIS
LEONA J. STIFFLER
CHARLA G. THROCKMORTON
TAN TROUNG
RICHARD W. ZIMMERMAN
Union Label at the Mulvane Parade
By Larry Stafford, Union Label Delegate
Mulvane’s Old Settler’s Day was held on August 15th. The Union Label trailer was presented and
decorated in the theme of the parade; “A picnic in the park.” We received a 1st place award in the
“Unclassified Category.” We even had some of the new generation helping us with passing out the
Made in the USA candy along the route. Congratulations to everyone who participated.
Monthly Union
Meetings
2nd Saturday of the
Month
Executive Board
meets at 8:00 AM
Regular Meeting at
International Association of Machinists
and Aerospace Workers
Local Lodge 839
3917 E. MacArthur Rd.
Wichita, Kansas 67210
IAM&AW THE FIGHTING MACHINISTS!
Phone: (316) 524-1090
The Fighting Machinists
www.ll839.org
Local Lodge 839
Get Ready to
Fight & Win
In 2010
President - Gary Cochran
Vice President - Kathy Petersen
Recording Secretary - Kevin Jamis
Treasurer - Joni Pierce
Conductor/Sentinel - Dennis Williams
Trustees - Roger Stamback, Stan Chapman, Rickey Nelson
Communicator - Dennis Williams
Educator - Roger Stamback
1st Shift In-Plant Rep. - David Eagle
2nd Shift In-Plant Rep. - Howard “HoJo” Johnson
Editor - Larry Stafford