This article was featured in the IAM Summer 2024 Journal and written by IAM Communications Representative John Carr. 

Building bargaining power is critical to negotiating a strong IAM contract. One of the ways the Air Transport Territory team is doing that is by being out on the shop floor and accessible to the membership.

“I think it’s important for our members to see our faces, know who we are, and know that we come from the rank and file, that we aren’t just someone they read about on the website, we come from the ground, worked our way up, and are fighting on their behalf,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “A strong, active union in the workplace where workers pull together to make a real difference is the only way we can improve the lives of IAM members.”

The idea is to foster open communication, encourage members to communicate openly, and share ideas, concerns, and feedback. Establish a culture where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves and all opinions are valued.

It goes further than that. Since June 2021, Air Transport Territory leadership has traveled to visit dozens of cities each year to meet with the membership face to face, creating an informal network of workers who are committed to mutual aid, direct action, and building shop floor power by reinforcing solidarity and building the communication network needed for a successful bargaining unit. The IAM Air Transport Territory, which includes IAM District 141 and IAM District 142, represents more than 100,000 air transport members. The IAM is the largest air transport union in North America.

Members are significantly more likely to feel the union is effective in helping obtain job-related improvements through their interactions with leadership on the shop floor.

Shop floor interactions also have strategic objectives:

• To show members that the union is dedicated to job-related improvements.
• To express concern for those members on the front lines
• To encourage members to seek the union’s help in solving contract-related problems.
• To promote participation in organizing and other union activities.
• To foster optimism toward the negotiating power of the local.
• To obtain immediate feedback on issues and concerns at any level.
• To build relationships with the rank-and-file.
• To ask directly for union involvement in a specific way.

Open dialogue and feedback sessions are one way to uncover what motivates our members. Taking the time to build relationships and foster trust is the cornerstone of solidarity practice. Another effective method is regular check-ins with shop floor members to gauge their satisfaction levels and address any concerns or challenges they may face. This shows members’ input is valued and that the IAM is committed to supporting their growth. Many members had the chance to be briefed and to ask Grand Lodge, District Lodge, and Local Lodge representatives questions.

VIRTUAL TRAINING SESSIONS

The Winpisinger Center is now offering Virtual Training Sessions, which differ from traditional Leadership, Staff, and Departmental programs in that members can register themselves, the trainings cover only one topic, and sessions typically last 1-2 hours. Click the links below to register. Select only one (1) session of each training unless otherwise indicated. Trainings are open to all members in good standing.

JUNE

Parliamentary Procedure for IAM Members and Leaders. Reviews the rules of order that make it possible to get Local Lodge meeting business completed in an organized and fair way.

• Wednesday, June 12 at noon ET
• Wednesday, June 12, 8 p.m. ET
• Saturday, June 15, 11 a.m. ET

Second Education Circle. (click for more information)

• Tuesday, June 18, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET
• Wednesday, June 19, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET
• Saturday, June 22, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET

Microsoft Word Training. Word trainings will cover creating automatic populating tables of contents, headers and footers, page numbers and more.

• Monday, June 24, noon to 2 p.m. ET
• Monday, June 24, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET
• Tuesday, June 25, noon to 2 p.m. ET
• Tuesday, June 25, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET

Microsoft Excel Training. Excel trainings will cover the very basics of Excel, focusing on those who have little to no working knowledge of the program.

• Thursday, June 27, noon to 2 p.m. ET
• Thursday, June 27, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET
• Friday, June 28, noon to 2 p.m. ET
• Friday, June 28, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET

Dear IAM Family,

Since having the honor of becoming the IAM’s 15th International President on Jan. 1, 2024, I am proud to report that myself and your Executive Council are continuing to lead our union towards a better future in a constantly evolving world. I have been traveling non-stop across North America to meet with our membership and hear your vision for our union. As a 34-year member who rose through the ranks of the IAM after building destroyers for the U.S. Navy, I continue to be in awe of the dedication of our membership and the excitement we all have for the future of the IAM.

Together, we are now embarking on a new journey, where we will continue to advocate for our members and reinforce our core values. We are being guided by you – the membership. After the IAM Committee on the Future held listening sessions with thousands of members across North America last year, the IAM Executive Council is now taking action to remake our union for the generations to come, including making our union more accessible and transparent for our members and prospective members. As our union grows, we must seize this momentous opportunity, drawing from past lessons to pave the way for the present and future generations.

This edition of the IAM Journal contains a wealth of information about IAM members’ incredible efforts and achievements. Through these pages, you will discover how our members have successfully organized and negotiated solid contracts for better working conditions and fair compensation. You will also learn how members contribute to their communities and help them thrive. Furthermore, you will see how our union’s strength has been a driving force in saving jobs and protecting workers’ rights. Each story and anecdote captured in these pages illustrates the dedication and passion of workers as they continue to shape their history through their actions and accomplishments.

In 2024, the IAM has been highly productive in empowering our union through effective organizing and bargaining. During the upcoming IAM Grand Lodge Convention in New York City, our members will shape the future of our organization for the next four years. And as we approach this year’s federal elections, it’s important to remember that our votes hold immense power to shape the future of our families, communities and society.

In honor of our roots in strengthening workers’ voices and a bright future ahead, I am proud to present the Summer 2024 IAM Journal.

In solidarity,
Brian Bryant
International President

Read the IAM Journal here.