On IAM Aerospace
Who’s the IAM?
The IAM, or International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, is one of the largest labor unions in North America. Joining together in a union allows working people to balance the scales of power with their employer by putting negotiated rules in place that allow you to do your job without fear of retaliation or unjust treatment. As your bargaining representative, we’ll throw all of our weight behind getting you the best collective bargaining agreement possible.
Who does the IAM represent?
The IAM has negotiated contracts and represents members working for many major aerospace companies, including, among others:
Boeing
Lockheed Martin
Airbus
Raytheon
Bombardier
Pratt & Whitney
General Electric
Spirit AeroSystems
The IAM also represents workers at many non-aerospace employers, including: Harley-Davidson; American Airlines; IKEA; Southwest Airlines; General Electric; and more.
On Your Union Contract:
What is a union contract?
A union contract is a legal document that is binding by law. It is negotiated with the employer and provides for, among other things, wages, benefits, hours and general working conditions.
Who draws up our contract?
You do with assistance from skilled, trained professional Union negotiators. All employees in the bargaining unit contribute their ideas for the proposals. Areas where there is usually room for improvement include, but are not limited to:
Wages and inflation protection
Employer-paid health insurance for employees and their dependents
Effective grievance procedures
Job security
Seniority provisions
Additional paid holidays
Paid sick leave
Improved vacations
Work rules that spell out your rights on the job
Is there any limit as to what we can ask for in regard to wages and/or benefits?
No. Keep in mind, however, that what you ask for should be reasonable and justified. Management still retains their rights to hire, discipline and generally manage the company. The difference is you will now have grievance procedures and other protections to protect you against favoritism and unfair treatment.
Who will do the negotiating?
The employer and his designated representative on one side of the table. On the other, a negotiating committee elected by you, together with your local union representative (s] and your International representative.
Do we have to accept what has been negotiated?
NO! If you do not feel you have gained enough in negotiations, you have the right to vote to reject the contract offer.
lf we vote to form a union, can the employer cut our wages or reduce the few benefits we now receive?
NO! That would violate Federal Law! Therefore, you will negotiate UP from current wages and benefits.