Please click on the highlighted link to access the printable, PDF version of the October Delegate Meeting Notice; October Delegate Meeting
Author: iamdistrict54
Brothers, Sisters & Friends of Labor:
IAM District Lodge 54 will be closed Monday, September 2, 2019 in celebration of Labor Day.
Every Labor Day weekend, we recognize the women and men who do the work that keeps America strong. That’s pretty much all of us no matter what our work is because what we do makes the work of others possible. Machinists depend on electricians, who count on steelworkers, who need nurses and engineers, who rely on researchers and bus drivers, and flight attendants who depend on child care workers, who need autoworkers and traffic cops and firefighters and so on it goes.
Attached to this text, you will be able to read about the history and creation of Labor Day by a Machinists Union member.
On behalf of our District Officers, Delegates and Staff we thank you for the work that you do! Please have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.
In Labor’s Trust,
T. Dean Wright, Jr., President & DBR
Jerry Espy, ST/BR
Delegates from across Ohio and West Virginia gathered in Cleveland last week for the annual Ohio State Council of Machinists (OSCM) meeting. A full house gathered to prepare for the 2020 elections.
OSCM President T. Dean Wright, Jr. set the tone early, explaining the foundations for how the labor movement has traditionally chosen candidates endorsed for elections—standing on the principals the IAM fights for every day, decent jobs, and a strong economy—only to have our own message “jobs and the economy” stolen from labor in the 2016 election.
“During my time in the labor movement, we have always sought candidates focused on our message of jobs and the economy. Why wouldn’t we?” said Wright. “Everyone, regardless of their gender, sexuality, race or religion, no matter how they identify wants a job! Not just any job, good jobs that provide for their families, with good benefits.”
Wright reminded delegates of the need to look for a candidate that prioritizes affordable healthcare, higher education and vocational training, a higher standard of living for U.S. citizens, and union and worker’s rights.
“Whoever we endorse will be held accountable on the issues that matter most to us,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr., who spoke about the IAM’s new member-driven endorsement process. “These candidates are going to have to earn our trust and understand that 600,000 Fighting Machinists are watching, listening and voting.”
“Pension funds are in a crisis in the United States,” said Eastern Territory General Vice President Jimmy Conigliaro, Sr. “It’s something I worry about every day. I feel it is my responsibility to make sure our members don’t just get a pension now, but that they get it for life. The coming election will have a lasting effect on retirement plans, and I worry about that, too. Our members are being fooled by politicians that continue to make changes that hurt working families the most. If you take the handcuffs off of Wall Street, they can make a lot of money by taking bigger risks on the future of workers”
The Ohio State Council of Machinists (OSCM) is an organization of 32 local unions that represent over 20,000 manufacturing, steel, automotive, aerospace and other workers across Ohio and West Virginia. On July 1, 2016, the West Virginia State Council of Machinists was affiliated into the Ohio State Council of Machinists.
Article courtesy of https://www.goiam.org/news/ohio-west-virginia-machinists-focus-on-the-future/
Brothers & Sisters,
Chartered on August 7th, 1913, in Cleveland, Ohio, our great District turns 106 years old today. Presently, we service 14,000+ active and retired members and oversee 16 affiliated local lodges throughout Ohio, West Virginia, and Northeastern Indiana.
As we celebrate our past achievements today, we also look forward to our bright future. We continually work to establish and support economic and social justice for all workers, regardless of their gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, or national origin. District 54 stands not only strong but proud.
Attached you will find a slideshow video of the life of District Lodge 54 and its great members. Enjoy and Happy Anniversary to The Fighting Machinists!
In Solidarity,
T. Dean Wright, Jr.
President & DBR
Jerry Espy
Secretary-Treasurer/BR
Fred Confer
Vice President
Jack Williams
Conductor-Sentinel
Duane Lukens
ADBR
Don Riffee
Business Representative
Jim McClelland
Business Representative
Margaret Montague
Educator
Mary Ellen Napier
Communicator
Thomas Frisbie
President Emeritus
Regina Wright
Communications Representative
Donna Swaggerty
Confidential Secretary
For more information about the history of IAM District Lodge 54, please visit us at www.iamdistrict54.com/history/