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Support Machinists Union Rally at

Boch Honda in Norwood Mass

 

On Sunday February 19, 2012 the Machinists Union held a rally at Boch Honda in Norwood Massachusetts.  Over 300 hundred Union members turned out in force as a show of support to the Technicians at Boch Honda who voted to join the Machinists Union in November 2010. Since that time Management has done everything to undermine their efforts for a first contract.

 

Several prominent figures in the labor movement and political arena showed in support of the workers at Boch Honda. Some of those present to show their support include: Mass AFL-CIO President Steve Tolman, Dan Lynch from Congressman Steven Lynch's office, Mass State Representative John Rogers, GBLC Executive Secretary-Treasure Rich Rodgers, IBEW Local 2222 Business Manager Miles Calvey, USW Representative Joe Carlson, Carmens Union Local 589 Representative Michael Keller, MNA Executive Director Julie Pinkham as well as many others. We are extremely thankful for all your support!

 

               

District 15 Business Rep Mike Vartabedian

address crowd at rally for Technicians at Boch Honda

 

Mass State Rep John Rogers addresses crowd at rally for Boch Honda Technicians

 

More Videos & Photos from Rally

 

 

District 15 Reps Visit NY Times

 

Recently District 15 Business Representative Dominic Taibbi, who represents our members at the New York Times in College Point, Queens, New York, visited the night shift operations. Accompanying Dominic was District 15 Business Representatives Perry Esposito and Robert Motisi.

 

Among other things, the District 15 Staff met with

Local Lodge 434 Brother John Giovaniello, a 31-year member.

In The picture below Brother Giovaniello is holding a “Gripper.”

 

A Gripper is just one of the many parts (and machines) that the IAM

Machinists repair at the newspaper. The following pictures show the Gripper holding the partially assembled newspaper as it flows through the system.

 

Brother Giovaniello holds a "Gripper" at the NY Times

 

                   

The Gripper in action at the NY Times

 

20,000 Union Members and Allies

Marched in Manhattan on Dec. 1

 

IAM District 15 Members in attendance at March for Jobs and Economic Fairness.
L-R: Dominic Taibbi, Local Lodge 434 Business Representative, Perry Esposito, Local Lodge 447 Business Representative, Robert Motisi, Local Lodge 447, Assistant Directing Business Representative, Muhammed Barlas, Organizer, James Conigliaro, District 15 Directing Business Representative, Ed Frazier, Local Lodge 434 President, Joe Sienna, UPS Chief Shop Steward and Local Lodge 315 Members and Shop Stewards.

On December 1, 2011 over 20,000 union members and allies,

including members for IAMAW District 15, took part in the “March for Jobs

and Economic Fairness” in Manhattan, New York. The march which was a resounding success for the labor movement marched down Broadway

 in a show of Unity and Strength.

“The IAMAW District 15 staff and members felt that is was important to show our unity and support for the march for jobs and economic fairness. In our business we see first-hand the difficulties that workers and their families face every day. We share the sentiment that Enough is Enough! All of us, from public sector to private sector workers and from community groups to advocacy groups must all stand together to let the richest 1% in America know that it is time to put Americans back to work and that it is time to end the unfair economic policies that have caused economic disparity throughout this country”
- Jim Conigliaro, Directing Business Representative, District 15

 

“New York City saw members from the public sector,

the private sector and the building trades, as well as community groups, advocacy organizations, students, retirees and everyday working people, marching as one down Broadway in an effort to publicize the need

for good jobs and better economic choices for all Americans.”
- Vincent Alvarez, President, NYC Central Labor Council

March for Jobs and Economic Fairness!

There are 14 million unemployed in America, while the
richest 1% has tripled its wealth over the past 30 years.
Every day we see hard-working families struggling to survive.

That is why we marched on Dec. 1. It's not just for the labor movement, but
for everyone who is frustrated and worried about the growing economic disparity
in this country. It was for anyone who has ever agonized about finding a job, paying for college, meeting a mortgage payment, or how to buy enough food for dinner. The March for Jobs and Economic Fairness on Dec. 1 was a call to action and a show of unity -- we marched down Broadway from Herald Square to Union Square and filled the street from curb to curb so government and big business get our message: enough is enough.

It's time to end the unfair economic policies in this country

that benefit too few, and leave everyone else behind.

“Special thanks to the Central Labor Council Executive Board and

all the Affiliates that contributed time, manpower and resources.

Your participation and effort made this event a success!”
- Vincent Alvarez, President, NYC Central Labor Council

 

                

For complete story coverage please visit the New York City Central Labor

 

 

Condolences to the family

of Bill "Fitzy" Fitzgerald

It is with deep sadness we regret to inform you of the loss of Bill Fitzgerald.
Billy passed away peacefully at home, October 12, 2011.

Billy was just 54 years old and was the loving husband of Julie Fitzgerald. Devoted father to Brittany and Shayne. He was a mechanic employed by the MBTA and is a member of the Machinist's Local 264. Fitzy was also a Past President of Local Lodge 100 in Boston, MA. Fitzy will live on in the memory and hearts of his family and friends as a loving, kind and gentle man who would always be the first to help friend and stranger alike. Among his favorite pastimes were riding his Harley and cheering on his beloved Patriots.

The IAMAW District 15 Staff extends its deepest sympathy to the

Fitzgerald family. We will truly miss Billy's dedication and the

contribution he made to the machinist union.

 

 

2011 Convention

On October 5, 6 & 7, 2011 the Massachusetts AFL-CIO held its

 54th Annual Constitutional Convention at the Boston Marriott Quincy

 in Quincy Massachusetts.

Over 350 labor leaders and activists from across the state of

Massachusetts were in attendance at this years convention.

Mass. AFL-CIO President-Emeritus Robert Haynes gave a touching

and inspiring address about the need for the Labor Movement to

confront its profound challenges in new ways, with renewed

dedication and fresh faces.

Some of our Constitutional Officers include Lt. Governor Tim Murray, Attorney General Martha Coakley, Secretary of State William Galvin, and State Treasurer Steve Grossman. The Mass. AFL-CIO's next conference will be the State of the Union Conference, which is typically held in late-January or February.

Below are photos of some of the IAM Delegates who attended the Convention.

 

District 15 Area Representative Russell Gittlen

was re-elected to his second term as a Vice President

of the Mass AFL-CIO

 

  IAM Delegates (L - R) Jack Powers, Billy Irvings, Jimmy Connor and Brian Cummins

 

Eighth Annual District 15, Local Lodge 447
Charles W. Foley Memorial Golf Tournament

  
On Monday August 239, 2011 District 15, Local Lodge 447 held its Eighth Annual Charles W. Foley Memorial Golf Tournament at Juniper Hill Golf Course in Northborough, Massachusetts.

Thanks to the support of many, District 15 New England and New York together were able to donate over $1,500,000 in the past 10 years. All proceeds from this event are used to further the breeding and training programs at the Guide Dogs of America. This year marks the 63rd anniversary of providing guide dogs, at no cost, to legally blind men and women throughout the United States and Canada.

 

District 15 Business Rep Jim Foley poses with his team member who helped carry him.

 

“Thank you to all who came out to play. I wish I could have been there but hurricane Irene made it impossible to get there. This is always a great event for GDA and one I always plan to attend. Thanks to all of the volunteers who helped out despite the sleepless nights worrying about the weather.”

- Dale Hartford, President of the Guide Dogs of America.

District 15 Business Representative Jim Foley had the following to say about the tournament that is named after his father: “Another great successful year for the Guide Dogs of America. This was the 8th year for the Charles W. Foley Memorial Golf Tournament, and it was our best year yet. I know my dad, as a 50-year member of the Machinists Union, would be proud to see the money we have raised in the last 8 years for the seeing impaired. Along with the Hawgs for Dogs motorcycle run in July, we raised over $44,000. Thank you to all involved for achieving this goal. See you next year!”

 

District 15 Business Rep Mike Vartabedian poses with this team for the day

 

Golfer tees off for a great cause!

 

Another golfer prepares to let it fly for the Guide Dogs

 

Retired Business Rep Paul Salemme taking his best “shot” at the tournament.

District 15 would like to thank all of the golfers who participated in this year’s Charles W. Foley Golf Tournament. With your continued support we can continue to support the Guide Dogs of America.

 

4th Annual Local 447
New England Hawgs for Dogs

 

On July 10, 2011 IAM Local Lodge 447 held the 4th Annual Guide Dogs of America, Hawgs for Dogs ride. Local 447 raised $2000 on this ride for the Guide Dogs on this 66 mile run. The ride took place on Route 44 and started and ended at Sticks Tavern on Putnam Pike in Chepachet, RI. Recently organized t-shirt company, Southside T-shirts out of Braintree, Massachusetts donated 100 shirts to the cause.

(Left to Right) Event Organizer and 447 Shop Steward Al Barnier, Area Director Russ Gittlen, Business Rep Jim Foley, Business Rep Mike Vartabedian and District 15 New England Office Manager Arlene Phoenix

This year’s ride was primarily organized by Local 447 member Al Barnier but  he also had some help from friends and family who helped with getting some    of the donations. Al became a shop steward with Local 447 last year. Al attended and rode bike in the 2009 & 2010 ride that was held in Sterling, Massachusetts. Al said “I wanted to do a run of my own. I knew a lot of       people that ride and this is a great cause so I went with it”.

At this point Al is already working on ideas for next year’s ride.

Al promises that next year’s ride will be bigger and better. While he

 was attending the Winpisinger center this past July Al convinced a fellow machinist’s union member out of Amarillo Texas to form his own ride

next year which Al plans on riding in.

 

Hawgs for Dogs logo created by Al Barnier
This is the logo that was printed on the donated t-shirts

 

Al Barnier sets out on this year’s ride

 

Riders prepare to ride in the 4th Annual Local 447 Ride

 

Al Barnier (center) poses with BR Jim Foley (left) and Alternate Steward Dave Bood (right)

 

Al Barnier with his “little” brother Shaun.

 

District 15 would like to thank Brother Barnier and all who attended

this year’s Local 447 Hawgs for Dogs Ride. Great job for a great cause!

We look forward to next years ride!!

 

Condolences to the family of John Lisefski

It is with deep sadness we regret to inform you of the loss of John Lisefski.
John passed away on September 7th due to ongoing illness.

John was just 62 years old, a dedicated P&D Driver out of the Elizabeth, NJ
terminal and has been a member of the NEMF family since May 2003. John
leaves behind his grown children Steven & Stacey (not all family details are
currently available).

The IAMAW District 15 Staff extends its deepest sympathy to the Lisefski family.
We will truly miss John's dedication and the contribution he made.

The Quest for a First Contract

at Boch Honda Continues

 

On June 7, 2011 over 300 Machinists Union Members participated in a rally at the Citi Performing Arts Center (formerly the Wang Center) on Tremont Street in Boston, Massachusetts.

 

The informational rally was held at a scheduled concert where Ernie Boch Jr's band "Ernie and the Automatics" were playing a back up concert performance with the rock band Deep Purple.

 

The Machinists Union members turned out in force as a show of support to the Technicians at Boch Honda who voted to join the Machinists Union in November 2010. Since that time Management has done everything to undermine their efforts for a first contract.

 

        

 

You Can View Video from this Rally at the link below:

 

Boch Honda Rally June 7, 2011

 

 

Condolences to the family of Rocco Greico

It is with deep sadness we regret to inform you of the loss of Rocco Greico.
Roco passed away Sunday May 29th due to illness.

Rocco was just 54 years old, a dedicated P&D Driver out of the Plainfield
terminal and has been a member of the NEMF family since April 2006, and
had worked with Carrier Industries during that period as well. Rocco leaves
behind his son Rocco Jr. and sister Joann Colvin.

The NEMF family extends its deepest sympathy to the Greico family.
We will truly miss Rocco and the contribution he had made.

 

 

 Informational Rally - Boch Honda

NE Area Director Russ Gittlen, Business Rep. Jim Foley, Business Rep. Mike Vartabedian, Local 1271 ST Paul Salemme & Retired Business Rep. Gil Ruggeri

On May 19, 2011 union members from Local Lodges 100, 264, 447 & 1271 turned out for a rally in support of the recently organized technicians at

Boch Honda in Norwood, MA. The informational demonstration was

held in front of Boch Honda in Westford, MA.

Technicians at Boch Honda voted to join the Machinists Union in November 2010. Since that time Management has done everything to undermine their efforts for a first contract. There are currently 15-20 pending charges against them of violation of the National Labor Relations Act. Negotiations have been extremely slow and difficult and these members need our support.

District 15 Business Representative Michael Vartabedian states that the “Technicians at Boch are staying strong; they believe we can earn a victory here”. Mike goes on to say that “We are making some progress in negotiation and we look forward to supporting these guys anyway we can to ensure that we negotiate the best possible contract for this shop”.

Please support your union brothers in their quest for a first contract!
This one is far from over!

 

         

Other photos from rally at Boch Honda, Westford, MA

Condolences to the family of Erwin Soto

With deep sadness and much regret we must inform you of the loss of

Brother Erwin Soto of Local Lodge 447. Erwin passed away

suddenly last evening (May 16, 2011) due to illness.

Erwin was just 45 years old and was a member of IAMAW Local 447 and a dedicated P&D Driver out of the Elizabeth terminal and has been a member of the NEMF family since November of 1995. Erwin leaves behind his wife Dina and two young children Cindy, 9 and Evelyn 19. District 15 Business Representative David Isabel said that "Erwin was a real good guy. He was always so happy-go-lucky. I was just speaking to him last week at the shop. Our deepest sympathies go out to Brother Soto's wife and children".

The Staff and members of the IAMAW District 15 extends its

deepest sympathy to the Soto family. Our thoughts and prayers

are with the family of Brother Soto during this difficult time.

 

Local Lodge 1529 Member

Wins 2011 Scholarship Award

District 15 is pleased to announce that Local Lodge 1529 Member, Jessica Hoffman has been selected as a 2011 IAM Scholarship Award winner. Winners were selected from 402 applicants from the United States and Canada.

This scholarship entitles Sister Hoffman to receive $2,000.00 a year, not to exceed a two-year period or until she fulfills the requirements of a Bachelor's degree. This scholarship was made possible by voluntary contributions from Local and District IAM Lodges.

On behalf of the Executive Council of the IAMAW, District Lodge 15 and your fellow Union Brothers & Sisters of the IAM we offer our congratulations to Jessica for a job well done!

Rally to Support Wisconsin Workers

 

On February 23rd, hundreds of union members rallied together to fight a bill that would strip the hard-working public employees of Wisconsin of their collective bargaining rights. Many labor leaders were on hand including Mark Maierle, the head of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 317 in Milwaukee, who spoke to the large crowd at City Hall.

Directing Business Representative Jim Conigliaro of District 15 of the Machinists Union (pictured above) showed support for the Wisconsin Workers but also warned that anything that happens in Wisconsin would have a ripple effect in other states throughout the country. Warning the New Jersey residents, Conigliaro stated: "That guy in New Jersey-he's waiting to see what happens."

"Why does it always fall on the backs of workers?"

Conigliaro asked the crowd.

“Labor has to stand up!”

 

Click Here To Read Full Story

 

"The above photo is from The Chief-Leader and taken by Andrew Hinderaker."

 

 

 LIBERTY HELICOPTERS - FIRST CONTRACT

 Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 After a challenging organizing campaign that changed jurisdictional control from the NLRB to the NMB in the middle of the campaign and 14 months of negotiations with a Jackson-Lewis represented company, District 15 ratified a first contract last night with Liberty Helicopters, Inc. for the aircraft mechanics, stock clerks, helpers, and porters at their Linden Airport location.

 

Our newest members received a $500 signing bonus along with scheduled wage increases of $1.00 per hour for each year of the contract.

 

Thanks to DBR Jim Conigliaro for his leadership and Director of Organizing Vinny Addeo and Business Representative Juan Negron for their commitment to achieving a fair and equitable agreement for our newest District 15, Local 447 members.

 In Solidarity,
Vinny Addeo

Director of Organizing

 

 

Congratulations Are In Order

 

 

Anthony Myers (pictured above) began employment with Ryder in
November 2009 and currently works as a Technician IV in Dracut, MA.
On November 18, 2010 Anthony became a citizen of the United States of America at a ceremony held at Fenway Park in Boston, MA. Anthony was allowed to bring a guest to the ceremony and he chose to bring his supervisor, Mike Caterino, Senior Service Manager in Dracut, MA. On November 19, 2010, Mike Caterino and the team in Dracut recognized Anthony’s accomplishment and celebrated with him.

 

 

Guide Dogs of America

30th Annual Charity Banquet

On November 20, 2010 the Guide Dogs of America held their 30th Annual Charity Banquet in Las Vegas. District 15 and its company's and members raised $210,600.00 dollars for Guide Dogs.

 

Pictured above at the the 30th Annual charity banquet - left to right

District 15 Area Representative Russell Gittlen, GDA President Dale Hartford,

District 15 Directing Business Representative James Conigliaro and

International President Tom Buffenbarger

 

 Dale Hartford, President of the Guide Dogs of America, had the following to say about the IAMAW District 15 and all it efforts with the GDA, "District 15 did a tremendous job raising money for GDA this year. Well over $200,000!!!!! In any economy that would be a great achievement but in this economy it is unbelievable. Jim and his entire staff are all outstanding supporters of GDA and it shows every year when they come to the stage with their annual contributions."

 

                

            District 15 DBR Jim Conigliaro                       District 15 DBR Jim Conigliaro

              and IP Tom Buffenbarger                          and GDA President Dale Hartford

Since its founding through donations by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union in 1948, Guide Dogs of America in Sylmar, California has helped blind men and women recover their ability to move freely and regain independence through partnership with these remarkable animals.

 

 

ONE NATION BRINGS

ONE MILLION TO DC


District 15 Director Business Representative James Conigliaro and District 15 Organizer

Vincent Addeo of IAMAW with members at the One Nation Rally in D.C.

WASHINGTON -
One Million people from across the country converged on the National Mall
Saturday October 2, 2010 to rally for jobs and other liberal causes.
One Nation Working Together was sponsored by over
500 labor and progressive organizations. The theme of Jobs, Justice,
immigration reform and Education was evident throughout the
event. New
York local union members could be seen in every
corner of the Mall as evidenced from these photos. MSNBC talk show host Ed
Schultz, one of the organizers, addressed
the cheering crowd by yelling "This march is
about the power to the people. It is about the people standing up to the
corporations. Are you ready to fight back?" He also faulted the
Republicans to sending jobs overseas, telling the
crowd to take back America .

"We bailed out the banks and the insurance
companies. Now it's time to bail out the American people," urged the
Rev. Al Sharpton, who drew some of the loudest cheers of the afternoon.
"I hope they
look at the mall, because this is what
America
looks like," he added. "Not one color or one gender." AFL-CIO
President Richard Trumka continued the theme. "Promise to make your
voices heard for jobs, justice,
and education today and on election day," he urged the crowd. "Our
best days are ahead, not behind us, and we will fight for them, and we won't
let anyone stand in our way." The
event was
also designed to encourage turnout for the 2010 midterm
elections during a year that many Democrats are concerned with the discontent
of the electorate. Read More: http://www.laborpress.org/

 

Members of Iron Workers Local 46
THE LABORPRESS FAMILY
NOW INCLUDES RADIO PROGRAMS IN NEW YORK CITY ,
LONG ISLAND
AND WESTCHESTER . For additional information
email: neal@laborpress.org.

 

 

IAM Mechanics Keeps

Machinists Bus On the Road

 

The Attached pictures are from September 23, 2010.

The IAM conducted a nationwide tour with the theme "Jobs Now,"

making stops in all major cities across the country.

Along the tour, in route to New York, the bus was damaged.

Far from headquarters, they needed a temporary repair.

Local 447 Mechanics employed with Global Bus & Fleet in JFK Airport

made an over-night repair, keeping the IAM Bus tour on schedule.

 

Mechanic Jean and Business Rep Perry Esposito

 

IAM District 15 Mechanics

 

Bus Repairs

 

Bus Washing After Repairs

 

Job Complete - On The Road Again!

GREAT JOB Local 447 Mechanics!!

 

 

IAM District 15/CREST

 

The first orientation for the IAM District 15/CREST (Corporation for Re-Employment and Safety Training) incoming class of diesel and auto tech apprentices was held at the Hudson Nissan dealership in Jersey City, NJ. The students also toured Hudson Toyota next door, one of several employers who have hired IAM apprentices.

This latest class consists of 10 trainees who were selected from a pool of 150 applicants. The orientation serves as an introduction into the four-year training program.

The IAM apprenticeship program receives funding from the New Jersey (NJ) Department of Labor and Workforce Development as part of their Youth Transition To Work (YTTW) program. YTTW provides funding to a consortium of employers, organized labor and schools to help young people move from high school into occupations through apprenticeship training.

On hand to welcome the new apprentices was CREST Director Michael Flynn, NJ Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Harold Wirths, AFL-CIO Education & Training Coordinator Ed Correa, IAM Local 447 Business Representative Juan Negron and CREST Apprenticeship Coordinator Ira Stern.

“You are learning skills in a field you are passionate about and preparing for jobs that cannot be moved overseas,” Commissioner Wirths told the new trainees. “In challenging economic times, employers are more judicious in hiring, and apprenticeships offer employers confidence that apprentices have demonstrated a work ethic, have knowledge of the job and have a willingness to learn new skills.”

For more information about this program, email Ira Stern at istern@iamaw.org , or go to CruisingTowardsSuccess.org.

 

Pictured are the newest IAM District 15/CREST auto and diesel technician apprentices, with well-wishers, at their first orientation. Left to right: NJ AFL-CIO Coordinator Ed Correa, William Dmitrzak, Local 447 Business Rep Juan Negron, Whitney Kass III, Joel Freire, Kevin Matos, Paul Palma, Bryant Flores, Commissioner Harold Wirths, Nazareno Aguilar, Hector Martinez, Angelica Diaz, Robert Alterisio, CREST Director Michael Flynn and Apprenticeship Coordinator Ira Stern.

 

 

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