Machinists Union files new charge against Lockheed Martin in Strike.

Fort Worth, TX, May 18, 2012 – District Lodge 776 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) over misleading and threatening mail sent earlier this week from Lockheed Martin to IAM members on strike.

The letter was directed to striking employees who have outstanding loans with the Lockheed Martin Corporation Hourly Employees Savings Plan (HSP), a 401(k) savings plan, which permits loans against employee savings.

“Under HSP rules members are automatically placed on a leave of absence status in the event of a strike and loans will not go into default for a period of 12 months,” said District 776 Directing Business Rep Paul Black. “The letter detailed the consequences of a loan going into default status but failed to note the critical 12-month grace period.”

The letter from Lockheed Martin and a copy of the charges filed by the IAM are available at www.goiamtexas.com.

"We believe the letter contains implied threats and is a violation under the National Labor Relations Act," said Black who noted that three other NLRB charges filed by the IAM against Lockheed Martin are still pending.

The strike by about 3,600 employees is now in its 25th day. It started at midnight April 22nd, after the membership voted by a 94% margin to reject the contract. Major issues include affordable health care and the pension plan.

The IAM is among the nation’s largest and most politically active industrial trade unions, represents more than 700,000 active and retired workers in industries including aerospace, transportation, manufacturing, shipbuilding and woodworking. Visit www.goiam.org for more information about the IAM.

 Click the graphic below for a full size printable version.
  
NLRB Charge                                          ING Letter

We would like to thank Vicki Bramlett and her Mom Peggy for the wonderful pantry food items they have donated to ease the stress of some of the members thru these tight times....

(Click the picture below for a full size version)
 

Repost from Glenn Whitmire:
The temperatures are starting to rise again. If you are walking picket duty, particularly in the afternoon hours, please be sure to take proper precautions.
1. Wear sunscreen
2. Wear light colored clothes. All cotton shirts are best.
3. Drink plenty of fluid. Start hydrating the day before then drink plenty of water during your walk. A little Gatorade goes a long way. Drink mostly water and limit carbonated drinks.
4. Take a folding chair and maybe an umbrella. There is nothing wrong with taking a small sit down break in the shade. Take turns walking.
5. Keep an eye on your fellow walkers for signs that the heat may be getting to them. Encourage them to drink water and take breaks.
6. Wear a hat. Something that breathes and has a wide brim is best. Fishing hats, wide brim straw hats, or the ever popular sombrero are all good choices.
We have to look out for each other.

Our fight for affordable health care and pensions is a tough fight, and we are up against a company determined to strip away our benefits and earning ability on the installment plan, one contract at a time. We’ve given up much the last few decades, while those at the top have reaped the rewards.

Our fight is old, as workers have fought to make a decent living while corporations work to buy our labor as cheaply as possible. We need to take a view at history, and understand why unions came about, and why they are important today.

 There are two concepts at work. The first is “supply and demand,” and the second is “divide and conquer.” These two concepts have been at work since the first workers picked up a tool for an employer. There are more workers than jobs, and employers will use workers against each other, to cut down the earning power of everyone.

Good morning again but this time from Lockheed Martin Headquarters in Bethesda Maryland. Bus. Rep Joe Alviar and picketers shouting out to Lockheed to let them know just how serious we are about our future and the future of the workers to come after us.
(Direct link to pictures for your non-flash devices)

For an explanation on how the strike waiver of premium works for those members at Lockheed Martin Fort Worth with supplemental insurance policies through the Machinist Custom Choices program please refer to the document below. 
Should anyone have questions on their coverage, please call our office at 1-888-521-2900.

(Click the graphic below for a full size printable version of the document)

Lockheed Martin the Wal-Mart of Aerospace.
Offering us bad Health Insurance and No Pension for new hires.
Lockheed Martin we’re not going away!
(Click the picture below for a full size version)

Good morning "Fighting Machinists" from your brothers and sisters here at Edwards AFB, California.  We hope that all remember our beloved Mother's, Grandmother's, Mother-In-Law's and wife's on Mother's Day.

If you know anyone on our Communications Committee, you'd find it hard to believe that we were rendered mute. But we were. Today President Black received a letter from Local Lodge 2786,  located at Vandenberg AFB, CA. This small Local Lodge of 200 donated $5,000 to our strike effort. Nope, not a typo. Click on the letter below to read the missive.

Local Lodge President Jerry Williams said "This letter is to express our pride in the fight your membership is waging against Lockheed Martin. Our Local Lodge has members that have to deal with the same greedy employer."

President Williams and the Local called us "front line heroes" for all working families.

It's a tough fight we've taken on, fighting against the corporate greed that seems to have overtaken our nation. But we know it's a fight worth fighting, and with the help of workers like the proud members of Local Lodge 2786, we know we can prevail, for ALL working familes.

To President Williams and the great members of LL 2786, we will always be in your debt. Thank you.

District Lodge 776