As we
enter this new year, I am sure that we all have hopes for
a better outlook for our industry and for our members. This
has certainly been the toughest couple of years that most of us
have ever had to endure. Thousands of our brothers and sisters
are on layoff. We experienced very bitter negotiations with
our biggest employer -- Boeing. Layoffs are imminent at
Hanford and there is uncertainty at Alcoa in Wenatchee.
But even in these tumultuous times, I still see the unity and support across the state from our membership that has always defined our Union. While attending the 50th anniversary of our Union at Alcoa, I sensed and saw first hand, the deep pride our members in Local 1123 have in our Union. We had retirees from the past five decades attend this event and exchange stories from our Union's past. Working at Hanford we see Union members from Local 1951 training fellow Union members at the Volpentest/Hammer Training Facility. In Seattle, over 80 members from District 751 recently attended the Martin Luther King Rally and March. Our members logged in thousands of volunteer hours in our communities -- from Tri-Cities to Everett. These are just a few of the positive examples that even in the toughest of times, we stick together and we help each other.
Thanks to all the members in Spokane who supported the Union during the Boeing negotiations last summer - all the while knowing that their plant was up for sale. Thanks to all the members who supported the Spokane Membership while we negotiated a new contract with the buyer --Triumph. Considering the circumstances, negotiate or close the plant-- I believe that we got a deal we can live with. Besides maintaining nearly 300 jobs, our members will enjoy a better retirement, better seniority protection, and many of the same benefits they had under the Boeing agreement. First and foremost, they now have an employer who is committed to the area and focused on growing the business. While the process was very tense for our brothers and sisters in Spokane, they were very supportive and appreciative of the Union Leadership. I was proud to meet with Spokane members and families at our informational meetings and very proud of the way they handled all the pressures associated with this deal. We all look for growth in the Spokane area and return to work for our laid off Spokane Members.
We are currently raising funds for the Guide Dogs of America. This IAM-Sponsored charity has given guide dog assistance to blind citizens for more than 50 years. Last year we raised enough money to fully train three guide dogs and blind recipients. To take away the darkness for a blind person is something we can all be proud of. Our Union Stewards are currently circulating payroll deduction cards, and you can help by donating just $1 per month. I sure hope you will consider helping.
We will also be helping the Employees Community Fund this year. With all the layoffs in our industry and others, there are many more needy people and families than in the past. Our community needs us. If you are interested in becoming a booster for this year's drive -- we need your help. I know many of our members are already giving, and that is great. If not, consider joining. It's Union members helping people and our community.
This will once again be a very busy year. We have big issues in Olympia -- issues that can help or hurt working families. Our lobbyist is there for the entire session, and we will need your help to contact your legislators to make sure they are on the right side of our issues. Jobs are, and always will be, our top priority. We are committed to do whatever it takes to get our members back to work. Whether you work at Hanford, Alcoa, GKN, Boeing, or any of our shops, EVERYONE'S job is important. Check out the legislative insert in this edition to get your legislator's number and email address. By being vocal on our issues, we will hold elected officials accountable to the workers of this state.