United
We Stand -- this slogan has brought together millions of Americans
in the wake of September 11th. We, as a Union, have always
subscribed to this slogan. Accordingly, unity has been the
foundation of our success at the bargaining table - in the areas
of wages, benefits, and working conditions at Boeing and other
contracts that we negotiate for Machinist Union members.
Never before have these words been so important. Simple words do not by themselves make successful bargaining. Actions speak so much louder than words. When we unify on the issues, stand and participate in solidarity at a rally, on the shop floor, at the strike sanction vote, or at the door of Boeing, we are unbeatable.
A unified membership gives ultimate strength to the Union negotiating team. United We Stand. We have no place for division. I feel that this negotiating team is one of the finest ever. We will need your support throughout this process. And I guarantee that you will get the support of this bargaining committee at the table. We have major issues.
Job Security -- this Boeing Company is running away with OUR jobs. The Company is giving away OUR jobs in addition to technologies that were paid for by American tax dollars. This action is depriving the current and the next generation of Americans the opportunity to work in a high-skilled and high-paid industrial manufacturing workplace.
We know well the intent of our job security language in the last negotiations. Unfortunately, the Company has not lived up to their commitments. We will enter arbitration on March 11. As I have said before -- in 1999 we negotiated a voice in offload and subcontracting decisions, and we are not about to give up that voice. We are optimistic that the arbiter will make the correct decision and bring jobs back to our bargaining unit.
Retirement -- The benefits for our members under the Boeing Pension Plan are grossly inadequate. This is not a news flash. The Plan is over funded and that money belongs to us, the participants. Your Union is determined to significantly increase the benefits for our members under this Plan. Significantly increasing benefits under the Boeing Plan is our primary focus in the area of retirement. We will be successful.
As you are aware, we are also looking at a supplemental plan -- the IAM National Pension Fund -- in addition to the Boeing Plan. Our members deserve to be able to retire with dignity and with your support throughout this year we will make it happen.
Health Care -- Always a very important part of the collective bargaining agreement, and imperative for the well being of our members and their families. This Union is resolute in our intentions of protecting and enhancing our benefits.
I realize that there are many other issues that are important to our members. I appreciate your support in filling out the surveys. They are critical, because as you know, the Negotiating Team speaks for the membership. The survey is your voice.
The Union subcommittees have been meeting and are formulating our proposals. The Union Main Table Negotiators (Overall Aerospace Coordinator Dick Schneider, myself, and the DBR's from Wichita and Portland) have begun preliminary meetings with the Company and will continue to meet. Business Representatives will be meeting with crews throughout the year to explain issues and get feedback.
Communication will be key. We are going to be successful in this contract year because of the solidarity, commitment and absolute strength of our membership. Yet we are not alone in our efforts. Other unions at Boeing stand with us, as well as citizens in the surrounding community and political leaders. United WE Stand.