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ABOUT

Labor Union in the south

WHO ARE WE? 

The IAM was founded in Atlanta Georgia May 5th 1888, by a group of railroad workers. Since then we have become one of the most diverse unions in America. Our union has helped lead the fight in every major workers issue in the last 150 years. These fights include the eight hour day, overtime, weekends and the fight for equal pay for everyone no matter their race or gender. With nearly 700,000 active and retired members, the IAM is one of the largest and most diverse labor unions in North America. We represent workers at Boeing, United Airlines, Amentum, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Harley-Davidson. You will find IAM members across all walks of life. IAM members demand respect and dignity in the workplace. Together, we have been able to bargain for increased job security, higher wages and improved benefits. Although our organization was founded as a railroad union, we now represent thousands of workers in HEALTHCARE, the WOOD, PULP AND PAPER industry, AEROSPACE, SERVICE CONTRACT EMPLOYEES and GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.

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OUR MISSION

We believe it is a natural right of working people to enjoy to the full extent the wealth created by their labor.

We believe that given the state of work in our current world, people must unite to obtain the full reward of their labor.

We believe that working people should exercise their rights cooperatively and economically for the benefit of all people.

Therefore, we, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), pledge ourselves to work for our Members to continue to preserve and grow the IAM on the basis of solidarity and justice, and to strive for a higher standard of living for people who work.

WHY UNION?

For 130 years, the Machinists Union has fought for workers’ rights and benefits.

Pensions, medical insurance, paid vacation, holidays, personal holidays, sick pay, shift differential, etc., are generally not only better in a union shop, many of these don’t even exist without a union contract.

Why the Machinists Union? There is strength in unity – and the Machinists Union provides workers with a powerful, collective voice to communicate to management.

Regardless of your specific needs, the union is here to help. Union members:

  • Earn wages, on average, 26 percent higher than non-union workers.

  • 89 percent of union workers participate in a defined benefit program while 46 percent of nonunion workers participate in a defined benefit plan.

  • Are more likely to have employer-provided health insurance benefits.

  • Have greater access to apprenticeships and training opportunities.

Respect on the Job

A union contract puts rules in place that allow you to do your job without fear of retaliation or unjust treatment. If you feel those rules have been broken, you have the legal right to appeal through a grievance procedure. Everyone is treated with respect. Not just management’s favorites.

Voice in the Workplace

A union provides you the opportunity to sit down with management and negotiate over the issues that matter to you. Things like raises, medical benefits, vacation time and other work rules will be determined through your negotiations with your employer.

Strength & Security

There’s strength in numbers. By joining together in a union, managers will no longer be able to make the rules up as they go. A union job means the guarantee of a contract that establishes wages, hours and terms and conditions of work.

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