Delegates to the 2013 Spring Illinois State Council of Machinists elected a strong new group of leaders at their recent meeting in Springfield, IL.

State Representative Larry Walsh, Jr. has be elected to serve his first full term for the 86th Representative District of Illinois. Larry is also a member of IAM Local 851 and IAM District 8.

Illinois Machinists Union member Matthew Chaddick of Local 49, District 8 successfully completed his Patternmakers Apprenticeship graduating from the five year program.

The Iowa State Council of Machinists met recently in Des Moines, IA for their Spring business meeting and elections.

IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Philip J. Gruber swore in the new leadership at the meeting. The new new officers and executive board members are (from left to right in the photo above) ADBR John Herrig, John Dawson, Karen Meurer, BR Gary Papenheim, Doug Cook, BR Randy Krewson, Chris Tucker, and BR Jerry Nowadzky. Scott Lang and Rick McKim were also elected, but do not appear in the photo.

Our members celebrated the many years of hard work and dedication by Directing Business Representative Joe Ironside who stepped down as State Council President and announced his retirement at the meeting.

IAM members in Iowa set the standard for "Sponsoring Membership" in the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) in the Midwest each year. This year was no exception.

Keith Flynn, who is a union steward, mechanic, and a long time IAM Local 701 member at the United Parcel Service Chicago ternimal, won the 2016 Grand Lodge Convention Snap-On Tool box raffle.

(from left to right: GVP Philip J. Gruber, GLR Steve Nickel,
Keith Flynn, Local 701 ADBR Armando Arreola)

"I can't believe it's me," said Flynn who was received the tool box in a surprise presentation by IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Philip J. Gruber at the April 3, 2013 Local 701 Union meeting.

Local 701 Directing Business Representative Sam Cicinelli said, "Flynn was excited and extremely pleased to hold the winning ticket for the tool box. Keith is a true trade unionist. The tool box couldn't have gone to a better person."

The winning ticket was drawn at the IAM MNPL Planning Meeting held in San Antonio, TX.

The Snap-On tool box was made by IAM Local 1045 members at the Algona, IA facility.

The fundraising proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets for the tool box will be used to defray the cost of the IAM 2016 Convention in Chicago, IL.

Dan Murphy, a 21 year member of IAM Local 737, mechanic and union steward, won 1st place in the open division custom class at the Donnie Smith Bike Show & Parts Extravaganza held on March 23th and March 24th, 2013 at the prestigious St. Paul, MN RiverCentre. The Donnie Smith show is touted as the largest in Minnesota and the Midwest.

Dan Murphy and his winning custom motorcycle

"It was a lot of hard work and it really paid off. With all the nice bikes at the show I was really suprised and pleased to win first place in my class," said Murphy

Murphy, who works as a truck mechanic at Cemstone which is a redi-mix company, built the 128 horsepower chopper from the ground up. He did all the metal work, body work, frame modifications, added a springer front end, made some modifications to the motor and set up the finished custom motorcyle with display at the show.

Representatives of the Machinists Union in Illinois met with Governor Pat Quinn recently to discuss issues import to Machinists Union members and organizied labor. The Governor, who has always supported the Machinists Union, was concerned about collective bargaining rights, airline mergers and the general well being of the the Machinists in the state of Illinois.

(from left to right: Ed Manhart - Midwest Territory ER, Marty St. Peters -
Midwest Territory SR, Local 126 DBR Joe Pijanowski, Governor Pat Quinn
Dave Weaver - IL St. Cncl. PR, Tim Young - IL St. Cncl PAC Chairman

Governor Quinn expressed his continued support for the Machinists Union and thanked all our members for their hard work and dedication.

The Missouri State Council of Machinists held their 19th annual fundraiser Buddy Bass Tournament on Lake of Ozarks on Saturday, April 20, 2013. There were thirty two teams of two fisherman vieing for the five top cash prizes.

The tournament winners are pictured above

The largest fish of the day weighed 6 pounds 3 ounces and took home top cash prize.  

The tournament started at 6:30 a.m. and prizes were awarded at 4 p.m. Contestants and guests enjoyed good company, a cook out and refreshments on a wonderful Spring day.

All proceeds from the event are used to support and promote issues important to Machinists Union members in Missouri.

GVP Philip J. Gruber and the tournament staff

This week Trane Company celebrated its 100th anniversary and along with IAM Local 21 and IAM Local 1115 of IAM District 66 signed a new High Performance Work Organization agreement in La Crosse, WI.

(front left - Martin Gaul, DBR IAM District  66, R. Thomas Buffenbarger, International  President IAMAW
Keith Sultana, Vice President Global Integrated Supply Chain Climate Solutions-Ingersoll Rand,
Bradley Tacheny, General Manager Climate Solutions La Crosse, WI USA Manufacturing Operations,
back left - Rich Hauser Lodge 21 Shop Chairman, Scott Seibert Human Resources Manager
Climate Solutions La Crosse WI Ingersoll Rand, Dennis Leis Lodge 1115 Shop Chairman)

IAM International President R. Thomas Buffenbarger who attended the events said, "We have shared the good times and we've endured the bad times." Buffenbarger envisioned a strong "future between the union and the company."

International President Buffenbarger toured the Trane facilities, met IAM members there, participated in the signing ceremony and attended the 100th Anniversary celebration as a guest speaker.

IAM District 66 has two locals at Trane in La Crosse, WI. Local Lodge 21 members work in production and maintenance. Local Lodge 1115 members are tool and die makers.

IAM District 66 Directing Business Representative Martin Gaul proudly said, "I would give full credit to Rich Hauser, Shop Chair of Local Lodge 21, Mike Osley, Past President of Local Lodge 21, and Rod Perry, Committeeman of Local Lodge 1115 Toolroom all of whom were on the HPWO steering committee. They were instrumental in reaching the HPWO agreement that was signed by the Union and Company."

The HPWO program is currently working on a trial basis in a portion of the facility with the parties working out the possibilities for a wider implementation in the other La Crosse plants.

IAM and Trane representatives sign the HPWO agreement

1st row; IAM Midwest Territory SR Rick Mickschl, IAM IP R. Thomas Buffenbarger
IAM District 66 DBR Marty Gaul, Rich Hauser (LL 21 Shop Chairman)
Rod Perry (LL 1115 Shop Committee), Brad King (LL 21 President),
2nd row; Tony Diersen (LL 21 Shop Committee), John Davis (LL21 Shop Committee)
Dennis Leis (LL 1115 Shop Chair), 3rd row; Mike Olsey (outgoing LL 21 President [retiring])
Steve Jacobson (LL 21 Shop Committee), Don Kennedy (IAM HPWO Director)

The IAM Midwest Territory will kick off the next raffle for the 2016 IAM Convention this week and it's a dandy! John Deere Horicon Works in Horicon, WI has agreed to let us raffle off a voucher worth $14,999 toward the purchase of a John Deere Gator / Utility Vehicle or Select Series / Signature Series Riding Lawn Equipment. The winner can use the voucher at a local John Deere dealer.

GVP Philip J. Gruber and Steve Johnson Factory Manager John Deere Horicon Works
along with the IAM members who run the Gator line at John Deere, the John Deere
management team, the IAM Local 873 leadership and IAM District 10 representatives

"We have a good working relationship with John Deere and have had for many years reaching back into the 1950s," said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Philip J. Gruber. "This raffle prize is another example of the win-win relationship we have with John Deere. We would like to thank IAM Local 873 President Brian Brath, John Deere Horicon Works Factory Manager Steve Johnson and our members of Local 873 for helping make this happen."

The Midwest Territory will be marketing a decked out John Deere Gator RSX850i Trail model for the next year. At the end of that year, the raffle ticket winner can go to a local John Deere dealer and pick out a Gator Trail, Sport, or Utiluty vehicle or John Deere riding lawn equipment with a new warranty. The equipment is union made in the U.S. by members of IAM Local 873.

Clarence E. Smith received his Sixty year certificate and pin last night at the June Local Lodge 48 meeting. Local Lodge 48 is affiliated with IAM District 8 in Burr Ridge, IL.

60 year IAM member Clarence E. Smith and DL 8 Business Representative Karl Sarpolis

Clarence began his involvement when the Machinists Union at the then National Biscuit Company, Chicago Lexington Street Bakery when the machinists broke away from the Bakery Workers Union and joined the IAM.

In 1952, Clarence transferred to the brand new Nabisco Bakery located on the South Side of Chicago at 73^rd & Kedzie. It was then and still remains the "World's Largest Bakery". There "Smitty" became a committeeman and later held the Shop Chairperson position for many years. Brother Smith also held positions on the Local Lodge 48 Executive Board and was elected President of the Lodge.

Clarence retired in the fall of 1989 and still enjoys his wood working hobby and along with his wife Barb remains active helping those not as fortunate.

After retirement Clarence passed on the position of President to a working member as he is a firm believer of having younger members getting involved in the Union. Clarence regularly attends Local Lodge meetings and more often than not brings along items he creates with his woodworking skills to be raffled off.

Clarence "Smitty" Smith is a true trade unionist and we offer him our heart-felt congratulations of being a sixty year IAM member.

Charles (Charlie) Russ loves his Union almost as much as he loves his wife of 63 years. He attends every Local 737 meeting and sells the MNPL 50/50 raffle tickets. He is also an Auditor. He is proud to be a member of the IAM and Local 737.

Charlie and Lorraine Russ

Charlie grew up in the small town of Deer Creek, MN and met his future wife at a roller rink. He has been married to Lorraine for 63 years.

Charlie entered the Army in 1944, he missed being shipped over to the Battle of the Bulge with his unit due to the death of his father.

After working in the Deer Creek, Wadena area they came to the Twin Cities. Charlie  joined the IAM in 1952 when he started working as a sand blaster then painter at Fruehauf Trailer in St. Paul.

In 1967 he went to work at Rihm Kenworth also in St. Paul and continued his career as a painter until he retired in 1988.

He and Lorraine walk every day and stay active.

IAM Local Lodge 737, District 77 in Vadnais Heights, MN celebrated their 60th Anniversary this past week.

IAM Midwest Territory Chief of Staff Rod Hoffman presents the
60th anniversary plaque to the President of Local Lodge 737 Chuck O'Keefe.

IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Philip J. Gruber praised the lodge and membership saying, "We sincerely appreciate the 60 years of hard work and dedication of our members of Twin Cities Automotive Lodge 737. They are true trade unionists."

Bobby Kasper from the St. Paul Regional Labor Federation welcomed those in attendance.

Josh Straka, District Director for CD4 Congresswoman Betty McCollum also brought best wishes and thanks to Local 737.

There are people who say it's difficult to get people to join a union in a Right-to-Work-for-Less state. However, don't tell that to the IAM District 5, Local 2525 organizing team working at the Case New Holland tractor plant in Fargo, ND.

On July 10, 2013, using the time to talk to new hires allowed by their IAM contract, the Union organizing team spent time talking to new hires about the benefits of union membership.

Following those conversations, 55 of the 64 new hires joined the Union

This is a significant achievement and a great effort by the IAM District 5, Local 2525 organizing team.

A true trade unionist was lost late in June when James M. Bagwell age 79 from Florissant, MO passed away. Bagwell was a 61 year member of the IAM.

“Jim Bagwell will be remembered as an outstanding labor leader and friend to all workers,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Philip J. Gruber.

Jim was elected as Directing Business Representative of IAM District 9 in Bridgeton, MO and served on the prestigious IAM Law Committee. He was chairman of that committee at the 1992 IAM Grand Lodge Convention.

Jim became a full time organizer at District 9 in 1967, rose to the position of Business Representative and then was promoted to Assistant Director in 1985.

Bagwell began his career at Chrome Craft in St. Louis, MO where he rose through the leadership ranks.

Jim Bagwell served in many other union positions and offices over the years. He was a delegate to IAM District 9 and a District 9 Executive Board member, was a delegate to the Illinois State Council of Machinists, Vice President of the Missouri State Council of Machinists and Midwest States Conference of Machinists. In addition, Bagwell was a Trustee and member of the Constitution Committee for the Greater St. Louis Labor Council. He was also a Missouri State AFL-CIO Executive Board member.

IAM District 10, Local 1947 members in Fond du lac, WI won an $850,000 back settlement recently. Our members were made whole on their Mercury Marine payroll checks dated June 28, 2013.

(Left to Right: GVP Philip J. Gruber, BR Don Griffin, and DBR Russ Krings)

After a long bitter contract negotiations at Mercury Marine in 2009, the Company decided to change the “paid lunch” language eligibility requirements. Leaving them with sole discretion on who to pay for lunch break and eliminating a 40 year old past practice.

In early 2010, The Union filed several grievances claiming the Company had violated a past practice on how this practice had been applied.

On July 16, 2012 the Union’s grievance went before an arbitrator. The arbitrator ruled in favor of the Union. His ruling was that the Company violated the contract when it ignored a long standing and well established past practice which clearly defined the interpretation and intent of the “Paid lunch “ contract language.

IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Philip J. Gruber proudly said, "A special thanks goes out to the Union Coordinator, Plant Chairmen, Negotiators, Stewards and the Local Lodge Officers who fought long and hard representing our members rights and entitlements under the Collective Bargaining Agreement. We sincerely appreciate the hard work and dedication of Directing Business Represenatative Russ Krings and Business Represenative Don Griffin. Another job well done by all".

The 2013 Spirit of the Midwest "Rides for Guides" events set a new record for fundraising by IAM Midwest Territory Districts and Locals through donations and pledges gathered by participants.

In a year when IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Philip J. Gruber will received the "Gift of Sight" award from Guide Dogs of America, the IAM Midwest Territory fundraising efforts have now topped $200,000 in just five years.

"We would like to thank all the IAM Districts and Locals in the Midwest for stepping up to the plate and making this happen. Special thanks goes out to IAM District 9 and IAM District 10 for hosting the events this year," said IAM Midwest Territory GVP Philip J. Gruber.

The Classic Car and Motorcycle show was held at IAM District 9 in Bridgeton, MO. The show drew the second highest number of cars and motorcycles to date.

Photo from above the Classic Auto and Motorcylce Show in Bridgeton, MO

Good weather and good company made the event a lot of fun for all. In addition, to the Car Show and Motorcycle show, there was a Zumbathon held to help fundraise as well.

Participants enjoyed music, food, refreshments, train rides from CN Railroaders, and a great social atmosphere. The Pattonville Fire District helped us proudly display the American flag from the top of their ladder truck again this year.

Trophies, certificates and dash plaques were awarded to division winners.

The poker run started at IAM District 10 in Milwaukee, WI. The event drew the largest number of motorcycles riders and participants to date.

Motorcycles rolling through scenic rural Wisconsin

Riders went west of Milwaukee to Waukesha and through the Kettle Moraine area south and north of I-94. The north end stop was at IAM Local 873 in Horicon, WI where everyone enjoyed the food and beverages Local 873 provided.

The ride returned through the Kettle Moraine area to Milwaukee where the riders went to the Harley Davidson museum downtown. The Previant Law Firm donated the tickets for the museum tour.

Following the tour riders returned for supper provided by IAM District 10 in Milwaukee where awards were presented.

CLASSIC CAR SHOW & MOTORCYCLE SHOW PHOTOS

CLICK HERE - TO VIEW OR SAVE PHOTOS FROM THE BRIDGETON, MO CLASSIC CAR & MOTORCYCLE SHOW - FUNDRAISER FOR GUIDE DOGS OF AMERICA

CLICK HERE - TO VIEW A SLIDESHOW OF PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT

MOTORCYCLE POKER RUN PHOTOS

CLICK HERE - TO VIEW OR SAVE PHOTOS FROM THE MILWAUKEE, WI MOTORCYCLE POKER RUN - FUNDRAISER FOR GUIDE DOGS OF AMERICA

CLICK HERE - TO VIEW A SLIDESHOW OF PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT

Ruth Waddell was honored recently as a "History Maker" and human rights activist by the McLean County Museum of History in Bloomington, IL. Ruth is a retired member of IAM Local 1000.

Ruth Waddell and IAM District 8 Business Representative Ron Stanley

"Ruth's story is one of triumph over racial discrimination. We are very proud of Ruth. She truely is a "History Maker" as a human rights activist in the Midwest," said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Philip J. Gruber. "In a year when we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington, there could have been no better honoree than Ruth Waddell."

When General Electric came to Bloomington, Ruth took an employment test and was hired, though she waited in vain for a call to report to work. In 1954 she confronted the employer.

“They always had an excuse,” she recalled. “I sat down and said, ‘Either put me to work or I’m going to sit here until you do.’” Needless to say, she became what’s believed to be the first African-American woman to achieve full-time factory work in McLean County.

Her husband also found employment at the GE plant, and the two of them played an instrumental role in integrating International Association of Machinists Lodge 1000, which represented GE’s blue collar workforce. Oscar, who retired from GE in 1982, passed away in 1990, while Ruth retired in 1989.

They were both active in the Bloomington-Normal Black History project, and Ruth received the City of Bloomington’s Human Relations Award in 2000.

James Nauert arbitrated over 130 cases, negotiated hundreds of contracts, handled thousands of grievances and enjoyed 25 organizing victories in his years of service as an IAM Business Representative. Jim represented our members of IAM Local 822 in Quincy, IL

(left to right) DL 9 BR Ross Miller, DL 9 DBR Tony Rippeto, Retired BR Jim Nauert
LL 882 PR Steve Schutte and DL 9 ADBR Mark Conner

IAM District 9 and Local 822 joined together recently to honor brother Nauert by naming a new meeting room in his name at the Local 822 hall.

Jim began his career in 1953 at Gardner Denvere in Quincy, IL. He moved up through the ranks serving as union steward and later as committeeman. In April 1967 he became a Business Represtative and then after a long distinguished career he retired in March of 1994.

Jim became known as a no-nonsense straight talking Business Representative. Jim's motto was, "Tell them the truth. They many not like it, but they will respect you in the end."

Nebraska Machinists Union retiree Ron Milke recently received his 50 year IAM verterans pin at the Nebraska State Council of Machinists held in Grand Island, NE. Ron served in many IAM leadership postions and was very involved in politics through the State Council.

(from left to right: IAM DL 6 DBR John Herrig, Ron Milke, LL 1569 President Dan Janak)

Milke is a member of IAM Local 1569 and a former member of IAM Local 543. Milke continues to serve as the Secretary-Treasurer of the State Council of Machinsits. He served as a delegate-at-large to the Nebraska State AFL-CIO, was an Executive Board member of the Midwest States Council of Machinists and an Executive Board member of his District Lodge. At his Local Lodge, he served as Shop Steward, Shop Committee Chairman, Recording Secretary and was on the Negotiating Committee.

IAM District 6 Directing Business Representative John Herrig praised Milke saying, "Ron is a good friend of labor and a true trade unionist."