Protest Ritch Workman's attack on FRS

Ritch Workman's FRS "reform" bill HB 1405 is just the latest in a series of attacks on Florida state workers. His bill will add even more burden to public employees already straining under rising health care costs, pay freezes and furlough days.

This Friday, April 1st the AFL/CIO needs you to come out and

Protest Ritch Workman's attack on FRS.

Show Ritch Workman we care about our state employees and we won't stand by while Republicans in Tallahassee use them as a scape goat for their irresponsible budgeting!

WHEN:
Friday, April 1, 2011 5PM

WHERE:
Ritch Workman's District Office

33 Suntree Place
Melbourne, FL 32940-7602

CONTACT:
Space Coast AFL/CIO President
Claudie Pouncey
office(321)631-0110
fax (321)631-0103
spacecoastaflcio@bellsouth.net

Triangle Shirtwaist Fire 100 Years Later.

Rally Venue

Today's public sector rally is at the Wickham Pavilion. The pavilion can be accessed off of Wickham Road immediately south of the BCC Melbourne campus. Rally begins at 1 P.M.

Volunteers Needed/ Rally for Public Sector Employees

Rally for Public Sector Employees

Sunday, March 20

Wickham Park, Melbourne

1:00 P.M.

Volunteers needed to assist in setting up prior to the rally and help in cleaning up post rally.

Call Lew (321 446-7092) if you're interested in helping our Brothers and Sisters employed by the state, county and local cities.

Florida's governor and state legislator have declared war on the state's employees and the organizations that represent them. Let's show Tallahassee that we value our employees and will not sit idly by while they are stripped of collective bargaining rights, pensions and other benefits.

Let's show them Machinists care.

This Is What Democracy Looks Like

The day after Scott Walker's ceremonial signing of a bill stripping collective bargaining rights from Wisconsin's public employees, tens of thousands of protestors once again filled the Capitol Square Saturday. "Kill the bill" was no longer heard, but a new chant rose to take its place: "What's the word? Kloppenburg!"

Although they lost a battle in the legislature, pro-union protestors have pledged to win the middle class war. Their newest slogans centered around this goal, urging protesters to recall the eight eligible Senate Republicans, and to vote JoAnne Kloppenburg to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

To that end, clipboard-wielding activists commandeered a Carroll Street bus shelter, urging protestors parading past to sign (if they hadn't already) their senator's recall petition. "Vote for Kloppenburg" signs suddenly became a ubiquitous fixture of the protest landscape.

Overall, the rally looked to be the biggest yet, with Madison police estimating a crowd size of 85,000-100,000.

www.thedailypage.com

Thunderous Sound.......The Death Of Democracy

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Awake The State Rally Results

300+ people showed up at the Awake The State rally this afternoon. LL2061 had a strong showing at the rally along with several other local unions. The message was strong and clear, stop attacking workers or pay the price come election day.

There is going to be a follow-up rally on Sunday March 20th, 2011 at Wickham Park in Melbourne. Rally start time will be 1PM but we will meet up prior to rally start.More information for the 20th will be posted in coming days.

For those who attended the rally today, THANKS for coming and if you missed the texting information it is as follows:

Text to 407-710-7258 message BRE (all caps).

Also, don't forget Daylight Savings Time starts on March 13th. Remember to reset your clocks and change the timers on your lawn sprinklers.

AWAKE THE STATE

Machinists will assemble in the south parking lot of Moore Justice Center (Viera Branch Courthouse) at 4:30 p.m. We will march across the street to school district headquarters with out Local banner. Let's support Florida's public sector workers with a good showing.

Brevard Awake The State Rally March 8th 2011

Awake The State is a series of local rallies taking place throughout Florida on March 8th opposing budget cuts Floridians simply can't afford.

Awake The State Website

Brevard's "Awake The State" event will be held Tuesday, March 8th to coincide with the opening of the Florida Legislative Session @ the School Board Headquaters, located at 2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940.

We will gather together at 4:30pm with the Rally and Speakers beginning at 5:00pm. Invited Speakers include Teachers, City Council Members, Mayors, Union Leaders and Members, Parents, Disability Advocates, Elderly Advocates, and ALL of those members of the Affected Communities!

Please remember that this is an event to wake up our STATE Legislators so that they will do the PEOPLE'S work in Tallahassee this session. We are asking everyone to make their protest signs relevant to what is being affected by the actions of those creating the laws in Tallahassee! It's time for US to let our Legislators know, once and for all, that WE are the ULTIMATE Bosses and WE WILL "AWAKE THE STATE"!

Event Location

Brevard County Public Schools
2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, FL 32940

Please attend the event with your family and friends as we need a loud voice to be heard!

Regular Membership Meeting, Secretary Treasurer Nominations March 1st 2011

Regular membership meeting Tuesday March 1st 2011 at the District Hall. During the meeting, nominations will be held for the Secretary Treasurer, that represents LL2061.

Meeting starts at 4:30PM with a stewards meeting to be held directly after the regular membership meeting.

Address:
271 Taylor Avenue
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920-3025

Secretary Treasurer Election

Nominations for the office of Secretary Treasurer for LL 2061 were noticed and conducted at the February 1st membership meeting. After reviewing the IAM&AW Constitution, I determined the process followed was not in accordance with the prescribed timeline contained in the Constitution. Consequently, I have ruled the February nominations null and void. Nominations will now be held during the March 1st meeting with the election scheduled for May 3rd. Members will be notified by USPS mailing of the new timeline accompanied by a request for an absentee ballot for those members who qualify. Please, carefully read the qualifications for voting by absentee ballot to make certain you qualify. Also, note the deadline for return of the request.

I regret any inconvenience incurred by prospective candidates and the membership as a result of this decision. I urge all Local Lodge 2061 members to vote in this critical election.

Lew Jamieson, President

IAM&AW LL 2061

Brevard Workforce Aerospace Workforce Transition Program

You MUST register for the AWT program prior to lay-off (forced or self-nominated) in order to receive services from the AWT!

The Aerospace Workforce Transition Program provides programs and services to help aerospace workers transition smoothly from Space Shuttle/Constellation jobs to new employment both inside and outside of aerospace. Our mission is to help workers begin now to make a plan for their post-shuttle career by providing skills assessment, resume support, workshops, educational resources, career planning, training and support resources.

www.launchnewcareers.com/

As instructions on Brevard Workforce's website, you must ALSO register with:

http://www.employflorida.com/

If you are having trouble using either websites to register or need hands-on assistance for any reason, call 321-394-0556. They will be happy to assist you in registering or with questions concerning AWT programs.

Brevard Workforce also has a mobile van where you can go for assistance. Here is the schedule for February:

Brevard Workforce Express

February Schedule

Feb 2: Special Event No Public Access
Feb 3: 9am-3:30pm NSLD
Feb 9: 8am-3:30pm Logistics
Feb 10: 8am-3:30pm OPF
Feb 16: 9am-3:30pm NSLD
Feb 17: 8am-3:30pm USA- Titusville
Feb 23: 8am-3:30pm Logistics
Feb 24: 8am-3:30pm OPF

They also have several offices in Brevard County and at locations onsite at KSC(By appointment NASA Headquarters Building Room 1474).

Remember, visits to AWT offices or mobile locations are on the employees own personal time. This also includes registering online, which must also be done on the employees own personal time.

Don't sit idle on the sideline thinking you will not need services, be proactive in protecting your own future. Brevard Workforce's AWT program can only help you if you seek help before lay-off. With the end of the Shuttle program, none of us should feel our job(s) are secure. Assume you need assistance and REGISTER now.

Brevard Workforce Resume & Interviewing Help Class

Brevard Workforce Flyer

Brevard Workforce is having a class on February 2nd in Titusville to help you hone your resume and interviewing skills. Seating is limited and registration is required to attend the event. The attached link has the information required to contact Brevard Workforce to register for the event.

I.A.M NATIONAL 401(K) PLAN USA Participants

This post concerns only members who signed up for the optional I.A.M. National 401(k) plan , not the standard USA/Vanguard 401(k) plan.

As per the collective barganing agreement, USA has terminated participation in our optional I.A.M National 401(k) plan. Currently, Prudential Retirement is the plan administrator. You may contact them at 1-877-778-2100 reguarding your account.

At this time Prudential is still showing the accounts as active as they have not been updated on the status of USA's servicing termination. Information I received via phone by customer service, was that as long as I am employed by USA, the money cannot be rolled or cashed out. The agent informed me when the status changed from "Active-Eligible for Ctbs" to "terminated" I could then move the funds. They also did not know if or when the status will change since USA has not notified them of any changes in plan participation. If you are a participant in the optional 401(k) plan be sure Prudential has your current address and contact information, which you can update on their website.

www.retirement.prudential.com

Future updates will be posted here on the blog as the information becomes available.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

A local family has been chosen to receive a new house via Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC Network). They are looking for skilled volunteers to help build the house.

http://www.extrememakeoverspacecoast.com/get-involved/

In order for the build to be a success we need a few things: time, heart, and supplies. This is a community effort, and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and LifeStyle Homes know that we can’t do this without the great people of the Space Coast. There are many ways to get involved with this project, just look below.

Our Local is full of members with the exact skills they are looking for and this is a nice way to give back to our community by volunteering to help. In the link above there is a sign-up form for skilled and unskilled workers to sign up to help. The shifts appear to be 6 hours long with multiple start times and days to conform to most every schedule.

Financial Secretary Murray Hill Resigns

Brother Murray Hill, longtime Local Lodge 2061 Financial Secretary has submitted his resignation effective January 1, 2011. Murray has accepted a position with the IAM&AW as a Grand Lodge Auditor responsible for Locals and Districts in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Murray's departure leaves a large void in the Local. For years, Murray has been the heart beat of this organization, attending to local business while often times assuming responsibility for numerous other duties. Murray has set the standard for IAM&AW F/S's and it will be difficult to replace him in the near term.

The Local By-Laws state in event of a vacancy in office, the President may appoint a replacement until such time as an election can be held - typically not to exceed three (3) months. Consequently I will make that appointment in the near future. Per the By-Laws, the election will be duly noticed at the January 4th membership meeting followed by nominations at the February 1st meeting with an election, if required, March 1st. If you are interested in being considered for the appointment, please contact me (321 446-7092).

In closing, I wish to thank Murray for his service, unselfish commitment and friendship. Your wisdom and advice will be sorely missed, Brother. We all wish you well in your new career.

Lew

Regular Membership Meeting Tuesday December 7th

Monthly Membership Meeting for LL2061. Meeting starts at 4:30PM for members, with a Steward meeting directly after the membership meeting ends.
When Tue Dec 7 4:30pm
Where 271 Taylor Ave. Cape Canaveral, FL 32920

Last Financial Seminar

The final in a series of financial seminars will be held Monday afternoon beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the IAM Hall, 271 Taylor Avenue, Cape Canaveral.

Financial Seminar Cancelled

The financial seminar scheduled for this afternoon has been cancelled. See you on December 6th.

Financial Seminar

Monday, November 28

4:30 p.m.

IAM&AW Hall

271 Taylor Avenue, Cape Canaveral

Open to ALL Brevard IAM members

Representatives from VALIC Financial Services

Financial Seminars Opportunity

Representatives of VALIC Financial Services will be at the hall Monday afternoon beginning at 4:30 p.m. VALIC is experienced in dealing with Union members and presently advises ten of thousands of members on their financial needs. The VALIC team includes Linda Higgins, daughter of Doug Higgins of the ISC Carpenter shop. The team offers valuable advice on pension planning, 401K rules and taxation law. This is one of the final seminars to be offered to our membership.

Final Financial Seminar

The third and final seminar presented by associates of Raymond James will be Monday, October 18th beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the hall in Cape Canaveral. Learn how you can maximize your pension disbursement and 401K investments at no cost to you.

Financial Seminar-Monday

Representatives from the Massey-Romans Wealth Management Team of Raymond James and Associates will present an informational seminar Monday, October 11th beginning at 4:30 pm at the IAM Hall in Cape Canaveral. Learn asset management of your 401K and ways to maximize your pension monies. The team will be scheduling home visits to review your present financial situation and advise how to set a course for a secure financial future. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity. Questions? Call Lew 446-7092,

Regular Membership Meeting October 5th 2010

Regular Membership Meeting at the District Hall, Tuesday October 5th 2010.
Meeting starts at 4:30PM.

Joe Lucas Passes Away

Brother Joe Lucas passed away Saturday evening. Services for Joe will be held Wednesday, September 29th at Grace United Methodist Church of Merritt Island, 65 Needle Boulevard. Viewing from 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm with services beginning at 3:30. There will be a Celebration of Life BBQ at Kiwanis Park on Kiwanis Island beginning at 5:00 pm. Our prayers go out to Donna and the family.

Volunteers Needed

We need members who are willing to travel to Tampa this Saturday. We are rallying to support IAM&AW members at MacDill Air Force Base. The company is attempting to strip seniority from a custodial group the IAM represents at the base. The District will provide transportation to the rally. Call Lew (321 446-7092) or Johnny Walker (321 783-2431) if you're willing to support our sisters and brothers in Tampa.

Space Coast AFL-CIO Labor 2010

Phone Banking

Every Tuesday and Thursday

4:30 - 7:00 PM

Space Coast AFL-CIO Office

1122 Lake Drive, Cocoa

Door to Door Walk for Endorsed Candidates

Saturday, September 25th

10:30 AM

830 N. Wickham Road Suite 9, Melbourne

We need members and family to volunteer time for candidates who have committed to helping working families.

Call 321 631-0110

USA Machinists Ratify Contract

IAM&AW Local Lodge 2061 members employed by United Space Alliance ratified a three year contract, Saturday.

Graves/Reid Family Benefit

Parking lot between the Catfish Cabin & Louis's Bar-B-Que Shack, Mims

Saturday, August 28th

8am to 2pm

Pulled Pork Sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, cole slaw, lemonade & sweet tea

Bake sale and Raffle

This family lost its' home and an 18 month old child in a fire

Contact: George Newman 321 863-9183

IAM / USA Contract Ratification Vote

Saturday, August 28th

Moose Lodge, Merritt Island

SR 3 near the Barge Canal

Start at 9:00 am

Please arrive early so we can be signed in and seated by 9:00

Google Map to Moose Lodge

IAM / USA Negotiations / Thursday

The Union and company met again today with discussion focusing on economic proposals. We have made no progress on those issues you told us were important to you. Barring some discovery of conscience by the company, the Union's committee does not anticipate any movement on the key issues. It's quite likely we will be voting on the most regressive, concessionary contract ever offered by any company in the history of KSC. Lest you think it's just Union members that this company is abandoning- be aware-this company is imposing these same unconscionable economics on all their employees. So much for loyalty.

Undoubtably, the issue that has aroused the most concern among our members is the termination of the pension plan. We have heard rumors ranging from payout of pennies on the dollar to no payout at all. We are told that our pension monies are reasonably protected. Payout will be determined by actuarial reviews done on the plan's benefit worth conducted by an independent firm. If necessary, the Union has the right to challenge those findings. It is our understanding that the annuity option typically results in benefits paid close to the level that would have been paid had the plan not terminated. The lump sum payout is less certain but we understand there is not a great loss with this option, either. There are no guarantees but this is the best estimation at this time.

The negotiating committee recognizes how difficult this period has been for our members. We assure you, we will endeavor to improve the company's final offer.

Negotiations Continue

The Union and company negotiating committees met again today and continued to work through economic proposals. There has been absolutely no movement from the company on the issues most important to our members. The company's proposals related to Retirement Plan termination, employee health care contributions, levels of health care coverage, sick leave policy, no raise in the first year and reduction of holidays remain unchanged. They have shown no willingness to bargain these proposals. Wednesday's adjournment left the two sides very far apart. We will meet again Thursday morning.

IAM / USA Negotiations

The parties met today, continuing discussion of economic proposals. We are still far apart on most significant issues. We will meet again tomorrow morning as we work toward the scheduled Friday conclusion.

Bob Hibdon Passes Away

Brother Bob Hibdon, long time member of Local Lodge 2061 passed away today. Bob was a Machinist in the LES prior to his retirement. Our prayers are with Jimmy and all the Hibdon family.

IAM / USA Exchange Economic Proposals

The Union and company exchanged economic proposals today. Your negotiating committee submitted a wide-ranging package which we felt was a basis to begin reasonable discussion and best reflected the needs you had expressed in the contract surveys. The company responded with the most regressive, concessionary contract proposal ever in this Union's history at KSC. We felt you should have some idea of what was proposed by the company. The following is not all of the company's demands but is representative of their economic proposal;

No raise in the first year

No participation in EIP Plan

Termination of the Retirement Plan (choice of annuity or lump sum payout option)

Termination of the IAM National Pension Fund 401K Plan

Termination of company participation in the IAM Dental Plan

Reduction in the basic life insurance

Elimination of $105.00 per week short term disability Basic Core Plan

Dramatic increases in employee contribution to health care plan (USASO levels)

Decreases in level of coverage in medical care plan (USASO levels)

Reduction in annual holidays (elimination of Christmas Break)

Reduction in annual sick days (USASO levels)

No recall rights for those requesting a voluntary layoff

Consolidation of Machinist, Sheet Metal and Welder classifications

Your negotiating committee will continue to review the company's proposals and determine an appropriate response.

Conclusion of First Week of Negotiations

The IAM & USA negotiating teams concluded the first week of talks with both sides having some non-economic issues still to be resolved. The parties will meet again Monday morning and move into the economic portion of the contract. The Union is committed to finalizing an agreement to bring for a vote of the membership on Saturday, August 28th. Enjoy your weekend.

Your Negotiating Team

IAM / USA Contract Ratification Vote

The contract ratification vote for members working for USA is scheduled for Saturday, August 28th. It will be held at the Merritt Island Moose Lodge located on North Courtney Parkway (SR3) near the Barge Canal. The contract presentation will begin at 9:00 am. Please plan on arriving early so everyone can get signed in and seated by 9:00.

IAM / USA Negotiations Day 4

Local Lodge 2061 and USA negotiators met again today. Significant progress was made on non-economic issues. The two sides will continue to negotiate as we work toward a scheduled conclusion of negotiations on Friday, August 27th.

IAM / USA Negotiations Day 3

Representatives of Local Lodge 2061 and United Space Alliance met for the third consecutive day. The two sides continue to progress through non-economic proposals as they work toward a scheduled Friday conclusion to non-economic issues. They will reconvene Thursday morning.

IAM / USA Negotiations Day 2

Representatives from Local Lodge 2061 and USA met again today. Discussion continued on non-economic proposals. The two sides will meet again Wednesday.

IAM/USA Begin Contract Negotiations

Representatives from the IAM&AW and United Space Alliance opened contract negotiations today. The Union and Company established the ground rules for talks and exchanged initial non-economic proposals. The two sides will resume discussions on Tuesday.

Brother Rick Thompson Passes

Ricky Thompson passed away Saturday afternoon. Our prayers are with Sue and the Family. Details will be posted when they become available.

USA-IAM Member Strike Sanction Vote Results

Today the membership has shown strong solidarity for the Negotiating Comittee's goal of securing a fair and equitable contact. The Negotiating Committee would like to thank the membership for their overwhelming support during the sanction vote. Negotiations are scheduled to start August 16th, more information will be posted here in the coming weeks.

Regular Membership Meeting Tuesday August 3rd.

Regular membership meeting tonight at 4:30PM at the District Hall. Hope to see you there.

USA-IAM Member Strike Sanction Vote

The strike sanction vote for members employed by United Space Alliance will be conducted Tuesday, August 3 at the hall. This vote is required by the IAM Constitution prior to commencement of negotiations. The polls will be open from 8am until 6pm.

Phone Banking For The 2010 Labor Campaign

Brother Robert Livingston is asking for assistance from the membership with working a phone bank at the Space Coast CLC.
The first phone bank will be held on July 28th at the Space Coast CLC, 1122 Lake drive, Cocoa, FL. They will also be holding phone bank sessions every Wednesday and Thursday thru late August. If you can help, please contact Robert Livingston .

Memorial Service For Brother Robert Hemric

Brother Rob Hemric passed away last night after a long illness. Rob worked as a Mechanic on the Crawler Transporter Crew at Kennedy Space Center. There is a memorial service being held for him on Saturday, at the Elks Lodge in Titusville. Address is 2955 Columbia Blvd. Titusville, FL.

Service starts at 2:00 PM.

Space Coast AFL-CIO Labor Kick Off

With election season in full swing, the Space Coast AFL-CIO is prepared to do it's part in fighting off the corporate assault on workers and their jobs.

The Space Coast AFL-CIO will be having their Labor 2010 Kick Off Training on July 15th, the same night as the normal CLC meeting (CLC meets at normal time). Starts at 5PM at the Space Coast AFL-CIO hall, located at 1122 Lake Drive Cocoa, Florida.

The training will focus on the AFL-CIO jobs campaign, the state political plan, election laws, and mobilization tactics. The meeting is for both leaders, local union coordinators, and regular union members that are interested in being a part of Labor's political plan.

Please RSVP with either Claudie Pouncey or Robert Livingston

Local 2061 to Honor Tom McLeod

Local Lodge 2061 will honor our former President, Tom McLeod at the May 4th meeting. Tom will be honored with a plaque to be added to the "Wall of Fame" at the Machinists hall in Cape Canaveral. Membership meeting starts at 4:30 pm. The Executive Board meets at 2:20 pm.

Houston We Have A Message

HOUSTON, April 25, 2010 - The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) held a rally today at the Hilton Americas-Houston Hotel and urged hundreds of supporters of the U.S. manned space program to send a message that could be heard all the way back in Washington, D.C.

“It’s time to let Congress know that American astronauts deserve better than a heavily outsourced space program that relies on Russian, Japanese and even Chinese contractors to provide transportation to the International Space Station (ISS),” said IAM President Tom Buffenbarger. “If NASA and the Obama administration have their way, American astronauts will be reduced to hitchhiking to the ISS.”

Speaker after speaker called on President Obama to reconsider his plans to terminate the Constellation program and commercialize the shuttle program. More than 20,000 direct and indirect jobs in Texas, Florida and other states are associated with the two programs.

While the president’s space budget allocates an extra $6 billion for NASA over the next six years, thousands of highly-skilled jobs would be eliminated as the agency turned to private contractors to develop launch rockets and crew capsules.

“Do we really want to risk our astronauts’ safety on equipment and technology developed by for-profit companies with unproven track records in safety and reliability?” asked Buffenbarger. “The manned space program in the United States has been the pride of the nation and the envy of the world for more than 50 years. It has more than earned our continued support."

Vision4Space

http://vision4space.net/

"Vison4Space brings not only space workers across the nation together, but those who share the dream of JFK, who know we must continue our destiny in space. We want to build a groundswell of support that will be heard in the Halls of Congress. We want to save our proud American space program. Join our Facebook group, follow us on twitter and help our Vison4Space grow."

Save Space Community Rally

We still need volunteers to work the rally. No one will be stuck outside during the rally. Once the rally begins we will all move inside. Call me if you can help. (321 446-7092).

Lew

Kosmas added to 'Save Space' rally

As per www.floridatoday.com :

Rep. Suzanne Kosmas has been added to the roster of speakers for Sunday's "Save Space" community rally at the Cocoa Expo Sports Center.

The rally is designed to emphasize that human space exploration should be the critical aspect of NASA policy.

Brevard County Commissioner Robin Fisher, who is the primary organizer of the free event, said both NASA and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex have expressed support for the community rally, and will be providing educational displays.

Kosmas will join U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, Florida Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp, Florida Sen. Mike Haridopolos, Brevard County School Board member Robert Jordan, Fisher and astronauts Jon McBride, Winston Scott and Bob Springer as speakers.

BBC Report on the End of Shuttle

Could Not Say It Better

SAVE SPACE RALLY

Local Lodge 2061 is a sponsor for a rally to be held April, 11th at Cocoa Expo. Many community organizations, businesses, faith based groups, unions, Florida Today and Brevard County are sponsoring, as well. Congressman Bill Posey has confirmed as a speaker. We have requested Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas, Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp and retired astronauts to speak also. The gates are tentatively scheduled to open at 3:00 pm with the program starting at 4:00 pm. There will be music and attractions for the children. Once again, I am asking those members interested in saving their jobs to volunteer as marshals and other logistical duties. We are hopeful we can build on the momentum of the February 27th rally and gain congressional support for the continuation of human space flight at Kennedy Space Center. Please, call me if you are interested in helping.

Lew

321 446-7092

Tell Congress To Support The Continuation of NASA's Manned Space Program

President Barack Obama's proposed budget promises to send thousands of U.S. space workers to a new frontier: the unemployment line.

The president is proposing to shut down NASA's Constellation program and contract the work to private companies. Constellation's mission is to return man to the Moon, and ultimately Mars. The budget provision, if passed, could mean the loss of tens of thousands of jobs across the country and an end to our nation's role as the leader in space technology and exploration.

Tell Congress to vote yes for the continuation of NASA's manned space program and to protect American jobs.

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL CONGRESS!

Faces of the Space Coast

NASA Workers Rally for Jobs

Nearly 2,000 Space Coast workers, family members and community activists gathered near the Kennedy Space Center in Titusville, Florida, to hear labor leaders call for an end to government plans to outsource critical NASA programs, including include lunar landers, moon bases and the manned shuttle program.

Concern is widespread that President Obama’s proposal to pull the plug on funding for the Constellation and Shuttle programs could cost an estimated 9,000 space jobs. Another 20,000 jobs could be affected as the ripple effect moved across Brevard County, where unemployment is already at 12.1 percent.

“Ending these programs will shatter many vibrant communities here in Florida and across America,” said Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez (pictured at right). “Thirty thousand or more jobs are at risk – these people are the greatest in the world at what they do – what a loss this would be for our nation.”

“This is no time to tear out the foundation of this community,” declared AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka. “At a time when so many Florida breadwinners are out of work or working part-time, when over half a million in Florida have lost their homes, does it really make sense to pile on more misery?”

Calling the Shuttle shutdown and the Constellation cancellation an "economic meltdown of epic proportions," a state union leader warned that the effects would be felt across Florida. “The ripples from this thing are going to hit everybody,” said Rich Templin, AFL-CIO state spokesman.


http://www.goiam.org/index.php/imail/latest/6933-nasa-workers-rally-for-jobs

March Regular Membership Meeting

Tue, March 2, 4:30pm – 5:30pm

271 Taylor Ave. Cape Canaveral, FL 32920-3025

Monthly Membership Meeting for LL2061. Meeting starts at 4:30PM for members with a Steward meeting directly after the membership meeting ends.

News Reports From Rally

Video footage from WESH Channel 2 of the SOS Rally.

http://www.wesh.com/video/22694601/index.html

Footage from WFTV Channel 9

http://www.wftv.com/video/22693849/index.html

Footage from Channel 13

http://cfnews13.com/MediaPlayer2/MediaPlayer.htm?video=spacerally_022720100837&cat=Space&title=Space Program Rally

Rally for Space "Jobs Worth Fighting For"

Tomorrow is the day. The rally site is ready and the rally will go on rain or shine. The speakers are in town. Bring your chairs and tents. The event begins at 3 pm. We still need a portable generator and tents. Call if you have one available. See you tomorrow.

Lew

Rally Volunteers Meeting

Rally Volunteers are asked to meet at 12:00PM tomorrow for instructions and task assignments. The meeting will take place at the stage, that is setup for the rally behind BCC in the Chain of Lakes Park. If you have not volunteered, you still can do so by contacting Lew and/or show up at 12:00PM for the meeting.

Rally Flyer

Making Rally flyer available to download for anyone who wishes to print and post them. We ask you to use color printing if possible for copies.

RALLY FLYER

If you can not open/view the file, please visit Microsoft at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=3657ce88-7cfa-457a-9aec-f4f827f20cac&displaylang=en for a free Microsoft Word Viewer (requires approx 25MB download and then program installation)

T-4 to launch of SOS Rally

There are just four days to the rally which some are predicting could be the largest one day rally in the history of Brevard County. We have been joined by hundreds of businesses and community groups throughout Brevard in forming a formidable group of community activists. Our message is clear-maintain America's presence and leadership in human space flight. We protest against no one. Our purpose is to persuade Congress to return sufficient funding to the 2010 NASA budget enabling America to continue to have a full time human presence in space. We need your help. Every member of the Machinists Union has a stake in the success of this rally. An effort of this magnitude requires not just your participation but your help, as well. We are still in need of volunteers to serve as marshals and in other supporting roles. I ask you again; please call and volunteer to help. Your job may well depend on it.

Lew

321 446-7092

NASA Budget Cuts Could Cost 7,000 Florida Jobs

Rather then return to the moon, NASA could be forced to send 7,000 workers at the Kennedy Space Center to the unemployment line.

President Obama’s proposed budget calls for an end to NASA’s Constellation program, which involves the development of a new manned space vehicle and a return to the moon by 2020. Instead, the White House is proposing hiring private companies to develop and build the spacecraft.

The Washington Post wants to gauge the public’s reaction to the president’s proposed plans with a poll entitled “Should Obama cut NASA funding for manned lunar missions?” Click here to show your support for workers at the Kennedy Space Center.

In a letter to President Obama, IAM President Tom Buffenbarger warned of significant domestic job losses, potential security breaches and the loss of important new technologies if the administration moves forward with its plan to have NASA rely on the private sector to develop and operate the nation’s manned space program.

“The push to privatize space travel is similar to efforts to privatize other critical government services,” said Buffenbarger. “These efforts are based on anti-government ideology and are promoted by companies that want to profit from government outsourcing.”

GOIAM.ORG

Time for Action

The date, time and venue for the rally have been set (Saturday, February 27th at BCC North Campus, Titusville, 3:00 p.m.). National AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka, presidents of national and international unions, Florida AFL-CIO President Mike Williams, elected officials and perhaps some celebrity guests will speak. However, this is not a union rally. This is a community event intended to protect local business, our schools and the quality of life we presently enjoy. Concerned citizens from across the state and country have already committed to join us. Now it's up to us to make the rally a resounding success. The future of manned space flight and our jobs depend on our ability to convince the administration and Congress that the budget, as proposed, is a grave mistake and threatens our world leadership in technological advancement while posing a risk to out national security. I will be needing seventy five volunteers the day of the rally to assist in parking control and aiding rally attendees. Additionally, we need help in leafletting Brevard merchants. We will be asking merchants to post flyers in their facility and publicize the rally on their marquees. This is a tremendous undertaking. A great deal of time and resources have been spent in making this event possible. Space supporters around the county have called and asked how they might help. Now it's your turn to step up and offer assistance. Call me if your willing to help in making this rally a success. Your job depends on it.

Lew

JOBS RALLY IN TITUSVILLE!

We will be having extensive details of this rally coming as soon as we can. Unions from across the United States are being called apon to help us save America's Human Space Flight Program. This is not going to be strictly a Union event, this event is for all working men and women who are concerned about their jobs! Plan to attend this event, tell your friends and family to come as we are in this as a community. The Space Coast will not be the same without Human Space Flight and the jobs in which it brings.

All the citizens of Brevard County have a chance to show their support for NASA's Human Space Flight program and demand that it be continued!

This is an electronic communication from the Florida AFL-CIO, sent out today:


On February 27th AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka and the Executive Council will hold a rally in Titusville to kick-off the labor movement’s national grass roots mobilization to get America working again.

President Barack Obama has recommended a budget to Congress that all but eliminates human spaceflight by NASA and instead encourages the privatization of space exploration. After leading the world in boldly going where no man has gone before, the President now seems content to let the Russians and Chinese dominate the human conquest of space. If NASA’s human space flight operations are suspended, the results would be catastrophic for Florida’s working families.
· Thousands of high skill, high wage, jobs will be eliminated in Florida.
· Communities along the space coast and other regions will be decimated leading to an unprecedented loss of jobs for our teachers, public sector workers, service industry workers and anyone else who calls these communities home.
· This will have a ripple effect across the entire state. In 2004 space, aeronautics and aviation industries accounted for nearly 148,000 jobs and nearly $7.6 billion in wages.
Florida’s labor movement must act quickly and decisively to ensure that this economic Armageddon does not happen. We owe it to our movement and to future generations of Florida’s working families to keep NASA’s human spaceflight operations in Florida and to stop the privatization of our nation’s exploration of the cosmos. Details of this campaign to save NASA and Florida’s economy are forthcoming.


What: Statewide rally to kickoff national jobs campaign
Who: AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, General Presidents of the AFL-CIO Executive Council, Florida AFL-CIO President Mike Williams, Members of Congress
Where: Titusville on the Space Coast, specific location TBA
When: Saturday, February 27th, 3:00 PM

If you are unable to view the Letter

Please visit http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/

Don't forget to deselect "Free Google Toolbar" if you do not wish to have the google browser toolbar installed on your computer.

A full screen link to the letter can be found at: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=24845508

International President Buffenbarger's Letter to the White House

President Buffenbarger's Letter to the White House -

LL2061 is Preparing for a Fight!

DBR Walker informed the members at the February meeting that the International was forming a letter writing campaign. Once it is ready, the details will be posted here. Also there will be national publication, so that our Brothers and Sisters across the United States, can help us in our efforts to convince Congress to save the Constellation program.

We are also formulating information (FAQ) to assist members who have questions about multiple pending issues, related to the end of the program.

As hard as it is to do, we all must stay on target with the upcoming Shuttle Missions. We must show Congress why they should keep Constellation and the workforce that would support it.

Video from a Space Center Employee.

USA Negotiating Committee

Nominations and Elections were held last night at the regular membership meeting for the USA Contract Negotiating Committee. Your elected Committe members are:
Lew Jamieson
Jay Blair
Michael May
Carson Yates
Mike Saltsman
Lynn Beattie

Regular Membership Meeting Tuesday February 2nd 2010.

Regular Membership Meeting starts at 4:30PM at the District Hall on February 2nd.

Address for the District Hall:
271 Taylor Avenue
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920-3025

Local Lodge Election Results

Elected by acclamation at November's meeting;

President Lew Jamieson

Vice President Murray Caldwell

Secretary - Treasurer Murray Hill

Recording Secretary Karen Houston

Conductor-Sentinel Carson Yates

Elected December 1

Trustee

Jay Shaw

Mike May

MeriBeth Chewuk

Auditor

Jim Guppenberger

Mike Saltsman

Gary Steele

AFL-CIO Labor Council Delegate

Mike May

Lew Jamieson

Jay Blair

Murray Hill

Karen Houston

Lynn Beattie

Rob Schneider

Robert Livingston

District 166 Delegate

Murray Caldwell

Robert Livingston

Linda Donahoe

Chris Cassidy

Steve Ching

MeriBeth Chewuk

Rob Schneider

Stan Copeland

Allen Hinton

Jim Guppenberger

Karen Houston

Marty Coleman

Dave Lovell

Chris Raub

Stacy Drinkwater

Murray Hill

New Video from the Machinists News Network.

The video also plays in the side bar player but since it is about us, it deserves some main page play.

http://www.goiam.org/index.php/news/latest-videos/6446-iams-journey-to-space

Regular Membership Meeting December 1st, 2009

Regular membership meeting at the District Hall starts at 4:30PM. Tonight there will also be officer elections for all of the positions nominated during the November Membership meeting.
Hope everyone can come out and vote.

November 3rd Business Rep Elections.

At the upcoming regular membership meeting date of November 3rd, 2009, there will be an election for Business Reps' for District 166.
Polls will be open 8:00AM till 6:00PM at the District Hall on November 3rd, 2009.
There are 4 positions open for election and 5 nominees.

The nominees are:

Linda Donahoe
Johnny Walker
Nick Mrdjenovich
Joe Kyles
Robert Miller

Please make time to stop by and vote.

www.savespace.us Letter Campaign

Save Space is a movement started by people on the Space Coast to raise the awareness of the nation, the President, and other elected officials: Space needs to be a priority for America.

As the clock ticks toward the end of the Space Shuttle program, as the President and his advisors review the Augustine Commission recommendations, as Florida's economic engine falters. it is imperative that we make our voices heard by writing letters to the President: Save Our Space Program!

In the coming days Space Florida will also be releasing a letter campaign to address our issues with all branches of our Government. When that campaign is ready, links will be posted here. It would not be a bad idea to share the link to savespace.us with friends and family. The more support America shows for the Space Program, the better the chances NASA will receive the funding it needs to operate correctly.

USA Retirement Photos

The photos are up on the district site. Go to iam166.org and you will find a link to the photos or click http://www.iam166.org/usaweb/ to go directly to the pictures. Thanks again, to Mark Weaver for the pictures. If you need a photographer for portraits or events contact Mark.

Regular Membership Meeting October 6th, 2009.

Regular Membership meeting, October 6th 2009. Meeting starts at 4:30PM at the district hall.

October 4th Retirement Party at Fox Lake Park.

There will be a retirement party for all of our members who elected to take the voluntary layoff. The party will be October 4th starting at noon at Fox Lake Park in Titusville. Details are still in work and will be posted here as soon as everything is set. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. In the coming weeks tickets will be offered in the shops during lunch. There will be water provided but no other beverages, so B.Y.O.B.

Plan to come out, enjoy the food, and spend some time with our retiring members.

Space Coast AFL-CIO Labor Council Activist Training.

The Space Coast AFL-CIO Labor Council will be providing Activist Training on September 26th. The training starts at 10:00AM and food will be provided.
Address for the AFL-CIO Training is 1122 Lake Drive Cocoa, FL. It is at the corner of SR520 and Lake Drive.

For more information, contact Claudie Pouncey at spacecoastaflcio@bellsouth.net

Volusia/Flagler AFL-CIO 8th Annual Labor Day Celebration

The Volusia/Flagler Chapter of the Central Florida AFL-CIO is holding it's 8th annual Labor Day Celebration.

There will be a picnic and BBQ on Monday September 7th starting at 11:00AM. The location is:

Reed Canal Park
2871 Nova Road Entrance
South Daytona.

There will be rides and games for the kids, live music, and great food. The event runs through 2:00PM. Our Local Lodge is invited to attend the celebration, so we hope to see you there! We will have a table so if you attend, stop by and say hello.

Health Care Rally in Orlando

Free Transport from Cocoa

When: Saturday, August 29th – 1:00 PM
Where: Downtown Orlando Rec. Center, 649 W. Livingston Street

Bus transportation will be provided from Space Coast AFL-CIO Hall 1122 Lake Dr Cocoa. THIS IS A TICKET EVENT. RSVP for transport and or tickets spacecoastaflcio@ymail.com by Friday the 28th. There is no charge for riding the bus. Come out and show support for Health Care Reform!


http://spacecoastaflcio.org/

Regular Membership Meeting September 1st, 2009.

271 Taylor Ave. Cape Canaveral, FL 32920-3025

Monthly Membership Meeting for LL2061. Meeting starts at 4:30PM for members with a Steward meeting directly after the membership meeting ends.

Nominations for the Business Rep Election will take place at the September meeting.

July 30, 2009 Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee; Meeting

The Augustine Committee will be meeting for a public meeting on Thursday July 30th in Cocoa Beach.

Date and Time: July 30, 2009 - 8 am - 4 pm EDT
Location Information:
Hilton Cocoa Beach
1550 North Atlantic Avenue
Cocoa Beach, FL

From the official release:

The third public session will be July 30 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT at the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront Grand Ballroom, 1550 North Atlantic Ave., in Cocoa Beach, Fla.

The agenda is:
8 a.m.: Bob Cabana, director, NASA's Kennedy Space Center
8:30 a.m.: Exploration Beyond Low Earth Orbit subgroup (Ed Crawley, moderator)
11 a.m.: Congressional perspective (presenters TBD)
Noon: Lunch break
1 p.m.: NASA Constellation projects managed at Kennedy
2:30 p.m.: Public comment period
3 - 4 p.m.: Committee public deliberations

Following each meeting, committee chairman Norman Augustine will be available to answer questions from reporters. NASA Television will carry the meetings and news conferences live on the agency's media channel. The events also can be viewed on NASA's Web site.

Anyone interested in attending should know seating is limited. It would be good for the membership to have some seats filled, even by our own family members. The Committee needs to hear how we feel about the direction NASA is headed and what we want concerning Human Space Flight.

We Have a New Home on the Web.

Last night we went live with LL2061.org . Currently all of the pages are not updated but should be within the next few weeks. For news, there is a link from LL2061.org to this blog (for the time being). As soon as possible, we will migrate over to the main site for future postings, and will post here when that time comes.

The new site will offer us options the blog does not have, so that we may communicate with each other in the best possible manner. If you find any errors on LL2061.org, feel free to email iamwebsteward@gmail.com and let us know.

Please Contact Bill Nelson and let him know F-22's should not be cut.

Early next week the Senate is expected to vote on an amendment that will strip funding for seven additional F-22s from the Fiscal Year 2010 Defense Authorization, S 1390. We are asking that Senators vote against the amendment--a NO vote on the amendment.


Yes means in favor of the amendment to strip funding and ? means undecided.

Brownback, Sam (KS) ?
Cochran, Thad (MS) ?
Graham, Lindsey (SC) ?
Hagan,Kay (NC) Yes
Landrieu, Mary (LA) ?
Lincoln, Blanche (AR) ?
Nelson, Bill (FL) Yes
Pryor, Mark (AR) ?
Roberts, Pat (KS) ?
Shelby, Richard (AL) ?
Warner, Mark (VA) Yes
Webb, Jim (VA) Yes

If these planes get cut, our Brothers and Sisters on the assembly line will be the first to feel it. Second in line will be the Armed Forces, who have our backs everyday. Our Senator Bill Nelson is voting to cut the funding needed to produce these jets. It is our duty to call or email the Senator and let him know we wish for the funding, so these jets can be built.

Washington, D.C. Office
United States Senate
716 Senate Hart Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-5274
Fax: 202-228-2183

For electronic contact (Email Form) visit this website:
http://billnelson.senate.gov/contact/legislation.cfm#

Jerry Copeland

Jerry Copeland, Roads and Grounds, passed away Saturday morning. Details of service arrangements will be posted when determined.  Our thought and prayers go out in Jerry's memory and for his family.

Services for Jeff Simmons

Services for Jeff Simmons, EG&G plumber, will be held Saturday, July 18 at 1 pm at Volusia Memorial of Port Orange, 4815 Clyde Morris Blvd. Port Orange. Our thought and prayers go out in Jeff's memory and for his family.

New Feature, Calendar for LL2061 Events.

Added a calendar to the page, located below the Feedblitz sign-up. Currently it has the dates of the Membership meetings added. If you have an event that needs to be added, feel free to email me at iamwebsteward@gmail.com and I'll get it added.

Joe Tidwell

Brother Joe Tidwell is in the critical care unit at Wuesthoff Hospital. Visiting hours are; 10-12 am, 3-5 pm and 8-9:30 pm. 

Regular Membership Meeting June 2nd 2009

Regular Membership meeting June 2nd 2009 at the District Hall. Meeting starts at 4:30PM.

Hall is located at 271 Taylor Avenue Cape Canaveral, FL 32920.

Regular Membership Meeting Tuesday May 5th 2009

Regular meeting starts at 4:30pm at the District Hall.

Hall is located at 271 Taylor Avenue Cape Canaveral, FL 32920.

Dues Increase Approved

The membership at Tuesday's Local Lodge meeting voted overwhelmingly to accept an Executive Board proposal that would increase dues for LL 2061. This action was viewed as a necessary action to maintain the viability and existence of the Local. The proposal was in response to an increase in monies paid to the International and the depletion of the treasury due to expenses incurred during the USA strike. The increase in payments to the International coupled with a decrease in membership in LL 2061 made it necessary for your Executive Board to take action. 

The increase is pegged at eight dollars ($8.00) per month. This computes to two dollars ($2.00) per week - five cents ($.05) per hour. Three dollars ($3.00) of this increase will go directly to the Lodge's treasury. The Executive Board has been gravely concerned that our ability to provide necessary services to the membership was being restricted and some services would have to be eliminated if this increase was not approved. Our ability to fund contract negotiations, grievance processing and arbitration of grievances,  training (Safety and Health, communications, EAP and Leadership training, and community service), were some of the services that were being curtailed or eliminated.

The dues increase was determined after extensive research and  exhaustive debate by the Executive Board. Many proposals were considered. The Board attempted to produce a proposal that would have the least economic impact on our membership and still allow the Local to maintain and increase the level of service to our members. The Executive Board feels strongly this is a fair and reasonable increase in view of the fact the dues formula has not increased since 1976. We are confident this increase will carry the Local through the foreseeable future.

Should you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at 321 446-7092 or contact an Executive Board member.

Lew

Contract Ratification Results

IAM 2061 membership ratified contract proposals today with the following companies;

EG&G
Sierra Lobo
Yang
SC Jones
Indyne
IHA
GCR/CMT

Voting was heavy at ratification meetings held at the Radisson Hotel and the IAM Hall in Cape Canaveral. Your negotiating committees are grateful to the membership for the support and encouragement the membership has offered during these negotiations.

Fraternally,

Your Negotiating Committees

FINAL NEGOTIATIONS BLOG

Your Negotiating Committee for EG&G/Yang/Sierra Lobo met again today to make final arrangements for Sundays upcoming ratification meeting. To quell recent rumors we wish to announce proposed pay increases of 4%, 3.5% and 3.5% over a 3 year contract and increases of $.25 per year for the duration of the contract added to our pension. We wish to stress that there are approximately 14 pages of proposed changes to our existing contract, including changes to the maximum work time policy, substance abuse policy, vacation annual accrual carryover and group insurance to name a few. Therefore we, as YOUR negotiating committee , strongly urge each and every member to not only review these significant changes but to also vote! Once again, if you would like to get a copy of the proposed changes, we will be handing them out early at the union hall at 8:30 a.m. til 9:30 before the ratification meeting. The meeting will start at 10 am at the Radission in Cape Canaveral. Voting will end at 2 pm.

For the proposed changes, to the InDyne, IHA, GCR/CMT and S C Jones contracts, there will be a presentation at the union hall April 5, 2009 at 11:30 am with voting immediately following. The contracts are similiar in nature, but have different details in relation to each companies. Voting will end at 2 pm.

Loss of our Brother, Glenn Exline

On Tuesday March 31st Brother Glenn Exline passed away.


He will be missed greatly by all of us who have grown to know the strong man that he was. Though Glenn had retired last February, he was still a regular at the monthly meetings where we will miss his friendship and experience dearly.



His family will receive visitors at North Brevard Funeral Home tonight from 6 to 8pm. Funeral services will also be held tomorrow, Saturday April 4th at North Brevard Funeral Home at 10am. The address is 1450 Norwood Avenue Titusville, FL 32796.

http://www.northbrevardfuneralhome.com/

You can also leave condolences at North Brevard Funeral Home's website.
Here is a direct link to Glenn's page :
http://www.northbrevardfuneralhome.com/obit-service-schedule.jsp?site=0166&id=42963

Regular Membership Meeting April 7th 2009

Regular meeting at the District hall starts at 4:30pm on Tuesday April 7th. There is also a dues rate presentation and vote on the proposal scheduled for the meeting. Please attend and cast your vote.

Hall is located at 271 Taylor Avenue Cape Canaveral, FL 32920.

NEGOTIATIONS CLARIFICATION

The Negotiating Committee has completed proof reading our new proposed contract. We have also completed a summary of all the significant changes. If you wish to get a copy early, to review, we will be handing them out early at the union hall April 5, 2009 at 830 am. The reason we are doing this is the meeting hall was not available any earlier than 930 and we need time to set up the meeting. Once again the meeting is scheduled for April 5, 2009 at the Radisson in Cape Canaveral located at 8701 Astronaut Blvd (A1A). The meeting will start at 10 am. sharp. Voting will start after our presentation and Q&A. Polls will close at 2 pm. Copies of the summary will also be available at the Radisson. We urge EVERYONE to attend, don't let someone else decide YOUR future.

Note: S C Jones, InDyne, IHA and CMT/GCR will tentatively be scheduled to vote April 5, 2009 at the union hall. Times to be announced.

Fraternally,

Your Negotiating Committee