IAM-Jacobs contract vote

Sisters and Brothers

Your Union Negotiating Committee will be prepared to present the company's Last, Best and Final offer from the company that was presented to your Union Committee on Sunday, January 12, 2014. The proposal will be presented beginning at 10 am on Saturday, January 18, 2014. A question and answer period will take place after the presentation followed by a vote  for acceptance or rejection of the LBAF offer. A strike vote will also take place at this meeting.

We urge all members to attend so you can see first hand what's in the complete package. This is a collective agreement so it is imperative that everyone votes. Don't stay away and let others determine your future. We're all in this together.

If you haven't already signed a membership application, you'll have the opportunity to do so before the 10 am meeting begins. Absolutely no one will be permitted into the meeting if they haven't signed a membership application.

Hope to see everyone on Saturday

In Solidarity
Your Negotiations Committee

IAM-Jacobs TOSC negotiations

Sisters and Brothers

This Sunday morning the Company met with your Union negotiation committee and the company passed across its last, best  and final offer for our members to vote. Your committee is now in the process of going through this proposed package. Wage concessions stand out and equate to a  17% cut if you are at the current maximum rate of the respective classification. A positive to this package was overtime paid after 8 hours, layoff and recall by seniority and introduction to the IAM Pension plan.

Your Union committee will present the company's LBAF proposal  for vote at the Union Hall on Saturday, January 25, 2014. Your committee will finalize the time of vote during the upcoming week and notices will be posted on this blog and the shop bulletin boards.

This has been a long enduring process and at this time your committee would like to thank all of you  for your continued support.

In Solidarity
Your Negotiation Committee

IAM-Jacobs Negotiations

Sisters and Brothers

We hope you all had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Today your Union committee met with the company committee.Counter proposals were passed by both committees. We're in a dog fight with this company to preserve the rights the membership has enjoyed for years, including your hard earned wages.
Your Union committee will meet again with the company tomorrow with efforts to deliver the best
 best possible contract for you all to vote on.

In Solidarity
Your Union Committee

It gives me great pride to announce the delivery of presents of the Annual IAM Christmas Toy Drive this past friday Dec. 13th.  President Murray Caldwell was interviewed by News 13 anchor/reporter Greg Pallone.  The story is currently running on News 13.  We would lke to thank everyone that participated in the toy shopping and delivery.  They include: Murray Caldwell (helper Peggy Semelsberger), Eddie Cox, Meribeth Chewuk, Linda Donahoe (helpers Nina Gransden, Maryah Stoneback, Chyanne Stoneback), Jeff Estes (helpers Diane Estes, Cory Estes, Emmy Estes) and myself.

I'd also like to thank the employees (Larkin, Lynn, Jennifer, Robert, Rielly, Todd and Georgia) of Target in Titusville for their outstanding assistance.

Through our members efforts we were able to increase donations by over 50% this year!  Thank you for conducting raffles, selling baked goods and  cooking breakfasts all in order to increase our Christmas Toy Fund.  Special recognition for Jody Turner and Ron Meyer (retired) for putting on those great breakfasts all year long just to raise money for these children! Kudos brothers!

This Christmas our brothers and sisters generosity raised over $4000 and bought Christmas presents for 167 underprivilaged children here in Brevard county.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you and god bless you for being committed to our community

In solidarity,

Steve Ching
VP Local Lodge 2061

IAM-Jacobs negotiations

Sisters and Brothers

Your Union Negotiation Committee met with the company today passing economic proposals. Modest movement was made on some proposals but we are still miles apart on your most important issues. Your committee will be reviewing proposals over the weekend and will be back at the table on Monday morning. We hope you all enjoy your weekend.

In Solidarity
Your Union Negotiation Committee

IAM-Jacobs negotiations

Sisters and Brothers

Contract negotiations began this week with your  Union committee presenting a very reasonable economic package to the company. The company responded today with their version of an economic package. We felt as if we were in an episode of the Twilight Zone. The company is attempting to erode everything that you have worked hard for over the past 2 decades.  But keep in mind that this is just the beginning of the economic portion of negotiations. Your Union committee will continue to negotiate in  good faith in an attempt to secure the best possible contract for the membership. 
In Solidarity

Your Negotiation Committee

IAM-Jacobs TOSC Negotiations

Sisters and Brothers

Your Union committee  continued negotiations with the company this week. Modest movement was made during the week's sessions but the Company has not made any movement on seniority, layoff and recall language, which is very important to our members. Those topics are being moved into the Economics portion of the negotiations. Your Union committee will resume negotiations with the company on December 2nd where we will begin Economics. 

 Your Union Committee is calling for  a special membership meeting at the Union Hall on Tues. Nov 26 at @ 4:00 pm. Contract issues will be discussed at this meeting. We understand that this is a holiday week but we also feel it is very important that all members understand the importance of where the negotiation process is at this time.

In Solidarity

Your Union Committee

IAM-Jacobs TOSC Negotiations

Sisters and Brothers

Your Union Committee and the company met again today. Modest progress is being made, but it is just a slow process. We continue to talk about job classifications and the one thing that is near and dear to all Union members; "SENIORITY". As you all know, SENIORITY has tentacle's that spread out in all areas of a contract. Your Union Committee will continue to meet with the company in efforts to secure the best possible contract that we can present to the members for a vote. We will meet again with the company on Monday and continue to work on the non-economic portion of the contract.

In Solidarity
Your Union Committee

IAM-Jacobs TOSC Negotiations 10-22-13

Sisters and Brothers,

Your committee met with the company this morning. There was modest movement from both sides on non-economic proposals.
Tomorrow your committee will again meet with the company committee and hopefully will resolve more non-economic issues.
Your committee is working hard to secure the best possible contract  for the membership to vote on.
Stay tuned for tomorrow's update.

In Solidarity
Your Negotiations Committee

Brothers and sisters,

Your leadership of Local Lodge 2061 would like every member to contact their Congressmen and let them know how you were affected by the recent government shutdown. Please remind them that you were furloughed through no fault of your own and that being out almost 3 weeks without pay has created a huge finanicial hardship on you and your family. Tell them you hope they are in favor of back pay for all affected KSC workers.


U.S. Senator Bill Nelson

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

 

Orlando
Landmark Two
225 East Robinson Street, Ste 410
Orlando, Florida 32801
Phone: 407-872-7161
Toll Free in Florida: 1-888-671-4091
Fax: 407-872-7165

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio

284 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington DC, 20510
Phone: 202-224-3041
201 South Orange Avenue
Suite 350
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 254-2573 or toll free in Florida 1-866-630-7106


U.S. Representative Corrine Brown

 

Jacksonville Office

101 E. Union Street, Suite 202
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 354-1652
Fax: (904) 354-2721

Orlando Office

455 N. Garland Ave, Suite 414
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 872-2208
Fax: (407) 872-5763

 

Washington Office

2111 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-0123
Fax: (202) 225-2256

 











U.S. Representative John Mica

2187 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4035
Fax: (202) 226-0821

100 East Sybelia Avenue, Suite 340
Maitland, FL 32751-4495
Phone: 407-657-8080
Fax: 407-657-5353

U.S. Representative Bill Posey

Washington, DC Office

120 Cannon HOB

Washington, DC 20515

Phone: (202) 225-3671

Fax: (202) 225-3516

• District Office
• 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Building C
• Melbourne, FL 32940
• Phone: (321) 632-1776
• Fax: (321) 639-8595

U.S. Repressentative Alan Greyson

430 Cannon House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

phone: 202-225-9889
fax: 202-225-9742
hours: M-F 9-5:30pm

5842 S. Semoran Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32822

phone: 407-615-8889
fax: 407-615-8890
hours: M-F 9-5:30pm

Rally to Protest Government Shutdown Today at 4:30PM. in Viera

There will be a rally sponsored by the AFL-CIO to protest the "Government Shutdown" that will take place in Viera, near the Courthouse facilities, today at 5pm. Congressman Posey's office will be picketed beginning at 430 pm.  Please come out and support the event, as the only way the Shutdown will end is if WE pressure the politicians who are responsible for it.

Sisters and Brothers


Your Negotiation Committee met with the company again today. The Union presented counter- proposals to the company proposals covering language that is near and dear to all of the membership; SENIORITY, LAYOFF, and RECALL. The Committee will continue to work tirelessly to secure a fair contract for all Members. We are certainly in a battle for our futures.

In Solidarity
Your Union Negotiating Committee

IAM-Jacobs TOSC Negotiations

Sisters and Brothers

Your Negotiation Committee met for the better part of the day with the company committee. The company committee answered several of our counter-proposals. Articles titled Rights of Management, Seniority, Job Classifications, Leave of Absence, Safety and Health, Miscellaneous and Union Membership. The company has zeroed in on our core values, attacking our Union Seniority for Lay-off, Recall, Shift Bids and Transfers. The company has also chosen to use Job Classifications as a way to manipulate around our Union Seniority for lay-off and recall.

Your negotiation committee is standing fast on the principles of Trade Unionism and will fight efforts by the  company to rob us of the benefits of Seniority that we hold dear.

Your Union Negotiating Committee will continue to fight the good fight and search out avenues which will bring about a fair and beneficial contract for all Union members.

We are scheduled to meet with the company again on Thursday. Recheck the blog Thursday evening.

 

In Solidarity,

Your Union Negotiating Committee

IAM-Jacobs TOSC Negotiations

Sisters and Brothers

 

Your negotiation committee renewed meetings with the company committee this morning. The committee passed several important counter-proposals to the company, including Articles titled Rights of Management, Seniority, Job Classifications, Leave of Absence, Safety and Health, Miscellaneous and Union Membership.

 

Your negotiation committee is working hard to bring for your vote the best results on these and several other important contract issues. We are standing fast on the issues and encourage each of you to remain encouraged as we work toward a positive outcome.

 

Your committee will again meet with the company committee tomorrow morning.

 

In Solidarity,

Your Union Negotiating Committee

IAM- Jacobs TOSC Negotiations

Sisters and Brothers

Your negotiation committee and the company met again this morning and again this afternoon. There is no progress to report for today's sessions but we will continue to press forward.
At the company's request, we will resume negotiations on September 9, 2013 at 9 am.

At this time your Union committee would like to extend a warm Labor Day wish to you and your families. Remember, Labor Day is the worker's day and those who came before us fought hard for it and the companies didn't give it up without a fight.

In Solidarity,
Your Union Negotiating Committee

IAM-Jacobs TOSC Negotiations

Sisters and Brothers

Your Union Negotiating Committee again met with the Company early this morning and into the afternoon. Modest progress was made.
Your committee will continue to meet with the company and press forward with our non economic proposals.
Some of you may ask why the pace is so slow. The reason; your committee and the company are starting from the beginning with similar but differently formatted language, Article by Article. The process is very meticulous. Therefore, it is imperative that nothing falls through the cracks.
When it is all said and done your negotiating committee is striving to bring forward for vote the best possible contract that can be negotiated between your Union and the company.

Your committee and the company committee will meet again tomorrow morning.

In Solidarity,
Your Union Negotiating Committee

Brothers and sisters all the orders for tshirts and hats are complete and have been turned into the vendor.  I appreciate everyone that has participated in this fundraiser for the IAM Christmas fund which exclusively benefits the  Brevard Family Partnership.  I look for a 2-3 week turn around time before I have them back and ready to distribute. I apologize for the delay but it is very difficult to get with all the stewards who cover 3 shifts and the entire space center.  Your patience is greatly appreciated

IAM-Jacobs TOSC Negotiations

Sisters and Brothers
Your Union committee met with the company committee this morning. Even though the process is moving along at a slow pace, some progress has been made on some non-economic issues. We will be meeting again tomorrow morning and the remainder of the week to try and finalize some proposals.
We are still a long, long way from reaching any type of agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement. Every Article of the new CBA has to be proposed and negotiated, which takes much time and effort. We haven't yet begun to propose our economic proposals to the company. We believe we will be getting into that portion sometime in the near future, but that time will be contingent on the progress of the non-economic portion.
Please stay strong and patient during this process as your Union committee is committed to bringing back the best contract possible.

In Solidarity
Your Negotiating Committee

IAM-Jacobs TOSC Negotiations

Sisters and Brothers

Today your Union negotiating committee again met with the company. The company finally began to counter our proposals. We are far from any agreement but today was the first positive step. Your Union committee is attempting to establish decent contract language and will continue that endeavor throughout the process. We will counter  the company's proposals tomorrow morning that were presented to us today and are optimistic that they will do the same with our proposals.
Please check back tomorrow for further updates.

In Solidarity
Your Negotiating Committee

IAM-Jacobs TOSC Negotiations

Sisters and Brothers

Today a representative from the IAM Pension Plan gave a presentation to the company committee.
Your Union committee continues to work on proposals and counter proposals to the company's proposals. The process is slow but your committee continues to push forward with a positive attitude. There has been nothing of significance to report at this time. Your Union committee will not meet with the company again until Monday morning. Please check back on the blog at that time for any further updates.

In Solidarity
Your Negotiating Committee

Sisters and Brothers

Today your Union Negotiating Committee met with the company to review the proposals that were passed on Monday. There was modest movement on the non-economic issues but no agreements were reached. No economic issues were  discussed as your committee wanted to focus on non economic priorities.
This is going to be a methodical process so we must all be patient. Your Union committee is working hard and will communicate progress when it is made.
Tomorrow your Union committee will again meet with the company committee.

In Solidarity
Your Union Negotiating Committee

IAM-Jacobs TOSC Negotiations

Sisters and Brothers

Today, your Union Negotiating committee met with the company negotiating committee. In attendance at the opening ceremony for the Union was General Vice President of Headquarters, Bob Martinez, and General Vice President of the Southern Territory, Mark Blondin. The message delivered to the company by them was "the Union will not go backwards. We need to preserve our wages, benefits and working conditions and implement the IAM Pension Plan for our members".

Initial proposals were exchanged with your Union's proposal reflecting the wishes of the membership derived from your surveys.

The company presented its proposals, which were asking for "extreme concessions" from the Union. These concessions struck at the heart of our most strongly held beliefs; seniority, benefits, working conditions and wages.

Keep in mind that this is only the company's opening proposal,  so more time is needed to determine the company's actual course of direction.

Your Union committee will continue to work on its proposals and review the proposals passed by the company today. Negotiations with the company will resume on Wednesday, August 21st at 9 am. Check back on the blog at approximately 6 pm Wednesday for further updates. Please keep in mind that there will be no further updates until then.

In Solidarity

Your Negotiating Committee

Local Lodge 2061 Tshirts and hats now available!

Brothers and sisters Local lodge 2061 Tshirts and new hats are now available!  The design on the shirts will be the same as the last ones sold.  It is the one with the Shuttle and alligator on it.  The front pocket has the IAM  logo with the Local Lodge number on it.  These tshirts are American made with the union label.  The hats are embroidered with the IAM logo. Please contact your steward to order yours today!  Orders will be picked up from the stewards as soon as they have contacted every one of his/her members.  All proceeds will be deposited into the IAM Christmas fund benefitting Brevard Family Partnership.  Thank you for your support.

Steve Ching VP
Local Lodge 2061

Employment Positions for the TOSC Contract

Jacobs Technology currently has several jobs posted for the TOSC contract on their special TOSC website:

www.jacobstechnology.com/tosc

The direct link to the postings can be found at this link:

http://www.jacobstechnology.com/tosc/employment.html

After clicking the link, select the blue box  that says "To apply for employment with the TOSC Team, click here"

The information given at the Town Hall meeting at KSC, was the applications would be open until shortly after the Town Hall meeting at the Visitor Complex. They did say to be considered for any open positions YOU MUST APPLY!

Town Hall Meeting by Jacobs technology at KSC Visitor Center

"Jacobs will be hosting a Town Hall meeting at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex IMAX theater on Tuesday January 22, 2013. The meeting will start at 6:30 PM and seating is limited."
http://www.jacobstechnology.com/tosc/whats_new.html

In the recent Town Hall meeting it was said that there was 450 or less seats at the IMAX theater. They also said the gates would open at 5:30PM for entrance to the IMAX theater. If you plan on attending, plan on being there early.

Congratulations to Jacobs Technology

www.floridatoday.com

Florida Today is reporting that Jacobs Technology has been awarded the TOSC contract. Stay tuned for updates and information.

Jacobs Technology's Homepage

And from NASA:
TOSC NASA Link


CONTRACT RELEASE : C12-062


NASA Awards Test And Operations Support Contract


CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA has awarded its Test and Operations Support Contract, or TOSC, to Jacobs Technology Inc. of Tullahoma, Tenn. Jacobs will provide overall management and implementation of ground systems capabilities, flight hardware processing and launch operations at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. These tasks will support the International Space Station, Ground Systems Development and Operations, and the Space Launch System, Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and Launch Services programs.

The contract begins March 1, 2013, following a two-month phase-in period beginning Jan. 2. The contract has a one-year, seven-month base period and options to extend the work through Sept. 30, 2022. The maximum potential value for the nine-year, seven-month cost-plus-award-fee contract is $1.37 billion if NASA exercises all options.

Jacobs will provide services to meet NASA requirements, including support to the agency's programs, commercial entities and other government agencies. These services include launch vehicle, spacecraft and payload integration and processing; operations and development of associated processes and ground systems to support integration, processing and launch; servicing and testing of flight hardware; and launch of development and operational flights at Kennedy.

Subcontractors working with Jacobs on the contract include Engineering Research and Consulting Inc., or ERC, of Huntsville, Ala. and Aerodyne Industries LLC, of Oldsmar, Fla.

With the award of this contract, Kennedy is positioning itself for the next era of space exploration. Kennedy is transitioning to a 21st-century launch facility with multiple users, both private and government. A dynamic infrastructure is taking shape, designed to host many kinds of spacecraft and rockets sending people on America's next voyages in space.

For more information about Kennedy, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/kennedy

Elections Completed

Elections are complete and the Executive Board for the next three years are as follows;

President:  Murray Caldwell
Vice President:  Steve Ching
Secretary / Treasurer :  Linda Donahoe
Recording Secretary :  MeriBeth Chewuk
Conductor Sentinel:  Carson Yates
Trustee:  Jay Shaw
Trustee:  Ed Cox
Trustee:  Mike Saltsman

Machinists Rally for President Obama

Northeast corner of US Highway 1 and SR 520 at 4:00 p.m. Wear your T'shirts.

Nominations for Local Lodge 2061 Officers

Nominations for IAM&AW Local lodge 2061 officers and delegates will be conducted at the regularly scheduled meeting of Tuesday, November 6, at the IAM&AW hall in Cape Canaveral. You must be present to be nominated. If you wish to accept a nomination and cannot be present, you must (prior to nominations) send a letter to Recording Secretary Karen Houston stating you will accept the nomination for the applicable office. Positions to be nominated are as follows;

President
Vice President
Financial Secretary
Recording Secretary
Conductor Sentinel
Trustee (3)
Auditor (3)
District 166 Delegate (12)
Central Labor Council Delegate

Make sure you vote in the national elections before you come to the Union meeting. The meeting begins at 4:30 p.m. Executive Board begins at 2:30 p.m.

Cracking Down on China.

There has been much said from the candidates over the past months but one quote from Mitt Romney floats to the top. In this video Romney (during a Republican Primary Debate) talks of China and how we have to get tough. He has said he will "crack down on China" in the past few weeks.


 Most of us would agree with the statement except Romney is saying one thing and doing another.

                                                                  www.bainport.com

 Bainport is the name of the protest site across the street from Bain Capital's company Sensata in Freeport, Illinois. Romney is still in ownership of  Bain Capital yet he has remained quiet over these workers jobs being shipped, along with the manufacturing equipment to China. He talks of getting tough on China but has the chance to do it now,  instead he is choosing profits over Americans.

 Fox News even has a story on their website:

Sensata (sen-SAH'-tuh) Technologies is owned by Bain Capital and in the process of moving its Freeport manufacturing operations to China. That'll cost Freeport 170 jobs.

Read more: www.foxnews.com Sensata

Romney has flip-flopped on many issues but on this one he is flat out lying. Romney can't say he is getting tough on China while profiting from outsourcing American jobs to China. Truly if he was to do the things he says, in regards to trade with China, Bain would not be shipping more production jobs to China as certainly their profits would fall. If Romney is elected, and "cracks down" on China, Bain Capital stands to lose a lot of money. If Bain Capital loses money, Romney loses money. If Romney was unconcerned with losing money, he would move his hundreds of millions of dollars he has stashed in offshore accounts back to the US, and pay taxes on them.

Romney's defense is his funds are in a blind trust.

Yes, his position on Blind Trusts has flip-flopped also.

Joni Howkins Services

Longtime LL 2061 member Jim "JJ" Howkins lost his wife, Joni last week after a long battle with cancer. Joni was an employee with USA. Many IAMAW/USA members were well acquainted with Joni in her role as USA GSS/GO Key Coordinator and Shop Scheduler. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to JJ and his family during this time. Services for Joni will be held Monday morning, October 15, 10:30 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 5135 US Highway 1, Port St. John.

Local Lodge 2061 Meeting & BR Nominations

Nominations for IAM&AW District 166 Business Representative will be conducted at the regularly scheduled Local Lodge 2061 monthly meeting Tuesday, October 2, 2012. The meeting begins at 4:30 p.m. at the IAM&AW hall in Cape Canaveral.

Nomination and Election of IAM&AW Local Lodge 2061 Officers and District Lodge 166 Business Representatives

Nominations for IAM&AW District 166 Business Representative will be conducted at the regularly scheduled Local Lodge 2061 meeting of October 2, 2012.

Nominations for Local Lodge 2061 Officers will be conducted at the regularly scheduled Local Lodge 2061 meeting of November 6, 2012.

The election of District Lodge 166 Business Representatives will be conducted December 4, 2012.

The election of Local Lodge 2061 Officers will be conducted December 4, 2012.

Nominations and elections will be held at IAMAW District Lodge 166 Hall located at 271 Taylor Avenue, Cape Canaveral, Florida. Local Lodge 2061 meetings begin at 4:30 p.m.

Polls will be open for the December 4th election from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Absentee ballots will be made available for those members who qualify.

Local Lodge 2061 offices to be contested in the December elections;

President
Vice President
Recording Secretary
Secretary Treasurer
Conductor Sentinel
Trustees (3)
Auditors (3)
District Lodge 166 Delegates
Space Coast AFL-CIO Central Labor Council Delegates

Regular Membership Meeting August 7th 2012.

Monthly Membership Meeting for LL2061. Meeting starts at 4:30PM for members with a Steward meeting directly after the membership meeting ends. Tue Aug 7 4:30pm – 5:30pm Eastern Time 271 Taylor Ave. Cape Canaveral, FL 32920-3025

Grand Lodge Convention Delegates Elected

The members elected to represent Local Lodge 2061 at the IAM&AW Grand Lodge Convention are as follows;

Murray Caldwell
Steve Ching
Jeff Estes
Lew Jamieson

Delegate Election Meeting

The election of Grand Lodge Convention delegates will be conducted Thursday, May 31. The polls will be open from 8:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. at the IAM&AW hall located at 271 Taylor Avenue, Cape Canaveral. All IAM&AW current dues paying members and retirees are eligible to vote.

Candidates


MeriBeth Chewuk
Michelle Seeley
Lynn Beattie
Steve Ching
Murray Caldwell
Linda Donahoe
Jeff Estes
Lew Jamieson
Karen Houston

Teller Committee


Gary Canup
Matt Reasoner
Gary Steele

Grand Lodge Convention Delegate Election

SPECIAL MEETING TO ELECT GRAND

LODGE CONVENTION DELEGATES

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012

IAM&AW UNION HALL

271 TAYLOR AVENUE

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA

POLLS OPEN 8:00 A.M. TO 6:00 P.M.

 THIS ELECTION IS REQUIRED TO MEET IAM&AW INTERNATIONAL CONSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS.  IF YOU HAVE REQUESTED AND VOTED AN ABSENTEE BALLOT, YOU NEED NOT TAKE ANY FURTHER ACTION.  OUTSTANDING ABSENTEE BALLOTS MUST BE RETURNED TO KAREN HOUSTON, RECORDING SECRETARY BY MAY 26, 2012 .

ALL MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE.

NOMINEES

MERIBETH CHEWUK

MICHELLE SEELEY

LYNN BEATTIE

STEVE CHING

MURRAY CALDWELL

LINDA DONAHOE

JEFF ESTES

LEW JAMIESON

KAREN HOUSTON

We will elect four (4) delegates.

IHA Negotiations Update

The Union met with the Company Friday, April 6. The Company presented their last, best and final proposal. We will present the proposal to the membership on Tuesday, April 10th for ratification.

The meeting will begin at 4:00 p.m. at the Union Hall at 271 Taylor Avenue, Cape Canaveral. The Union has secured improvements in wages and benefits with a cost containment on insurance. Please attend this important meeting, as it affects you and your family's future.

Your Negotiating Committee

60 Minutes "A Hard Landing"

ISC Contract Ratification

The URS, Yang and Serria Lobo ratification vote was held today at the Merritt Island Moose Club. The membership voted to accept the companies last, best and final contract offer. The BRs and the committee would like to thank the membership for their support during these difficult negotiations. We would also like to thank you for your solidarity you showed on the shop floor.

In Solidarity,
Your Negotiating Committee

SC Jones, Indyne and GCR /CMT voted at the union hall and accepted their companies last,best and finals. Again the committes and Reps thank you for your support and solidarity you showed during these negotiations.

ISC Negotiations

Brothers and Sisters, in an effort to dispell the rumors, the committee would like to inform the
membership that we have secured the pension, general wage increases and an insurance policy equal to industry standards. There are other issues involving vacations, sick leave and non-economic changes.

The committee is prepared to make a recommendation to the membership on Saturday. Please make every effort to attend this meeting as it is important to you and your family. Please stay focussed and work safely. We know our members are concerned about their future and security
and we will get through these tough times.

The meeting will be held at the Moose Lodge
3150 North Courtenay Parkway
Merritt Island

Doors open 9:15 AM
Presentation 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Vote 11:00 AM -12:00 PM
Vote tally and announcement of results after tabulation.

In Solidarity,
Your Negotiating Committee

IHA Contract Negotiations

For our members of the IHA/MESC contract... Due to Company/NASA contractual issues we have postponed negotiations with the company until next week. We will extend the current CBA to stay in place for 2 weeks. We will pick up with the economic portion of negotiations next Thursday, 4-5-12. We will set up Ratification for the following week of April 9th, time and date TBD.

In Solidarity,

Your Negotiating Committee

Negotiations Update 3/28/12

Your Negotiating Committee met again with the company over remaining issues to try and come up with a agreement we can present to you. After several rounds, passing back and forth proposals, we hammered out an agreement we will present to you on Saturday. We will continue to work preparing for our presentation over the next two days. We hope you will attend the presentation and ratification vote as this is important to you AND your family.

In solidarity,

Your Negotiating Committee

Negotiations Update 3/27/12

Your Negotiations Committee met again with the company and exchanged another round of Economic Proposals. We discussed health insurance and several other items within the current economic proposals. We will meet again tomorrow to deliver our final economic proposal. Once we recieve the companies best and final offer we will review it and be ready to make a unanimous recommendation.


The ratification vote will be held this saturday March 31,2012 at the Moose Lodge in Merritt Island located at 3150 N. Courteney Parkway. Doors open at 9:15 am . Members who wish to review the proposed changes will be able to prior to the presentation at 10 am. Voting will be from 11 am til noon. Results will be announced immediately after the votes are counted.

In solidarity,
Your Negotiating Committee

IHA Contract Negotiations

Your Negotiating Committee and DBR Walker met with the Company today and discussed and exchanged economic proposals.

In Solidarity,
Your Negotiating Committee

ISC Negotiations

Your negotiating committee met with DBR Walker and Strategic Resources Rp. Loren Almeroth
to prepare our next economic proposal. We will meet tomorrow with the company to continue
negotiations.

We will have a contract ratification vote next Saturday, March 31st, at the Moose Lodge at
3150 N. Courtenay Parkway ( Sate Road 3) at 10:00 A.M.

In Solidarity,
Your Negotiating Committee

IHA Negotiations

Your Negotiating Committee met with the Company today and completed the Non-Economic portion of the contract and opened the Economic portion of the negotiation. Your Committee will meet again with the Company tomorrow. Negotiations are progressing.
In Solidarity,
Your Negotiating Committee

ISC Negotiations

Your committee met today with DBR Walker and a representative from the Internationals
Strategic Resources Department. We have been costing out the current company economic
proposals in relation to our economic proposals. DBR Walker will be in negotiations with IHA tomorrow.
BR Mrjenovich will also be negotiating with CMT/GCR.

In Solidarity,
Your Negotiating Committee

IHA Contract Negotiations

Your committee met with the company today and exchanged non-economic proposals. We will be meeting next week to continue negotiations to include the economic proposals.
In Solidarity,
Your Negotiating Committee

ISC Negotiations

Your committee held no meetings with the company this week. The contracts for IHA, Indyne,

CMT/GCR and S C Jones are currently underway. Johnny and Nick are working all these these contracts simultaneously. The committee will be meeting with the company the week after next to conclude our contract talks so we can present the companies best and final offer on March 31.

In Solidarity,

Your Negotiating Committee

Negotiations Update 3/8/12

Your Negotiating Committee met again with the company for another difficult round of economic proposals. Major attacks on our insurance, pension, sick leave and changes in our holiday schedule are huge issues confronting your Negotiating Committee. We remain unshaken in our solidarity for a FAIR contract. After all, We did just help the company achieve the highest award fee ever.
We believe this company should reward us with a FAIR contract. We are not asking for the moon, rather we just want to share in the prosperity WE helped them achieve.

In solidarity,

Your Negotiating Committee

Negotiations Update 3/7/12

Your Negotiating Committee met again with the company. We moved through the day on Economic proposals. Some progress was made. We will be meeting again tomorrow and report on the status of our issues. Additional surveys will be distributed friday by your stewards. Please take the time to fill one out and return it by Monday.

Regular Membership Meeting 3-6-12 @ 4:30 PM

Regular membership meeting tonight at the District Hall, located in Cape Canaveral. Meeting starts at 4:30 PM. Hope to see all the members there.

Negotiations Update 3/1/12

Your Negotiating Committee exchanged Economic proposals today with the company. Our Economic proposal was based upon your survey results from January. A 2nd survey will be distributed by your steward in the next few days. Please take the time (and make sure ALL your fellow employees do too) to participate in this survey so that we know exactly the importance of each individual issue. We will carefully evaluate the companies economic proposals over the next few days. We are tentatively scheduled to meet again next Wednesday.

Negotiations Update 2/29/12

Your Negotiating Committee met again today with the company. After several passes on Non-Economic proposals we have reached tentative agreement on a majority of issues. We plan on meeting again tomorrow to exchange Economic proposals and discuss remaining Non-Economic issues. We will continue to update the membership on our progress.

Negotiations Update 2/28/12

Your Committee met with the Company today for our first pass of Non-Economic proposals. Progress was made in many areas. We are still working some unresolved issues. We are scheduled to meet again tomorrow.

Strike sanction vote

The strike sanction vote for CMT/GCR, InDyne and S C Jones will be held Tuesday March 6, 2012 from Noon til 6pm at the union hall 271 Taylor Ave Cape Canaveral FL.

In solidarity,
Your Negotiating Committee

ISC Negotiations

Your Negotiations Committee met today to finalize our Non-Economic Proposals. We are tentatively scheduled to meet with the company tomorrow Tuesday February 28, 2012.

In solidarity,
Your Negotiations Committee

ISC Negotiations Informational Meeting

Notice for IAM Local Lodge 2061 Dues Paying Members

URS, Sierra Lobo, Yang and IHA

Pre-Negotiations Informational Meeting to be held February 9, 2012 at 4:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel located at 301 Tucker Lane, Cocoa, Florida (I-95 & Highway 520)

* IAM Constitution required Strike Sanction Vote will be taken after the meeting

* 2nd and 3rd shift meeting time is 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. February 9, 2012 at the IAM Union hall located at 271 Taylor Avenue, Cape Canaveral

Brevard Awake The State

"Join us as we Awake The State on the opening day of the Florida legislative session and fight back against Gov. Scott and his extremist allies in the Legislature. If you've had enough of the extreme attacks on our middle class, our public schools, health care, our land and water, voting rights, and our civil rights, it's time to Awake The State!"

Tue, Jan 10, 2012

4:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Event Location

Brevard County School District Building

2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way

Melbourne, FL 32940

http://www.awakethestate.com/

Regular Membership Meeting January 3rd 2012

Regular meeting starts 4:30PM, at the district hall.

Merry Christmas

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas from Local Lodge 2061.

Homeless and Living in Cars by CBS 60 Minutes

USA Pension Plan Participants

In October, you should have received a packet from the USA Retirement Plan Administrator. The documents contain information critical to determining your pension plan benefit. You must review the personal information to determine the accuracy of the statement. All information must be accurate, as any mistakes will delay processing of your claim. In particular, you must review the page titled “Your Hours History”. We are aware of inaccuracies in the process of determining credited hours, which can affect your benefit. To receive a full year credit for each year, you must have achieved one thousand, eight hundred (1,800) hours worked. Overtime, vacation and sick leave are included in this calculation. If you detect errors in your personal information, or have reason to believe your work history accrual totals are inaccurate, you must respond no later than December 1, 2011. Included in the packet is a form for this purpose titled, “How to Correct Data”. Should you have any question, please contact us.

Mike Saltsman 321 794-3925

Lynn Beattie 321 289-5954

Lew Jamieson 321 446-7092

Open Your Hearts

In the coming weeks, we will be asking our members to “Open Up

Your Hearts” and donate one (1) hour’s pay to provide presents to

the children or our laid off members this upcoming Christmas.

In the past years, we have given generously to Brevard County

charities benefitting underprivileged children. We believe it is our

calling this year to help our laid off IAM members. Please give

generously to the children of our brothers and sisters.

Your Stewards or the Committee Members below will be accepting

your donations.

You may also donate to the “IAM Toy Drive” at any Kennedy

Space Center Credit Union.

For the flyer click here

Stewards please print a copy of the flyer and post it for the members in your shop(s) (please print it from home).

Job Fair November 8th, 9th, & 10th.

Time: 9:00a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Date: November 8, 9, and 10

District 166 Union Hall

271 Taylor Ave.

Cape Canaveral, Florida

See the flyer here: Job Fair Flyer

Brevard Workforce, Lockheed, and Spirit Aerosystems will be onsite to meet with members.

Double Health USA will also be onsite to answer questions and help you with medical insurance options.

Service watches will be dispersed to members who have not yet received them.

Regular Membership Meeting Tuesday November 1st, 2011

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

271 Taylor Avenue

Cape Canaveral, FL 32920.

Occupy Space Coast March starts at Brevard Veteran Memorial

The Occupy Wall Street Movement is coming to Brevard County

At least two events are planned for Saturday, a day when similar groups around the world are organizing marches and demonstrations in support of the Occupy Wall Street demonstration that started in Lower Manhattan a month ago.

Saturday morning, one group, Occupy Space Coast, is planning a march down State Road 520 from Merritt Square Mall to the Bank of America near the corner of SR 520 and Courtenay Parkway. The group expects to start marching at 11 a.m and stay in front of the bank until late afternoon.

A separate “Jobs not Cuts” rally is being organized for noon at Palm Bay City Hall on Malabar Road.

Come join us.

We will be on the north side of Merritt Square Mall at 10:30 a.m

"Occupy Wall Street is a leaderless resistance movement with people of many colors, genders and political persuasions. The one thing we all have in common is that We are the 99% that will no longer tolerate the greed and corruption of the 1%. We are using the revolutionary Arab Spring tactic to achieve our ends and encourage the use of nonviolence to maximize the safety of all participants".

LL 2061 Genreral Membership Meeting

The October meeting of Local Lodge 2061 will be Tuesday, October 4th. The meeting will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the IAMAW Union hall at 271 Taylor Avenue, Cape Canaveral.

USA Severance Recertification- DO NOT DELAY

All USA employees laid off July 22 must recertify for remaining eligible weeks by Friday, September 30. This recertification is for those weeks you are eligible following the initial 10 weeks. If you do not recertify by Friday, you will lose those weeks. DO NOT DELAY. Recertification directions (Salmon colored pages) are in the out-processing packet you received at the NSLD. Should you require any assistance or have any questions, contact me at 321 446-7092.

USA/IRS Letter

USA is required by federal regulations to keep all pension plan participants informed relative to the progress of plan termination. The recent letter from USA to pension plan participants regarding the filing with IRS for qualification determination of plan termination is an expected part of the process. USA is required to seek approval from the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC is a federal government agency) and the IRS as part of the plan termination. This IRS letter was expected and hopefully indicates the process is closer to resolution.

Job Fair Monday

Human Resource representatives from the Trident Refit Facility in King's Bay, Georgia will be at the IAM&AW hall in Cape Canaveral on Monday, August 29th. The fair will begin at 12:30 p.m. The HR representatives will provide assistance in application and resume building for available jobs at the facility. There will also be representatives on hand to provide information on affordable health plans and mortgage alternatives. Brevard Workforce representatives will be present, as well.

Hate to say "We Told You So".

"Russia may fail to fulfill its obligations in delivering crews to the International Space Station after Wednesday's accident with Russia's Progress M-12M space freighter, a source in Russia's space industry said.

The space freighter fell in South Siberia's Altai Republic on Wednesday after failing to separate from the Soyuz-U carrier rocket, the first loss of the Progress freighter in the history of Russia’s space industry. A rocket engine failure is believed to have caused the accident.

"The scheduled launches of the [Soyuz] rockets are likely to be suspended because of the space freighter accident... until the reasons [of the accident] are established," the source said.

This means that members of the International Space Station's crew are likely to stay at the station longer than planned and that the new crew will not be able to replace them on schedule, he said.

After the retirement of the U.S. shuttle fleet earlier this summer, Russian Soyuz craft became the only way for astronauts to reach the ISS until at least the middle of the decade. NASA is paying its Russian counterpart Roscosmos more than $1 billion for crew transport services over the next four years."

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20110824/166122514.html

Hope our Politicians are paying close attention to the mess they created.

ISC Election Results

The members elected to serve as the Negotiations Committee are:

Murray Caldwell

Jay Shaw

Steve Ching

Jeff Estes

Phil McPherson

Negotiations Committee Elections

The election of a negotiations committee for members working under the ISC and IHA contracts will be conducted Tuesday, August 2. Polls will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The voting will be conducted at the IAM&AW hall on Taylor Avenue in Cape Canaveral. The candidates in order of their appearance on the ballot are;

MeriBeth Chewuk

Jeff Estes

Jay Shaw

Matt Reasoner

Phil McPherson

Robert Atkinson

Murray Caldwell

Linda Donahoe

Steve Ching

James Kersey

We will be electing a committee of five (5).

Steward Election Set for Wednesday

The election for Stewards to serve after July 22 has been set for Wednesday, July 20. All IAM members employed by USA present at work on July 22 are eligible to vote. We will elect one Steward from GSS and one from Logistics The candidates are Stewards presently serving. The schedule is as follows;

0630 hrs. K6-1246 Utility Shops All Shops including Logistics and Pneumatics

0630 hrs. K7-0569 All Shops

0630 hrs. Heavy Equipment Area All Area Shops

0900 hrs. Logistics Warehouse All Personnel

0900 hrs. LES Shop All Shops including Logistics

1130 hrs. Crawler/Transporters All Personnel

1130 hrs. VAB All Shops including Logistics

1130 hrs. Generator Shop All Personnel

The stand-alone Logistics Service Centers, including the NSLD will be voted on a non-interference basis between 0700 hours and 1100 hours. Members will be required to vote in their base area. No travel to another voting location will be permitted unless specifically authorized by management. Should you have questions, contact Lew Jamieson at 446-7092.

Award Winning Documentary Film

The documentary film, " The 2nd Assassination of JFK " will be presented Wednesday evening in Titusville. The film tells the story of the end of our manned space flight program through the eyes of the people who sent us. The film received a Remi Award at the Houston Worldfest 2011. Watch the trailer at http://vimeo.com/19921809. The feature presentation will be;

Wednesday, July 6

7:00 P.M.

New Life Auditorium

6755 S. Washington Avenue

Titusville

There is no cost and the presentation is open to the public.

Festival for Florida's Future

Join Union activists this Saturday, June 4 for the festival. This is not a rally. There will be activities for the children, learning opportunities for the Union Activist, speakers and Union vendors. The festival will be open beginning at 10:00 a.m. and continue through 6:00 p.m. The location is Central Florida Fairgrounds at 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando. Join the effort to return Florida to a state government that works for working citizens.

June 4th Fight For Florida Festival at the Central Florida Fairgrounds

"Instead of focusing on creating jobs and addressing high unemployment, Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature proved that they are out of touch with real Floridians, the families living paycheck to paycheck, the retirees surviving on meager state pensions, the unemployed searching for jobs that are not there and students working their way through college. The Festival will combine activism, education and music while serving as a kick-off for a sustained campaign to organize and mobilize working people from all backgrounds and walks-of-life to demand meaningful action by the state legislature and make a difference in the lives of all Floridians.

At the festival, attendees will participate in teach-ins to learn how they can fight for Florida. They will also participate in direct actions such as writing letters and recording video messages. They can register to vote in the upcoming elections in 2012. Noted speakers and live music will entertain families throughout the day. There will be a supervised play area for children, so busy parents can participate in the numerous activities. There will be a food court, educational booths, and various building trades will have their mobile demonstration units on hand to showcase their expertise."

Admission is free and there will be plenty of activities for the kids.

Bring your kids and let them enjoy the safe, supervised Kids’ Klub designed just for them while you learn how to Fight for Florida. Located near the Main Stage, the Kids’ Klub will feature 5 bounce houses, face painting, a roving balloon artist, an arts and crafts area and other super fun stuff. All children will be supervised by our friendly Klub Kounselors and upon check-in receive a wrist/ankle band with a unique number. In order to pick-up your child, you will have to have the matching band. This allows you to attend the various teaching opportunities without worry.

http://fightforflorida.com/

Flyer

Address:

4603 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808-8158 (Central Florida Fairgrounds & Exposition Park)

View Larger Map

Services for KC Jones

Services for Ken Jones will be Thursday, May 5th at 7 P.M. at Halifax Memory Gardens and Funeral Home. The home is located at 4815 Clyde Morris Blvd. Port Orange. Telephone number is 386 322-5373. Our thoughts and prayers go out to KC's Family.

Linda Donahoe Wins Election

Linda Donahoe won the election for Secretary/Treasurer in Tuesday's election. Congratulations, Linda and Thank You to Tim Cooper and Michele Seely.

Secretary Treasurer Election May 3rd, 2001

Elections for the Secretary Treasurer will be held on May 3rd, 2011 (same day as the regular membership meeting). Polls open at 8AM and close at 6PM. The election will take place at the District 166 hall located at 271 Taylor Avenue Cape Canaveral, FL 32920.

Your vote will decide who the LL2061 S/T will be from this list of Nominees:

Tim Cooper

Linda Donahoe

Michele Seely

Brevard Workforce & Monster.com Jobseeker Event

Join Brevard Workforce and Monster.com for Let’s

Get to Work, a FREE, job seeker event to help

empower you and your job search. Put the

Monster to work for you with real-time tips and techniques

from Monster experts to energize your job

search and make you stand out in the crowd.

Brevard Workforce Moster.com Flyer.

Register Online at:

http://events.signup4.com/monsterApril28

Or see the Flyer for more information and options to register for the event.

Health Insurance Seminar

Health insurance professionals will be available for consultation Tuesday afternoon, April 12 beginning at 4 p.m. at the IAM Union hall, 271 Taylor Avenue, Cape Canaveral. This service is available to all IAM members who are looking for affordable health insurance after the loss of benefits due to layoff. If you think you may be affected by Shuttle fly-out displacement come see what options are available. None of us can risk losing what we have worked for by exposing ourselves to the risk of illness or injury. The advisors will be available Wednesday and Thursday afternoon, as well.

Brought to you by your;

LL 2061 Community Services Committee

This Friday! Protest John Tobia's anti-worker agenda

Florida House Rep. John Tobia of Melbourne is ignoring the needs of his constituents in favor of his own interests. He’s pushed bill after bill favoring corporations and big-money donors over the interests of everyday working Floridians.

Please come out in support of our Union brothers and sisters and all working Floridians in our community. Bring signs, banners and a friend. Let’s show Tobia just who he’s dealing with!

Where: 1905 South Harbor City Boulevard

When: Friday, April 8th, 2011 at 5:00 PM

Representative Tobia has filed HB 1425 which would decrease the minimum wage. He also supported the anti-union HB 1405 which forced state employees to pay 5% into their retirement. This is only the latest in what has been a long line of bad decisions Representative Tobia has made at the expense of working Floridians. This is our chance to let him know that we’re paying attention, and we VOTE!

Friday Rally at John Tobia's Office

Rally to be held at Tobia's office at 5PM Friday April 8th.

State Rep John Tobia District Office
1901 South Habor City Blvd. Suite 508
Melbourne Fla.32901

Health Insurance after KSC

Health insurance professionals will be at the IAM hall to provide assistance in finding affordable health insurance to fill the gap between KSC and our next employer. Those advising us are not insurance salesmen. They are former insurance professionals trained to match affordable insurance plans tailored to your family's needs. There are less expensive options to COBRA. These professionals will work one on one with you and your spouse to find a plan you can afford with the coverage you need. Don't risk losing everything you've worked for. Come, find how you can protect your family with an affordable health insurance plan.

Tuesday, April 12

Wednesday, April 13

Thursday, April 14

All sessions begin at 4 p.m.

Brought to you by your Community Services Committee. If you have questions, contact;

Meri Beth Chewuk IHA

Mike May USA

Karen Houston MET CON

Mike Saltsman USA

Jay Shaw YANG

Carson Yates USA

Murray Caldwell URS

Lew Jamieson USA

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.