Boeing Brothers and Sisters,
CONTRACT SURVEY:
The first contract survey was distributed throughout the shop this month and you; the membership did an excellent job of expressing to your bargaining committee the issues that are important to you. So, what happens next? When the survey results are completed your bargaining committee will use those results to formulate a strategy that will provide the opportunity to meet your contract expectations during negotiations. If you have not returned your survey, they must be returned to your shop steward or plant chairman by Friday, September 3, 2021.
With less than 11 months before our contract vote I wanted to remind everyone the foundation of our strength has always and will always be built from our solidarity. Writer H.G. Wells summed it up best when he said; “A downtrodden class… will never be able to make an effective protest until it achieves solidarity”. You are the men and women who build the most advanced fighter jets and you are not paid to FAIL!! Be prepared, Be informed and Be united!
DISTRICT PICNIC:
The IAM District 837 picnic will be held on Saturday, September 18, from 11am – 5pm in the park at the union hall, 212 Utz Lane, Hazelwood, MO 63042. Beverages will be served (for beer – must be 21 and have ID) and food will be served from 12pm till 3pm. There will be many activities including coed washers and bags tournaments, a dunking booth benefiting Guide Dogs of America and kid’s activities. This is a great family friendly event with pony rides, petting zoo, arm painting, balloon twister and bounce house. Members can enter for a chance at attendance prizes to be raffled during the day. The picnic is open to all District 837 Local Lodge members and retirees including your immediate family. Come join your Co-workers for a day of fun, food and great company.
NOMINATIONS:
The months of September and October brings shop steward nominations and elections. During the month of September, the nomination announcements will be prominently displayed throughout each steward’s area of certification for three days. Any eligible member can sign the posted nomination announcement to declare themselves as a candidate for shop steward. During the month of October, for steward certifications with more than one eligible candidate, an election by the membership within the certification will be held to elect the candidate to represent them as shop steward. All newly elected and unopposed shop stewards will begin their term on November 1st.
LABOR DAY:
Monday, September 6th is Labor Day and is recognized in our collective bargaining agreement as one of the 13 negotiated holidays. This federally recognized Holiday is celebrated on the first Monday in September to recognize the men and women of the American Labor Movement for their contributions to the growth of the United States. I ask that while you are enjoying this day off with family and friends, you also reflect upon the struggles of those who came before us within the labor movement and imagine where the future can take us moving forward. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic the Labor Day parade has been canceled for this year.
In Solidarity,
Tom Boelling – President/Directing Business Representative