Message from GVP Bob Martinez

From the Southern Territory General Vice President Bob Martinez:

It saddens me to hear of yet another company attacking the retirement security of their workers. The Vought scheme to freeze the defined benefit pension plan of Local Lodge 735 members should be roundly rejected by the membership. Pensions are the norm in IAM aerospace contracts, and there’s no reason that successful companies like Vought should try to attack your pension.

The IAM has for decades fought to keep and strengthen the pension plans so our members can have a long, healthy and happy retirement, free from worry and want. As you can see in the volatility of today’s market, 401(k) plans have winners AND losers. Our Union works hard so that NO MEMBER, after years of hard work, will be left behind.

We have a RESPONSIBILITY to protect our pensions, as those who came before us fought and sometimes died so that we could have pensions.

You need only look at the recent Hawker Beechcraft strike to see that our Union has the power and the clout to fight back companies who make unreasonable takeaway demands. They won their fight, and you should let Vought management know that you are prepared to do whatever it takes to protect your future.

Local Lodge 735 is a strong and proud local. I urge each and every Union member to remember the past, and look to the future. On behalf of International President Tom Buffenbarger, rest assured that the International and the Southern Territory will support you all the way.

In Solidarity,

Bob Martinez
General Vice President
Southern Territory
IAMAW