Notice

Vought has just brought to our attention a blog comment that constituted a threatening attack on a company official. The IAM does not support or condone such attacks, and we have removed it. Our real struggle is against Vought itself. This is a company that has used cruel anti-union and anti-worker tactics from the beginning to take hard-won benefits from their workers and families. This is a nationwide and Vought-wide war, to drive down wages, end our retirement plans and shove costs onto the workers. THAT is the struggle we are in, and the Solidarity of Local Lodge 735 is a powerful tool in that struggle.

We are strong, proud Tennesseans and Americans, and we are standing up against injustice and corporate greed, and from the beginning this Local has led a peaceful strike. We are proud of the way we’ve ran this strike in the face of Vought’s campaign of buses and guards. We can all be proud of our Union.

Christmas on Strike

The Sprit of Christmas

or
When Vought Stole Christmas

For many families of Vought strikers in Tennessee, this will be the toughest Christmas in years. For many, it’s hard to remember the kudos Vought had given its workforce, for vastly improved safety, productivity and return on investment.

The kudos, of course, stopped at the bargaining table. Vought demanded their employees take big takeaways. When the proposal was rejected, instead of coming back to the table and listening to their fine workforce, they decided instead to PUNISH the workers. They quickly hired out-of-state scab temporary workers, spent millions on private union-busting security and buses, in an attempt to break the union and the workers.

At the table, Vought negotiators said they were the only one that cared about the employees. One wonders, when they are at their Christmas tree tomorrow morning with their families, stuffed with presents for their kids, what they will think about the families of those on strike.

For many years, we thought the world of Charles Dickens was a relic of the past. Bob Cratchit was a wage slave, with a sick child. The greedy, ruthless Ebenezer Scrooge hoarded his wealth, never caring about his hard-working employee. Some things, it seems, never changes.

Sadly, there seems to be no Ghosts of Christmas past, present or future in Tennessee this year to change the hearts of Vought management. They want to HURT the workers, break their will, make them come crawling back, happy to work for whatever crumbs they deign to give you.

And they want you to be GRATEFUL for it.

One wonders, as they watch those Christmas retellings of Dicken’s classic story, whether they see themselves in it, or if they root for Scrooze, telling him not to give in to HIS ungrateful employee?

Remind your children and family that this strike is about a brighter future for all the workers at Vought, for better Christmases in the future. Sometimes sacrifice now is needed to ensure better days ahead. Tell them that other sacrificed so that we could have a good life, and that we can’t give up what they fought so hard to get.

Here’s the bottom line. Our strike continues to work, the pickets hold up well. The company did everything they could to break our will, and they are more than willing to ruin our Christmases and punish our children, too. Our Solidarity ensures we will win our strike. The TRUE Spirit of Christmas resides in each and every one of us, on this Christmas Eve, because we have our families, we have our pride, and we stand up together for a better life.

Greed has no place in the true Christmas Spirit. We can only pray that a spirit DOES touch the hard hearts of Vought managers, and heal them and make them remember that millions of dollars in their pockets does nothing to cover up the pain they’ve caused to make it.

Bill Dowdy passed away

With much sadness and respect
we regret to report that

Bill Dowdy

passed away Tuesday morning
due to heart failure

He was shopping in Gladeville when he collapsed
and then passed away, before making it to the hospital

Our deepest sympathies are with his family.

Visitation will be Friday December 26th from 4-9 p.m.
And from 12-2 p.m. Saturday December 27th, followed by the funeral at 2:00

Memorial services will be held at
Hermitage Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens
535 Shute Ln, Hermitage, TN‎ - (615) 889-0361

Yes, there IS a Santa Claus!

Look to the folks next to you on the picket line. Look to your fellow Union members here in Tennessee. Look to your fellow IAM members across the USA.

They are the true heirs of the jolly old Elf! It seems that for Vought children, elves this year wear the Union Label. We want to thank Michael Allen of the United Way and the Central Labor Council, along with IBEW Local 429 for the Toy Drive for our children, and your fellow strikers who gave so much, even as their own pocketbooks were empty, along with IAM members in LL 733 (Hawker Beechcraft, Wichita, KS, they just recently won their strike), LL 834 (Boeing, Wichita) LL 839 (Spirit Aerosystems, Wichita), District Lodge 70 (Wichita), LL 2003 and District Lodge 75 (Ft. Rucker, AL). The IAM locals gave a total of $3800.00 to for LL 735’s Angel Tree.

Other Santas include Angel Rock, along with Barry Weatherspoon, his wife Nick, and Susan Butler and many others for their hard work.

Our kids can find presents under their tree this year because of the hearts of these fine people, along with your fellow strikers. They want you to be able to survive and continue on the picket lines, as they know your fight is their fight, too.

They know that Vought is trying to break their workers. They know there is little they won’t do to destroy the ability of the workers to negotiate good contracts.

As you make it to the picket lines this week, realize that the true spirit of Christmas, and the jolly old Elf is on this side of the Vought gates.

Merry Christmas, everyone. Hug your kids, and let them know that yes, Santa didn’t forget them this year. We aren’t alone at Christmas.

A visit we won't forget

Friday a woman and her eight-year-old daughter came to the picket lines. Her daughter has seen the strikers walking the picket lines every day, and wanted to do something to help. They brought bread, luncheon meats, chips and cokes for the strikers. They didn't leave their names.

Our picketers all hugged and thanked the little girl for caring. It's a great thing, in this Christmas season, that the little eight-year-old wanted to do something to help and to show she cared.

Brothers and sisters, this is something that touches your heart. We are grateful, and we won't forget your act of kindness.

From our union, to the mother and daughter in the Ford Ranger who stopped by the pickets 2:00 Friday, thank you, and have a very Merry Christmas. The Christmas Spirit is alive and well in your hearts.

Thanks and Merry Christmas to the Police

LL President Worrell sent a Christmas Card to Commander Richter at the Hermitage Precinct with the following message:

Dear Commander Richter,

To you, your supervisors, and all the officers of the Hermitage Precinct. I just wanted to let you know how much the members of Local Lodge 735 at Vought Aircraft appreciate your professionalism and the hard work you have put in these past twelve weeks that we have been on strike. I know it has been a sacrifice to stand in the cold and rain working our picket lines. But thanks to you we have been able to exercise our right to strike in a safe and peaceful manner. God bless each of you and your families. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Mike Worrell

President Local Lodge 735

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers

Blood Drive

Thanks to everyone who came out and gave blood yesterday. Even though we are on strike, we still take care of our duties to the community and those in need.

The Christmas spirit endures at Local Lodge 735 and the Machinists Union!

Reminder

Remember our blood drive tomorrow, Wednesday, at the Union hall for Red Cross is from 10 am to 3 pm! More information here.

IMPORTANT: RESPONSE TO FACT CHECKER #8

Here is the real story on the company’s so-called “Fact Checker #8: Working During The Strike”

Last Friday, we put a message on this website warning people that crossing a picket line is like walking into the lion’s den. We said, “People don’t realize that, if you cross the pickets, you no longer have protections on the job. The company can fire you for any reason or no reason, and without a Union Contract in place, there is no grievance procedure or any way to regain your job.”

The company then said in its so-called “Fact Checker #8” that we were wrong, but it only told half the story. It said that during strikes, companies must maintain most terms and conditions of employment until lawfully changed, and it pointed to the “just cause” termination provision in our expired contract. It said you would still have that protection.

The half of the story that the company left out is that the arbitration clause is not one of the terms and conditions that the company must maintain. As the U.S. Supreme Court made clear in a case called Litton Financial v. NLRB, companies do not have to arbitrate things that happen after a CBA expires. So if you cross the picket line and the company disciplines or fires you without just cause, you are out of luck. Your real protection is walking the line. “FACT CHECKER #8 IS ONLY AN EMPTY PROMISE.

Of course, Vought hasn't been straight with either the Committee or the membership for a long time. They've hired fancy Philadelphia Lawyers versed in union busting to give half-truths and lies to divide us, and make you think they are on YOUR side. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Call our Elected Officials!

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Strike Update

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Toy Drive and Angel Tree

Toy Drive Sponsored by The United Way and the
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Benefiting the children of striking IAM Local 735 members.

Dec. 22, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
at the IBEW Local 429 Union Hall
2001 Elm Hill Pike Nashville, TN 37210

Drive north from the IAM Union Hall
Turn left on to Elm Hill Pike
Then watch for it on the left, across from Hardee’s


IAM Contact: Angel Rock 615- 720-3939
or 517-9939 angelrocks2day@yahoo.com

IBEW Contact: Michael Allen 780-2413

**********

Also, the Angel Tree Presents will be available
Dec. 22, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
At the IAM Local 735 Union Hall
1844 Air Lane Drive Nashville, Tennessee 37210Phone: 615-885-1756


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Chicago workers use solidarity to win.

Via Business Week:

Laid-off Chicago workers hope to inspire others:

They've taken their sleeping bags and pillows back home and hauled away their protest placards after ending a nearly weeklong sit-in at a Chicago factory that came to symbolize the plight of laid-off labor.

But a day after dozens of protesting workers walked out of the Republic Windows & Doors plant with their demands met, they said they hope their triumph will inspire others nationwide to take similar stands against employers if need be.

"Sometimes people are scared to say something to big companies," said Ricardo Caceres, who spent his first night in his own bed after sleeping on a flatbed truck in the plant during the six day sit-in. "But we stood up -- opened everyone's eyes."

That should include the eyes of factory executives, some business leaders said Thursday.

"I'd be the first to say to companies that what you saw with workers at Republic will be repeated over and over across the country," said Jerry Roper, president of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. "We haven't seen this since the '30s."

About 200 of the 240 laid-off workers occupied the doors and windows manufacturer last week, demanding severance and accrued vacation pay after Republic gave them just three days notice before closing the plant down.

Jubilant workers cheered and chanted "Yes We Can" outside the factory late Wednesday night after they voted to approve a $1.75 million agreement that put an end to their protest.

"This has inspired a lot of people," Leah Fried, an organizer for the United Electrical Workers, which represents the Republic workers, said Thursday.

She said the union is looking to harness the goodwill springing from the sit-in, which even drew supportive words from President-elect Barack Obama. She said that could include networking with unions in the United States and abroad.

Caceres said he has already fielded calls from workers at other Chicago factories asking how the Republic workers took on their employer so successfully. The key, he told them: "You've got to stick together."

Even after all the attacks upon organized labor the last several weeks in the press, people standing together can still win. The Chicago workers have proved it. Our elected officials are looking at our strike and Vought's attacks and takeaways, and soon we will have a Congress and Administration who will stand up for working people. Pretty soon it won't be as easy to attack the ability of workers to earn a living.

Notice

We have gotten several calls from people who have crossed the picket lines and went back to work. They said they’ve realized the terrible mistake they’ve made.

People don’t realize that, if you cross the pickets, you no longer have protections on the job. The company can fire you for any reason or no reason, and without a Union Contract in place, there is no grievance procedure or any way to regain your job. The Union can’t help you once the strike is over, either. It will be permanent.

You have the lawful right to honor the picket lines. You can tell your Supervisor you have re-thought your position, and you are honoring the picket lines, and your Constitutional right to strike will be protected. Of course, this must be done BEFORE the company fires you.

Strike Update

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Back to the table

IAM Local 735 Negotiation Committee

Negotiators returned to the bargaining table this morning at 9:30. Members were encouraged that both sides were able to remained at the table. “It seems that they may actually be talking this time.”

Please spend some time in prayer and let’s hope for an equitable conclusion. This company is a vital component of Middle Tennessee and the Tennessee workforce plays a vital role in the success of this company.

Red Cross Blood Drive

We all expect blood to be there for us, but barely a fraction of those who can give do. Yet sooner or later, virtually all of us will face a time of great vulnerability in which we will need blood. And that time is all too often unexpected.

From its beginning, the American Red Cross has formed a community of service, of generous, strong and decent people bound by beliefs beyond themselves. The honor, spirit and resources of the American people comes forth with neighbors helping neighbors in need — during earthquakes, floods, fires, storms — and also for the deeply personal and often quiet disasters that require a gift of blood.

IAM Local 735 will host a blood drive for the American Red Cross,

Wednesday, Dec. 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

at the Union Hall

1844 Air Lane Drive Nashville, Tennessee 37210

Phone: 615-885-1756, Fax: 615-885-0314 map

All blood drive participants will receive a packet of custom greeting cards, while supplies last.

Basic Computer and Internet Class

We will be offering Free Basic Computer and Internet skills instruction, including email on Tuesday Dec. 17, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, at the Union Hall. Bring a notebook computer with you if you can. This class is for people who know very little or nothing at all about computers.

We will cover the basics of the computer and then after an orientation of the Internet browser, we will surf the web and then learn how to email. Everyone who attends the class should be able to leave with their own email address.

Obviously people who need this class will probably not read about this on the Internet so please pass the word around and if you would like to come by and help on Tuesday, it would be greatly appreciated.

We will also be teaching how to sell things on eBay and Craig’s List but we have not set a date for that class yet. We could also use some help teaching that class, which will also be free.

A lot of us have a lot of time on our hands and so this is a great time to get some new skills. We are also working on offering Financial Peace University classes. When we get that worked out we will post it here with details about cost, dates and times.

These classes are for IAM 735 member and their families.

Got Food ?

Thanks to generous donations, there is food at the Union Hall for members in need and their families. Of course, donations are continually needed and appreciated. The Union Hall is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Special thanks to IAM Lodge 1296 out of Clarksville for their very large donations Tuesday before our regular Union Meeting.

Don’t forget about the Hardship Blog. There are leads on jobs, a short-term health insurance policy, a debt snowball calculator, a strike loan, the hardship and jobs committee, free credit reports, clothes and even half price on haircuts.

We are also looking for fund raising ideas for the hardship fund.

Come on ya'll and get you some !!

Angel Tree

Angel Rock said Tuesday at the Union Meeting that 57 children had been signed up for the Angel Tree. If any members have not yet signed up, be sure to get your name in the pot or on the tree before it’s too late. Gifts will be handed out on the Monday, December 22, 2008.

Money has been coming in to buy gifts for these children but there is defiantly room for more contributions. We are very thankful for all the donations we have received.

Children range in ages from age 18 on down. We’ll start with the youngest (Santa age) children and then do the best we can for the older children, in that order.

Gifts and donation can be received at the Union Hall 24-7. Mondays are great for donations but there is only one Monday left between now and the 22nd.

The Blessing of Christmas is the Joy that comes with giving.

Regular Union Meeting

Regular Union Meeting

Tuesday at 4:15 p.m.
December 9, 2008
4:15 pm

at the

IAM Local 735 Union Hall
1844 Air Lane Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 37210 Phone: 615-885-1756

Picket line schedule change request

We are looking for people who would like to change your picket line schedule to

Friday night 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.
Willing members should contact

Adlai Coffee
Email: acoffee@iam735.com

Phone 615-736-3273 or 615-885-1756

Thank you!

Strike Update - From LL President Mike Worrell

Brothers and Sisters:

As we begin the eleventh week of our strike against Vought Aircraft, I cannot commend you enough for the solidarity you have shown. The way you have stuck together, supported one another, encouraged one another, and braved the cold and the rain on the picket lines are something you and your families can truly be proud of.

As you know the Federal Mediation Service has called both sides to a meeting this coming Friday, December 12th. Again we are cautiously optimistic. This strike resulted because the company stopped bargaining with your elected committee and tried to sell it’s demands to the bargaining unit. All it would have taken to avoid a strike was to offer some increases in wages, pension, and insurance and we could have continued working. But the company chose to take away sonority rights, overtime pay, and offer a substandard wage and benefit proposal that your committee told them would not be accepted by the membership.

Your negotiating committee has listened to you over the past ten weeks and is preparing to negotiate with the company over the issues that put us on the street. If the company is serious about negotiating over those issues then I believe we can come away from the table with a proposal that your committee can recommend.

I personally want to thank each of you for the support you have given to me and to each other. It is amazing how well you have conducted yourselves during this strike. We have approximately 70 who have disgraced themselves and their families by choosing to become a scab. They will have to live with their shame. But for the other 860 of us, we can hold our heads high! God bless each of you.

In Solidarity;

Mike Worrell

President Local 735

Strike Update

We have been contacted by the Federal Mediator, and we have been asked to meet with the Mediator and company negotiators next Friday, Dec. 12th in Nashville. We have accepted and will be there.

strike update

Thanks to everyone that has used our site to send letters to your elected Congresspersons and Senators. If you haven’t sent an email yet, please do so. Have your family, friends and relatives do so, also. It’s important, and it’s having an effect.

Congressman Bart Gordon has received the emails you’ve sent, and he’s talked with your IAM District 711 DBR George Mays, and has contacted Vought CEO Elmer Doty.

Congressman Gordon told DBR Mays that Vought was ready to meet at any time to restart negotiations. We, your negotiating committee, stand ready to meet any time and any place, and have also reached out and shared this information with Federal Mediation. We will keep you informed of any developments as they happen.

Angel Tree

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