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IAMAW LODGE #31
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IAM Goals |
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Copyright 1996, The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
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R. THOMAS BUFFENBARGER, Economic Indicators Show Industrial Workers Hit Hardest, Says Machinists President WASHINGTON, "This economy is being balanced on the backs of U.S. manufacturing workers and their families," declared Tom Buffenbarger, president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. "The sharp decline in industrial production reported today and continued increases in manufacturing bankruptcies and layoffs are a direct reflection of last year's interest rate manipulations." "The figures released today confirm the economic slowdown is concentrated in the nation's manufacturing strongholds," said Buffenbarger. "This country cannot afford the loss of the middle class purchasing power that has driven our economy for the past six years." According to figures from the U.S. Department of Labor, the largest increases in unemployment claims are in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Ohio and Kentucky. The most recent numbers for seasonally adjusted unemployment show a nationwide increase of nearly 175,000 from the preceding week. "The 0.6 percent drop in industrial production reported today is more bad news for workers," said Buffenbarger. "Coupled with rising food prices and soaring fuel costs, the interest rate decisions made by the Fed last year are coming home to roost." "The federal reserve bank's policy of turning the interest rate screws to slow production and reduce employment levels shows a cold disregard for the real-world effect on working families," said Buffenbarger. "If the economy can not be made to work for working Americans, then we need to fix the way the economy works." The IAM is the second largest industrial union in North America, representing more than 730,000 active and retired members in the U.S. and Canada, Puerto Rico Guam and the Panama Canal Zone. Heavily concentrated in Manufacturing, Aerospace, Shipbuilding and Airlines, the IAM maintains one or more agreements with almost every major employer in North America. More information can be found on the IAM web site at: http://www.iamaw.org. SOURCE International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. |
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It pays to belong to the IAM. Whether it's a professionally negotiated IAM |
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