THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS (IAM)
Ask yourself, are you prepared for the consequences of a strike? As a union member, what's your obligation to walk?
Check out the information below to learn about this union and how they choose to manage their business.
Strikes are real and can have long-lasting devastating consequences to all involved. Federal aw not only guarantees the right of employees to strike, but also places limitations and qualifications on the exercise of that right. Federal law cautions employees that, "The consequences can be severe to striking employees and struck employers, involving as they do question reinstatement and back-pay.” "Employees and employers who anticipate being involved in strike action should proceed cautiously and on the basis of competent advice.”
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In the United States, there are 2 types of strikers, those who walk out for financial gain (Economic Strikers) and those who walk out in protest of an unfair labor practice committed by their employer (Unfair Labor Practice Strikers).
CLICK THE LINK to download the union's STRIKE Report
Think the Machinists won't go on strike? Think again. The IAM embraces the power and threat of a strike and won't take no for an answer if given the opportunity to walk out and put the pressure on the employer in attempt to turn the tables during negotiations.
The IAM are one of the most active striking unions nationally:
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91 Strikes Called in the past 10 years
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24,516 Employees Out of Work
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1,478,933 Work Days Lost without Pay/Benefits
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Average Work Days Lost: 123
Most strikes nationally are for economic gain (Economic). If the object of a strike is to obtain from the employer some economic concession such as higher wages, shorter hours, or better working conditions, the striking employees are called economic strikers. They retain their status as employees and cannot be discharged, but they can be replaced by their employer. If the employer has hired bona fide permanent replacements who are filling the jobs of the economic strikers when the strikers apply unconditionally to go back to work, the strikers are not entitled to reinstatement at that time. Remember, for economic strikers your pay and benefits stop immediately when you walk out the door, you may be able to continue your health insurance by paying COBRA (the employee and employer portion of cost), you may not be subject to receive unemployment in your state, however, most unions will compensate members who strike with modest levels of pay (usually $100-$125/week). Keep in mind, as a union member you'll be expected to continue supporting the union financially during the strike by paying your union dues.