For the IAM Union, being an advocate for the membership is part of a deeper responsibility – a responsibility to ensure that the membership it serves has a seat at every table. From corporate boardrooms, when it comes time to negotiate substantial contracts, to making sure that those who represent us in government know where workers’ priorities lie.
Over the weekend, IAM Union International President Brian Bryant and other IAM leadership visited with members to hear firsthand how organizing with the IAM is delivering a stronger voice in the workplace, dignity, respect, and justice on the job.
Leaders spoke with members at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center, where the IAM organized over 1,000 highly skilled Patient Care Associates (PCAs) and Psychiatric Care Technicians (PCTs). IAM Healthcare Bargaining Committee Member and now Chief Steward, Kelly Williams, welcomed leadership and expressed appreciation for their visit. A desire to become more involved in their union and the benefits of negotiating and signing their first contract were the top topics of discussion during Bryant’s visit.
This first agreement offers a robust compensation package and includes strong language to support our continued growth. PCAs and PCTs now receive the professional recognition they deserve, and together, they are leveraging the tools secured in this agreement to champion safe staffing and patient care.
Holding true to their mantra, IAM Healthcare works to provides healthcare members with a center of resources to organize new members and grow power in a rapidly changing and evolving industry, bargain strong and effective agreements with employers that ensure our members have a voice in quality patient care, and strategically advocate on legislation and policies that impacts and governs our professions and the conditions under which we provide care to our patients.
PCAs and PCTs at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center are a testament to the commitment to healthcare workers.
Additionally, Bryant and the leadership delegation attended the Ohio State Council of Machinists in Columbus and carried the Workers vs. Billionaires message to the delegates.
“A family can do everything right—work hard, play by the rules and save what they can—and still feel like they are one emergency away from losing everything,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Workers create the wealth—but billionaires take more and more of it!”
In an economic environment where the cost of everything has skyrocketed, the only group not feeling the economic impact is billionaires. In recent memory, basic necessities were out of reach for a large portion of North America’s middle-class workforce. Today, the staggering trend continues to push the middle class further into poverty – a trend which, by all standards, cannot continue.
As the middle class slips further, rising inequality is the root of the affordability problem, according to the Economic Policy Institute. Policymakers must look at the affordability crisis as an inherent cause.
“This union will never tell you who to vote for,” said IAM Union Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon. “Our job is to educate the membership about what’s at stake, how the current political candidates stand on issues affecting labor and working families.”
Ohio State Council President D. Scott Rich opened the one-day conference to carry the message that, with the IAM Union, the solutions are clear. This election season is no longer just a season. Outcomes from this election cycle will determine whether there is any recovery for the American workforce.
“This is not about the D or the R next to your name, it’s not about being the Independent voter,” said IAM Ohio State Council President D. Scott Rich. “This is about voting for who is going to fight and support you and your family and all working families in Ohio and elsewhere”
In a traditional fashion, the state council provided an opportunity for current working family candidates in Ohio to address the delegation.
The IAM Union has a long history of supporting working family candidates through the Machinist Non-Partisan Political League, ensuring that working families’ voices are heard on Capitol Hill.
As the IAM continues to ramp up, people are engaged and excited. We’re seeing sky-high energy and optimism across the country as we fight for real change for working people. IAM Union members have the power to make a difference. Please join us in getting out the vote. Find out where and how you can participate here.
The post Ohio Healthcare Workers are Joined by IAM Leadership to Reflect on Life-Changing First Contract; Ohio IAM Rallies Across The State For Economic Justice appeared first on IAM Union.