The document summarizes benefits of joining the International Association of Machinists (IAM) union. It discusses how the IAM negotiates collective bargaining agreements to establish wages, benefits and working conditions for its members. Unlike at-will employees, IAM members are protected and not subject to dismissal without cause. The IAM enforces agreements and represents members in issues like disputes, discipline, harassment and safety. Members decide through votes on contracts and actions like strikes.

1. What’s In It For Me?
Bob Kraves
former IAM educator
sevark@aol.com

2. Welcome to the IAM
When you join the IAM, you establish
yourself as a vital partner in the organization.
There is a rich diversity in our union that is
comprised of men and women of every race,
color and creed all working toward the
common goal of a better life for themselves
and their families.

3. IAM Experience
The IAM negotiated
the airline industry’s
first union agreement
in 1939 and has been
negotiating
agreements at United
Airlines since 1945.

4. IAM’s Primary Role
The IAM’s primary role is to negotiate
collective bargaining agreements, or
contracts, with employers. Agreements are
binding legal documents that establish
wages, shifts, working conditions and other
benefits for all workers under its jurisdiction.

5. At-Will Employee
If an employee is not
under contract, he or
she is an at-will
employee. An
employer can dismiss
an at-will employee at
any time for any non-
discriminatory reason.

6. UAL Series 15 Direct Quote
“It is hoped that all of its employees
enjoy a satisfactory employment
relationship with the Company. This
employment relationship is at-will.
Accordingly, both the Company and its
employees retain the right to end the
employment relationship at any time,
with or without cause, and with or
without notice.”

7. IAM Members Are
NOT
At-Will Employees

8. Strength
The strength of the
IAM is through the
collective will of its
members to reach
common goals. This
is achieved through
collective bargaining
with the company.

9. Common Goals
The union is comprised of different
bargaining units that negotiate
separately. While each have distinct
and separate collective agreements,
there are common clauses and goals
inherent in all agreements.

10. We All Decide
IAM members in
each group make
the final decision on
acceptance or
rejection of the
collective
agreement. All IAM
contracts are subject
to ratification by
secret ballot.

11. We All Decide
A decision on
whether or not to
take strike action
over a rejected
Collective Bargaining
Agreement is subject
to a secret ballot
vote by the
membership.

12. Enforcement
Once negotiated, Discipline Pay Disputes
the IAM enforces
the agreement by
Work Rule Seniority
representing Violations Violations
members having
day-to-day problems
Harassment & Workplace
with management. Discrimination Safety

13. Right to Negotiate
The membership of
the IAM has won
the opportunity to
negotiate their
wages and working
conditions; to stop
arbitrary action by
the bosses; and to
speak out without
fear of reprisal.

14. Equal with the Bosses
Unions help remedy
discrimination
because union
contracts ensure that
all workers are
treated fairly and
equally. When there’s
a problem on the job,
workers and
management can
work together as
equals to solve it.

15. Some Contract Benefits
Medical Insurance Life Insurance
Layoff/Recall Rights Dental Insurance
Pension Worker’s Compensation
Safety Equipment Uniforms
Geographical Relocation Paid Parking

16. That’s What the IAM Can Do For You
The IAM gives you
and your coworkers
an active, collective
voice to bargain over
working conditions,
due process on the
job and the ability to
promote basic,
democratic principles
of fairness and dignity
at work.