|
|
|
Contents
Join Us
Resources
|
2004 Archived District 725 Events
Informational Picket at Power Ford
The pickets were held to draw public attention to the continuing struggle for justice on the job for the automotive technicians who voted overwhelmingly for IAM representation on April 16, 2004. Sales at this dealership have declined sharply since our informational picket lines went up in May of 2004. The employer has continued to drag out the negotiations process but our union negotiators are determined to get a contract for these brave automotive technicians. We need your help if we are going to be successful in our struggle at Power Ford. Please do not patronize any Power automotive dealerships until we successfully negotiate a fair and equitable first contract! Do not patronize any of the 33 Autonation dealerships in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. Please contact Area 3 Organizers Mike Bellestri & Calixto Tapia at (800) 725-9588 and volunteer a few hours of your time. And please tell everyone you know not to patronize any of the 33 Power Auto Dealerships in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. A Website Worth Visiting Friday, November 12, 2004 In the wake of the disappointing results of the 2004 presidential election, one website has been getting a lot of attention. Authored by a USC student and maintained by an army of volunteers across the country, this website has literally touched the lives of thousands of socially conscious people across the world. Click here to visit Sorryeverybody.com District 725 Delegate Body Meeting Saturday October 16, 2004 Huntington Beach, CA 11:00 a.m. The final regularly scheduled District Lodge 725 Delegate Body meeting will be held on Saturday October 16, 2004 in Huntington Beach, California. The meeting will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. 36th IAM Grand Lodge Convention Cincinnati, OH The IAM's 36th Grand Lodge Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio begins Sunday, September 19, 2004 and runs through Friday, September 24, 2004. Click on the links below for media releases originating at the convention, IAM contact information, and an up-to-date agenda. Highlights for Sunday, September 19, 2004 Highlights for Monday, September 20, 2004 Highlights for Tuesday, September 21, 2004 Highlights for Wednesday, September 22, 2004 Highlights for Thursday, September 23, 2004 Informational Picket at Power Ford August 2004 Torrance, CA
Power Ford management is becoming increasingly frustrated with the constant picketing of their dealership. They continue to bury the city-owned green belt in front of their store with hundred pounds of cow manure. They idle their diesel pick-up trucks along the sidewalk for hours and hours. The sales reps have made inappropriate remarks to the union members and family members of the technicians on the picket lines. Inside the facility, the employer has continued their anti-union activity in an attempt to break the will of these new union members, but all of their attempts have failed. We need your help if we are going to be successful in our struggle at Power Ford. Please contact Area 3 Organizers Mike Bellestri & Calixto Tapia at (800) 725-9588 and volunteer a few hours of your time. And please tell everyone you know not to patronize any of the 33 Power Auto Dealerships in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. District 725 Organizing Blitz August 6, 2004 through August 8, 2004 San Diego, CA
Our efforts were successful and we gathered enough signatures to request the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to conduct an election. The NLRB election will be held on Friday October 1, 2004. Informational Picket at Power Ford Saturday July 31, 2004 Torrance, CA
Power Ford of Torrance is owned by Auto Nation, one of the largest auto dealerships in the United States. The company has been trying to stall negotiations by only meeting two days per month instead of scheduling successive days of negotiations in order to reach a mutually agreeable first contract. Power Ford management is expressing their frustration and displeasure of the pickets by burying the city-owned green belt in front of their store several hundred pounds of cow manure. They park their diesel pick-up trucks along the sidewalk and idle the engines for hours on end to try and drown out the chants of the pickets. The employer's overt anti-union activity has continued but they have failed to break the will of these brave workers. Special Notice for Area 3 Retirees Monday July 26, 2004 Meetings are now being held for all IAM Retirees on the first Thursday of every month at 1:30 p.m. at 5402 Bolsa Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA. Retiree meetings will no longer be held in Santa Monica, CA. The Pensioners Club of District 725 meets on the second Friday of every month at 12:00 noon at Transportation Hall, 12109 Hawthorne Blvd., Hawthorne, CA. Bingo at 11:00 a.m. and potluck lunch. All retirees are welcome. Please mark your calendar and plan on attending these very informative meetings! Informational Picket at Power Ford Saturday July 24, 2004 Torrance, CA
The employer expressed its displeasure by pouring several hundred pounds
of cow manure on the grass in front of their dealership. This grass is owned
by the City of Torrance, and the employer is creating a public safety hazard
by turning on the sprinklers for hours at a time. The employer's overt
anti-union activity has continued but they have failed to break the will of
these brave workers. If you would like to help these workers in their struggle for economic justice, please contact any of the following representatives: Don Whitaker, Grand Lodge Representative (916) 296-5191; Gladys Mason, Area 3 Director (213) 359-5603; Fred Hessman, Business Representative (714) 390-2253; Mike Bellestri, Organizer (714) 898-9141, Calixto Tapia, Organizer (714) 898-9141, Joe Young, Organizer (909) 986-6618 or Brian Miller, Director of Organizing (858) 292-5150. District 725 Delegate Body Meeting Saturday July 17, 2004 Huntington Beach, CA 11:00 a.m. The third regularly scheduled District Lodge 725 Delegate Body meeting will be held on Saturday July 17, 2004 in Huntington Beach, California. The meeting will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. Following the conclusion of the meeting, District Delegates, Officers, Staff and Members will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of District Lodge 725. District 725 Executive Board Meeting Thursday July 8, 2004 Huntington Beach, CA 10:30 a.m. The District Lodge 725 Executive Board meeting will be held on Thursday July 8, 2004 in Huntington Beach, California. The meeting will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. Informational Picket at Power Ford Saturday July 10, 2004 & Sunday July 11, 2004 Torrance, CA
The employer poured over 75 bags of cow manure on the grass in front of their dealership to make our pickets go away. The employer also changed the sprinkler heads so that the city sidewalks were saturated for hours in a vain attempt to dampen the spirits of the demonstrators. Instead of getting discouraged, the pickets chanted "Something Stinks at Power Ford" to passersby on Pacific Coast Highway. If you would like to help these workers in their struggle for economic justice, please contact any of the following representatives: Don Whitaker, Grand Lodge Representative (916) 296-5191; Gladys Mason, Area 3 Director (213) 359-5603; Fred Hessman, Business Representative (714) 390-2253; Mike Bellestri, Organizer (714) 898-9141, Calixto Tapia, Organizer (714) 898-9141, Joe Young, Organizer (909) 986-6618 or Brian Miller, Director of Organizing (858) 292-5150. Informational Picket at Power Ford Saturday July 3, 2004 & Sunday July 4, 2004 Torrance, CA
The employer expressed its displeasure by blasting loud music through a public address system in a vain attempt to drown out the chants of the pickets. The employer threatened to have the picketers arrested for standing on property owned by the City of Torrance, and they turned on the sprinklers for hours in a vain attempt to dampen the spirits of the demonstrators. They also called the Torrance Police Department and complained about the demonstrators use of bullhorns, but the Machinists Union had a valid permit issued by the City of Torrance and the demonstrators were allowed to exercise their constitutional right to peacefully assemble. If you would like to help these workers in their struggle for economic justice, please contact any of the following representatives: Don Whitaker, Grand Lodge Representative (916) 296-5191; Gladys Mason, Area 3 Director (213) 359-5603; Fred Hessman, Business Representative (714) 390-2253; Mike Bellestri, Organizer (714) 898-9141, Calixto Tapia, Organizer (714) 898-9141, Joe Young, Organizer (909) 986-6618 or Brian Miller, Director of Organizing (858) 292-5150. LL 946 Ratifies New Contract at Aerojet Thursday June 24, 2004 Rancho Cordova, CA DL 725 BR Dan Reed reported that the members of LL 946 in Rancho Cordova, CA ratified a new three-year agreement with Aerojet Fine Chemicals on June 24, 2004. The new agreement came in the 11th hour of negotiations after the members had voted to authorize a strike beginning June 29, 2004. On June 23rd the Company called the union’s negotiating committee back to the table and improved their Last, Best and Final offer. Highlights of the new agreement are as follows: BR Dan Reed, Dave Brewer, Keith Holbrock, and Sef Garreo served on the union’s negotiating committee. “Congratulations to the union negotiating committee for their commitment and dedication to the membership,” P/DBR Gary Holt said. “They worked very hard to bring back a fair and equitable contract for the members of Local Lodge 946.” District 725 Bylaw Committee Meeting Thursday June 24, 2004 Huntington Beach, CA 10:30 a.m. The District Lodge 725 Bylaw Committee meeting will be held on Thursday June 24, 2004 in Huntington Beach, California. The meeting will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. District 725 Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Thursday June 24, 2004 Huntington Beach, CA 10:30 a.m. The District Lodge 725 Bylaw Committee meeting will be held on Thursday June 24, 2004 in Huntington Beach, California. The meeting will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. Informational Picket at Power Ford Saturday June 26, 2004 Torrance, CA
The employer expressed their displeasure by blasting loud music through a public address system in a vain attempt to drown out the chants of the pickets. In earlier demonstrations Power Ford's salesmen joined the pickets with signs that read "Say No to Unfair Prices". Their attempt to dillute the demonstration failed because the public assumed they were picketing in support of the automotive technicians. If you would like to help these workers in their struggle for economic justice, please contact any of the following representatives: Don Whitaker, Grand Lodge Representative (916) 296-5191; Gladys Mason, Area 3 Director (213) 359-5603; Fred Hessman, Business Representative (714) 390-2253; Mike Bellestri, Organizer (714) 898-9141, Calixto Tapia, Organizer (714) 898-9141, Joe Young, Organizer (909) 986-6618 or Brian Miller, Director of Organizing (858) 292-5150. LL 1125 Accepts Agreements with Lockheed Martin Friday June 25, 2004 San Diego, CA On June 25, 2004 LL 1125 members employed by Lockheed Martin Systems Management at MCAS Miramar and Camp Pendleton voted to accept new three-year contracts with their employer. These Service Contract Act employees maintain critical flight and weapons simulators for the US Marine Corps CH-46, CH-53, UH-1 and AH-1 programs. The new agreements are historic second contracts for IAM members at both sites, and represent significant gains in wages and working conditions. Highlights of the new agreements are as follows: “This historic second agreement further establishes the IAM as a leader in negotiations for our SCA members.” P/DBR Gary Holt said. Informational Picket at Power Ford Saturday June 19, 2004 Torrance, CA
Power Ford of Torrance is a subsidiary of AutoNation, the largest automotive corporation in the United States today. The newly organized automotive technicians are fighting for a meaningful first contract that addresses liveable wages and working conditions. Over 60 people picketed the dealership on June 19th, including Western Territory General Vice President Lee Pearson and his wife Karen, Administrative Assistant Gary Allen, Territorial Organizing Leader Steve Cooper and DL 725 President/DBR Gary Holt. The informational picket will continue until the company negotiates a first contract in good faith. Area 1 Director Virginia Cobb Named 2004 Labor Leader of the Year June 12, 2004 Each year the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council holds a fund raising dinner for two purposes: to honor the memories of union brothers and sisters who died from workplace injuries and illnesses, and to recognize labor and community leaders for their dedication to working families. On June 12, 2004 the SD-IC Labor Council honored District Lodge 725 Area 1 Director Virginia Cobb by naming her the “2004 Labor Leader of the Year”.
IP Tom Buffenbarger, and California Deputy Secretary for Employment and Workforce (and former Cal Conference ST) Matt McKinnon presented Virginia with the award. Sister Cobb began fighting for working families in 1961, when she hired on at General Dynamics Convair and voluntarily joined IAM Local Lodge 2218. She was appointed Shop Steward as soon as she completed her probation and has not looked back since. Virginia has held many leadership positions in LL 2218, LL 1125 and DL 50, including Recording Secretary, District 50 Delegate, Negotiator and San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council Delegate… a position she still holds after 38 years! Virginia was elected Business Representative in 1973 and has either served or chaired numerous committees including the San Diego City College Labor Advisory Committee, International Labor Affairs Committee, National Planning Committee of MNPL, Human Rights Committee (Local Director) Industrial Relations Research Committee and the Central Labor Council Education Committee. As District Lodge 725 Area 1 Director Virginia is responsible for negotiating and enforcing collective bargaining agreements with employers in the Private Sector, Federal Sector and Service Contract Act sectors. Through aggressive bargaining and arbitration, she has earned the respect of employers, our members and the labor community at large. Congratulations, Virginia! We are proud of you and this award is long overdue! IAM/ICWU Hazardous Materials Training Monday June 7, 2004 San Diego, CA
This class exceeds OSHA's Hazwoper standard for emergency responders -- 29 CFR 1910.120 -- and is presented in a unique format using modern adult education techniques. Students will participate in classroom research exercises and hands-on simulation of chemical emergencies. These courses are designed by labor and for labor to teach union members the proper way to protect themselves when responding to chemical emergencies or working with hazardous waste. The training was conducted from June 7, 2004 through June 10, 2004 at the IAM District Lodge 725 Area 1 Union Hall, located at 5150 Kearny Mesa Road, San Diego, CA 92111. Rod Weigand Appointed as Grand Lodge Special Rep June 1, 2004 District 725 Organizing Director Rod Weigand was appointed as Grand Lodge Special Representative for the Western Territory by GVP Lee Pearson on June 1, 2004. Brother Weigand first joined IAM Local Lodge 821 in 1980 when he was hired by Lockheed in Ontario, CA. Rod served in many leadership positions, including Negotiator and LL 821 President. He has served as an Organizer for District Lodge 725 since its inception in 1994 and through his leadership has helped grow our membership through aggressive grass roots organizing. He has conducted successful organizing campaigns in many different industries, including Aerospace, Manufacturing, Transportation, Service Contract Act, Automotive and Federal Sector. Currently he has been assigned by GVP Pearson to coordinate a Service Contract Act organizing campaign in Hawaii and will be assigned to represent our members in Colorado and New Mexico. We will miss his style, his tireless pursuit of justice through organizing and his sense of humor. Congratulations, Rod! We wish you the best of luck on your new assignment. Informational Picket at Power Ford Saturday May 29, 2004 Torrance, CA The International Association of Machinists in cooperation with the affiliated Unions of the Los Angeles Federation of Labor, conducted an informational picket in front of Power Ford of Torrance, located at 3311 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA on Saturday May 29, 2004 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Power Ford of Torrance is a subsidiary of AutoNation, the largest automotive corporation in the United States. Power Chevrolet of El Monte has been the subject of an investigative report by NBC Channel 4 and employees from another Power auto groups in the Los Angeles area are coming forward with complaints of unethical practices. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) recently found an AutoNation dealership located in Las Vegas, Nevada, guilty of more than twenty unlawful labor practices during the IAM organizing drive there. The NLRB ruled that there were too many violations to conduct a fair election, and ordered the dealership to recognize the IAM and begin negotiations on a first contract for the workers. For more information regarding this ongoing struggle to achieve a first contract, please contact the following Machinists Union representatives: Don Whitaker, Grand Lodge Representative (916) 296-5191; Gladys Mason, Area 3 Director (213) 359-5603; Fred Hessman, Business Representative (714) 390-2253; Brian Miller, Organizer (858) 292-5150. District 725 Delegate Body Meeting Saturday April 17, 2004 Huntington Beach, CA 11:00 a.m. The second regularly scheduled District Lodge 725 Delegate Body meeting will be held on Saturday April 17, 2004 in Huntington Beach, California. The meeting will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. Power Ford says “Union YES!” Friday April 16, 2004 Torrance, CA On Friday April 16, 2004 automotive technicians and service advisors employed by Power Ford of Torrance, voted overwhelmingly to join IAM District Lodge 725.
An AutoNation dealership in Las Vegas, NV was recently found guilty of twenty-five labor law violations during a recent IAM organizing campaign. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ordered the dealer to recognize the IAM as the bargaining agent, and the Federal District Court of Nevada issued a "10-J" order to bargain. The brave automotive technicians and service advisors withstood a mean-spirited anti-union campaign that included long “captive audience” meetings and veiled threats of termination. “This group reminded me of the in-plant organizing committee I was on at American Racing,” Organizer Calixto Tapia said. “It’s hard work keeping a group together through election day, but they did it.” “These people are amazing,” Organizer Mike Bellestri said. “They were hammered one-on-one up to election day and they still voted Yes’.” “The techs are to be commended for this election,” Organizer Joe Young said. “Their solidarity and support for one another made this happen.” “This is a great win,” Western Territory GVP Lee Pearson said. “The real heroes are the techs who wouldn't fall for the intimidation tactics and the hollow promises of this employer.” The Ford employee’s struggle for justice on the job is far from over. Many of the Union supporters have been mistreated and the Union’s observer during the NLRB election was terminated. Unlawful labor practice charges have been filed against Power Ford. District 725 is preparing for first contract negotiations with the employer. GLR Don Whitaker and Area 3 Business Representative Fred Hessman have been tasked to negotiate this first agreement. LL 1125 Members Ratify Agreement with L-3 Com Friday April 16, 2004 On Friday April 16, 2004 Local Lodge 1125 members employed by L-3 Com at MCAS Miramar in San Diego, CA ratified their second collective bargaining agreement. These proud Service Contract Act members maintain the F/A 18 flight and weapons simulators for the US Marine Corps. Highlights of their new labor agreement are as follows: “I would like to thank the members at L-3 Com for their solidarity and support of the negotiating committee,” Area 1 Director Virginia Cobb said. “Their strength helps every Service Contract Act bargaining unit across the United States.” The Negotiating committee was composed of LL1125 negotiator Eric Huppert and AD1 Virginia Cobb. District 725 Executive Board Meeting Friday April 9, 2004 Huntington Beach, CA 10:30 a.m. The District Lodge 725 Executive Board meeting will be held on Friday April 9, 2004 at the Area 3 Office in Huntington Beach, California. The meeting will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. Workers Memorial Day April 28, 2004 The IAM will hold a special ceremony on April 28th at the William W. Winpisinger Center in Hollywood, Maryland to honor members who died on the job. The memorial service will take place at the IAM Workers' Memorial Lighthouse, where fallen workers are immortalized with individual bricks bearing their name and date of their death. The first Workers Memorial Day was observed in 1989. April 28th was chosen because it is the anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the day of a similar remembrance in Canada. Each year more than 60,000 workers die from job injuries and illnesses and another 6 million are injured. We still have a lot of work to do. Click on the following links to participate in Workers Memorial Day: Workers Memorial Day clip art—
Aerospace Coordinator Richard Floyd Retires Saturday February 28, 2004 Palm Springs, CA On February 28, 2004 IAM members, family members and employer representatives gathered at the Riviera Hotel in Palm Springs, CA to honor IAM Aerospace Coordinator and District 725 member Richard "Dick" Floyd for his life-long service and dedication to advancing the interests of our Union. International President Tom Buffenbarger and the entire Executive Council was present to pay tribute to brother Floyd.
Brother Floyd was appointed Grand Lodge Special Representative for the Western Territory by then International President William W. Winpisinger in September of 1979. He was promoted to Grand Lodge Representative in March of 1982. As GLR his assignments included the position of Territory Organizing Leader. In October of 1998, Dick was promoted to the position of Aerospace Coordinator, responsible for negotiations for our members employed in the industries of light aircraft, missiles and defense electronics. “You have worked so hard to improve the standard of living for our members and their families, we can’t possibly thank you enough.” District Lodge 725 President/DBR Gary Holt said. “We wish you the very best of health and happiness in your retirement.” “You have represented our members on the shop floor in true journeyman fashion,” General Vice President Lee Pearson said. “We will miss Dick’s talent and his sense of humor. He has had many successes in his career, and he accomplished them all with flair and a smile.” “It is an honor to be here tonight to pay tribute to Dick Floyd,” International President Tom Buffenbarger said. “Dick is one of those people you read about in books who dedicate themselves to do good for others. People like Dick are committed to making life better for working people. There aren’t enough people like him in this world. But there are literally hundreds of thousands of people that could be in this room tonight who are better off because Dick Floyd represented them. We can’t say thank you enough. You have been a tremendous representative, our members have been well served and our Union has prospered with your help. May God Bless you and your family for decades to come.” “I have a lot of people to thank for helping me over my career,” Dick Floyd said. “Some of the people who elected me to serve as Shop Steward and then Business Representative are here in the room tonight, and I’m truly honored by your presence. I must thank the Shop Stewards, Local Lodge Presidents and members of the shops I worked with; the members of old District 727 and the members of new District 725; the secretaries that helped me when I was a new Business Rep; the AFL-CIO, and Dave Sickler who is a good friend of mine; all of the Business Representatives and Grand Lodge Representatives I’ve worked with. We had a good ride and we fought the good fight for our members. And I have a profound sense of pride for the work we accomplished together.” Congratulations on your well earned retirement, Dick! We will miss you! District 725 Members Win! Business Representatives in all six Areas of District Lodge 725 have been working hard defending our membership on the shop floor and at the bargaining table. DL 725 P/DBR Gary Holt reported that our Business Representatives have negotiated 2 new contracts between October 2003 and January 2004 that resulted in significant economic and non-economic gains for our members and their families. During this same period of time our Business Representatives resolved 69 grievances and 11 Arbitrations worth $72,783.00 in grievance and arbitration settlements for our members!  35
Year IAM Member Boni Njoku Honored
Saturday January 17, 2004 On Saturday January 17, 2004 President/DBR Gary Holt and Area 3 Director Gladys Mason presented LL 720-E President & Delegate Boni Njoku with a certificate and service pin acknowledging his 35 years of IAM membership. Brother Njoku has been an active leader in his Local Lodge and has fought for justice on the job since he joined the IAM in 1969. District 725 Delegate Body Meeting Saturday January 17, 2004 Huntington Beach, CA 11:00 a.m. The first regularly scheduled District Lodge 725 Delegate Body meeting will be held on Saturday January 17, 2004 in Huntington Beach, California. The meeting will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. Negotiations Update January 15, 2004 LL 1125 Ratifies First Contract with L-3 Vertex US Customs Local Lodge 1125 members employed by L-3 Com Aerotech (formerly Vertex Aerospace) ratified their first collective bargaining agreement with their employer on January 15, 2004. These proud new IAM members maintain various models of aircraft for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Aviation Branch at NAS North Island, San Diego, CA. Highlights of their first agreement are as follows: Thank you for your unwavering support through these very important negotiations. In Solidarity, your Union negotiating committee: DL 725 Area 1 Director Virginia Cobb, District 725 Executive Board Meeting Thursday January 8, 2004 Huntington Beach, CA 10:30 a.m. The District Lodge 725 Executive Board meeting will be held on Thursday January 8, 2004 at the Area 3 Office in Huntington Beach, California. The meeting will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. District 725 Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Wednesday January 7, 2004 Huntington Beach, CA 10:30 a.m. The District Lodge 725 Executive Board meeting will be held on Wednesday January 7, 2004 at the Area 3 Office in Huntington Beach, California. The meeting will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. Former District Lodge 120 P/DBR Bob Welch Passes
Bob will always be remembered for the roles he played in the lives of his family and his dedication to IAM members he represented in Southern California. Bob was P/DBR of District Lodge 120 at the time of the mergers that created District Lodge 725 in 1994. Bob's family respecfully requests those wishing to make contributions in Bob's name to please do so by contacting Heifer International, 1015 Louisiana Street, Little Rock, AR 72202. You may check out their web site by clicking www.heifer.org/kids. Condolences may be sent to our Area 2 office at 1512 E. Holt Boulevard, Ontario, CA 91761. 
The IAM's i-Mail is an Internet based communication tool that was launched recently. IAM members can receive a short email containing a hyperlink to the most recent news items involving IAM members, Local Lodges and District Lodges. Published once or twice a week, i-Mail also highlights the best web sites in the labor movement. Don't delay, sign up for i-Mail today!  The Officers and Staff of District Lodge 725 wish you a safe Holiday Season and a prosperous New Year. |
|
[News] [Contacts] [Local Lodges] [Negotiations] [Organizing] [Links] [Safety & Health] [Steward Tools] [Home] Send mail to
editor@iam725.org with
questions or comments about this web site.
|
IAM
District Lodge 725 continued our campaign of informational picketing in
front of Power Ford of Torrance, located at 3311 Pacific Coast Highway,
Torrance, CA on Saturday October 9, 2004; Saturday October 23, 2004,
Saturday November 6, 2004 and Saturday November 13, 2004 from 12:00 p.m.
to 5:00 p.m. 
IAM
District Lodge 725 conducted informational picketing in front of Power Ford
of Torrance, located at 3311 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA on Saturday August 14, 2004; Saturday August 21, 2004 and Saturday August 28,
2004 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The pickets were held to draw public
attention to the continuing struggle for justice on the job for the
automotive technicians who voted overwhelmingly for IAM representation on
April 16, 2004. 
The
District Lodge 725 Organizing Department conducted an organizing blitz for
the hourly employees of the San Diego Union Tribune (SDUT) Production
Maintenence Department in Area 1. District 725 Organizers and members of the
LL 1125 Organizing Committee visited the SDUT employees at their homes and
discussed the advantages of IAM representation. The Blitz team was composed
of the following members (From Left to Right): Org. Calixto Tapia, Org. Joe
Young, LL 1125 retiree Glen Klein, Org. Mike Bellestri, Org. Linda Alegria,
BR Jim Croswell, LL ST Wayne Ihrig & OD Brian Miller. 
IAM
District Lodge 725 conducted another informational picket in front of Power
Ford of Torrance, located at 3311 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA on
Saturday July 31, 2004 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The picket was held to
draw public attention to the ongoing struggle for justice on the job for the
automotive technicians who voted overwhelmingly for IAM representation on
April 16, 2004. 
IAM
District Lodge 725 conducted another informational picket in front of Power
Ford of Torrance, located at 3311 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA on
Saturday July 24, 2004 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The picket was held to
draw public attention to the ongoing struggle for justice on the job for the
automotive technicians who voted overwhelmingly for IAM representation on
April 16, 2004. 
IAM
District Lodge 725 conducted another informational picket in front of Power
Ford of Torrance, located at 3311 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA on
Saturday July 10, 2004 and Sunday July 11, 2004 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The picket was held to draw public attention to the ongbvoing struggle for
economic justice for the automotive technicians who voted overwhelmingly for
IAM representation on April 16, 2004. 
IAM
District Lodge 725 conducted another informational picket in front of Power
Ford of Torrance, located at 3311 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA on
Saturday July 3, 2004 and Sunday July 4, 2004 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The picket was held to draw public attention to the ongoing struggle for
economic justice for the automotive technicians who voted overwhelmingly for
IAM representation on April 16, 2004. 
IAM
District Lodge 725 conducted another informational picket in front of Power
Ford of Torrance, located at 3311 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA on
Saturday June 26, 2004 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The picket was held to
draw public attention to the ongoing struggle for economic justice for the
automotive technicians who voted overwhelmingly for IAM representation on
April 16, 2004. 
IAM
District Lodge 725 conducted an informational picket in front of Power Ford
of Torrance, located at 3311 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA on Saturday
June 19, 2004 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The picket was held to draw
public attention to the ongoing struggle for economic justice for the
automotive technicians who voted for IAM representation on April 16, 2004.
The event
was held at the Holiday Inn on the Bay in Downtown San Diego. IAM
International President Tom Buffenbarger, Western Territory GVP Lee Pearson,
Western Territory AA Gary Allen, District 725 President/DBR Gary Holt, ADBR
Bob Gutierrez, Area 3 Director Gladys Mason and Organizing Director Brian
Miller were in attendance and congratulated Sister Cobb for receiving this
honor. 
The
Machinists Union in cooperation with ICWUC Center for Worker Health and
Safety Education conducted the first comprehensive 32-hour Hazardous
Materials Emergency Response Field Training class in San Diego, California.
This field class was developed to augment the year round training classes
conducted at the Center for Worker Health and Safety Education in Cincinnati
Ohio. 
Automotive
Technicians and Service Advisors at Power Ford of Torrance voted by an
overwhelming majority to join IAM District Lodge 725 on April 16, 2004.
During the Union organizing drive leading up to the vote, the management of
the dealership conducted an aggressive campaign to defeat the efforts, and
even went so far as to suspend one worker who supported the Union; that
worker has since been returned to work after the IAM filed unlawful labor
practice charges against the employer. Since the April 16th election the
employer has continued to harass and intimidate the Automotive Technicians
and Service Advisors and has taken a hostile stance regarding the worker's
negotiations for a first contract. 
This
important victory was the result of an intense effort by the Ford workers
and District Lodge 725 organizers Mike Bellestri, Calixto Tapia and Joe
Young. Power Ford of Torrance is a subsidiary of AutoNation, the largest
automotive dealership corporation in the U.S. They are adamantly opposed to
union organizing drives at their dealerships. 
Dick
Floyd joined IAM Local 2215 in 1961 when he was hired as a Missile Mechanic
at General Dynamics in San Diego. One year later he found employment with
Lockheed in Burbank and transferred his membership to LL 727-B. Brother
Floyd transferred to the maintenance department and transferred his
membership to LL 727-M. He served in several Local Lodge leadership
positions and was elected Business Representative for District 727 in 1974.
Because he was assigned to service the Palmdale area he transferred his
membership to LL 727-P. 
Former
IAM District Lodge 120 P/DBR Bob Welch passed away on December 10, 2003 as a
result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Arizona. He was 70
years old. He is survived by his wife Alice, his five children Ronda, Renee,
Randy, Roger and Robb, his six grandchildren Christopher, Curtis, Kevin,
Vanessa, Ryan and Andy, and his two great-grandchildrean Andrew and Kayla
and the new arrivals expected this winter and spring.