IAM&AW District LODGE 131

Congratulations to all the new officers of the Georgia State Council of Machinists, six of whom are members of DL 131. They are, area VP Guy Carpenter (LL 2699), area VP Rick Hollar (LL 1034), Sgt At Arms Andrew Bennett (LL 1034), Trustee Ashley Burgamy (LL 1034), and special congratulations and appreciation to the new Secretary Treasurer Eben Barnett and the new President Brother James Clements, both of LL 2699. Thank you all, and to the other new officers of our State Council. The new Executive Board members were administered their oaths of office by Aerospace Coordinator Brother Robert Barnwell.

Local Lodge 2699 replaced their ailing steps and porch with this great looking, handicap accessible, ramp. Big thanks to brothers Maurilio Fernandez, Mike Holbrook, and Steve Terebecki from MillerCoors, Local 2699 and retired Boilermakers Union Brother Conrad Edwards for their work on this project.

https://www.goiam.org//iam-members-at-dobbins-arb-ratify-/

The Woodworkers News Letter with an article from yours truly. https://www.goiam.org//august-2020-wrench-and-wood-newsle/

The bargaining committee for our members at John Deere in Augusta is preparing for upcoming negotiations. Big thank you to Mary McHugh for traveling during a pandemic to provide training in support of this membership.

Our district represents multiple shops in the wood pulls and Paper sector. Check out what’s happening in the industry. https://www.facebook.com/222129672460206/posts/238810784125428/

The man in this photo is Dirk Glover. He was a member of USW 572 working at Graphic Packaging in Macon, GA where we represent maintenance workers. He was a happy, friendly, hard working man. Yesterday he was taken by Covid 19 at the age of 53. District Lodge 131 is heartbroken for Dirk’s family, friends, and his coworkers who will no longer have the pleasure of hearing this man’s deep booming laugh on the paper machine floor. Please be safe, take this seriously, and look out for each other.

On the day he is sent to his final rest, I would remind the members of our Union of the friend the labor movement has lost. The letter below was written by John Lewis in support of our members with ORI who were at the time involved in a bitter contract dispute. We thank him for his life of service working for the betterment of working people, and equality for all.

Sadly, our retired Directing Business Representative Brother James Payne has passed away. Rest In Peace brother. https://www.albanyherald.com//article_499a546e-c7d7-11ea-8

A reminder of our fight. https://www.goiam.org//iam-mourns-members-lost-to-covid-1/

I would like to take a moment to thank Brother Eben Barnett for his outstanding service to the members of District Lodge 131. He has served admirably in the roles of District Organizer and, for the last two years, Business Representative. Unfortunately, Covid 19 related layoffs have forced budget cuts, and Grand Lodge has been forced to discontinue support for Eben’s position. Therefore, after June 30, 2020, Eben will no longer be a Business Rep, and any members formerly repr...esented by him should reach out to DBR Billy Barnwell for assistance. Eben will be transitioning back into his former job at MillerCoors in Albany, GA. Eben will continue representing his brothers and sisters in Albany as a delegate to DL 131. Let’s all thank Eben, and wish him well going forward. Also, let’s all rededicate ourselves to growing our membership to the point where Eben can get back to work for the District and it’s members. Our organization has faced many challenges over the years. This is just another opportunity for us to organize ourselves out of one. Thank you Eben. Your work has been outstanding, and we will miss you. See more

The letter below is being sent to all District 131 represented employers in Georgia. Let's all continue to stay safe and healthy.

A message from our International President: https://youtu.be/vQkO-0H62FE