IAM calls for massive jobs program and 2nd stimulus package

American Chronicle Machinists Union Launches ´JOBS Now´ Campaign:
Will Urge Strong Support at AFL-CIO Convention.

Harry Kelber July 10, 2009

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) will propose an eight-point 'JOBS Now!' initiative, that it w ill ask the AFL-CIO to adopt at its 2009 convention this September. The ambitious goal of the IAM campaign is to find work for the 30.2 million Americans who are unemployed, involuntarily working part-time or who want a job and can´t find one, says Tom Buffenbarger, IAM´s international union president.

The IAM resolution calls for a national jobs program. similar to the public works projects during the Great Depression, that can 'rebuild America´s manufacturing sector and put seven million Americans back to work—immediately,' Also included in the resolution are proposals for a tuition-free, two-year skills training program; creation of green jobs; operating assistance to America´s transit system and a 'Buy American law with teeth.'

The Machinists intend to press the Obama administration for a second economic stimulus package, one aimed at the manufacturing and transportation sectors. A union statement said: 'President Obama´s economic stimulus plan is a start toward economic recovery but the program is not broad enough to create needed jobs now, rebuild our manufacturing sector, provide training for workers and children preparing for the future, maintain our national defense, provide a real Buy American program and reform labor law.'

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Posted by Chuck Bell at 5:21 AM