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This affiliation is about adding strength without giving anything up.

✔ Expanded bargaining power
✔ Additional resources and training
✔ Stronger protections on the job
✔ Autonomy preserved
✔ Leadership continuity guaranteed

We encourage you to keep reading below to find out all the way’s this affiliation brings strength and peace to you and your co-workers.

Upon ratification of the affiliation agreement, all current dues-paying IAM/PPPWU members are entitled to all rights and privileges of IAM Union membership.

There is no waiting period.

IAM/PPPWU members will immediately have access to programs at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center, the IAM Union’s internationally recognized education and training facility.

Available courses include:

• Leadership development
• Collective bargaining
• Organizing and internal mobilization
• Grievance handling and arbitration
• Safety and health
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Certification
• Human rights
• Communications and media training

Leadership and organizing courses are also offered in Spanish and French.

College Credit & Continuing Education

IAM/PPPWU members may earn college credit for select courses toward a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, in partnership with SUNY Empire State University.

IAM/PPPWU bargaining committees will have access to the IAM’s highly successful Bargaining Preparation Program — an intensive, week-long training designed to prepare committees to win strong contracts.

Committees learn how to:

Build a unified and disciplined bargaining team

• Structure and prioritize demands
• Cost out contract proposals
• Prepare for strike readiness
• Strengthen strategy and leverage at the table

This program is designed to produce confident, focused, and highly effective bargaining teams.

Immediately upon affiliation, IAM/PPPWU leaders gain access to the full professional staff and resources of IAM Headquarters, including:

Communications & Media

• Professional services of the IAM Communications Department
• Access to the IAM’s in-house video recording studio

Collective Bargaining, Economics & Strategy

• IAM Collective Bargaining Department
• Professional Economists and Strategic Resources Department, including membership surveys and data analysis

Organizing Power

• The expanded IAM Organizing Department working in full cooperation with IAM/PPPWU’s organizing goals

Legal, Safety & Training

• IAM Legal Department, including a dedicated attorney immersed in paper, packaging, and production needs
• Safety and Health Department, including labor-management safety training
• Access to IAM apprenticeship programs

IAM/PPPWU members will have access to the IAM’s full network of member-support departments, including:

• Women’s, Human Rights, Young Workers, and Retirees Departments
• The IAM Veterans Department — the only union Veteran Services Organization helping members and families access earned benefits
• IAM Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including Addiction Services for members and their families

IAM/PPPWU members will have access to the IAM’s full network of member-support departments, including:

Immediately upon affiliation, IAM/PPPWU members and leaders gain access to:

• The IAM Union’s nationally recognized legislative and political action program, including MNPL PAC
• IAM Discount College Program and IAM Scholarship Program
• IAM Disaster Relief Program for members affected by floods, fires, tornadoes, and other disasters

IAM/PPPWU members will have access to the IAM Defense Fund in accordance with the IAM Constitution:

• At least $200 per week in strike benefits, beginning at the end of the second week
• Benefits increase up to $250 per week, depending on the balance of the fund
• Support from more than 700 IAM sister locals who regularly contribute to members on strike
• The IAM Strike Fund currently holds more than $100 million

Seniority Preserved

All current dues-paying IAM/PPPWU members will have their years of good-standing membership fully recognized by the IAM Union.

This includes service in IAM/PPPWU and its predecessor unions, including — but not limited to — the Graphic Communications International Union, in accordance with the IAM Constitution.

Local Autonomy Protected

This agreement preserves the autonomy of IAM/PPPWU Locals and District Councils with respect to:

• Day-to-day representation
• Collective bargaining
• Contract enforcement
• Local governance and decision-making

At the same time, Locals, District Councils, and members gain full access to the assistance and resources of the IAM Union when they choose to use them.

All incumbent officers and General Board members of the IAM/PPPWU, as of the date of affiliation, will continue in their roles with full authority to govern the affairs of the IAM/PPPWU.

They retain exclusive authority to make structural and organizational decisions within the IAM/PPPWU.

The funds and assets of the IAM/PPPWU and its affiliates, as of the date of affiliation, remain the sole property of the IAM/PPPWU and its affiliates.

They are not transferred, merged, or surrendered as part of this agreement.

Upon the merger date, IAM/PPPWU members will enjoy the full rights and privileges of IAM Union membership, while maintaining their identity, leadership, structure, and financial independence within the IAM/PPPWU.