Local 1956 members donate to Make a Wish Foundation

August 15, 2005  IAM Local 1956 members Sandy Herder and Bob Sullivan recently received Eagle Awards from The Toro Company in Windom, MN for pride and excellence in their work at the plant. Sandy and Bob received plaques and awards that included Disney World vacations.

from left to right (LL 1956 member Sandy Herder, Toro Plant Manger
Mike Jepsen, and LL 1956 member Bob Sullivan

Upon receiving their awards, Herder and Sullivan donated their trips to the “Make a Wish Foundation” so that children with life-threatening medical conditions could experience hope, strength and joy. The Make a Wish Foundation auctioned off the trips and as a result 14 children enjoyed trips to Disney World.

When asked why she generously donated her trip Sandy Herder said, “We have a personal illness in our family and we could not take the trip so we donated the trip to the Make a Wish Foundation so that someone in need could use it.  It is even better that 14 children could enjoy themselves and find a little happiness.”

Bob Sullivan proudly spoke of his donation saying, “I was very happy to give these children the opportunity go to Disney World and make their dream come true.”

Local 1956 President Richard Paplow praised Herder and Sullivan saying, “This is a great thing that they gave to a charitable organization as the IAM is built on the premise of giving to others.”

Pioneer Press

By John Brewer

The striking Union members at Bosch Doboy in New Richmond rejected a new contract offer from the Company Thursday.  The vote came after Union officials were presented with an offer Wednesday that included original pay cuts sought by the Company and proposed an end to Machinists' seniority rights.

"It's no longer a negotiation of needs, if it ever was," said Gary Schmidt,  a representative of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.  "It's a negotiation of greed."

No further talks are scheduled.

Ninety-nine Machinists went on strike November 1 when the Union rejected the Company's proposal, which also called for an increase in health insurance premiums.  About 90 employees are still striking.

The Company builds packaging machinery for food items, compact discs and household cleaning products and has continued operations throughout the strike.

A spokesperson for Bosch Doboy would not comment on the vote.

Bosch Doboy Members Vote To Strike

  100 members at Bosch Doboy Local Lodge 1217 in  New Richmond WI. voted down the employers final offer of a wage and health care reduction proposal and set up picket lines on November 1, 2005. All support would be greatly appreciated. For more .. District 77 News

Directing Business Representative Gary Schmidt
 wins Bosch (Doboy) Arbitration !!!

DBR Gary Schmidt presented the Union's case before Arbitrator James A. Lundberg on November 10, 2005 for the unjust termination of an employee at Bosch Corp. This hearing was held just 10 days after the Union voted down the company's final contract offer and went out on strike on November 1, 2005. The timing of the hearing presented many challenges for DBR Schmidt. Gary presented several pieces of evidence that he researched through the states of Wisconsin and Minnesota. Arbitrator Lundberg delivered his opinion and award on January 6, 2006, just 19 days after the long, bitter strike at Bosch had ended. Arbitrator Lundberg wrote, "The Employer did not establish the existence of the factual basis for the grievant's discharge. Thus, it did not have just cause to discharge the grievant. The grievant should be returned to work with full back pay and a restoration of seniority and all benefits." The grievant was terminated on June 14, 2005 so the award that was given by the arbitrator will mean the employee is back to work with all his rights, and will receive about $20,000 of back pay. District 77 DBR Schmidt said District 77 will defend our members whenever employers take unjust action against our members.

Local Lodge 1217 and Local Lodge 1956
 win 2005 Communication Awards

Local Lodge 1217 Web Steward Greg Heinbuch received an award for Best overall Micro site and Local Lodge 1956 Web Steward Rod Byam received an Honorable Mention award for their Website. District Lodge 77 would like to congratulate thank both Local Lodges for their hard work and dedication in furthering communications within the district.

Donation can be sent to District 77 Financial Secretary at 1010 East Highway 96 Vadnais Heights, Minnesota 55127