Tom Buffenbarger, retired general president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace workers spoke with America’s Work Force about Boeing Airline opening up a repair facility in South Carolina and using non-union labor.
On the Nov. 26 episode of AWF, Buffenbarger expressed his disappointment in Boeing Airlines for opening up a Boeing manufacturing and repair facility in South Carolina and hiring non-union workers. He said that South Carolina is a So-Called “Right to Work” state and Boeing deliberately chose the location to avoid having a union come into their facility. One of the major issues Buffenbarger had with Boeing doing this is that having a union like the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace workers in the facility ensures work is done properly and safely, and to the highest quality with the best oversight. Without a union in the facility, regulations aren’t held up to the standards they should, there is a lack of quality control, and lack of enforcement on safety. Buffenbarger also spoke about a retirement security conference that discussed the Pension Benefit Guarantee.
Sam Allard, senior writer at the Cleveland Scene Magazine discussed one of his articles talking about the organization Towards Employment, and the racial wealth gap in Ohio. T.E helped 940 people find and secure jobs based on their skills rather than their prior education. Allard said it was reported that of the previously mentioned 940 workers, the African-American workers were receiving 49 percent of what their white counterparts were making. He talked about discrimination in the labor market and what needs to be done to close the wage inequality and gap.
AWF host Ed “Flash” Ferenc spoke about American Airlines workers fight for $15 an hour minimum wage and the $26 million McDonald’s has to pay in claims for skimmed wages.
Smeltz, who has been sober for 18 years, talked about his story of addiction and recovery. He said that one thing that helped take his mind off of the drugs and alcohol during his recovery was martial arts because it required a level of focus and discipline which helped his mind not wander and fixate on drugs or alcohol. Smeltz started a nonprofit called Clean House, which works to help other addicts through their recovery by offering support groups, meditation, martial arts and computer classes. By using “transitional housing,” people learn discipline, stress and anger management, concentration, discipline and mental stabilization which in turn helps them during their recovery process.
Jon Reiss, Executive Director of the Cuyahoga County Veteran Services Commission spoke with AWF on Sept. 24 about the services that they offer veterans. Some of the services include Veteran Administration and pension program assistance. They also help veterans who are struggling with food, housing or utility bills. Lastly, Reiss talked about single use plastic bag bans at grocery stores.
