Machinists Union and Swedish Metalworkers Form Alliance
Stockholm, Sweden, May 09, 2007 – Leaders of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and the Swedish Metalworkers Union (IF Metall) today announced a trans-Atlantic union alliance to coordinate communications and collective bargaining at companies that employ members of both labor organizations.
“We affirm our resolve to find new and innovative strategies that will have a real and direct impact on ensuring security, dignity, and respect for our members,” declared the document establishing the alliance, signed today in Stockholm by IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger and IF Metall President Stefan Löfven.
While the IAM and IF Metall have traditionally worked closely together in matters involving collective bargaining and organizing, this alliance represents a significant step forward in creating a solid framework for even greater cooperation.
“A vibrant, aggressive and global labor movement is the only answer to the globalization of industries where we represent workers,” said Buffenbarger. “I fully expect this alliance to generate substantive benefits where we have members in common,” added Löfven.
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Founded in 1888, the IAM is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America, representing nearly 700,000 active and retired members in transportation, aerospace, woodworking, shipbuilding and manufacturing sectors. For more information about the IAM, visit www.goiam.org.
Formed in 2006 from a merger between the Swedish Industrial Union and the Swedish Metalworkers Union, the IF Metall currently represents nearly 450,000 members in a variety of industries including: mechanical engineering; mining, building components; ironworks; textile and auto repair industries. Additional information about IF Metall can be found at www.ifmetall.se.
Frank Larkin
Communications Representative
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
301-967-4520
202-285-3831 (cell)
Odd Guteland
Pressekreterare, IF Metall
070-2366336
08-7868347
odd.guteland@ifmetall.se