[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1846]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINISTS AND 
         AEROSPACE WORKERS LOCAL 1781 ON THEIR 60TH ANNIVERSARY

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                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 26, 2006

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 
1781 on their 60th anniversary. Since their establishment as the union 
representing machinists and aerospace workers for United Airlines, 
Local 1781 has continued to exhibit a pluck and tenacity that has 
insured their members better wages, benefits and working conditions. I 
commend Local 1781 on their sustained commitment to their members, and 
I am proud that this union resides in my congressional district.
  Since its formation, the International Association of Machinists 
(IAM) Local 1781 has made a significant difference in the lives of its 
members. In 1946, IAM secured the 40-hour workweek for its members and 
a one-third increase in wages from $.90 per hour to $1.20 per hour. 
Through the 1950s, IAM continued to expand their membership and 
consequently their bargaining leverage.
  This proved essential in the 1960s as United Airlines became one of 
the most profitable airlines in the country but was unwilling to share 
their bounty with the highly-skilled workers of IAM Local 1781. 
Resistance began with picketing in March 1963 and culminated in a 43-
day strike in the summer of 1966 in which the unions of all five major 
airline carriers struck in unison, grounding over 60% of air traffic in 
the United States. Due to the success of this strike, IAM Local 1781 
negotiated big gains for its members in 1969.
  Despite massive layoffs in 1971, the 1970s witnessed IAM's continued 
success in pushing for a fair share of United Airlines' profits. The 
union's assertiveness forced them to strike for two weeks in 1975 and 
to sustain the longest strike in their history when members held out 
for 58 days in 1979. The benefits of this action proved considerable: 
an over 30 percent pay raise, a 37.5 hour workweek and paid lunch for 
all work shifts.
  The early 1980s were extremely difficult for the members of Local 
1781: the grounding of DC10s coupled with the air traffic controller 
strike and a deep recession caused massive layoffs. However, by 1984 
almost all of the employees were recalled and United Airlines continued 
to grow and prosper with the purchase of Pan American Airlines Pacific 
Division.
  But unfortunately the profitability of United Airlines and the 
prosperity of its workers began to experience hard times in the early 
1990s. The tragedy of September 11, 2001, caused a severe downturn in 
the airline industry which contributed to the United Airlines 
bankruptcy. This had a particularly negative impact on the members of 
Local 1781. Within two years, tensions in the union hit a breaking 
point with many machinists changing their membership to the Aircraft 
Mechanics Fraternal Organization (AMFA). This drop in membership caused 
a substantial loss in financial resources. Despite this major setback 
for Local 1781, the union continues to be viable and continues to fight 
the good fight on behalf of its members. Their recent reorganization 
efforts have ensured that Local 1781 will continue to effectively 
represent the best interests of its members.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
IAMAW Local 1781 on the occasion of their 60th anniversary. I am truly 
delighted that Local Lodge 1781 continues to effectively advocate on 
behalf of its members for the quality of life they deserve commensurate 
with the vital role they play everyday in the safe and efficient 
operation of our airline industry.

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