Tom Buffenbarger, America’s Work Force Union Podcast’s independent labor voice, joined the AWF Union podcast to discuss his time with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM).
Buffenbarger shared a story from when he first realized he would be a machinist and tool and die maker. Growing up with a father who was a machinist, it didn’t take long for Buffenbarger to learn his passion for tool and die making. Being able to craft tools with his own hands fascinated him.
Buffenbarger recalled joining IAM as an apprentice working at General Electric. Starting as a steward to the apprentices, after 4 years, he moved on to the steward of his local before eventually moving on to become president of his Local in Cincinnati. Buffenbarger then moved to Washington, D.C., as an Executive Assistant to IAM International President William Whippersinger. After serving under Whippersinger and his successor George Kourpias, Buffenbarger became IAM’s youngest international president.
Buffenbarger shared a story about the time he called out then President George W. Bush during a Day of Action Rally in 2007. According to Buffenbarger, together with his executive team, they led the way for a greater focus on diversity and inclusion within the IAM membership.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.