Tom Buffenbarger, retired International President of the International Association of Machinists and Allied Workers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union workers being locked out by two Canadian rail companies. He also discussed a defense industrial training program and what it means for unions to be involved with the political process.
Following a lockout of union workers by Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) on Aug. 22, members of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) had every intention of walking out. Buffenbarger explained why the lockout was ended by the Canadian government and why union workers at CPKC walked out immediately while CN workers delayed their strike action. He then explained what happened to halt the strike at CN and return some members to work.
Recently, a new training partnership known as Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship and Learning (METAL) was announced to provide education and training for individuals seeking a career in the metal manufacturing industry. Buffenbarger talked about the new program and what it could mean for the future of the trades as manufacturing begins to return to American soil.
Finally, Buffenbarger discussed the resurgence of political involvement from unions. In his opinion, the best way to improve the middle class and ensure that unions have a future is for members to get active in educating and informing the general public. Buffenbarger went on to discuss the different reasons why he believes this election is one that could set a new standard for union activism.
Listen to the show above to hear more from Buffenbarger.