News from the Metal Trades Recent NewsFFCRA Poster and Frequently Asked Questions03/26/2020The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued the attached poster that covered employers have to post in their workplaces. The poster advises employees of their rights under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) to paid leave and expanded benefits under the Family Medical Leave Act. See the frequently asked questions (FAQs) issued by the […]... Read more...Summary of the Provisions of the Family First Coronavirus Response Act03/19/2020Memo issued by President Hart on the Family First Coronavirus Response Act. This memorandum summarizes the provisions of the Response Act that are most salient to labor unions and group health plans. Specifically, this memorandum will focus on the Response Act’s provisions concerning: (1) emergency paid sick leave; (2) emergency family and medical leave; (3) unemployment insurance benefits; (4) health care provisions as they relate to employer-provided health coverage; and (5) employer tax credits for emergency family and medical leave and emergency paid sick leave.... Read more...MTD President Hart Urges Senate to Pass Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201)03/16/2020In a letter to all Senators on March 16, MTD President James Hart urged them to act swiftly to pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201). Hart wrote, “While this package is not a complete response to the crisis, it is an urgent measure that will get necessary assistance to working people facing […]... Read more...The Metal Trades Department, AFL-CIO Supports the Democrats Coronavirus Relief Package03/12/2020Washington, DC—The Metal Trades Department, AFL-CIO is urging the House, Senate and White House to pull together in developing policies that will help ensure that America’s hourly and salaried workers will not have to choose between their health and making ends meet. About 78 percent of workers live paycheck-to-paycheck and nearly 80 million American workers […]... Read more...Message from President Hart on COVID-1903/09/2020Metal Trades Representatives are engaging with employers to ensure that they are providing bargaining unit members with comprehensive safety and prevention measures to defend against being afflicted from the COVD-19 Coronavirus. Please urge all council and bargaining unit members to protect themselves by practicing common sense precautions, such as washing hands, staying at home when […]... Read more...Guidance from the AFL-CIO —CORONAVIRUS: COVID-19 Be Vigilant. Be Prepared. Don’t Panic.03/02/2020A new coronavirus, COVID-19, originating in Wuhan, China, has spread rapidly across the globe. While there is currently no evidence of widespread transmission in the United States, federal health officials have said that spread of the virus within the country is likely and we should prepare for severe disruptions to everyday life, raising a number […]... Read more...Save the Date — 2020 Annual MTD Conference02/28/2020Registration is now open for the 2020 Annual Metal Trades Department Annual Conference. As is our custom, the department will present conferees with an agenda featuring an impressive slate of speakers from the world of labor, management, professional services and politics, all of whom are well versed in the matters that metal trades workers care […]... Read more...MTD President Hart Pens Letter to Trump Regarding Memorandum Regarding Collective Bargaining at the DOD02/20/2020Metal Trades Department President James Hart sent the following letter to President Trump regarding his recent memo to the Secretary of Defense regarding collective bargaining at the DOD. In the letter, President Hart specifically highlights that a fair collective bargaining process is the “cornerstone of American labor law and a right afforded to employees within […]... Read more...President’s Day Message from President Hart02/14/2020In February, Americans have traditionally celebrated the birthdays of President George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. A number of years ago, the birthday celebrations were combined into President’s Day. With that change, many of the valuable ideals and philosophies of these great men and office holders were forgotten. As we celebrate Presidents Day 2020, Metal Trades […]... Read more...MTD President Hart Urges Sec. Esper to Reject Trump Memorandum Eliminating Union Rights02/14/2020On February 13 Metal Trades Department President James Hart sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Mark Esper urging him to reject any implementation of the President’s January 29 memorandum regarding Department of Defense’s discretion in eliminating workers’ unions and their right to collectively bargain. In the letter, President Hart states, “[A]n adverse decision by […]... Read more...New Hampshire Democratic Primary Rally Saturday, Feb. 802/04/2020The Portsmouth Federal Employee Metal Trades Council representing federal wage grade employees affected by President Trump’s ILLEGAL Executive Order(s) 13836, 13837 and 13838 at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in New Hampshire will rally on behalf of all federal employees. Date: Saturday, February 8, 2020 Time: 11:00 a.m. Location: Prescott Park (weather permitting) 105 Marcy Street […]... Read more...Happy Holidays from the Metal Trades Department12/20/2019The holidays are a time for us to gather with our family and friends, appreciate the blessings in our lives, and celebrate the spirit of the season. The holidays are also an opportunity for us to pause and reflect on the message of peace, love and hope for working families around the world. Organized labor […]... Read more...
