News from the Metal Trades Recent NewsPresident’s Day Message from President HartFebruary 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 RightsFebruary 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. 8February 4, 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 DepartmentDecember 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...Statement from Metal Trades Department President James Hart on the Shooting Death of Two Members at Pearl HarborDecember 5, 2019December 5, 2019 For immediate release Contact: James Hart 202-302-1651 Washington, DC – It is with great sadness that the Metal Trades Department, AFL-CIO, mourn the loss of two members of the Hawaii Federal Employees Metal Trades Council (HFEMTC) who succumbed to their injuries as a result of yesterday’s shooting at the Pearl Harbor Joint […]... Read more...Happy Thanksgiving From the Metal Trades DepartmentNovember 27, 2019On behalf of the executive council and staff of the Metal Trades Department, I would like to wish you and yours a happy and safe Thanksgiving. As we begin this holiday season, I would like to take a few moments to thank you all for being a part of our Metal Trades family. Our success […]... Read more...Senate Caucus Letter on Inclusion of Collective Bargaining Protections in AppropriationsNovember 22, 2019On November 20, a large delegation of Senators sent a letter to Senator McConnell and the Senate leadership responsible for drafting appropriations legislation for FY 2020, asking them to “accede to Section 749 of the House Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act (H.R. 3351), which provides an essential safeguard for federal employees’ collective bargaining […]... Read more...Because of Our Brave and Dedicated Veterans, America’s Best Days Are Still AheadNovember 9, 2019The American flag has never wavered because America’s vets have never wavered. American veterans have provided our nation with safety and security so that every citizen can enjoy the fruits of freedom. Whether they fought on the shores of Normandy or the deserts of the Middle East, our veterans are part of an unbroken chain […]... Read more...Never ForgetSeptember 11, 2019On September 11, 2001, America was forever changed. It has been 18 years since terrorists struck the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon, but that tragic day, which served as a true test of the American spirit will always be remembered. Many of our union brothers and sisters were killed on […]... Read more...President Hart Pens Letter to President TrumpSeptember 9, 2019Metal Trades Department President James Hart sent the following letter to President Trump regarding concern over the more than half a million dollars in funds being diverted from construction projects at worldwide military installations. September 10, 2019 President Donald J. Trump The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Trump: […]... Read more...Labor Day MessageAugust 30, 2019By James Hart, Metal Trades Department, AFL-CIO President Labor Day has great meaning to many. For me, it’s a call to action, a reminder to double down on our efforts and encourage our brothers and sisters and all Americans to defend the labor movement against those who would seek to erase the past and erode […]... Read more...Metal Trades Department Joins Other FWA Unions in Letter Condemning Union Busting of Immigration JudgesAugust 28, 2019The Metal Trades Department joined its allies at the Federal Workers Alliance (FWA) in a letter to congress asking the Chairpersons and Ranking Members on the Appropriations Committees/Subcommittees of jurisdiction, to block the Department of Justice’s blatant union busting of IFPTE Judicial Council 2/The National Association of Immigration Judges, representing the nation’s more than 400 […]... Read more...
