Machinists union president warns political winners to deliver, or else

RP news wires
Tags: manufacturing

Tom Buffenbarger, the president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), called on newly elected lawmakers to deliver on campaign promises of jobs, jobs and more jobs, or face an even angrier electorate just 24 months from now.

“Empty wallets and empty promises drove this election,” said Buffenbarger. “By ignoring the real pain inflicted on workers in this Grave Recession, America’s politicians deserved the thrashing they received. Workers who lost their jobs voted their empty wallets. Workers who saw their home values plummet voted their anxieties. And politicians who reacted too slowly paid a heavy price. Those who used the pain and suffering of working families to win an election now have an obligation to deliver on the 'jobs, jobs, jobs' they promised. Or, in 24 short months, what just happened will happen once again.”

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents nearly 700,000 active and retired members in transportation, aerospace, manufacturing, shipbuilding and defense-related industries. For more information, visit www.goiam.org.