Machinists Union Unveils New Campaign at Halleen Chevrolet

WASHINGTON, Jan. 9, 2006 -- The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is taking to the airwaves to force Halleen Chevrolet, in North Olmstead, OH, to recognize the rights of its workers seeking union representation.

A 30-second ad (http://www.goiam.org/video-select.cfm?cID=6046) began running today on Cleveland-area cable television stations asking viewers to hold the dealership accountable for denying its employees the same democratic rights Americans have fought and died for: freedom of assembly and freedom of speech.

The ad goes directly to the heart of the issue: "How long will America stay free if keeping your rights means losing your job?"

The auto repair techs at Halleen petitioned for IAM representation in May 2005, with 100 percent of the employees declaring their desire to form a union.

When the technicians demanded Halleen recognize their legal rights, the dealer refused and hired replacement workers, paying them a $2 premium over the technicians' old pay rate. Halleen Chevrolet is currently operating with scab labor, despite a steady outpouring of support from the community, including rallies at the dealership held in support of the striking technicians.

The Machinists TV ad urges viewers to get involved and call 1-888-369-7441 for more information and to leave messages of support for the striking technicians. Additional information can also be found at http://www.goiam.org/.

The IAM is among the largest industrial trade unions in the United States and represents nearly 720,000 active and retired members in dozens of industries across North America. For more information about the IAM, visit the Machinists Union website at http://www.goiam.org/.