As part of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) politics play a very important role in our success. It is important for our members to be active in the political process. This section of the website is set up to help you educate yourself on issues that are important to your union, your local lodge, and most importantly yourself.

     In the early 1900’s the IAMAW made an aggressive nationwide drive for nine hour working days. The Saturday Evening Post, the most popular and influential magazine of the day, suggested that employers could deal with strikes in a more efficient, business-like manner by setting up a central agency to provide professional strike-breakers whenever and wherever needed. Out of this drive for the nine hour work day and the call for strike-breakers came Bergoffs the most infamous, violent, and profitable strike-breaking agency. Descriptions of these thugs techniques make them nothing less then hired mercenaries. They would call up works spouses and mention that their significant other, in the event of a strike, is apt to be carried home on a shutter. They would even go to the local saloon, set up drinks and try to persuade loyal union brothers and sisters to renounce the union. In a 30 year time frame Bergoffs’ thugs crushed over 300 strikes with the use of brass knuckles, rubber truncheons, and guns. Official government reports referred to them as vicious and unreliable…their presence alone was enough to incite riots…they would shoot without provocation at everyone who came within sight. The IAM organizers and the Bergoffs’ mercenaries met on countless factory gates, picket lines, and in many dark alleys. It was here, in such close encounters, the IAM earned the right to wear the label of “The Fighting Machinists”.

 
     Not with the same physical force but with the same rigorous enthusiasm the IAMAW continues the fight for the working man. In this day and age this fight is carried out in political forum. It is important to be active in communicating our concerns to our Local, state, and National Representatives. We hope that the information and tools you will find here will help everyone stay proactive in this process. In the tradition of the Fighting Machinists of the early 1900’s we all have the right to get involved.

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