New Business Rep Eric Banh

Meet Eric Banh. As of July 1, he is District 190’s newest Business Rep working primarily for Local 1414. He will take over many of the shops that Pedro Mendez, who is soon retiring, has served for the past 27 years. “Pedro will mentor me for the first six months and introduce me to all of the members and managers so that I’m ready to hit the ground running when he leaves,” Eric said. A Local 1414 member for the past eight years, Eric has been working for the San Francisco Metropolitan Transit Agency as an automotive machinist. “I rebuild engines, transmissions and components for buses.” Eric started with the city in 2017 as an apprentice. “It was my first, and so far, only union job. I turned out as a journeyman in 2022.” Along the way, Eric went to a leadership training at the William Winpisinger Training Center, joined the “Young Machinists” organization, came to union meetings, and twice served on the SFMTA union negotiating committee. Eric, who turns 30 in August, has a seven-month-old baby. Born and raised in San Francisco, he moved to San Bruno in 2024. He got his AA in business administration in community college and hopes to go back to school to complete his bachelor’s degree. “I hope to bring some youth and continuity to the job. Many people are retiring and taking their knowledge with them. The membership doesn’t always see the behind-the scenes work, but I think it’s important. I know I have a lot to learn to master this position and best serve my fellow members.” One of Eric’s top priorities is the apprenticeship program. “Right now, at SFMTA, they haven’t hired any apprentices. I want them to bring in more and then get them involved with the union so they can become the next generation.”

New Organizer Will Uthman

Meet Will Uthman. As of August 1, this four-year IAM member, who has worked as a Quality Control Specialist at MGM Brake in Cloverdale, will become District 190’s new full-time organizer. “I took over as shop steward about three years ago and immediately fell in love with the solidarity, the connection, and the motivation to provide a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work,” Will says. “I just have a passion for this.” Will started spending time at union meetings and getting connected. “Soon, I started producing results as a shop steward, and that felt good. The district sent me to the Winpisinger Center, where I learned about the union’s history and its inner workings. All of that lit a fire under me. I have attended every meeting; I also serve as a delegate to District 190 and the North Bay Labor Council. Last year, I started attending political drives for pro-labor politicians.” Before working at MGM Brakes,

Will started his career in the military and then spent 15 years as a bartender. “I love people and service.” He became an educator and communicator for Local 1173 because he wants to spread the word and encourage people to get involved. “This work brings together the two sides of my world: machining and production with connecting to individuals and the group effort of working together.” Will says current Organizing Director Jesse Juarez inspires him. “He’s very powerful—and is definitely a presence when he enters a room.” “I’ve been lucky,” Will adds. “The IAM creates an incredible environment to learn and grow. It’s inspiring to see what’s possible through just a few people’s hard work and how we can make a difference for thousands, if not millions, of people.”

Will says he wants to help improve people’s lives through the union. “We all deserve fair pay; we are the lifeblood of America. If every worker were treated better, we’d have a brighter future for the next generation. My goal is to leave this world in a better place for my young daughter, and I hope to achieve that through this position.” Although Will officially begin on August 1, he’ll immediately head back to the Winpisinger Center for organizer training. “I hit the pavement on August 11.” Will lives with his family in Cloverdale, about four blocks from MGM Brakes. “I walk to work now and will have a much longer commute with the new position. But I look forward to the opportunity to improve the future for workers and for my family.”                                                                                                                                                                

California Conference of Machinists meet in Sacramento

The California Conference of Machinists held their annual meeting just after the legislative conference of the California Federation of Labor Unions. Both took place in May in Sacramento. Bobby Martinez, General Vice President for the IAM Western Territory, spoke about the need for us to work and protect against the anti-union attacks on our democratic institutions and on workers’ rights. “The ongoing violations demand that we stand up against the stripping of our hard-earned benefits,” he said. The most vulnerable are targeted while the rich get tax cuts. Medicaid cuts mean that millions will lose their health coverage. “Our unions are the only structure that can fight back nationally to ensure that every human gets the dignity and value they deserve,” he added. “No matter what party you belong to, you simply cannot deny that unions improve wages and benefits for all workers, not just union members. They help reduce income inequality by making sure all Americans, and not just the wealthy elite, share in the benefits of their labor.” Hassan Solomon from the IAM’s Political Department spoke about how our losses are also lessons. “When our union was formed in the 1940’s, union organizing was happening across the nation. MLK stated that without job income, people could not have life, liberty and the pursuit of justice; that’s why we must protect our jobs,” Solomon said. “Today, the 3 G’s are not Gays, God and Guns, they are Gas, Groceries and Grandma.” He reminded us that we have to be involved to protect our rights. Otherwise, we will get pink slips while the rich get golden parachutes.