Machinists Union Debuts Unique Program for Unemployed Workers

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), today unveiled a new community service program designed to mobilize the unemployed and underemployed to better cope with the stress and pressure of being jobless in America.

The new IAM program, called Ur Union of Unemployed, or UCubed for short, will function as an online community, with small groups of unemployed activists in a single zip code forming "cubes" and ultimately becoming a linked network with considerable political and economic influence.

"We hope that UCubed will provide a measure of relief and an end to the isolation, frustration and depression that so many unemployed workers experience," said IAM President Tom Buffenbarger. "Working together, they can build a network of mutual support and help each other to get through the next few years."

In addition to giving unemployed workers a means to connect and share experiences through a dedicated website, they will also have the opportunity to speak with a single voice on critical political issues. The UCubed website will feature links to allow activists to pressure state and federal lawmakers to respond more effectively to the jobs crisis.

The UCubed legislative component will focus on issues directly affecting the jobless, including unemployment benefit extensions, food stamps, COBRA benefits and JOBS NOW!, the IAM effort to draw attention to the need for a national industrial policy.

The IAM is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America, representing nearly 700,000 active and retired members in dozens of industries. For more information about the IAM, visit www.goiam.org.

SOURCE International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers