What a perfect time for the music of unioNation to burst onto the scene and rock forward with songs of union pride and working-class solidarity.
UnioNation is a music project organized by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers -- often referred to as "the IAM." 

UnioNation is also the name of the band of 23 union members who came together at the William W. Winpisinger Center in Hollywood, Maryland to make the most significant labor and protest sound recording issued since the days of the CIO.

 

"We want to reach a new audience," says Henry Bagwell, an education representative for the union who directs the Machinists Music Project and who hails from north Texas where he started off as a steward and volunteer organizer for the IAM. Bagwell credits Cody Wilder, an aerospace worker from Tennessee, with providing the spark for unioNation. In 2011, while attending a class at the Winpisinger Center, Cody wrote and performed United We Stand, Divided We Fall as part of a class project. The opening lines of the song reflect the Machinists' long history as a militant industrial union.

 

From 1888 all the way up until now

Yeah, we've been through some hard times,

but we managed somehow.

From Cheyenne to Cleveland, Seattle to Arkansas

United we stand, divided we fall.

(by Cody Wilder)

 

"Cody's song knocked me out," said Bagwell, "and I began wondering how music can break down barriers. I also wondered about whether or not there were other union members who might want to organize, inspire and motivate others through their music." In 2011, Bagwell sent out a call to IAM members from across the U.S. and Canada; after receiving over 30 responses he sent out invitations to come to the Winpisinger Center for a week-long workshop.

 

That's when the magic happened. Twenty-three musicians, poets, and songwriters - many of whom had never met each other or played together before - came together to crank out a two-hour concert which tore the roof off of the place and convinced the Machinists of the power of song.

UnioNation  was booked to perform for 1400 cheering delegates at the IAM convention in Toronto, Canada and, in the summer of 2013, Henry Bagwell - in his new found role as music director and promoter - called the band back together to record the double CD at KMH Recording Studio in Lusby, Maryland.  UnioNation quickly won the enthusiastic support of IAM President Tom Buffenbarger, an avid Led Zepplin fan.

 

All of the 25 songs on the unioNation double CD - including "Long Road," "A Woman's Place," "Working Man's Pride," "Bone Tired," and "Rock and a Hard Place" - are artistically composed and professionally backed by talented musicians who work by day and play by night.  This is a collection of voices which represent the values, the spirit, and the caring-for-each-other attitude of the everyday heroes and heroines who are America's 

working class. Bruce Springsteen would bless this project and the spirit of Pete Seeger - who died last January - is surely smiling somewhere. 

 

I highly recommend unioNation as a holiday gift for friends and family. Unions wanting to thank officers, stewards and staff for their service should buy in bulk. A 14-page booklet of inspiring lyrics is included.

 

This is rocking solidarity music that comes around only once or twice in a lifetime. Buy this double CD and give it away.

 

Purchase CD or digitally download at unioNation.   Or order CD by check written to "IAMAW" at William W. Winpisinger Center, Attn: unioNation CD, 24494 Placid Harbor Way, Hollywood, MD  20636.

Price: $20 plus $2.69 postage. For bulk orders call 301-373-3300, ext. 115.

 

Rock and roll the union on!

 

Saul Schniderman

Editor, Fridays Labor Folklore