IAM Attends AFL-CIO Inaugural State of the Unions Labor Day Kick-Off

IAM Attends AFL-CIO Inaugural State of the Unions Labor Day Kick-Off

Aug 29, 2023 | Politics & Legislative News

The IAM Legislative and Political Department helped the AFL-CIO kick off their inaugural Labor Day event featuring the State of the Unions address. 

The theme for this Labor Day is “why it’s better in a union.” This event began the campaign to remind workers everywhere about the power of unions.

 

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond delivered an inaugural State of the Unions address where they released new polling which underscores the American people’s support of unions—especially that of young workers—and their view of unions as critical to growing the middle class and providing opportunities for working people to thrive. Additionally, both officers stressed that with this unprecedented level of support, working people in unions are prepared to organize like never before, hold big corporations accountable and restore America’s promise for all.

“The idea of a union may sound complicated, but in reality, unions are just a group of people coming together. They are about each of us becoming the most powerful version of ourselves that we possibly can,” said Shuler. “And there is nothing better than finding that power alongside the people we work with and being a part of something bigger than ourselves. That’s all a union is. It’s that simple. People in this country have been searching for their power for a long time now, young people especially.”

 

 

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Maine IAM Members Meet President Biden at Economic Address

Maine IAM Members Meet President Biden at Economic Address

Aug 8, 2023 | Politics & Legislative News

Five IAM members recently had the chance to meet President Biden during his visit to Maine. The president was in Auburn, Maine, to deliver economic remarks and sign an “Invent in Here, Make it Here” executive order on federal research and development supporting domestic manufacturing.

Maine State Council of Machinists President Mark Vigliotta was among the IAM members present.

“It was exciting, and I really appreciate the opportunity,” said Vigliotta, who said the president thanked the IAM for its continued support. “Thank you so much to Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan and Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon for giving me the opportunity to meet President Biden.”

Vigliotta was able to alert President Biden to issues faced by IAM Local 207 lobstermen, including misguided attempts to restrict lobstering with offshore wind development based on faulty science regarding right whales. 

First Lady Jill Biden had previously spoken with IAM Local 207 members about lobstering issues during a visit in 2020.

“President Biden’s ‘Invent in Here, Make it Here’ executive order is a significant step forward in ensuring that the United States remains a leader in innovation and manufacturing,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “This will help to create the conditions necessary for American workers to continue to invent and innovate. It will also help ensure American workers make these cutting-edge products in America.”

Joining Vigliotta in the IAM’s contingent was Local 207 Organizer Virginia Olsen, Local S7 Vice President Anthony Leeman, Local S6 Communicator Devin Ragnar, and Local S6 Legislative Committee Member Scott McDonald.

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