Oct 31, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
Chief of Staff to the International President Vinny Addeo, IAM National Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon, TCU/IAM National Legislative Director Dave Arouca, and IAM Assistant Communications Director DeLane Adams recently visited members of TCU/IAM Locals 1351 and Local 878 who work for Amtrak in Philadelphia. Members were able to receive IAM Union for Kamala Harris/Tim Walz T-shirts and yard signs. These efforts help encourage members to go out and vote in the upcoming election.
“It’s important to talk about what this election really means for our members working at Amtrak and SEPTA,” said TCU/IAM National President Maratea. “We’ll always fight to beat back proposed cuts to Amtrak and transit funding, but those fights get much harder when we send anti-passenger rail people to Washington. Fact: Trump tried to defund us every single budget year. Fact: The Biden-Harris Administration provided record funding for Amtrak. Sometimes elections are tough choices – this one is not.”
TCU/IAM will always engage in the political process and educate members on the importance of civic engagement.
The outreach effort also included distributing informational materials and encouraging members to inform others about the upcoming election. IAM Local 1351 and Local 878 members expressed excitement about their choices for the 2024 election.
“This election is extremely important,” said TCU/IAM Local President Shari Paige. “Our jobs and livelihood depend on it. Cuts to Amtrak funding mean pink slips for TCU. We need people to go out and vote their job.”
The IAM GOTV program is designed to help IAM members across the country understand the importance of electing pro-labor candidates with a strong track record of advocating for working families.
“Our members play a crucial role in shaping policies that affect their lives and the lives of their families,” said Addeo. “We must all participate in the upcoming election to ensure our voices are heard.”
Our union has already knocked on thousands of doors and made thousands of calls across key battleground states. From worksite visits to door-to-door efforts, to phone calls and texts, IAM members are working hard communicate directly to voters about what’s at stake this Election Day.
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Oct 31, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM members are actively campaigning in the crucial state of North Carolina to support Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who have both demonstrated a strong commitment to labor rights, in their run for the presidency. Partnering with the North Carolina AFL-CIO, IAM members are canvassing union households, aiming to boost turnout among union voters.
The labor walks will continue through Election Day, with IAM members and other union affiliates working hard to secure a pro-labor victory at the polls. The AFL-CIO is leading an extensive effort to mobilize union members to vote for candidates who support labor. Teams of union members are going door-to-door, sharing election information and encouraging households to make voting plans.
The North Carolina AFL-CIO is the federation of unions of working people in North Carolina, representing over a hundred thousand union members working together for good jobs, safe workplaces, workers’ rights, consumer protections, and quality public services on behalf of all working people.
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Oct 31, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
This past week in northeast Philadelphia, several hundred union members from various unions gathered at the Sprinkler Fitters Local 692 Hall, coordinated through the Philadelphia AFL-CIO, for its Saturday labor walk. The walks are organized to canvass the city and educate union members at their homes by dropping off materials so they can make an informed decision in this year’s presidential election.
Watch the video here.
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) came to the hall to speak to all the members and thank them for their work educating union members.
“The same Supreme Court that took away a 49-year right for women would easily take away the right to organize a union established 80 years ago,” said Casey. “We have to remind them the right to organize a union is on the ballot this election.”
The Pennsylvania State Council of Machinists has endorsed Casey for his reelection to the Senate. This year, IAM and other union members also have two presidential and vice presidential candidates to choose from on the ballot.
The two tickets are ideologically opposite on labor issues and worker rights. Candidates Trump and Vance would be fine firing striking workers not paying overtime to workers, and both have crossed picket lines. On the other hand, the IAM-endorsed candidates Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have both walked picket lines and support the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.
One of the unionists participating was retired IAM Local 796 Eastern Airlines ramp serviceman Paul Baicich, a dedicated unionist who came to canvass the area.
“This is the most important election in my lifetime,” said Baicich. “Electing pro-Labor candidates is extremely important. It’s all on the line, and people need to vote! “
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Oct 30, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
The IAM continues to ramp up efforts across Wisconsin in collaboration with the state AFL-CIO and other affiliates to mobilize union households ahead of the upcoming elections. The initiative focuses on encouraging voters to support candidates who prioritize infrastructure development, good jobs, and the protection of union rights, ultimately aiming to build a stronger economy for all.
IAM members from across the state, including Milwaukee, La Crosse, and Green Bay have actively engaged in grassroots efforts, canvassing neighborhoods and making phone calls to amplify the voice of union voters. Through these direct outreach efforts, the union is committed to informing and energizing the community around pro-labor candidates who align with their values and goals.
“As Election Day approaches, the IAM remains dedicated to ensuring that union voices are heard loud and clear: Every vote matters,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “It’s about more than just this election; it’s about shaping a future where working families can thrive.”
The IAM District 66 office in La Crosse is serving as a key organizing hub, where members gather to strategize and prepare for conversations with union voters.
“We believe it’s crucial for our members and their families to understand the importance of their vote,” said IAM Midwest Territory Grand Lodge Representative Brian Simmons. “Supporting candidates who back working families and union rights is vital for safeguarding our democracy and advancing our collective interests.”
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Oct 29, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2024—Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), today issued a statement on the IAM’s extensive political mobilization efforts in battleground states, emphasizing the critical role of union volunteers in getting out the vote for pro-worker candidates:
“As the nation’s largest aerospace, airline, transportation, and defense labor union, the IAM is committed to electing candidates who prioritize the needs of working families. Our union has already knocked on thousands of doors across key battleground states. From worksite visits to door-to-door efforts, IAM members are bringing our message directly to voters about what’s at stake this Election Day.
“IAM members will continue to participate in phone banks, labor walks, and other grassroots efforts in coordination with national AFL-CIO political program activities, engaging voters in key states leading up to the election on Nov. 5.
“Our members are fighting to protect good jobs, pensions, Social Security, and the fundamental right to organize. This election is about electing leaders who will advocate for these priorities. The IAM fully supports Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for President and Vice President of the United States. Vice President Harris has been a proven champion for working families, driving initiatives like the American Rescue Plan and the CHIPS Act, which directly supported IAM jobs. Her running mate, Gov. Walz, a former union member, has an outstanding record of pro-worker legislation in Minnesota.
“IAM members will continue their door-to-door efforts over the final weekend, emphasizing the choice between continuing the progress made by the Biden-Harris administration or risking setbacks under former President Donald Trump’s policies.
“Under Trump, our members experienced the of at least 48 IAM-represented facilities and the loss of tens of thousands of IAM jobs. His failure to protect workers during the COVID-19 crisis and government shutdown had devastating consequences.
“This election is about rejecting policies that foster division and insecurity. With our members’ dedication and collective strength, we’re committed to building a more just and equitable future for America’s working families.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion
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