Oct 15, 2024 | Air Transport, Politics & Legislative News
The IAM National Legislative and Political team recently visited IAM Victory Lodge 1725 members in Charlotte, N.C. The trip focused on sharing critical information about the IAM’s Get Out the Vote (GOTV) program, a campaign designed to ensure that every IAM member understands the importance of their vote in shaping the future of our union and our country. IAM International President Brian Bryant recently stated the importance of mobilizing our members for this election.
WATCH: IAM GOTV visit with IAM Victory Lodge 1725 members in Charlotte.
North Carolina AFL-CIO President MaryBe McMillan and IAM National Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon led discussions on the stakes of the 2024 elections. They highlighted labor-friendly candidates, emphasizing the need to vote for those who support workers’ rights and are committed to protecting good-paying union jobs in North Carolina and across the nation.
“I am making sure that we try to hit as many worksites as possible to talk about how elected officials impact their jobs and the importance of supporting candidates who support the IAM and our mission,” said IAM National and Legislative Political Director Hasan Solomon. “Worksite visits are a powerful tool in educating our members about their right to vote and informing them about who is on the ballot.”
IAM political volunteers are ramping up efforts nationwide, but union members in battleground states like North Carolina will play a huge role in electing leaders who support labor.
“IAM Victory Lodge 1725 members know firsthand the value of their Union’s legislative and political efforts that helped that helped save tens of thousands of airline jobs through the Airline Payroll Support Program (PSP) during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “The IAM and allies like Vice President Kamala Harris were instrumental in making that happen. Our members will work hard to ensure labor-friendly candidates are elected to North Carolina.”
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.
“As we look ahead to the 2024 elections, our members know that good jobs are on the ballot,” said IAM Victory Lodge 1725 President Chris Barrett. “With IAM’s GOTV program launching here in Charlotte, Victory Lodge 1725 members are ready to make their voices heard. I am especially proud of our Young Workers Committee for leading the engagement in the workplace.”
The post IAM Visits Victory Lodge 1725 in Charlotte to Boost GOTV Efforts for 2024 Elections appeared first on IAMAW.
Oct 15, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) joined labor unions across the greater Philadelphia area this weekend to support pro-labor candidates in the 2024 election. In collaboration with the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, IAM members participated in labor walks, canvassing union households to raise awareness of candidates who champion the rights of working families.
WATCH: Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO Labor Walk
Union volunteers knocked on doors in neighborhoods throughout the city, urging voters to support Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in their bid for the White House, the re-election of U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), and other pro-labor candidates running for office in Pennsylvania.
“We’re proud to see our members out in force, having meaningful conversations with their fellow union brothers and sisters about what’s at stake in this year’s election,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Our rights are on the ballot, and the future of working families depends on electing leaders who understand and support the needs of workers. “This election is about protecting democracy, retirement security, and ensuring labor has a place at the table.”
The labor walks will continue through Election Day, with IAM members and other union affiliates continuing their efforts to ensure a pro-labor outcome at the ballot box.
“IAM members in the Eastern Territory are on the front lines in battleground states like Pennsylvania,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “From Philadelphia to York, our members know that electing pro-labor leaders will make a real difference in our communities. “This is a fight for a better and brighter future for all working families.”
The post IAM Members Hit the Streets in Philadelphia for Pro-Labor Candidates appeared first on IAMAW.
Oct 10, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
The New Mexico State Council of Machinists and Aerospace Workers recently met in Ruidoso, N.M., to strengthen their Political Action Committee and prepare the political activists for upcoming state legislative priorities.
The Council also completed necessary business to finetune its bylaws and operating procedures.
“I continue to be extremely proud of the advances our New Mexico State Council is making through increased transparency and modernizing how we operate our Council,” said New Mexico State Council of Machinists President John Dyrcz. “Building real power for working people is a team effort, and New Mexico Council delegates have rolled up their sleeves and are doing the real work needed to increase our footprint in both New Mexico policy and politics.”
The Council discussed its upcoming winter meeting and the legislative issues they’ll be lobbying on in-state, including pursuing a ban on captive audience meetings, safe-staffing hospital ratios, and a bill for paid family medical leave.
They also reviewed endorsements for U.S. Congressional candidates and New Mexico’s House and Senate races, and decided on support for New Mexico constitutional amendments.
IAM Western Territory Chief of Staff Bobby Martinez spoke on behalf of the Territory and General Vice President Allen, voicing the Western Territory’s support for the New Mexico State Council and congratulating them on the positive progress they’ve made so far.
“The New Mexico State council is a shining example of bringing diverse members together to build on the common purpose of building people to enhance their power, bringing meaningful change for working families in the state of New Mexico,” said Martinez.
IAM Legislative and Political Assistant Director Loren Ameroth gave an overview of the political landscape in New Mexico right now, laying out where the IAM’s priorities lie.
IAM Veterans Services Assistant Coordinator Bryan Stymacks informed Council members about the many member support services the IAM provides to members, like the Employee Assistance Program, Veterans Affairs claims processing, and alcohol and addiction resources.
IAM Grand Lodge Auditor Suzette Trout spoke to the Council about legal compliance in managing their finances.
The Council also examined the outlook for its endorsed candidate, Democratic U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, in his swing-seat congressional race.
The post New Mexico State Council of Machinists Firms Up Political Action Plan Ahead of Election appeared first on IAMAW.
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