IAM Union Members Bringing the Fight to Capitol Hill at 2025 Legislative Conference

IAM Union Members Bringing the Fight to Capitol Hill at 2025 Legislative Conference

Approximately 400 IAM Union activists have converged on the nation’s capital for the 2025 IAM Legislative Conference, held April 29 through May 1. At a time of growing economic uncertainty, political upheaval, and ongoing attacks on working people, IAM members are making their voices heard in the halls of Congress.

Delegates from across the United States are using the three-day conference to engage directly with policymakers, pressing them to take action on a wide range of legislative priorities. From protecting collective bargaining rights for federal workers to strengthening retirement and healthcare security, from defending domestic manufacturing to passing the long-stalled Rail Safety Act, and other critical issues, IAM members are making clear demands for a pro-worker agenda.

The conference officially opened with powerful remarks from IAM International President Brian Bryant, IAM Canadian Territory General Vice President David Chartrand, and IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon. Each leader underscored the urgency of the moment and the stakes for working families across North America.

IAM International President Brian Bryant opened the conference by welcoming delegates and calling attention to the growing threats facing working people, many of which, he noted, are coming directly from the White House.

“What happens here in Washington, D.C. – and in every state across the country – affects all of us, every second of every day,” said Bryant. “Elected officials can strengthen – or weaken – our collective bargaining rights, our pay, our healthcare, our retirement, our democracy, and so much more. We’re not fighting for Republican or Democratic issues – we’re fighting for IAM Union issues.”

“This week is all about fighting for our union and our members, it’s about showing that the power of the people is always more powerful than the people in power, and it’s about taking this country back for working people instead of billionaires,” continued Bryant.

IAM members will hear from policymakers, union allies in Congress, and policy experts throughout the week. Scheduled speakers will address topics ranging from domestic policy to defending democracy and countering corporate influence in government.

In his remarks, IAM Canadian Territory General Vice President David Chartrand spoke to the shared economic challenges and responsibilities between the United States and Canada, especially amid increasing tensions with China, as the need for cooperation to preserve national security and economic stability.

“We need to work together to make sure there’s fairness in the workplace,” said Chartrand.

IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon also addressed delegates, highlighting the IAM’s growing influence on Capitol Hill and the need for grassroots activism to hold elected officials accountable.

“We are here to take care of business,” said Solomon. “This week, we are here to hold our elected officials accountable.”

The IAM Legislative Conference is a vital opportunity for members to engage in the political process, share their personal stories with lawmakers, and shape the future of the labor movement. As economic pressures continue to mount and corporate interests tighten their grip on the political system, IAM delegates are delivering a clear message: the needs of working people must come first.

As the week continues, IAM members will meet with dozens of House and Senate offices, ensuring that the voices of workers are heard loud and clear.

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IAM Union: U.S., Canadian Workers Still Waiting to Have Voice in Tariff, Trade Policy

IAM Union: U.S., Canadian Workers Still Waiting to Have Voice in Tariff, Trade Policy

WASHINGTON, April 2, 2025 – Brian Bryant, International President of the IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers), representing 600,000 workers, and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, issued a statement on President Trump’s tariffs announcement: 

“We must confront the legacy of trade policies and tariff rollouts that treat workers as pawns. Today’s tariffs announcement will erode relationships and diminish human dignity and respect for workers across North America. 

“Imposing tariffs on Canada would be like cutting off our nose to spite our face. 

“The IAM Union will continue to speak out against this short-sighted trade war and fight for a comprehensive, long-term strategy that strengthens manufacturing and prioritizes the interests of U.S. and Canadian workers.” 

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. 

Syndicat de l’IAM : Les travailleurs et travailleuses américains et canadiens attendent toujours d’avoir leur voix dans la politique tarifaire et commerciale

Brian Bryant, président international du syndicat de l’IAM, représentant 600 000 travailleurs et travailleuses, et David Chartrand, vice-président général canadien de l’IAM, ont publié une déclaration concernant l’annonce des tarifs douaniers par le président Trump :

“Nous devons confronter l’héritage des politiques commerciales et des mises en œuvre de tarifs qui traitent les travailleurs et travailleuses comme des pions. L’annonce d’aujourd’hui sur les tarifs va éroder les relations et diminuer la dignité humaine et le respect des travailleurs à travers l’Amérique du Nord.

“Imposer des tarifs au Canada serait contre-productif et nuirait des deux côtés à long terme.

“ Le syndicat de l’IAM continuera à s’opposer à cette guerre commerciale à court terme et se battra pour une stratégie globale et à long terme qui renforce la fabrication et priorise les intérêts des travailleurs et travailleuses américains et canadiens.”

Le syndicat de L’IAM est l’un des plus grands et des plus diversifiés syndicats industriels d’Amérique du Nord, représentant environ 600 000 membres actifs et retraités dans les secteurs de l’aérospatiale, de la défense, des compagnies aériennes, des chemins de fer, des transports, de la santé, de l’automobile et d’autres industries.

 

goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion

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