May 22, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 22, 2026 — The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is applauding the successful discharge petition led by U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) advancing the bipartisan Faster Labor Contracts Act toward a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives — critical legislation aimed at helping workers secure first union contracts without years of delay and obstruction.
The Faster Labor Contracts Act would require employers to begin bargaining with newly organized workers within 10 days after workers vote to form their union, helping prevent unnecessary delays and bad-faith stalling tactics that too often stand in the way of workers securing a first contract. The legislation would also establish a clear process to move negotiations forward and help ensure employers bargain in good faith.
The IAM Union has been a leader in labor urging members of Congress to support the Faster Labor Contracts Act.
“Workers who vote to form a union deserve a fair first contract — not endless delays, union-busting tactics and corporate games designed to wear them down,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “The successful discharge petition is a major victory for working people across this country and a sign that momentum is growing to finally fix a broken system that allows employers to drag out negotiations for years.”
“Too many employers know they can run out the clock after workers organize, hoping workers will become frustrated and give up before securing the wages, benefits and protections they fought for,” continued Bryant. “The Faster Labor Contracts Act would help level the playing field and ensure employers bargain in good faith. The IAM Union thanks Congressman Norcross and every member of Congress who signed this discharge petition and stood with working people.”
Under current law, there is no timeline requiring employers to begin bargaining or reach a first contract with newly organized workers. According to Bloomberg Law, it takes an average of 458 days for unions and employers to secure an initial agreement.
The IAM Union is urging the House of Representatives to swiftly pass the Faster Labor Contracts Act.
The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members in aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, non-profit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across North America.
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May 21, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 21, 2026 — The IAM Union today applauded the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for passing an amendment to include the Railway Safety Act (RSA) in the BUILD America 250 Act, marking a major step forward in the fight to strengthen freight rail safety protections for railroad workers and communities nationwide.
For years, the IAM Union, Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) and rail labor unions have warned lawmakers and regulators about deteriorating safety conditions caused by aggressive cost-cutting, understaffing, longer trains, and unsafe operating practices imposed by Class I freight railroad carriers. Those concerns were sadly confirmed on Feb. 3, 2023 when a Norfolk Southern train derailed in the small town of East Palestine, Ohio, and tank cars loaded with toxic chemicals were set aflame, polluting the area for many miles.
The legislation advances long-overdue reforms aimed at protecting railroad workers, first responders, and the tens of millions of Americans living near freight rail corridors, just like the residents of East Palestine.
The Railway Safety Act amendment includes provisions that:
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Require railroads to properly use wayside defect detectors and stop trains when dangerous defects are identified
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Prohibits arbitrary railroad-imposed time limits on rail safety inspections
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Closes loopholes in regulations to promote and protect the use of qualified mechanical inspectors in performing critical safety inspections
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Expands enhanced safety requirements for hazardous materials shipments
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Requires two-person crews on most Class I freight trains, including those carrying hazardous materials
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Improves emergency response information and resources for communities and first responders
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Strengthens federal freight rail safety oversight and accountability measures
The unions also thanked U.S. Reps. Troy Nehls (R-Texas), Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.), Dina Titus (D-Nev.), Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), and Emilia Sykes (D-Ohio) for leading the bipartisan amendment effort in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
The IAM Union and TCU/IAM recognized the Trump Administration for making rail safety legislation a priority and Vice President JD Vance for introducing and championing the Railway Safety Act while serving in the United States Senate following the East Palestine derailment disaster.
“Today’s committee vote is a major victory for railroad workers and communities that have spent years demanding action while Class I rail carriers prioritized profits over safety,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Our members know firsthand the dangers created by rushed inspections, reduced staffing and unsafe operating practices. This legislation represents meaningful progress toward finally putting safety first across the freight rail industry.”
“This legislation reflects years of advocacy from frontline railroad workers who have continued sounding the alarm about dangerous conditions across the industry,” said TCU/IAM National President Matt Hollis. “Railroaders deserve the staffing levels, inspection protections and safety standards necessary to safely operate the nation’s freight rail network.”
“For too long, freight rail carriers have pushed unsafe operating models that place enormous pressure on workers while putting communities at risk,” said Josh Hartford, IAM Special Assistant to the International President for the IAM Rail Division. “This legislation addresses many of the systemic safety failures rail labor has warned about for years.”
“Railroad workers have fought tirelessly for these protections because they understand what is at stake every day on the job,” said IAM District 19 President and Directing General Chair Reece Murtagh. “This committee vote sends a strong message that Congress is finally listening to the workers who keep this industry moving.”
The IAM Union and TCU/IAM urged Congress to continue advancing the Railway Safety Act through the legislative process and called on lawmakers in both parties to support final passage.
The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members in aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across North America.
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May 7, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
The Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) has announced it is merging its Legislative Department into the IAM’s Political and Legislative Department, further strengthening the IAM Union’s advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and across the federal government.
TCU/IAM National Legislative Director David Arouca and National Legislative Representative Connor Vargo will join the IAM’s Political and Legislative Department, led by IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon. The appointments are effective May 1, 2026.
“This merger is about maximizing the strength and effectiveness of our legislative operation,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “David and Connor have built a strong track record of fighting for TCU/IAM members in the halls of Congress and the Administration. Integrating their expertise into our Political and Legislative Department gives our entire membership a more powerful voice in Washington.”
The move consolidates the legislative resources of TCU/IAM and the IAM under a unified department, allowing for a more coordinated approach to advancing the priorities of the IAM Union’s combined membership of more than 600,000 active and retired workers across the defense, aerospace, transportation, manufacturing, rail and other industries.
“I’m proud of what our Legislative Department has accomplished for TCU/IAM members, from securing funding for Amtrak and the Railroad Retirement Board to pushing landmark rail safety legislation on Capitol Hill,” said TCU/IAM National President Matt Hollis. “By joining forces with the IAM’s Political and Legislative Department, we’re ensuring that our members’ voices are amplified even further. David and Connor will continue to fight just as hard for TCU/IAM members — now with the full weight of the IAM Union behind them.”
Since joining TCU/IAM in 2015, Arouca has been instrumental in expanding the reach and political power of TCU/IAM’s legislative operation. He was promoted to National Legislative Director in March 2023 and has long been one of rail labor’s key advocates in Washington.
“TCU/IAM’s legislative legacy has always been to punch above our weight, and this merger is an exciting opportunity to step into a new weight class,” said Arouca. “Connor and I are looking forward to helping to develop and carry forward the strong legacy of the IAM Union’s efforts in D.C. The fight for rail workers — and all working people — only gets stronger from here.”
Vargo joined TCU/IAM in September 2023 as a Legislative Representative, bringing deep experience in policy development and the legislative process from five years of service on Capitol Hill, where he advised Members of Congress on broad policy portfolios, including labor policy. He has worked closely to advance TCU/IAM’s advocacy on rail safety, infrastructure investment and retirement security.
“David and Connor bring invaluable political and policy expertise to our team,” said IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon. “This merger strengthens our ability to fight for every IAM and TCU/IAM member — whether they work on the shop floor, the flight line, or the railroad. Together, we are building the strongest political and legislative operation in the labor movement.”
The merger reflects the ongoing integration between TCU/IAM and the IAM, building on a relationship that dates back to TCU/IAM’s affiliation with the IAM Union and the more recent creation of the IAM Rail Division. By unifying their legislative efforts, the IAM and TCU/IAM are positioned to more effectively advocate for our members on whatever comes our way.
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May 4, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
TOWSON, Md., May 4, 2026 – The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) commends the Maryland congressional delegation, led by U.S. Rep Johnny Olszewski and joined by U.S. Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, as well as U.S.Reps. Steny Hoyer, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Kweisi Mfume, Sarah Elfreth and April McClain Delaney for standing with working people and demanding accountability following Apple’s decision to close its unionized retail store at Towson Town Center in Towson, Md., effective June 20, 2026.
Read the Maryland congressional delegation letter to Apple here.
The Towson store is the first unionized Apple retail location in the United States, where workers are represented by the IAM Union.
“We urge Apple to reconsider whether there are viable paths forward that would preserve jobs and maintain a retail presence in the region,” said the signing members in a letter to Apple. “Maryland residents value employers who invest in their workforce and demonstrate a sustained commitment to the communities they serve. We stand ready to engage constructively with Apple to better understand this decision and to explore potential solutions.”
The IAM Union has filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), citing discriminatory treatment against unionized workers at the Towson store. Unlike workers at two other closing stores, Apple is prohibiting its unionized Towson employees from having transfer rights to other stores.
The store employs nearly 90 workers, provides critical access to Apple products and technical support for students, working families, and small businesses, and serves as a vital retail and service hub for the Baltimore region.
“We praise the Maryland congressional delegation for having these workers’ backs and demanding answers from Apple,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “These workers made history by exercising their right to organize for a voice on the job. Walking away from them now sends a dangerous message to working people everywhere.”
The IAM Union welcomes Maryland lawmakers’ decision to press Apple for answers and to intervene on behalf of these workers, who now face uncertainty about their futures. The union is seeking a clear explanation of the company’s decision, including whether alternatives such as relocation within the Baltimore region or other operational adjustments were seriously considered.
Despite being located in a strong-performing market and having recently expanded its workforce, Apple says it is moving forward with the closure, with no plans to reopen or relocate in the Baltimore area.
The IAM Union remains committed to supporting Towson Apple workers as they navigate the consequences of Apple’s egregious decision and will continue advocating for fair treatment, transparency, and respect for workers’ rights.
The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members in aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across North America.
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