IAM Union and TCU/IAM Strengthen Power on Capitol Hill with Unified Political and Legislative Department

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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IAM Union Applauds Maryland Congressional Lawmakers for Standing with Towson Apple Workers, Demands Accountability from Tech Giant

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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