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.
The post IAM Union and TCU/IAM Strengthen Power on Capitol Hill with Unified Political and Legislative Department appeared first on IAM Union.