IAM, Rep. Courtney Urge Congress to Support Second Virginia-Class Submarine

IAM, Rep. Courtney Urge Congress to Support Second Virginia-Class Submarine

May 16, 2024 | Machinists On The Hill, Politics & Legislative News

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2024 – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the largest defense union in the United States, urges Congress to support and prioritize consistent funding for two Virginia-Class submarines per year in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget and beyond.

The House Armed Services Committee has released its version of the fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization Act ahead of a markup. Thanks to the advocacy of the IAM and U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), it now includes language for full funding for two Virginia-class submarines per year in the FY 2025 budget.

The IAM has been at the forefront, actively advocating to successfully secure a place for the procurement of two Virginia-class submarines per year in the final draft of the NDAA and to guarantee that Congress appropriates the necessary funds through the Defense Appropriations Bill. 

“Consistent funding for two Virginia-Class submarines annually is crucial for the vitality of the industries we represent and the skilled workforce they employ,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “This program not only sustains thousands of high-quality machinist jobs but is also pivotal in maintaining our nation’s industrial and defense capabilities.”

Earlier this year, the IAM sent a letter to the Biden Administration urging for steady financial backing for this program, highlighting its significance in strengthening the U.S. shipbuilding industry and supporting a vast array of high-quality union jobs.

The IAM extends its gratitude towards Rep. Courtney for his strong commitment and efforts to ensure the inclusion of provisions for the procurement of two Virginia-Class submarines in the FY 2025 NDAA.

“Congressman Courtney’s leadership and dedication to our national defense and the American workforce has been pivotal in reaching this milestone,” said Bryant.

The U.S. defense industrial base is crucial for the country’s economic and national security. It is a major contributor to the economy, providing millions of high-skill jobs across the country in the manufacturing sector and beyond. The Virginia-Class submarine program plays a key role in supporting a strong workforce and driving economic growth.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of the largest and most diverse industrial trade unions in North America, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.

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IAM Union Applauds Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’s Veto of Reckless Child Labor Bill 

IAM Union Applauds Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’s Veto of Reckless Child Labor Bill 

Apr 9, 2024 | Machinists On The Hill

MADISON, Wis., April 8, 2024 – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) applauds Wisconsin Gov. Evers’ decisive action today in vetoing Senate Bill 436 at the IAM’s Wisconsin State Council of Machinists meeting in Madison, Wis. The right-wing, corporate-backed legislation aimed to dismantle vital safeguards for some of Wisconsin’s most vulnerable workers, 14 and 15-year-olds. 

“Eliminating these permits would have been a reckless gamble with the well-being of young people,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Work permits are not merely red tape. They are essential shields protecting our children from exploitation, unsafe conditions, and disrupted education. By vetoing this bill, Gov. Evers has shown clear leadership in prioritizing the safety and welfare of Wisconsin’s future workforce.” 

The IAM supports Gov. Evers and all Wisconsin workers’ rights champions fighting to protect our future. We remain committed to fighting alongside them to ensure our youth enter the workforce with the protections and opportunities they deserve, not as pawns in a race to the bottom.

“The IAM stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Governor Evers and our allies in the labor movement,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “We’re committed to ensuring young people entering the workforce have the protections and opportunities they deserve. They’re not pawns in a race to the bottom but the future of the great state of Wisconsin. We must safeguard their rights at all costs so their potential can thrive.” 

“Child labor safeguards are in place to protect the life, health, safety, and welfare of children,” said IAM District 10 Directing Business Representative Alex Hoekstra. “We thank Governor Evers for taking action to uphold the work permit process for kids in Wisconsin. Strong child labor laws are essential to keeping kids safe from injury or harm at work.”

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IAM Joins Forces with Union Allies in Call to Investigate Chinese Shipbuilding Practices – Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Secures $850K in Funding for IAM Local 701’s Apprenticeship Facility

IAM Joins Forces with Union Allies in Call to Investigate Chinese Shipbuilding Practices – Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Secures $850K in Funding for IAM Local 701’s Apprenticeship Facility

Mar 23, 2024 | Machinists On The Hill

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