Apr 20, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 20, 2026 – The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is urging members of Congress to sign U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross’s (D-N.J.) discharge petition to force a vote on the Faster Labor Contracts Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at ensuring workers can secure a first union contract without unnecessary delays.
Collective bargaining is a fundamental right guaranteed to most workers in the United States through the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The right to form a union and bargain collectively is central to improving wages, hours and working conditions. But after workers vote to unionize, they often face a long and frustrating wait to secure their first agreement with management.
“The ability to collectively bargain a contract with their employer is central to why workers in growing numbers are exercising their right to form and join unions,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Securing a first contract is perhaps the most important part of collective bargaining – and it is also often the hardest. Employers know they can drag their feet and demoralize workers. This Faster Labor Contracts Act changes that dynamic by making union-busting employers actually come to the table.”
The NLRA currently imposes no timeline for reaching a first contract, allowing employers to stall negotiations for months—or even years—while continuing to benefit from the status quo. According to Bloomberg Law, it takes an average of 458 days for unions and employers to reach an initial agreement.
“The IAM Union applauds Congressman Norcross and his allies in Congress for taking this needed step to advance the Faster Labor Contracts Act helping workers obtain a too often elusive first contract,” said Bryant.
The Faster Labor Contracts Act would establish a clear process to move negotiations forward and prevent bad-faith delays, helping ensure workers can achieve a first contract in a timely manner.
The post IAM Union Supports Congressman Norcross’s Discharge Petition to Advance Faster Labor Contracts Act appeared first on IAM Union.
Apr 16, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM Union International President Brian Bryant has been appointed Chair of the National AFL-CIO’s Legislative and Policy Committee — a highly influential body responsible for shaping and advancing the labor movement’s legislative agenda.
The committee plays a central role in developing policy priorities that impact working people across the country, including protecting workers’ rights, strengthening collective bargaining, expanding economic opportunity and ensuring retirement security. As chair, Bryant will help guide a unified approach among unions nationwide to advance pro-worker policies.
Bryant’s appointment reflects the growing influence of IAM Union members and the IAM’s highly effective Political and Legislative Department within the labor movement.
“I’m honored to serve in this role at such a pivotal moment for IAM Union members and all working people,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “This is about building a stronger, united labor movement that delivers real results. We’re focused on raising wages, protecting benefits and ensuring workers have a seat at the table when decisions are made. I’m incredibly grateful to AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and my colleagues on the AFL-CIO Executive Council for this great trust and responsibility.”
The post International President Bryant to Lead Key National AFL-CIO Policy Committee appeared first on IAM Union.
Apr 7, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM Union delegates from across Alabama recently gathered in Montgomery for the Alabama State Council meeting, bringing together members from across the state to discuss legislative priorities, strengthen solidarity, and take action on issues impacting working families.
Throughout the meeting, more than 45 participants, including delegates, engaged in a full agenda of discussions and presentations focused on defending union rights, fighting corporate power, protecting retirement security, supporting veterans, and increasing civic engagement.
Attendees also heard from elected officials and candidates across the political spectrum who committed to supporting pro-worker legislation and standing with working families.
See the Alabama State Council photo gallery.
“This is about making sure working people have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “We’re fighting back against corporate power and pushing for policies that put workers first because when working families advance, our communities advance.”
IAM Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon emphasized the importance of member involvement in the political process.
“Being politically engaged isn’t optional – it’s essential,” said Solomon. “The decisions being made at every level of government directly impact our union, our jobs, our rights, and our futures. When IAM members show up, they listen.”
Putting that message into action, delegates spent a day at the Alabama State Capitol lobbying lawmakers and advocating for policies that support workers and their families.
Photos: IAM Union delegates from across Alabama at the Alabama State Capitol.
“This meeting shows the power of bringing members together with a shared purpose,” said IAM Alabama State Council President Rickie Langford. “When we unite, educate, and take action, we can move the needle for working people across Alabama.”
The Alabama State Council also conducted elections for its Executive Board, marking a historic milestone with the election of its first woman president, Michelle Hunt of IAM Local 2003.
“I’m honored to be elected and to serve alongside such dedicated members,” said Hunt. “I’m committed to continuing the work of pushing forward an agenda that puts working people first and strengthens our union across Alabama.”
Additional officers elected include:
- Secretary-Treasurer Marc Johnson, IAM Local 2003
- Vice President South Duane Williams, IAM Local 2003
- Vice President South Anthony Holton, IAM Local 2003
- Vice President North Rickie Langford, IAM Local 44
- Vice President North James Tate, IAM Local 2766
See photo of newly elected officers.
The Alabama State Council meeting reinforced the IAM Union’s commitment to building worker power through education, engagement, and direct action, ensuring members’ voices are heard both on the job and in the halls of government.
The post Alabama State Council Builds Strength, Solidarity in Montgomery appeared first on IAM Union.
Mar 31, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM Union members/activists from across the country recently gathered in Savannah, GA, for the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) Conference. The annual MNPL Conference brings together IAM Union members to deepen their political education, coordinate electoral and legislative strategy, and build the union power needed to elect candidates who stand with working families.
WATCH: MPNL Might and Political Power Meet in Georgia
PHOTOS: View Photos here.
This year’s conference took on added urgency ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Delegates are confronted with a political moment defined by rising household costs, attacks on workers’ rights, and a full-scale assault on the foundations of American democracy.
IAM International President Brian Bryant was the keynote speaker at the conference and delivered a strong economic message to the delegates.
“The MNPL isn’t just another conference,” said Bryant. “This is the political engine of our union. This is where power is built. This is where we decide whether we will shape the future or have it decided for us.”
The MNPL delegates also heard from IAM District 776 member and Texas State Council of Machinists President Taylor Rehmet, who flipped a plus-15 Trump district and became the first rank-and-file union member elected to the Texas State Senate.
“Our MNPL program helps remind elected officials in the statehouse and on Capitol Hill that IAM members and our issues should always be a part of the conversations,” said IAM National Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon. “The activists who came to Savannah should be proud of the work they did in exceeding the fundraising goal we set at the 2025 MNPL conference. These contributions will ensure that IAM members’ voices will be heard loud and clear on our issues ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.”
At the conclusion of the MNPL Conference, Bryant joined thousands of labor, community, and pro-democracy activists at a “No Kings” rally in Savannah, Ga., delivering a forceful call for solidarity, economic justice, and political engagement from working people across the country.
Read: IAM Union International President Brian Bryant Rallies Working People at ‘No Kings’ Rally in Savannah
International President Bryant and Director Solomon asked MNPL delegates to continue building their political programs, grow MNPL checkoff enrollment, and bring the fight home to their districts.
The MNPL was created in 1947 to allow IAM members to gather individual contributions, coordinate political activity, and elect candidates who support IAM members and their families. The MNPL program will celebrate its 80-year anniversary next year. Nearly eight decades later, that mission has never been more urgent.
Next up is the IAM Union’s Legislative Conference, set for June 22–24 at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. Register here.
The post IAM Union Members Mobilize at MNPL Conference Ahead of the 2026 Midterm Elections appeared first on IAM Union.
Mar 29, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
SAVANNAH, Ga., March 28, 2026 — Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) joined thousands of labor, community, and pro-democracy activists Saturday at a “No Kings” rally in Savannah, Ga., delivering a forceful call for solidarity, economic justice, and political engagement from working people across the country.
See photos from the No Kings rally here.
Bryant’s appearance comes as IAM Union member-activists gathered in Savannah for the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) Conference, where IAM Union members are organizing to mobilize union voters and build power ahead of the 2026 elections. No Kings is a broad coalition of hundreds of community groups, including the ACLU, AFT, Indivisible, MoveOn, Public Citizen, SEIU, and 50501, among others. It is a movement of the people, reflecting the diversity of America itself – every background and generation, from all corners of the country, united to say that America does not belong to strongmen or greedy billionaires.
The IAM Union represents tens of thousands of members in Georgia, including at Lockheed Martin, Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, Molson Coors, and military bases across the state.
“Because this fight—this moment—this movement—should be everybody’s fight,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “We did not elect a dictator. We did not elect a king. And we are not going to let Donald Trump run this country like it’s his own personal business. He must follow the Constitution and the rule of law—just like every president before him.”
Bryant connected the rally’s message to the IAM Union’s deep roots in Georgia, where the union was founded in 1888 by 19 railroad machinists in Atlanta who stood up to powerful corporate interests to demand dignity, respect, and a voice on the job.
“138 years later, we are still standing up and saying the same thing,” said Bryant. “Working people deserve dignity. We deserve respect. And we will not stay silent.”
Framing the current economic moment, Bryant pointed to rising costs and growing inequality as central challenges facing working families.
“We’re living in the richest country in the history of the world, yet working people are being told to do more with less while billionaires keep getting richer,” said Bryant. “That’s not an accident—it’s the result of policies written by corporate CEOs for corporate CEOs, at the expense of the people who actually build this country.”
Bryant emphasized that the labor movement’s fight is about more than economics—it is also about protecting democracy and fundamental rights.
“Across this country, they are trying to make it harder for working people to vote,” said Bryant. “When working people organize and vote, we win. So instead of changing their ideas, they’re trying to change the rules. That’s not democracy—that’s fear of the people.”
He called on attendees to take action beyond Election Day, urging them to engage in organizing, support unions, and even run for office.
“Voting is critical—but voting alone is not enough,” said Bryant. “Knock on doors. Make phone calls. Talk to your neighbors and co-workers. And yes—run for office yourself. Because if working people aren’t at the table, we’re on the menu.”
Bryant also urged continued solidarity with labor organizations and allies, including the Georgia AFL-CIO and the Savannah Central Labor Council.
“If you see workers on strike—join them on the picket line. If workers are organizing—let them know you’ve got their backs,” said Bryant. “Solidarity isn’t just a word—it’s an action.”
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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Mar 24, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM Union members from across Minnesota recently gathered at IAM District 77 for the Minnesota State Council — a three-day meeting that focused on issues that matter the most to working families.
WATCH: Minnesota IAM Members Unite to Advocate for Workers Statewide
The meeting opened with remarks from IAM International President Bryan Bryant, followed by IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli, setting the tone for meaningful discussions on the challenges and priorities facing union members statewide.
See photos here.
The following day, delegates brought those conversations to the Minnesota State Capitol, meeting directly with lawmakers. A key issue on the agenda was securing unemployment insurance protections for striking workers.
The post Minnesota IAM Union Members Unite to Advocate for Workers Statewide appeared first on IAM Union.
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