Oct 8, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
Fort Worth, Texas – Four-time Pro Bowl Cornerback, Super Bowl XXV champion, and legendary Dallas Cowboys star Everson Walls joined IAM Union workers Sunday for a special NFL watch-party turned Get Out The Vote rally.
The rally included union members from across the aerospace, airline, and defense sectors, represented by IAM Union (the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers).
The Texas union members were joined by endorsed 2026 Midterm candidates from across the area, including one of their own; IAM Union member and State Senator Taylor Rehmet, a Lockheed Martin worker who made history when he won his election months ago and became the first rank-and-file union member ever elected to Texas Senate. They were also joined by Katie O’Brien Duzan, candidate for Texas House District 94, and Brian Bryant, International President of IAM Union.
View photos from the event here.
Workers are rallying ahead of the Midterm elections because Texas is increasingly becoming unaffordable, with diesel and gas prices through the roof, and politicians running partisan sideshows instead of focusing on the pocketbook issues that matter most to working people.
IAM Union is fighting back by mobilizing their membership – which is predominantly defense, airline, and aerospace workers in Texas – to turn out in their largest numbers ever, by launching their most expansive member voter turnout campaign in history in Texas.
Since Senator Taylor Rehmet won his seat earlier in 2026, IAM Union members across Texas have been inspired to follow his example and engage in politics more than ever before, including a record number of members contemplating and planning their own runs for local office. Taylor has consistently hammered the issue of Texas affordability throughout his campaigning, a populist message that frustrated voters have resoundingly responded to.
The Sunday Get Out The Vote rally in Fort Worth was the second election rally IAM Union held in Texas this weekend alone; on Saturday, more than 150 IAM Union members working at NASA, and in the airline, rail, and manufacturing industries in Houston rallied with their International President and Secretary-Treasurer ahead of the Midterm elections as well.
The presence of IAM Union International President Brian Bryant and other top IAM Union leaders at both Texas events this weekend reinforces the importance of the Texas program for the union, and its fervent, all-in backing for its member, Taylor Rehmet, and the other IAM Union-endorsed candidates.
State Senator Taylor Rehmet is a U.S. Air Force veteran, President of both IAM Local 776B and the Texas IAM State Council, and a mechanic at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth. He ran a common-sense campaign that targeted the priorities of working families rather than touting culture-war politics; fighting for a Texas we all can afford.
Everson Walls, the legendary Cowboys player joining IAM Union members for the election rally and Cowboys vs Texans watch party, is a dedicated union member himself, and proud longtime member of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA).
The Fort Worth rally concluded with a large display of the Cowboys vs Texans game on a huge screen, barbecue for everyone, family events including a 3-lane sports inflatable with soccer, football, and baseball challenges, axe throwing, and archery hoverball. Union members wore jeans, cowboy boots, and their favorite NFL jersey, as they united across sports alliances to form a larger pro-affordability, common-sense bloc of working class voters.
The post 100+ Dallas/Fort Worth Union Members Rally With NFL Legend Everson Walls and Election Candidates, Calling For a Texas All Working People Can Afford appeared first on IAM Union.
Oct 7, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
Dear IAM Union Family,
The Nov. 3 Election Day is approaching quickly, and we need all hands on deck to help elect candidates who will actually work for us, not for the billionaires and CEOs.
If you’ve been waiting to get involved, now is the time! Here are a few things you can do right now:
1. Sign up to be a poll worker, and help your community vote safely and easily!
Our elections depend on people like us who make sure voting runs smoothly and everyone’s vote is counted. You can make sure we have safe, fair and efficient elections for all. Step up today to become a poll worker for the next election in your community.
Training will be provided, and some local jurisdictions may pay poll workers a stipend! Learn more: go.aflcio.org/ptp
2. Find a volunteer event, either in person or virtual.
Early and absentee voting is underway in many states, and IAM Union members are already on the ground knocking on doors, staffing community events, making phone calls and sending text messages. If you are not able to attend an event in person, you can join a national virtual event like a phone bank. IAM Union members are a trusted part of our communities, so we need every member and supporter talking to their neighbors about the importance of voting in 2026. Find an event: mobilize.us/aflcio/
3. Not sure how you want to help? Fill out the volunteer form.
If you’re not sure what you want to do yet, but you still want to be involved, sign the AFL-CIO’s volunteer form and someone will reach out to connect you with opportunities that work for you. Sign up here: go.aflcio.org/volunteer
People are engaged and excited, and we’re seeing sky-high energy and optimism across the country as we fight for real change for working people. IAM Union members have the power to make a difference. Please join us.
Thank you for your activism!
In solidarity,
The IAM Union Team
The post How IAM Union Members Can Get Involved in This Critical Election appeared first on IAM Union.
Oct 6, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
The 80th IAM Pennsylvania State Council Convention brought union delegates and labor leaders together in Philadelphia for three days of discussion focused on workers’ rights, legislative priorities, and political engagement.
Led by Council President Richie Howell, the convention featured IAM Union International President Brian Bryant, along with more than a dozen political figures and candidates.
One major issue discussed was proposed changes to overtime taxation affecting airline and railroad employees. Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania’s 1st District spoke to the delegates about legislation addressing how overtime earnings are treated under federal tax law.
View photos here.
The convention also placed renewed emphasis on the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League, or MNPL. Speakers discussed how member contributions are used to support political activity and candidates aligned with organized labor’s priorities.
As the convention wrapped up, delegates were urged to take the information discussed in Philadelphia back to their local unions. Leaders emphasized member education, providing factual information about legislation and candidates, and encouraging union members to participate in elections.
The post IAM Pennsylvania State Council Convention Focuses on Labor, Legislation and Voter Engagement appeared first on IAM Union.
Sep 18, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM National Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon recently participated in a strategic planning session with the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) focused on Black workers and the labor movement’s legislative priorities heading into the 120th Congress. The meeting was chaired by Vince Evans, Executive Director of the Congressional Black Caucus.
The meeting, held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in D.C., brought together representatives from IAM and other labor unions, community allies including the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), the National Education Association (NEA), AFT Union, United Mine Workers of America, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), SAG-AFTRA, and many more.
Solomon presented on the labor movement’s top priorities. We also heard directly from AFGE President Everett Kelley, NEA President Princess R. Moss, and APWU President Jonathan Smith on how to strengthen the partnership with the Congressional Black Caucus.
Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) spoke on the importance of fighting for working families and highlighted the urgent unemployment crisis facing Black Women in our nation. In a recent Newsweek Op-ed written by AFL-CIO National Secretary Fred Redmond, he pointed out that Black unemployment climbed to 6.9% in 2025, and for Black women, it jumped to 6.7%.
Also in attendance were Florida State Representative and Florida U.S. Senate candidate Angie Nixon (D), Emeritus Executive Vice President of the National AFL-CIO Arlene Holt Baker, and Joy Reid, host of “The Joy Reid Show.”
The panel session focused on five guiding questions: where the labor movement and Black communities stand today; which affirmative policies the CBC should be ready to advance; what partners can do together; and what commitments should follow.
The panel closed with a discussion of challenges and opportunities facing Black workers, what resources, including research, organizing, communications, and coalition-building, will be needed to carry that agenda forward, and how CBC members, unions, and other partners can continue working together.
The post IAM National Political and Legislative Director Solomon Joins Congressional Black Caucus, Labor Partners for Strategic Planning Session appeared first on IAM Union.
Aug 31, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM Oregon State Council delegates recently gathered in Portland to discuss the issues affecting working people across the state and the importance of making labor’s voice heard at the ballot box.
The meeting brought together IAM delegates, union leaders, community partners and political candidates for conversations on workers’ rights, voting rights, fair trade, protecting Oregon’s lumber and manufacturing industry and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on workers and their jobs.
See photos here.
Delegates heard from IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez, IAM Western Territory Chief of Staff James Watson, and IAM Legislative Chief Counsel Laura Ewan. Representatives from the Oregon AFL-CIO and Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines also addressed the council, along with candidates seeking political office.
“Our members understand that the decisions made at the ballot box directly affect their jobs, families, and communities,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “When union members come together, learn about the issues and get involved in the political process, we strengthen our ability to protect good union jobs and build a better future for all working people.”
IAM Oregon State Council President Mike Hicks emphasized that political engagement gives working people an opportunity to hold elected officials accountable and advocate for policies that strengthen their communities.
“Working people cannot afford to sit on the sidelines,” said Hicks. “We must stay informed, talk with our fellow siblings, and participate in every election. When labor stands together and votes together on the issues that matter to working families, our voices cannot be ignored.”
The post IAM Oregon State Council Meeting Builds Engagement Around Labor’s Priorities appeared first on IAM Union.
Aug 31, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
The IAM Union’s Michigan Machinists Council and IAM Eastern Territory leadership recently met with U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed to discuss the issues facing Michigan’s working families. Following the meeting, the IAM Union proudly endorsed El-Sayed, recognizing his commitment to strengthening workers’ rights, growing the middle class and ensuring working people have a voice in Washington.
“El-Sayed built his campaign around putting working people ahead of corporate interests, including expanding workers’ ability to organize and bargain collectively and making health care more affordable and accessible,” said IAM Union Michigan Machinists Council President Robert Miller. “His campaign emphasizes strong opposition to corporate money in politics, and he is committed to building an economy that works for working families.”
“For the IAM Union, the endorsement reflects the importance of electing leaders who understand that strong unions are essential to a strong middle class, country and society,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan.
The Michigan Machinists Council and IAM Eastern Territory look forward to working alongside El-Sayed and Michigan’s labor organizations in securing better wages, stable retirements and stronger unions for the working people of Michigan.
The post IAM Union’s Michigan Machinists Council Endorses Abdul El-Sayed For U.S. Senate appeared first on IAM Union.
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