Jan 15, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
The state legislature in Kansas only meets for 90 days each year – and as the saying goes, “if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” This year, members of the Kansas State Council of Machinists continued an annual tradition of being front and center at the table.
As the 2025 legislative session began, the IAM teamed up with other Kansas unions to ensure members’ concerns are heard by elected politicians from both political parties.
“What matters to us? It’s the basics,” Martin told hundreds of labor activists at the state capitol. “It’s what labor has always fought for—the things that lift up our families and our communities. Economic development, infrastructure, opportunities for job growth, and strong ‘Made in America’ policies. Tax relief and policies that make it easier for workers to provide for their families. Workers’ rights and workers’ comp. Workplace safety.”
Last year, the IAM and the Kansas AFL-CIO saw their lobbying efforts result in the passage of the Enhanced Kansas Worker Compensation Act. Between 2011 and 2023, workers compensation laws and rules had seen Kansas fall to one of the worst systems in the nation. The previous system was very cheap for employers, but was economically harmful to any worker injured on the job. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly lauded the union’s lobbying efforts to get the necessary changes into the bill and passed by the legislature for her signature.
At a rally inside the capitol building, just off the floor of both branches of the Kansas legislature, Martin closed his remarks with a powerful call to action.
“Fighting for these things works,” said Martin. “Fighting for the workers of Kansas, their families, and their communities works. Fighting back against those who think that workers don’t matter and don’t have power works!”
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Jan 8, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2025 – Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union, issued this statement on incoming President Trump’s recent remarks about outsourcing domestic Navy shipbuilding to foreign nations:
“As International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and a former pipefitter at Bath Iron Works (BIW), I express deep concern about any discussion to outsource Navy shipbuilding to foreign nations.
“We know that American workers and domestic shipyards have the talent and capacity to meet our national defense needs if given proper investment and support.
“The incoming administration must prioritize rebuilding the U.S. industrial base by addressing the skilled labor shortages and backlog in shipyards, not by turning to foreign builders and suppliers.
“A strong domestic shipbuilding industry is essential to economic and national security in an era of increasing geopolitical tensions. Maine shipbuilders have been at the forefront of innovation and excellence for over 400 years, consistently delivering vessels that meet the rigorous standards of the U.S. Navy.
“Our nation’s security and economy depend on a strong domestic shipbuilding industry, and IAM members stand ready to build the ships America needs.
“We look forward to engaging with the new administration to help strengthen American shipbuilding and secure our defense industrial base here at home.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
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Jan 7, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives recently passed the IAM-endorsed Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82), which would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) laws that reduce or even eliminate Social Security benefits for millions of public sector workers. President Biden has signed the legislation into law.
The GPO and WEP unfairly reduce Social Security benefits for retirees who receive a public pension or the spouse or survivor of a Social Security beneficiary who worked in a job not covered by the Social Security program.
By passing the Social Security Fairness Act, Congress voted to fix two unfair provisions that are currently being used to calculate benefits.
“No one should face financial hardship in retirement because of outdated and unfair policies,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Passing the Social Security Fairness Act is a crucial step toward justice for millions of Americans who deserve the benefits they’ve earned.”
The GPO and WEP cause an unnecessary hardship for 2.8 million retired and disabled Americans. It is fundamentally unjust that public employees who earned Social Security credits and benefits through non-government employment cannot receive the full benefits from their work.
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Dec 14, 2024 | Aerospace/Defense, Politics & Legislative News
FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 13, 2024 –The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union recently applauded the House and Senate defense committees’ full authorization of the 68 F-35 jets included in the President’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget request. The F-35 program is a cornerstone of America’s national security, sustaining critical jobs nationwide, including thousands of IAM members employed in Fort Worth, Texas.
“This year’s final authorization is a win for our workforce and the F-35 program,” said Paul Black, President and Directing Business Representative of IAM District 776. “District 776 members have proudly built this cutting-edge fighter jet, and we’re pleased to see its importance to continue to be recognized by members of Congress.”
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) fully funds the 68 jets despite a $452 million reduction in procurement lines, which is not expected to impact aircraft quantities. The IAM Union appreciates the progress made after earlier budget drafts proposed a 10-aircraft decrease.
“IAM members in Fort Worth take great pride in their contribution to producing the most advanced fighter jet in the world,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “This program not only safeguards our national security but also provides high-quality jobs for workers and their communities.”
Since its inception, IAM Union members have been at the forefront of building the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the nation’s only fifth-generation stealth aircraft currently in production. Designed for three branches of the U.S. military, the F-35 also plays a vital role in the defense strategies of America’s closest allies.
“This outcome is a testament to the tireless advocacy of IAM members and our legislative department to highlight the importance of the F-35 to the future of our nation’s military,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “The F-35 is vital to our military’s strength and the economic stability of Texas and others nationwide. Production cuts would put both at risk.”
The F-35 program supports more than 254,000 direct and indirect jobs across the United States, with about 1,800 first-tier suppliers. Its supply chain generates an annual economic impact exceeding $49 billion.
“The F-35 ensures the U.S. and its allies maintain a strategic advantage in a dangerous world,” said IAM International Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett. “Our District 776 members are proud to play a central role in fighting for investments in defense programs that protect the country while supporting its workforce.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of the largest and most diverse industrial trade unions in North America. The IAM Union represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, manufacturing, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion
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Dec 10, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
The Washington State Council of Machinists, led by State Council President Steve Miller (District 160 President and DBR), wrapped up its fourth and final political and legislative conference of the year in Tacoma, Wash., by bringing together IAM members and elected officials from across the state. The conference featured a packed agenda of speakers from across the state, underscoring the importance of fighting for workers and their families 365 days a year.
The event recognized the changes in leadership for the IAM Western Territory. Delegates thanked retiring General Vice President Gary R. Allen, who was honored for decades of service to the IAM, particularly his steadfast support of IAM members in Washington state and his leadership in advancing workers’ rights. IAM Western Territory Chief of Staff Bobby Martinez, who will join the Executive Council as Western Territory General Vice President in January, also delivered remarks.
“I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the Washington State Council of Machinists throughout my career,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “This state council operates at the highest level in our union and should serve as a model for state councils throughout our great Union. I look forward to seeing what the Washington State Council will achieve over the next few years.”
The conference also featured remarks from IAM National Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon, who emphasized the importance of political engagement and mobilization throughout the year.
Other notable speakers included Port of Tacoma Commissioner Dick Marzano, State Sen. Steve Conway, Washington State Attorney General-elect Nick Brown, Lt. Gov. Denny Heck (D), Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards, and newly elected U.S. Rep. Emily Randall. Each elected official highlighted their commitment to advancing policies that protect workers and strengthen unions in Washington.
Click here to view the full agenda.
“The Washington State Council will continue championing the cause of working families in Washington in the upcoming year,” said Washington State Council President Steve Miller. “It is important to bring together our allies to ensure we are putting together legislation that benefits workers in Washington state. I appreciate the support we receive from our districts and locals. Our state council appreciates General Vice President Allen’s support throughout the years, and we look forward to working with incoming General Vice President Bobby Martinez.”
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Nov 21, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
Washington, D.C. – Today, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), a union representing 110,000 federal employees, is sounding the alarm about what the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) – an unofficial entity operating outside of the federal government – would do to our nation’s veterans if Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy achieve their stated goals of reducing the federal workforce by 75 percent and cutting federal spending by $2 trillion annually.
The federal government is the single largest employer of veterans in this country. There are currently 2.278 million civilian federal employees and nearly 30 percent of them are veterans. If DOGE follows through on proposed threats, and lays off 75 percent of the federal workforce, an estimated 481,950 veterans will be laid off.
“Every person in this country needs to know that if Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy get their way, nearly half a million veterans will go jobless,” said Randy Erwin, National President of the National Federation of Federal Employees. “The very objective of this so-called Department of Government Efficiency is hostile to our cherished American veterans.”
The pain that DOGE would inflict on America’s veterans would not end there. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employs nearly 371,000 health care professionals and support staff at VA medical facilities across the country. It is also responsible for administering benefits programs for Veterans, their families, and survivors. A 75 percent reduction in staff, about 278,000 total employees, would cripple the services currently provided to veterans in the U.S.
“If Musk and Ramaswamy execute their stated plans, the VA healthcare system as we know it will collapse,” continued Erwin. “When it does, we will be breaking the promise we make to our men and women in uniform that if they serve this country, they will be cared for afterward. This country is better than that. We simply cannot let that happen. There is a lot of talk about keeping promises these days. Keeping our promise to our veterans is the one we should be most worried about when it comes to this so-called Department of Government Efficiency.”
“It is clear that Musk and Ramaswamy simply do not understand how the federal workforce is staffed or operated,” concluded Erwin. “When they make absurd claims about government waste and bash dedicated federal employees, they conveniently leave out the fact that the civil service is the same size as it was in the 1950’s, although the size of the American population has roughly tripled. Per capita, the federal government is the smallest it has ever been in American history. In fact, many critical agencies and services are chronically understaffed. Reducing the federal workforce to a quarter of what it is now would be catastrophic to not only veterans, but the entire American public.”
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