May 1, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
More than 400 IAM members from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., this week for the 2025 IAM Legislative Conference – marking one of the strongest turnouts in recent history.
Over three days, IAM delegates came together to strategize, share stories from their communities, and meet face-to-face with the elected officials who make decisions that impact IAM Union members, their families, and communities every day. Through a packed schedule of speakers, congressional meetings, and issue-focused discussions, the message was clear: IAM Union members are united and ready to take on the growing wave of attacks on workers’ rights.
Delegates heard directly from IAM International President Brian Bryant and members of the IAM Executive Council, who spoke about the IAM Union’s legislative priorities and the urgent need to hold elected officials accountable. Congressional allies and labor champions addressed the conference’s participants, offering their support and pledging to continue the fight for stronger labor protections, fair wages, and the right to organize.
WATCH: IAM International President Brian Bryant and First Day Remarks.
Throughout the week, IAM members met with dozens of Senators and Representatives, carrying with them the voices of their fellow union members. From opposing anti-worker legislation and safeguarding federal workers to pushing for strong Buy American policies, fair trade, and retirement security, IAM delegates made it clear that workers are watching.
As part of this year’s Legislative Conference, delegates rallied at Columbus Circle outside Union Station, Washington, D.C., to celebrate federal workers.
PHOTOS: Federal Workers Support Day
The event served as an opportunity to show solidarity with federal workers affected by the Trump Administration’s attacks. It included remarks by the IAM Executive Council, NFFE-IAM leaders, congressional allies, and members who have been impacted by these actions.
WATCH: Federal Workers Support Day
As the conference concluded, IAM delegates returned home with renewed energy and a clear message for their members: the fight continues – not just in Washington, but in every shop floor, every local, and every community where workers stand together.
WATCH: Legislative Conference is in Full Swing on Capitol Hill.
This year’s Legislative Conference included the following speakers:
- IAM International President Brian Bryant
- IAM Canadian Territory General Vice President David Chartrand
- U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders
- U.S. Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine)
- U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.)
- U.S. Rep. Shomari Figues (D-Ala.)
- U.S. Rep. Chris DeLuzio (D-Pa.)
- U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.)
- U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinki (D-Ill.)
- U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-N.J.)
- U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle (D-Ore.)
- U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Cal.)
- U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.)
- U.S. Rep. Parmila Jayapal (D-Was.)
- IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon
- IAM International Affairs Director Peter Greenberg
- IAM General Counsel Carla Siegel
- NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin
- TCU/IAM National Legislative Director David Arouca
- AFL-CIO Director of Advocacy Jody Calemine
WATCH: U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders Remarks
PHOTOS:
Legislative Conference Day 1
Legislative Conference Day 2
See X coverage below:
Embed tweet
https://x.com/IAM_Union/status/1917567445335785587
The post IAM Members Wrap Up 2025 Legislative Conference with Renewed Focus on Defending Workers’ Rights appeared first on IAM Union.
May 1, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, April 30, 2025 – Hundreds gathered outside Union Station on Tuesday, April 29, to honor and thank federal employees at an energizing celebration hosted by the IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) and the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM).
FEDERAL RALLY PHOTOS
The event, held during the IAM Union Legislative Conference week, brought together union members, labor allies, and elected officials in a show of unity and appreciation for the vital work of federal employees.
Massive rally takes place in Washington DC for fired federal workers marking Trump’s 100th day MSNBC
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), and Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) delivered powerful remarks, praising the commitment and service of federal workers across the country. Their attendance underscored the strong support in Congress for the civil servants who uphold essential government functions every day.
“Our federal workforce represents the very best of our nation,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Our members keep our country safe, serve our veterans, protect our public lands, and so much more. I want to thank our elected officials who stand with us in this fight to protect our federal heroes.”
Throughout the event, IAM Union members and allies held signs to celebrate federal workers turning Union Station into a rallying place for hundreds of supporters.
“We must continue to stand up for our members rights and recognize their contributions,” said NFFE-IAM Union President Randy Erwin. “We are proud to host this event to celebrate the contributions of federal workers and to let them know that their union has their back. Events like these remind the nation who keeps our nation running and who’s ready to defend their rights.”
The event also highlighted the recently launched “Rise Up: Federal Workers Legal Defense Network,” a powerful legal initiative supporting current and former federal workers who have faced retaliation or unjust treatment. The program, created in partnership with AFL-CIO, We The Action, Democracy Forward, and others, continues to offer vital legal resources. More information is available at workerslegaldefense.org.
As federal workers continue to face challenges, the IAM, NFFE-IAM, and their allies remain committed to advocating for their rights and celebrating their vital role in our democracy.
Social Media Roundup from the event:
The IAM Union (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.
goIAM.org | @IAM_Union
The post Federal Workers Celebrated at Huge IAM Union Rally Featuring Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representatives Hoyer, Raskin, Kamlager-Dove and Ivey appeared first on IAM Union.
Apr 29, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
Approximately 400 IAM Union activists have converged on the nation’s capital for the 2025 IAM Legislative Conference, held April 29 through May 1. At a time of growing economic uncertainty, political upheaval, and ongoing attacks on working people, IAM members are making their voices heard in the halls of Congress.
Delegates from across the United States are using the three-day conference to engage directly with policymakers, pressing them to take action on a wide range of legislative priorities. From protecting collective bargaining rights for federal workers to strengthening retirement and healthcare security, from defending domestic manufacturing to passing the long-stalled Rail Safety Act, and other critical issues, IAM members are making clear demands for a pro-worker agenda.
The conference officially opened with powerful remarks from IAM International President Brian Bryant, IAM Canadian Territory General Vice President David Chartrand, and IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon. Each leader underscored the urgency of the moment and the stakes for working families across North America.
IAM International President Brian Bryant opened the conference by welcoming delegates and calling attention to the growing threats facing working people, many of which, he noted, are coming directly from the White House.
“What happens here in Washington, D.C. – and in every state across the country – affects all of us, every second of every day,” said Bryant. “Elected officials can strengthen – or weaken – our collective bargaining rights, our pay, our healthcare, our retirement, our democracy, and so much more. We’re not fighting for Republican or Democratic issues – we’re fighting for IAM Union issues.”
“This week is all about fighting for our union and our members, it’s about showing that the power of the people is always more powerful than the people in power, and it’s about taking this country back for working people instead of billionaires,” continued Bryant.
IAM members will hear from policymakers, union allies in Congress, and policy experts throughout the week. Scheduled speakers will address topics ranging from domestic policy to defending democracy and countering corporate influence in government.
In his remarks, IAM Canadian Territory General Vice President David Chartrand spoke to the shared economic challenges and responsibilities between the United States and Canada, especially amid increasing tensions with China, as the need for cooperation to preserve national security and economic stability.
“We need to work together to make sure there’s fairness in the workplace,” said Chartrand.
IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon also addressed delegates, highlighting the IAM’s growing influence on Capitol Hill and the need for grassroots activism to hold elected officials accountable.
“We are here to take care of business,” said Solomon. “This week, we are here to hold our elected officials accountable.”
The IAM Legislative Conference is a vital opportunity for members to engage in the political process, share their personal stories with lawmakers, and shape the future of the labor movement. As economic pressures continue to mount and corporate interests tighten their grip on the political system, IAM delegates are delivering a clear message: the needs of working people must come first.
As the week continues, IAM members will meet with dozens of House and Senate offices, ensuring that the voices of workers are heard loud and clear.
The post IAM Union Members Bringing the Fight to Capitol Hill at 2025 Legislative Conference appeared first on IAM Union.
Apr 2, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, April 2, 2025 – Brian Bryant, International President of the IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers), representing 600,000 workers, and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, issued a statement on President Trump’s tariffs announcement:
“We must confront the legacy of trade policies and tariff rollouts that treat workers as pawns. Today’s tariffs announcement will erode relationships and diminish human dignity and respect for workers across North America.
“Imposing tariffs on Canada would be like cutting off our nose to spite our face.
“The IAM Union will continue to speak out against this short-sighted trade war and fight for a comprehensive, long-term strategy that strengthens manufacturing and prioritizes the interests of U.S. and Canadian workers.”
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.
Syndicat de l’IAM : Les travailleurs et travailleuses américains et canadiens attendent toujours d’avoir leur voix dans la politique tarifaire et commerciale
Brian Bryant, président international du syndicat de l’IAM, représentant 600 000 travailleurs et travailleuses, et David Chartrand, vice-président général canadien de l’IAM, ont publié une déclaration concernant l’annonce des tarifs douaniers par le président Trump :
“Nous devons confronter l’héritage des politiques commerciales et des mises en œuvre de tarifs qui traitent les travailleurs et travailleuses comme des pions. L’annonce d’aujourd’hui sur les tarifs va éroder les relations et diminuer la dignité humaine et le respect des travailleurs à travers l’Amérique du Nord.
“Imposer des tarifs au Canada serait contre-productif et nuirait des deux côtés à long terme.
“ Le syndicat de l’IAM continuera à s’opposer à cette guerre commerciale à court terme et se battra pour une stratégie globale et à long terme qui renforce la fabrication et priorise les intérêts des travailleurs et travailleuses américains et canadiens.”
Le syndicat de L’IAM est l’un des plus grands et des plus diversifiés syndicats industriels d’Amérique du Nord, représentant environ 600 000 membres actifs et retraités dans les secteurs de l’aérospatiale, de la défense, des compagnies aériennes, des chemins de fer, des transports, de la santé, de l’automobile et d’autres industries.
goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion
The post IAM Union: U.S., Canadian Workers Still Waiting to Have Voice in Tariff, Trade Policy appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 29, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
President Trump issued a sweeping Executive Order and related Fact Sheet invoking “national security” grounds to end collective bargaining with federal unions. Here are the facts about this outrageous and unprecedented attack on federal workers—and on the Labor movement itself.
FACT: Federal unions do not undermine national security!
- Federal civil servants dutifully protect and serve our nation every day and having a union has never changed that.
- Many federal workers are veterans. Taking away their rights to a representative and a voice in the workplace by claiming it threatens “national security” shows disdain and disrespect for their lifelong dedication to public service.
FACT: This is retaliation against unions for standing up for the workers they represent.
- Unions, including the IAM, have been fighting Trump’s effort to ruthlessly terminate tens of thousands of federal workers in violation of laws and CBAs that prevent such arbitrary terminations. Trump cites unions filing grievances to protect workers’ rights and jobs as the rationale for his EO. Trump’s effort now to get rid of the Unions that protect those workers is retaliation for exercising rights protected by federal law.
FACT: Collective bargaining rights for federal workers do not negatively impact the government.
- Trump cites the very existence of binding collective bargaining agreements to protect employee working conditions as “dangerous.” But presidents from both parties have upheld the right of federal workers to union representation for decades. CBAs provide both management and employees with guideposts for an efficient and fair workplace.
FACT: Taking away workers’ unions makes things worse, not more efficient!
- By eliminating employee unions’ collective bargaining rights, it becomes harder for federal employees to do their jobs. They will face retaliation without any grievance process to address issues. These are the people who take care of our veterans and protect our country, who enforce laws and protect the health and safety of the public.
FACT: This EO is designed to take away workers’ protections and unions’ abilities to fight back.
- Ending payroll dues deduction is another direct attempt to attack unions’ ability to fight for workers. Anti-union forces always want to make it harder for members to contribute to their representation, because they hope that it will stop financial support for unions that fight back to protect workers.
- The agencies Trump targeted are described as having critical national security missions—but these are the same agencies that he and his Elon Musk-led DOGE team are targeting for massive layoffs and budget cuts. They are stripping union representation away from workers right when they need it most!
The IAM is working with other unions representing federal employees to mount a legal challenge to this unprecedented attack on federal workers. We will not sit back and watch workers lose the right to representation and a voice on the job!
The post Understanding Trump’s Union-Busting Executive Order Ending Collective Bargaining For Hundreds Of Thousands Of Federal Workers appeared first on IAMAW.
Mar 28, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
VALLEJO, Calif. – Today, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi joined the IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) at a press conference at the Mare Island Dry Dock, where they called for a revitalization of the U.S. shipbuilding industry.
See photos from the event here.
Watch the full press conference here.
“Today, I am honored to stand with American U.S. shipbuilding and maritime industry workers as they fight the heavily subsidized foreign shipyards and unfair trade practices of the People’s Republic of China. American shipbuilders have been hampered by unfair trade practices by the Chinese government. While I’m glad that the federal government is stepping up, more must be done to protect our workers and national security. This is why I, alongside Senator Mark Kelly, Senator Todd Young, and Representative Trent Kelly, introduced the SHIPS for America Act, representing the most substantial and comprehensive approach to rebuilding America’s shipbuilding industry and empowering American workers. American workers in commercial shipyards are essential to supporting our economy and national security. I applaud the IAM and other union representatives as they continue fighting for American shipbuilding jobs,” U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.)
“Since 2001, when the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) labeled shipbuilding as a ‘strategic industry,’ there has been a laundry list of China’s unfair, unreasonable, and discriminatory practices. While we support the USTR’s actions so far, more must be done to assure the long-term health of the domestic shipbuilding industry and U.S. economic and national security. Our IAM Union members are ready to build and maintain our 21st century naval and commercial fleet and we remain steadfast in our devotion to that goal.” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan.
“I’m proud to lead California’s greatest and most historic shipyards, and I stand by the IAM in their fight to revitalize the U.S. Maritime Industry. The contributions of our shipyard workers are the reason for the success of our shipyard, and right now, they are hampered by unfair trade practices by the Chinese government – this must stop. I stand by the IAM Union and Congressman John Garamendi in their fight to uplift and grow our industry,” said Mare Island Dry Dock CEO Stephen DiLeo.
“IAM is on the front lines in U.S.’s fight against China’s unfair trade practices and I’m proud to help lead that fight with my entire union by my side. Unions like the IAM aren’t only critical for California’s economy, they are essential in supporting our national economy. Shipyards were once the main path to the middle class; after years of divestment, we can all work together to turn the tide and bring our shipyards back to their past glory,” said IAM Local S25 Chief Steward Kyle March.
The post Congressman Garamendi, IAM Union Join Together at Mare Island to Call for Revitalization of U.S. Shipbuilding Industry appeared first on IAMAW.
Recent Comments