Aug 18, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, Aug. 15, 2025 — The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers), the largest defense and aerospace union in the United States, is calling on Texas U.S. Senators and U.S. Reps. Michael Cloud and Vincente Gonzalez to act immediately to stop the planned layoffs of nearly 900 workers at the Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD).
The IAM represents 200 civilian defense contractors at CCAD who have received notices that their jobs will end Sept. 30, 2025. In addition, about 200 of the 2,300 federal employees at CCAD, also represented by the IAM, have been told they are among the 600 federal positions slated for elimination, with further cuts possible.
“CCAD is the world’s largest rotary-wing repair facility and is considered a Department of Defense (DoD) Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence for rotary-wing aircraft,” wrote IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “The depot employs more than 2,500 highly skilled workers. The workforce and repair capacity at CCAD is vitally important to our military readiness and national security. To begin to disassemble this workforce and squander this capacity would be both imprudent and inefficient. CCAD is also a major economic driver for southern Texas. With CCAD pouring over $1.6 billion into the regional economy annually, job reductions on the scale proposed will have major implications for the surrounding communities
CCAD contributes more than $1.6 billion annually to the regional economy, supporting thousands of jobs across the community. The IAM warns that the proposed layoffs will not only reduce vital defense capacity but will ripple across local businesses and neighborhoods.
The IAM urges Texas lawmakers to demand the Department of Defense and U.S. Army reverse the downsizing plan and protect the depot’s mission, workforce, and economic contributions.
Read the letters:
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz
Rep. Michael Cloud
Rep. Vincente Gonzalez
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, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.
goIAM.org | @IAM_Union
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Aug 6, 2025 | Air Transport, Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, July 16, 2025 – Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union, and Richie Johnsen, IAM Union Air Transport Territory General Vice President, issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia ordering Delta Air Lines to pay $8.1 million to settle alleged false claims act violations related to the Payroll Support Program:
“This settlement confirms what the IAM has said since 2020—Delta Air Lines took billions in taxpayer-funded relief money under the condition that workers’ jobs, pay and benefits would be protected, and then violated that agreement.
“The U.S. government has now validated our long-standing concerns: Delta’s actions were not just unethical but unlawful. The airline may not have reduced hourly wages, but it used mandatory unpaid leave and reduced scheduling to slash weekly and monthly pay, gutting the very protections the CARES Act was designed to uphold.
“In letters to the CEOs of Delta and JetBlue in 2020, 13 Senators led by Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) wrote, “Your workers supported relief for airlines on the condition that their jobs, pay, and benefits would be protected. On April 23, 2020, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers wrote you a letter opposing your mandatory time off policy, and noting that, ‘The IAM, along with the all the other AFL-CIO affiliated transportation unions, and Delta JetBlue workers, fought for the federal stimulus to protect airline workers and save the airline industry from the ravages of the novel coronavirus pandemic,’ but that your company is ‘using that good faith support of airline workers around the country and at every carrier to [undermine the interest of your own workforces].’
“Delta arrogantly ignored the law, its workers, and even direct appeals from members of Congress. This $8.1 million penalty is long overdue, but still falls short of fully compensating the workers and families who were financially harmed.
“This is just one of many reasons why the IAM is organizing Delta workers across the country. Without a union contract, Delta management alone holds the power. Delta workers deserve a real voice on the job, legal protections, and a union that will fight for them in moments like this.
“The IAM remains committed to holding any employer accountable for misuse of public funds at the expense of working people. This case should serve as a warning: workers’ rights are not optional, and corporations are not above the law.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) 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 across the United States and Canada.
The post IAM Union Issues Statement on Delta Air Lines’ Settlement for Misuse of Taxpayer Pandemic Funds appeared first on IAM Union.
Aug 6, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
The IAM Union recently joined the AFL-CIO’s “Better In A Union” Bus Tour and participated in the NAACP’s Labor Town Hall in Charlotte, where labor, community, and civil rights activists came together in a unified call for economic and social justice.
WATCH: NAACP Labor Town Hall
IAM Union National Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon addressed NAACP delegates attending the Labor Townhall meeting with a clear and passionate call to action, urging them to mobilize, organize, and fight for working families across the country.
“When workers have a real seat at the table, our lives, wages, and benefits improve,” said Solomon. “Workers’ and civil rights go hand in hand, and both are on the line. We must stand shoulder to shoulder with labor unions at every level and support every worker organizing for fair pay, dignity, and safe working conditions. This fight is bigger than any one issue. Education, healthcare, housing, and economic justice are everyone’s fight. We must connect every struggle to the people who power our communities.”
The AFL-CIO “Better In A Union” Bus Tour in Charlotte was one of many stops across the country to uplift the fight for freedom, fairness, and security for all working people, not an economy that works for us, not billionaires. IAM members stood in solidarity with labor, community, and civil rights activists to advance a shared vision of worker empowerment.
“The IAM will always stand with labor activists and community leaders who uplift the mission of our union,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “We will continue to educate and engage with the community to protect workers and stay united in our fight for workers’ rights, dignity, and justice.”
READ: NAACP events call for pro-union voting in the NC midterm elections Charlotte Observer
AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond spoke about the “fierce urgency of now” and the need to confront injustice head-on.
“Workers are the true experts; workers know what it takes to run this country,” said AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Redmond. “Workers wake this country up every morning and tuck it to sleep at night. Workers build and maintain crucial infrastructure. They care for older people, children, and our neighbors. It is the workers who empower this economy.”
Later in the day, as part of the 116th NAACP National Convention and in partnership with the AFL-CIO, a NAACP Labor Town Hall was held to highlight a crucial conversation inspired by this year’s theme of the NAACP National Convention, “The Fierce Urgency of Now.”
Labor leaders, advocates, and workers from diverse industries came together to address pressing challenges facing today’s workforce, amplify the voices and experiences of workers on the frontlines, and develop bold, collaborative solutions to strengthen labor and civil rights.
IAM Union Air Transport Local 1725 member and Charlotte-Metrolina Labor Council president Chris Barrett welcomed everyone to Charlotte with a strong message about workers in the area.
“Every time you fly in our out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the sixth busiest airport in the world with an economic impact of $36 billion for North and South Carolina, you can do so knowing that it was because of union members from the IAM, ALPA, AFA-CWA, PASS, NATCA, SEIU, and UNITE HERE,” said Barrett.
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Aug 6, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
A bipartisan measure to reverse President Trump’s executive order that denies collective bargaining rights to millions of federal workers is making headway — and we need your help to win for working families.
Federal sector workers in the IAM Union and the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), along with allies in labor and Congress, are pushing for a discharge petition that would put the Protect America’s Workforce Act on the House floor for a vote.
TAKE ACTION: Tell your Representative to sign the discharge petition to put the Protect America’s Workforce Act Up for a vote today
“An attack on our federal workers is an attack on all workers, and we can’t let this administration trample on our right to join a union,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Let’s pass the common-sense Protect America’s Workforce Act and restore the rights of this essential workforce.”
NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin recently appeared alongside House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) to call for an immediate vote on the Protect America’s Workforce Act.
“Our civil service has been stressed to an unprecedented degree, and the critical services federal employees provide, and the American people rely on, are at risk as long as this assault on collective bargaining rights goes unchecked,” said Erwin. “I call on every House member to sign this discharge petition today — to reinforce an essential right of working Americans protected by the Constitution.”
Call 202-224-3121 to tell your Representative to sign the discharge petition and put the Protect America’s Workforce Act to a vote today.
The post 🚨 TAKE ACTION : Tell Your Representative to Restore Federal Worker Collective Bargaining Rights appeared first on IAM Union.
Aug 6, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
The IAM Union’s Texas State Council convened in Austin for its latest meeting, bringing together nearly 100 delegates and guests from across the state to unite under a common goal: strengthening the voice of working people in the Lone Star State.
Texas State Council President Taylor Rehmet opened the meeting by emphasizing the Council’s commitment to strategic action, solidarity, and advancing policies and candidates that support working families.
“When we show up united, we win,” said Rehmet, setting a tone of determination and purpose.
View photos from the Texas State Council here.
The IAM Union’s Texas State Council proudly announced its endorsement of IAM Local 776B President and Council President Taylor Rehmet for Texas State Senate District 9.
A U.S. Air Force veteran, community organizer, and skilled machinist, Rehmet has long been a powerful voice for working families across Texas. His leadership is marked by action, accessibility, and a commitment to the values of solidarity and economic justice. Whether in the shop or at the State Capitol, Rehmet consistently shows up, listens, and delivers for the people he represents.
“Taylor understands the everyday struggles of working people because he’s lived them,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “He’s a fighter who leads with integrity, and he never forgets where he comes from. Texas workers deserve a champion like Taylor in the state Senate.”
Delegates heard from several prominent leaders in the Texas labor movement, including Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy, Texas AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Aguilar, and Smith County Central Labor Council President Claretta Allen. Each speaker underscored the urgent need to strengthen democracy, protect workers, and ensure the economy works for all Texans.
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) spoke to the delegates via video, praising IAM members for their dedication to protecting workers’ rights and the union’s advocacy on key issues.
The agenda also featured several other speakers who shared updates and inspiration, including IAM Assistant Organizing Director Juan Eldridge and IAM Assistant Political and Legislative Director Loren Almeroth. Both highlighted recent organizing and legislative victories, showcasing the IAM’s power in advancing the interests of working people.
“Every delegate in that room came ready to build power and not just for IAM members, but for every worker in Texas,” said Martin.
The Texas State Council continues to serve as a pillar of IAM solidarity, ensuring that the voices of Texas IAM Union members are heard loud and clear on the job and in communities throughout the state.
The meeting also included remarks from:
- Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines President Tony Blevins
- IAM Southern Territory Special Representative Shaun Jenkins
- IAM Southern Territory Special Representative Derek Cearley
- IAM District 142 Legislative Director Sean Holland
- Texas Climate Jobs Project Executive Director Bo Delp
- Texas State Rep. James Talarico (D-District 52)
View photos from the Texas State Council here.
The post IAM Union’s Texas State Council Continues Legacy of Labor Leadership, Endorses State Council President for State Senate Seat appeared first on IAM Union.
Aug 6, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
AUSTIN, Texas, July 31, 2025 — Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers), IAM Union Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin and IAM Texas State Council President Taylor Rehmet issued the following statement in response to efforts by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Texas lawmakers to redraw congressional districts during a special legislative session:
“The IAM Union strongly condemns the latest attempt by extremist right-wing politicians in Texas to rig the rules and redraw congressional districts for political gain. This power grab is part of a larger plan by Trump-aligned forces and anti-union corporations to silence voters and push anti-worker policies.
“Texas is being used as a testing ground for Trump-style politics. While Texans are still recovering from devastating natural disasters, Gov. Greg Abbott is using this special session not to help working families, but to serve Donald Trump and corporate CEOs’ political agenda.
“President Trump, Gov. Abbott, and their allies are trying to change the rules in their favor. If they maintain control of Congress, working families will pay the price with more legislation that benefits billionaire donors at our expense.
“We stand in full solidarity with the Texas AFL-CIO, voting rights advocates, and all Texans fighting back against this dangerous agenda. We urge every IAM Union member and concerned citizen to speak out and demand fair maps and fair representation.
“National labor leaders are watching what’s happening in Texas. We will not stand by while our democracy is undermined. The labor movement is united, and we are ready to fight and win.”
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 across the United States and Canada.
goIAM.org | @IAM_Union
The post IAM Union Leaders Condemn Texas Redistricting Push appeared first on IAM Union.
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