May 4, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
TOWSON, Md., May 4, 2026 – The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) commends the Maryland congressional delegation, led by U.S. Rep Johnny Olszewski and joined by U.S. Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, as well as U.S.Reps. Steny Hoyer, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Kweisi Mfume, Sarah Elfreth and April McClain Delaney for standing with working people and demanding accountability following Apple’s decision to close its unionized retail store at Towson Town Center in Towson, Md., effective June 20, 2026.
Read the Maryland congressional delegation letter to Apple here.
The Towson store is the first unionized Apple retail location in the United States, where workers are represented by the IAM Union.
“We urge Apple to reconsider whether there are viable paths forward that would preserve jobs and maintain a retail presence in the region,” said the signing members in a letter to Apple. “Maryland residents value employers who invest in their workforce and demonstrate a sustained commitment to the communities they serve. We stand ready to engage constructively with Apple to better understand this decision and to explore potential solutions.”
The IAM Union has filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), citing discriminatory treatment against unionized workers at the Towson store. Unlike workers at two other closing stores, Apple is prohibiting its unionized Towson employees from having transfer rights to other stores.
The store employs nearly 90 workers, provides critical access to Apple products and technical support for students, working families, and small businesses, and serves as a vital retail and service hub for the Baltimore region.
“We praise the Maryland congressional delegation for having these workers’ backs and demanding answers from Apple,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “These workers made history by exercising their right to organize for a voice on the job. Walking away from them now sends a dangerous message to working people everywhere.”
The IAM Union welcomes Maryland lawmakers’ decision to press Apple for answers and to intervene on behalf of these workers, who now face uncertainty about their futures. The union is seeking a clear explanation of the company’s decision, including whether alternatives such as relocation within the Baltimore region or other operational adjustments were seriously considered.
Despite being located in a strong-performing market and having recently expanded its workforce, Apple says it is moving forward with the closure, with no plans to reopen or relocate in the Baltimore area.
The IAM Union remains committed to supporting Towson Apple workers as they navigate the consequences of Apple’s egregious decision and will continue advocating for fair treatment, transparency, and respect for workers’ rights.
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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Apr 30, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
Over two-and-a-half days in Niagara Falls, leaders and members of the IAM Union’s New York State Council came together to align priorities for the upcoming election cycle and the future of our union. The conference focused on three key pillars: union strength, non-partisan political engagement, and the economic challenges impacting working families.
Leadership reported that the union remains financially sound, disciplined and ready for the fight ahead. A major focus is on maintaining a strong strike plan, so members receive real, meaningful support during contract disputes. Representatives from the New York State AFL-CIO also highlighted that New York’s labor movement is among the strongest in the nation, thanks to active rank-and-file members.
Union leaders emphasized that the role of the organization is not to tell members who to vote for. Instead, the goal is to provide candidate information, voting records, and issue-based analysis so members can make informed decisions for themselves and their families. The priority remains clear: supporting policies that strengthen labor and working families.
While New York currently has many worker-friendly elected officials, union leadership stressed that success depends on sustained engagement to keep labor issues front and center in legislative discussions.
Conference discussions also addressed major economic factors impacting members—especially in transportation and airlines. Rising fuel costs affect nearly every aspect of life, from food to utilities, and continue to influence industry stability, mergers, and the broader economy.
“We do not tell you who to vote for,” said IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon. “We give you their information and their records—you decide what’s best for your family.” Together, the message from the conference was clear: Stay informed. Stay engaged. Stay united.
The post IAM’s New York State Council Lays Out High Stakes for Working Families appeared first on IAM Union.
Apr 23, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
The IAM Union’s Arizona State Council met in Phoenix on Saturday, bringing together more than 40 participants, including delegates from across the state, to strategize, share updates, and strengthen the union’s collective voice for working families.
During the meeting, the Arizona State Council announced its endorsement of Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs for reelection, citing her record of supporting working people and her commitment to policies that strengthen Arizona’s workforce.
Gov. Hobbs addressed delegates during the meeting and also met with IAM Union leadership to discuss her agenda for working families across the state.
The IAM Union represents tens of thousands of workers in Arizona across the air transport, defense, aerospace, manufacturing, rail, and other industries. The State Council meeting provided an opportunity for members and leaders to align on priorities and to continue building momentum for organizing, legislative advocacy, and growing worker power statewide.
“IAM members know that staying engaged politically is critical to protecting what we’ve fought for on the job,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “We’re proud to stand behind candidates like Gov. Hobbs who support working families, respect unions, and are committed to building an economy that works for everyone.”
“Gov. Hobbs has shown she’s willing to listen and take action on behalf of workers,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “This endorsement is about continuing that progress and making sure working families remain at the center of Arizona’s future.”
“IAM members know that elections have real consequences on the job and in our communities,” said IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon. “The IAM supports leaders who stand with working people, protect collective bargaining rights, and are committed to raising standards for all workers.”
“This State Council is about bringing our members together to build power and make sure our voices are heard,” said IAM Union Arizona State Council President and IAM Local 2949 President Steve Nickel. “We’re focused on supporting leaders like Gov. Hobbs who support working people and our union, and making sure our members stay engaged in the decisions that impact their lives.”
See photos here.
Throughout the meeting, delegates discussed organizing efforts, legislative priorities, and strategies to expand worker power across Arizona.
Delegates also heard from other candidates, IAM leaders, Arizona AFL-CIO representatives, and additional speakers.
The Arizona State Council continues to play a key role in coordinating efforts across the state, ensuring IAM members remain engaged, informed, and ready to take action.
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Apr 22, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
The 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is enthusiastically supporting the newly-introduced, bipartisan Railroad Retirement Fairness Act in the U.S. Senate and House to correct Railroad Retirement benefits for working retirees.
The Railroad Retirement Fairness Act has been introduced in the Senate by U.S. Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and in the House by U.S. Reps. Deluzio (D-Pa.) and Troy Nehls (R-Texas).
Outdated Last Pre-Retirement Non-Railroad Employment (LPE) rules currently penalize railroad retirees and their spouses long after they’ve earned their retirement benefits. Established almost 90 years ago, the policy no longer reflects the realities of the modern workplace, yet it still reduces hard-earned benefits for railroad retirees and their spouses for taking modest side-jobs or even providing essential caregiving.
Unlike workers covered by Social Security, railroad retirees sometimes face steep Tier II penalties (up to a 50% reduction) even after full retirement age. This creates an unfair system that treats railroaders differently than every other retiree in the country that wants or needs to work after retirement.
The genesis for this legislation came from former IAM Local 1284 President Dave Tackett. Tackett is a locomotive machinist at Amtrak’s Wilmington, Del., shops and also serves as an elected New Castle County Councilmember. When Tackett went to the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) to discuss his upcoming retirement scenario, the Board informed him that he would face a steep cut to his Tier II benefits – all because of the modest W-2 wages he earns as a public servant and the outdated LPE deduction rule.
This didn’t sit well with Tackett. Why should his railroad retirement benefits be docked simply because he serves as a local elected official? Instead of accepting this, Tackett approached Sen. Coons, who agreed with his analysis of the fundamental unfairness, and then engaged with the IAM Union and Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) Legislative Departments to begin efforts to eliminate this outdated provision.
“It just didn’t make any sense – and I thought to myself, ‘if this is happening to me, how many other railroaders and their spouses are getting treated unfairly?’” said IAM Rail Division member Dave Tackett. “I’m grateful to our elected officials in Washington, D.C. for understanding this fundamental unfairness, and for championing the LPE’s removal.”
Currently, the LPE deduction discourages most part-time work, limits retirees’ ability to fill labor shortages, and punishes families when spouses or caregivers earn even modest income.
LPE rules require complex legal interpretation, causing inconsistent decisions and unnecessary administrative burden for both retirees and the RRB. The original justification for the restrictions no longer applies.
“When our union talks about our members getting active in their own advocacy, this is exactly what we’re talking about,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Democracy is not a spectator sport – you have to engage and fight for what’s right. And Brother Tackett’s efforts to eliminate this unfair, outdated provision serves as a perfect example of democracy in action.”
“We are grateful to Senators Coons and Hawley for introducing the Railroad Retirement Fairness Act to address this outdated policy,” said Josh Hartford, IAM Special Assistant to the International President for the IAM Rail Division. “Their work brings long overdue attention to an issue that affects retired railroad workers and their families. Their bipartisan effort represents an important step toward restoring fairness and modernizing the Railroad Retirement system.”
“It’s not uncommon today for railroaders or their spouses to have side jobs: be it working the score board for their local high school football games, picking up a shift at Target, or being a local public servant,” said Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) National President Matt Hollis. “Railroaders work all kinds of jobs to make ends meet – and that should have zero bearing on their hard-earned benefits when they finally retire from the railroad. It’s past-time for Congress to fix this unfair deduction, and our union is proud to help push for the LPE’s removal.”
The post IAM Union-Championed Legislation to Correct Railroad Retirement Benefits for Working Retirees Introduced in U.S. Senate and House appeared first on IAM Union.
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.”
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