Jul 9, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
The IAM and NFFE-IAM joined a broad coalition of labor unions, veterans’ organizations, and lawmakers in opposition to H.R. 9237, the so-called Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol.
Led by U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA), an Iraq War veteran, members of the Democratic Veterans Caucus stood alongside veterans’ advocates and labor leaders to voice concerns that the legislation would reduce benefits for currently serving military members and future veterans.
Among those participating in the event were House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-Calif.), NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin, AFGE National President Everett Kelley, Jess Finucan, from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), and U.S. Reps. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.), Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.), and Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.).
Labor and veterans’ advocates warned that the proposal would undermine commitments made to the nation’s servicemembers and veterans, including those returning from recent military operations. Speakers emphasized that veterans have earned the benefits promised to them through their service and sacrifice and called on lawmakers to reject any effort to reduce those benefits.
“America’s servicemembers and veterans have earned every benefit they were promised through their sacrifice and service to our nation,” said NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin. “Congress should be strengthening the support systems our veterans rely on, not weakening them. NFFE-IAM is proud to stand with our labor partners, veterans’ organizations, and elected leaders in opposing any legislation that breaks faith with those who have worn the uniform.”
The IAM has long advocated for policies that protect veterans, support military families, and ensure access to quality healthcare, retirement security, and workplace opportunities for those who have served.
The coalition pledged to continue educating lawmakers and the public about the potential impact of H.R. 9237 and urged Congress to protect veterans’ benefits rather than reduce them.
The coalition pledged to continue educating lawmakers and the public about the potential impact of H.R. 9237 and urged Congress to protect veterans’ benefits rather than reduce them. The coalition also submitted letters to both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate outlining its opposition to the legislation. Read the letters here:
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Jul 8, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM Union International President Brian Bryant joined labor leaders in New Haven for the Connecticut AFL-CIO’s 16th Biennial Political Convention, delivering a powerful keynote address focused on solidarity, organizing, and building worker power in the face of growing attacks on working families.
The convention, themed “Strong Unions, Stronger Democracy,” also featured a keynote address by AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, and its agenda centered on organizing, political action, economic justice, and the protection of workers’ rights.
Bryant followed Shuler, thanking Connecticut AFL-CIO President Ed Hawthorne and the state’s labor movement for their unwavering support during the 2025 IAM District 26 strike at Pratt & Whitney.
“We did not win that strike alone,” Bryant said. “We won because of the solidarity of the labor movement in this state. We won because Connecticut union members understood that the fight at Pratt & Whitney wasn’t just about Pratt & Whitney. It was about every worker in Connecticut.”
Bryant credited the union members of Connecticut for walking picket lines, delivering supplies, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with striking IAM Union Local 1746 and Local 700 members, calling their victory proof that solidarity remains labor’s greatest strength.
Throughout his speech, Bryant challenged corporate greed and attacks on collective bargaining while emphasizing the IAM Union’s commitment to organizing and fighting for working people.
“The labor movement is under attack. Workers are under attack. And unions are under attack,” said Bryant. “But the labor movement has seen this playbook before. And we are not going backward. Not now. Not ever.”
Bryant also highlighted the IAM Union’s Workers vs. Billionaires campaign, urging delegates to recognize that the struggle facing working families transcends political divisions.
“This is not Democrat versus Republican. This is not Left versus Right,” said Bryant. “This is workers versus the people profiting while workers struggle to survive. It is workers versus corporate greed. Workers versus union busting.”
He concluded by calling on delegates to continue organizing new workers and standing united against efforts to weaken unions.
“Together we stand. Together we fight. Together we organize. And together we will build an economy that works for workers—not just billionaires.”
Earlier in the convention, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler urged delegates to continue organizing workers and building political power, arguing that working people must shape an economy that prioritizes the workers who drive it over shareholders and profits.
“That economic pain won’t end until we take on an entire system that has left working people behind, and we put in place an economy that values real work,” said Shuler. “It starts with three words that everyone in this room knows well: Organize, organize, organize. That’s how we change what’s possible in this country.”
Shuler stressed that protecting workers’ rights requires mobilization beyond the workplace and into legislatures. “Organizing in the workplace won’t be successful if it isn’t paired with political organizing. Because the rules matter. Who writes them matters. Who enforces them matters,” said Shuler.
The convention brought together union delegates from across Connecticut to discuss organizing strategies, political action, legislative priorities, and strengthening worker power ahead of the 2026 elections.
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Jul 7, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
More than 400 IAM Union delegates traveled to Washington, D.C., for the union’s Legislative Conference, meeting directly with members of Congress and the U.S. Senate to advocate for policies that strengthen working families.
IAM members urged lawmakers to pass key pro-worker legislation, including the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and the Faster Labor Contracts Act, which would make it easier for workers to organize and help ensure newly organized workers can secure a first contract without years of unnecessary delays.
Watch the video report here.
Delegates also called for passage of the Railway Safety Act to improve rail safety, protect workers and communities, and help prevent future derailments.
In addition, IAM members emphasized the importance of continued federal investment in critical aerospace and defense programs—including military aircraft, naval shipbuilding, and other strategic manufacturing initiatives—that support thousands of high-skilled union jobs while strengthening America’s national security and industrial base.
Meeting with Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, IAM delegates delivered a simple message: elected officials must put working people first. Through these face-to-face meetings, the IAM Union continues to hold lawmakers accountable and fight for policies that protect jobs, strengthen workers’ rights, and build a stronger future for working families.
The post IAM Union Meets with Lawmakers, Pushes for Pro-Worker Agenda on Capitol Hill appeared first on IAM Union.
Jul 6, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, July 6, 2026– Today, the IAM Union’s (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) Maryland and D.C. State Council of Machinists announced its endorsement of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller for reelection, citing their record on growing the state’s labor movement, workplace protections, and collective bargaining rights for the thousands of IAM members who live and work across the state and the District.
“Gov. Moore and Lt. Gov. Miller have shown they understand that a strong Maryland economy starts with workers who can bargain for fair wages and safe jobs,” said Maryland and D.C. State Council of Machinists President Rick Compher. “When Apple punished our members at IAM Local 4538 in Towson, Gov. Moore didn’t stay silent. He spoke out about how our members deserved the same transfer rights as every other Apple employee. From IAM members at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River (PAX) to those keeping air travel moving at Baltimore’s Thurgood Marshall International Airport to those working in the federal and defense sector across the region, IAM families have a stake in who leads this state. Gov. Moore and Lt. Gov. Miller have proven they support working families.”
Moore and Miller’s strong record of protecting workers’ right to organize and ensuring they have a seat at the table was crucial to the decision to endorse. The Moore-Miller administration has given the IAM a seat at the table and a voice in the policies that shape our jobs and livelihoods, from collective bargaining rights to workplace safety standards. Moore has helped make this state better for workers.
The IAM Union represents thousands of workers across Maryland and the District of Columbia in the aerospace, shipbuilding, transportation, and federal sectors. The state council will engage IAM members, their families, and allies across the labor movement to mobilize support for Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
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Jun 25, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
More than 400 IAM Union delegates from across the United States gathered in Washington, D.C., for the 2026 IAM Union Legislative Conference, bringing the voices of working people directly to lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
WATCH: Bipartisan, Pro-Worker Messages Headline IAM Legislative Conference
Throughout the three-day conference, delegates met with members of Congress and their staffs to advocate for policies that strengthen the labor movement and create greater opportunities for working families. Key issues discussed included strengthening collective bargaining rights, protecting federal workers, advancing fair trade policies, revitalizing the domestic shipbuilding industry, supporting national defense manufacturing, reforming the tax code, and ensuring continued investment in transportation and aviation.
IAM Union International President Brian Bryant challenged delegates to remain engaged beyond the conference, emphasizing the importance of holding elected officials accountable and ensuring that working people have a strong voice in the political process.
WATCH: IAM Union International President Brian Bryant Remarks
“Continue to hold politicians accountable,” said Bryant. “Whether you’re meeting with a member of Congress, attending a town hall, or talking with your neighbors, make sure elected leaders hear directly from working people. Our voices matter, and our civic engagement makes a difference.”
A highlight of the conference was the IAM Union’s Workers vs. Billionaires Rally, where delegates joined together to call on Congress to put working families ahead of corporate greed and growing economic inequality.
WATCH: IAM Union Members at Workers vs. Billionaires Rally
The rally included remarks by IAM International President Bryant, U.S. Sens. Bernie Sanders, Chris Van Hollen, Tina Smith and Ed Markey, and laid-off IAM Union members from Apple, Whirlpool and Spirit Airlines who shared firsthand accounts of corporate greed.
WATCH: U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders at Workers vs. Billionaires Rally
During the rally, the IAM Union announced its endorsement of the Make Billionaires Pay Their Fair Share Act, legislation introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) that seeks to ensure the wealthiest Americans contribute more toward the nation’s future.
WATCH: Workers vs. Billionaires Rally with the IAM Union
VIEW: Workers vs. Billionaires Rally Photo Gallery
The conference highlighted the important role IAM Union members play in shaping public policy, demonstrating the power of workers coming together to make their voices heard on issues that impact their livelihoods and communities.
This year’s Legislative Conference included the following speakers:
- IAM International President Brian Bryant
- U.S. Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.)
- U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.)
- U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)
- U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)
- U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.)
- U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)
- U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-N.J.)
- U.S. Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-Va.)
- U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.)
- U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.)
- U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.)
- U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.)
- U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon (D.Calif.)
- U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell (D-Mo.)
- U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.)
- U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.)
- 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
WATCH:
Day 1 Conference Recap
Day 2 Conference Recap
Day 3 Conference Recap
VIEW PHOTOS:
Legislative Conference Day 1
Legislative Conference Day 2
Legislative Conference Day 3
See X coverage below:
The post IAM Union Activists Take Workers’ Agenda to Capitol Hill at 2026 Legislative Conference appeared first on IAM Union.
Jun 25, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, June 25, 2026 — The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) welcomed a letter from U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth ( D-Ill.), urging Dana Inc. to engage in good-faith bargaining with the union over the closure of its Robinson, Ill., automotive gasket manufacturing plant.
Dana Inc. has announced it will permanently close the facility, which has anchored the Crawford County community since 1968. The closure will displace 69 IAM-represented workers, with layoffs expected to begin in June and the plant fully shuttered by Oct. 1.
“These are 69 families in Crawford County who built their lives around this plant, and Dana Inc. owes them more than a pink slip,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “We thank Senators Durbin and Duckworth for standing with these workers and demanding that Dana come to the table and do right by the people who built this company’s success for nearly six decades.”
In their letter to Dana Chairman and CEO R. Bruce McDonald, the senators urged the company to “engage in meaningful and good-faith effects bargaining” with the IAM and to provide a “comprehensive transition package” for affected workers, including support for those seeking transfers to other Dana or IAM-represented facilities.
“Robinson isn’t just a factory town; it’s a community that Dana Inc. has leaned on for almost 60 years, and now it’s time for Dana to lean in for these workers,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “We appreciate Senators Durbin and Duckworth for adding their voices to this fight. The IAM will keep pushing Dana to negotiate in good faith and deliver the transition support these members have earned.”
Read the complete letter here.
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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