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.
The post IAM Arizona State Council Drives Worker Power, Endorses Gov. Katie Hobbs for Reelection appeared first on IAM Union.
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.”
The post International President Bryant to Lead Key National AFL-CIO Policy Committee appeared first on IAM Union.
Apr 7, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM Union delegates from across Alabama recently gathered in Montgomery for the Alabama State Council meeting, bringing together members from across the state to discuss legislative priorities, strengthen solidarity, and take action on issues impacting working families.
Throughout the meeting, more than 45 participants, including delegates, engaged in a full agenda of discussions and presentations focused on defending union rights, fighting corporate power, protecting retirement security, supporting veterans, and increasing civic engagement.
Attendees also heard from elected officials and candidates across the political spectrum who committed to supporting pro-worker legislation and standing with working families.
See the Alabama State Council photo gallery.
“This is about making sure working people have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “We’re fighting back against corporate power and pushing for policies that put workers first because when working families advance, our communities advance.”
IAM Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon emphasized the importance of member involvement in the political process.
“Being politically engaged isn’t optional – it’s essential,” said Solomon. “The decisions being made at every level of government directly impact our union, our jobs, our rights, and our futures. When IAM members show up, they listen.”
Putting that message into action, delegates spent a day at the Alabama State Capitol lobbying lawmakers and advocating for policies that support workers and their families.
Photos: IAM Union delegates from across Alabama at the Alabama State Capitol.
“This meeting shows the power of bringing members together with a shared purpose,” said IAM Alabama State Council President Rickie Langford. “When we unite, educate, and take action, we can move the needle for working people across Alabama.”
The Alabama State Council also conducted elections for its Executive Board, marking a historic milestone with the election of its first woman president, Michelle Hunt of IAM Local 2003.
“I’m honored to be elected and to serve alongside such dedicated members,” said Hunt. “I’m committed to continuing the work of pushing forward an agenda that puts working people first and strengthens our union across Alabama.”
Additional officers elected include:
- Secretary-Treasurer Marc Johnson, IAM Local 2003
- Vice President South Duane Williams, IAM Local 2003
- Vice President South Anthony Holton, IAM Local 2003
- Vice President North Rickie Langford, IAM Local 44
- Vice President North James Tate, IAM Local 2766
See photo of newly elected officers.
The Alabama State Council meeting reinforced the IAM Union’s commitment to building worker power through education, engagement, and direct action, ensuring members’ voices are heard both on the job and in the halls of government.
The post Alabama State Council Builds Strength, Solidarity in Montgomery appeared first on IAM Union.
Mar 31, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM Union members/activists from across the country recently gathered in Savannah, GA, for the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) Conference. The annual MNPL Conference brings together IAM Union members to deepen their political education, coordinate electoral and legislative strategy, and build the union power needed to elect candidates who stand with working families.
WATCH: MPNL Might and Political Power Meet in Georgia
PHOTOS: View Photos here.
This year’s conference took on added urgency ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Delegates are confronted with a political moment defined by rising household costs, attacks on workers’ rights, and a full-scale assault on the foundations of American democracy.
IAM International President Brian Bryant was the keynote speaker at the conference and delivered a strong economic message to the delegates.
“The MNPL isn’t just another conference,” said Bryant. “This is the political engine of our union. This is where power is built. This is where we decide whether we will shape the future or have it decided for us.”
The MNPL delegates also heard from IAM District 776 member and Texas State Council of Machinists President Taylor Rehmet, who flipped a plus-15 Trump district and became the first rank-and-file union member elected to the Texas State Senate.
“Our MNPL program helps remind elected officials in the statehouse and on Capitol Hill that IAM members and our issues should always be a part of the conversations,” said IAM National Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon. “The activists who came to Savannah should be proud of the work they did in exceeding the fundraising goal we set at the 2025 MNPL conference. These contributions will ensure that IAM members’ voices will be heard loud and clear on our issues ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.”
At the conclusion of the MNPL Conference, Bryant joined thousands of labor, community, and pro-democracy activists at a “No Kings” rally in Savannah, Ga., delivering a forceful call for solidarity, economic justice, and political engagement from working people across the country.
Read: IAM Union International President Brian Bryant Rallies Working People at ‘No Kings’ Rally in Savannah
International President Bryant and Director Solomon asked MNPL delegates to continue building their political programs, grow MNPL checkoff enrollment, and bring the fight home to their districts.
The MNPL was created in 1947 to allow IAM members to gather individual contributions, coordinate political activity, and elect candidates who support IAM members and their families. The MNPL program will celebrate its 80-year anniversary next year. Nearly eight decades later, that mission has never been more urgent.
Next up is the IAM Union’s Legislative Conference, set for June 22–24 at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. Register here.
The post IAM Union Members Mobilize at MNPL Conference Ahead of the 2026 Midterm Elections appeared first on IAM Union.
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