Mar 9, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
The IAM Union recently joined Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Linda T. Sanchez (D-Calif.) and Labor Allies to introduce the Trade Adjustment Assistance Modernization Act, a bill to renew the Trade Adjustment Assistance program, which Congress allowed funding to lapse in 2022.
IAM Legislative Chief Counsel Laura Ewan spoke on behalf of the IAM.
TAA must be reauthorized, modernized, and properly funded to help assist and retrain workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own,” said Ewan. “Their job losses are caused by greedy corporate decisions that rely on bad trade policy and trade loopholes to prioritize shareholder profits over people.”
WATCH: Video of the bill introduction press conference
Trade Adjustment Assistance provides displaced U.S. workers with critical support, including job training, income support, health care assistance and reemployment services. Workers who went through the program earned, on average, $50,000 more over a 10-year period than those who did not access the program.
Since the program expired, nearly 200,000 workers have filed petitions for assistance, but their cases remain pending due to the lapse in congressional authorization. And that number continues to grow.
“Every day Congress fails to act, American workers and their families are left to struggle,” said Ranking Member Sanchez. “They are not economic statistics. They are our friends and neighbors who unfairly lost their jobs to outsourcing. Trade Adjustment Assistance is a lifeline to them, helping them rebuild their careers, protect their families and hold on to hope. Congress cannot abandon them any longer.”
The TAA Modernization Act would:
- Reauthorize TAA for Workers, TAA for Firms and TAA for Farmers programs for seven years.
- Address shortcomings in the program by expanding eligibility, increasing funding and improving benefits (such as providing for childcare expenses).
- Establish a new TAA Communities program and reinject funding into the popular and successful TAA for Community Colleges program.
In addition to Sanchez, the bill is cosponsored by Representatives Richard Neal (D-Mass.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), John Larson (D-Conn.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), Don Beyer (D-Va.), Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), Stacey Plaskett (D-V.I.), Thomas Suozzi (D-N.Y.) and Morgan McGarvey (D-Ky.).
Louisville is powered by unions, our workers deserve to be made whole if they lose their jobs due to trade changes,” said Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-Ky.). “I’m proud to join Rep. Sanchez to introduce the Trade Adjustment Assistance Modernization Act, a bill that makes good on our promise to American workers.”
“The IAM knows firsthand how critical the TAA program is to workers who lost their jobs as a result of outsourcing and unfair trade practices,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “When Caterpillar shuttered its Joliet, Ill., facility in 2018 and 2019 and moved roughly 600 IAM jobs to Mexico, TAA was there. When Truck-Lite closed its Falconer, N.Y., plant in early 2020 and shipped more than 150 jobs to Mexico and China, TAA was there. Now, nearly 400 Whirlpool workers in Amana, Iowa, are losing their jobs to Mexico, with hundreds more cuts expected later this year. Without TAA reauthorization, these workers lose not just their paychecks, but the job training and financial support they need to rebuild their lives. That’s not just a blow to workers, it’s a blow to their families and their communities.”
The bill is endorsed by the AFL-CIO, Communication Workers of America (CWA); International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM); International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW); International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE); International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW); and United Steelworkers (USW).
The post IAM Union Joins Congresswoman Sanchez, Labor Allies to Introduce Bill to Renew Trade Adjustment Assistance, Help Displaced Workers appeared first on IAM Union.
Feb 24, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
It was a proud day for the labor movement at the recent inauguration of Taylor Rehmet, a dedicated IAM Union labor leader and veteran who recently became the first rank-and-file union member to be sworn into the Texas State Senate.
Watch the video report here.
Having served in various union leadership roles, Rehmet emphasizes that his transition to the legislature is an extension of his work as a steward for workers’ rights. He explicitly pledges to address critical issues such as stagnant wages, retirement security and public education.
View photos here.
Rehmet is poised to be a champion for labor who will prioritize the economic needs of families over divisive political rhetoric.
The post Behind the Scenes: IAM Union Member Taylor Rehmet Takes Oath of Office as Texas State Senator appeared first on IAM Union.
Feb 19, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 19, 2026 – The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) proudly congratulates IAM District 776 member, labor activist, and union leader Taylor Rehmet on being sworn in as the State Senator representing Texas Senate District 9.
Rehmet, who serves as President of IAM Local 776B and President of the IAM’s Texas State Council, took the oath of office at the Texas State Capitol surrounded by family, supporters, and a large delegation of IAM Union members and Texas labor leaders who proudly stood in solidarity to witness this historic moment. Rehmet is the first rank-and-file union member ever elected to the Texas State Senate and only the second rank-and-file union member ever elected to the Texas Legislature.
A U.S. Air Force veteran and aircraft mechanic at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas, Rehmet is a skilled machinist and dedicated community organizer who has built a reputation as a principled leader committed to improving the lives of working families. His leadership journey has been shaped in part by political and leadership training through the IAM Union and the Texas AFL-CIO, where he developed the tools and experience to advocate effectively for working people both on and off the job.
“Taylor’s swearing-in is a proud and historic moment for our union and for working people everywhere,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Taylor has always stood shoulder-to-shoulder with IAM members and working families, fighting for fairness, dignity, and opportunity. He brings the voice of the shop floor to the State Capitol and understands firsthand the challenges workers face because he’s lived them. His leadership proves that union members are not only building our economy, they are shaping its future and advancing policies that strengthen working families and communities across Texas.”
Rehmet’s successful campaign earned national notoriety for its common-sense platform focused on lowering costs for working families, strengthening job opportunities, and putting people ahead of partisan politics.
“This is a proud moment for the IAM Union and the entire Texas labor movement,” said IAM Union Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “Taylor’s swearing-in sends a powerful message that working people belong in positions of leadership and influence. He has shown what is possible when union members step forward to lead, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside him to advance policies that lift working families across Texas.”
“I am deeply grateful to the IAM Union, IAM District 776 and the entire Texas labor movement for their unwavering support and belief in this campaign,” said Texas State Sen. Taylor Rehmet. “This moment belongs to the working people who organized, volunteered, and made their voices heard. I am honored and excited to begin this journey on behalf of Texas working families, and I will fight every day to deliver common-sense solutions that make life better for everyday working people across our state.”
“This is a huge win for Texas workers, who elected Taylor Rehmet from the shop floor to the Senate floor,” said Texas AFL-CIO President Leonard Aguilar. “It’s a historic day for our labor movement, who put in the work and demonstrated what’s possible when we come together in solidarity. Senator Rehmet is a beacon of hope not just for Texas, but for every union member and worker in the state.”
The IAM Union also extends its deep gratitude to IAM District 776 volunteers and IAM Union members across Texas who volunteered countless hours to support Rehmet’s campaign and continue to stand with him today.
Rehmet will be on the ballot for re-election on Nov. 3, 2026. The IAM Union is extremely proud of his leadership and is mobilized to re-elect Senator Rehmet and support pro-worker candidates up and down the ballot this November. The union will continue working with partners across the labor movement, including the Texas AFL-CIO and allied organizations, to ensure working families have a strong and lasting voice in the Texas Legislature.
The IAM Union looks forward to continuing to work with State Sen. Rehmet to advance pro-worker policies and ensure that the voices of working families are heard, respected and represented in the Texas Legislature.
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.
The post Working People Gain Powerful Voice as IAM Union Member Taylor Rehmet Sworn in to Texas Senate appeared first on IAM Union.
Feb 17, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2026 – Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), released the following statement regarding Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance to terminate or modify existing federal collective bargaining agreements in accordance with Executive Orders 14251 and 14343.
“This administration continues to embark on the largest attack on workers’ rights in the history of this country. They are targeting federal workers, the dedicated public servants who serve the American people every day, in a deliberate attempt to strip away union rights, weaken collective bargaining agreements, and silence the voices of working families.
“This directly affects thousands of IAM Union members, including our National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) members and other IAM-represented federal workers across the country who keep our government functioning and our nation strong. These workers are not political pawns. They are public servants who deserve the full protection of the law and the respect of the government they serve.
“A federal court has already made clear that agencies must restore union recognition and maintain existing collective bargaining agreements. The law is clear, and any attempt to ignore these protections is unlawful and a direct violation of workers’ rights.
“This is not just an attack on federal workers. It is an attack on the fundamental rights of all working people. If an administration can unlawfully strip rights from federal workers, no worker in America is safe from similar attacks.
“The IAM Union, alongside NFFE-IAM and our labor allies, is challenging these unlawful actions in the courts and in every hall of power in this nation. We will fight to enforce the law, defend our contracts, and protect every one of our members.
“Our message is simple: We will not be intimidated. We will not be silenced. And we will never stop fighting until the rights, dignity and protections of our members and all federal workers are fully secured.”
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, federal sector and other industries across North America
The post IAM Union Vows Continuation of Legal Fight Against Administration’s Attempt to Strip Union Rights from Federal Workers appeared first on IAM Union.
Feb 12, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2026 — Brian Bryant, International President of the IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers), and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian Territory General Vice President, issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to reject President Trump’s tariffs on Canada:
“Today’s bipartisan vote shows that a majority of Congress understands what’s at stake for working families. Indiscriminate tariffs against allies are bad for both U.S. and Canadian workers. Our industries are connected, and any attack on our partnership only leads to job losses, higher prices, and economic instability across North America.
“These tariffs are already causing serious disruption to the deeply integrated U.S and Canadian aerospace and manufacturing sectors.
“We can’t stress this enough: Workers should not be pawns in this discussion. This vote sent a clear message that Congress stands with workers over short-sighted trade policies that drive up costs for working families and threaten jobs.
“The IAM will continue to speak out against any short-sighted trade war and fight for a comprehensive, long-term strategy that strengthens manufacturing and prioritizes the interests of North American workers.”
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
The post IAM Union Statement on U.S. House Vote to Reject Tariffs on Canada appeared first on IAM Union.
Feb 5, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
Nearly 30 IAM Union members were delegates at the New Mexico State Council (NMSC) conference in Santa Fe in late January. The two-day event, organized by Council President John Dyrcz and Council Secretary Treasurer Tina Davis, included speeches by politicians such as State Rep. Christine Chandler, IAM leadership and union members. The conference also included the election of council officers, an opportunity to lobby at the state level and meet with political candidates.
“This is a great opportunity to engage IAM members on a grassroots level and set a political agenda for the new year,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “This is a big year because the election cycle will include the midterms in November.”
A bipartisan group of gubernatorial candidates, including Democrats Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman, addressed the council and shared their plans for a pro-union agenda if elected.
“I am impressed with slate of candidates in attendance who are running for New Mexico governor,” said IAM Resident Vice President Jody Bennett. “The fact that those candidates took time out of their busy schedule to visit us shows the political power of the New Mexico State Council and the IAM voting bloc.”
During the conference, Delegates lobbied at the Roundhouse in favor of a bill that would support and protect medical professionals, especially those who serve rural areas.
“We lobbied in support of a bill that would reform New Mexico’s Medical Malpractice laws to attract and retain medical professionals throughout our state, especially in rural communities, said NMSC President John Dyrcz. “We had one-on-one meetings with legislators and visited offices to inform them of Machinist Council support for this critical legislation. The day after we lobbied, that bill passed its first committee hearing on a bipartisan vote of 7-3.”
The next NMSC conference will be June 26 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the council will officially announce its endorsement of statewide candidates.
“We are a politically diverse State Council, and despite these ideological differences, we can engage, debate, and learn without losing sight that we all want what’s best for New Mexicans and our IAM families,” said Dyrcz. “Our mutual respect for one another makes us stronger.”
See photos here.
The post IAM Union Political Power on Hand at the New Mexico State Council appeared first on IAM Union.
Recent Comments