Aug 31, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM Oregon State Council delegates recently gathered in Portland to discuss the issues affecting working people across the state and the importance of making labor’s voice heard at the ballot box.
The meeting brought together IAM delegates, union leaders, community partners and political candidates for conversations on workers’ rights, voting rights, fair trade, protecting Oregon’s lumber and manufacturing industry and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on workers and their jobs.
See photos here.
Delegates heard from IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez, IAM Western Territory Chief of Staff James Watson, and IAM Legislative Chief Counsel Laura Ewan. Representatives from the Oregon AFL-CIO and Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines also addressed the council, along with candidates seeking political office.
“Our members understand that the decisions made at the ballot box directly affect their jobs, families, and communities,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “When union members come together, learn about the issues and get involved in the political process, we strengthen our ability to protect good union jobs and build a better future for all working people.”
IAM Oregon State Council President Mike Hicks emphasized that political engagement gives working people an opportunity to hold elected officials accountable and advocate for policies that strengthen their communities.
“Working people cannot afford to sit on the sidelines,” said Hicks. “We must stay informed, talk with our fellow siblings, and participate in every election. When labor stands together and votes together on the issues that matter to working families, our voices cannot be ignored.”
The post IAM Oregon State Council Meeting Builds Engagement Around Labor’s Priorities appeared first on IAM Union.
Aug 31, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
The IAM Union’s Michigan Machinists Council and IAM Eastern Territory leadership recently met with U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed to discuss the issues facing Michigan’s working families. Following the meeting, the IAM Union proudly endorsed El-Sayed, recognizing his commitment to strengthening workers’ rights, growing the middle class and ensuring working people have a voice in Washington.
“El-Sayed built his campaign around putting working people ahead of corporate interests, including expanding workers’ ability to organize and bargain collectively and making health care more affordable and accessible,” said IAM Union Michigan Machinists Council President Robert Miller. “His campaign emphasizes strong opposition to corporate money in politics, and he is committed to building an economy that works for working families.”
“For the IAM Union, the endorsement reflects the importance of electing leaders who understand that strong unions are essential to a strong middle class, country and society,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan.
The Michigan Machinists Council and IAM Eastern Territory look forward to working alongside El-Sayed and Michigan’s labor organizations in securing better wages, stable retirements and stronger unions for the working people of Michigan.
The post IAM Union’s Michigan Machinists Council Endorses Abdul El-Sayed For U.S. Senate appeared first on IAM Union.
Aug 25, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
Join IAM members, allies and community leaders on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT online or at IAM International Headquarters in Upper Marlboro, Md., as we kick off Labor Day week!
Can’t join us in person? Watch live on the IAM Union Facebook page!
IAM International President Brian Bryant will join members and allies at the rally to reflect on what Labor Day means to the IAM Union and the generations of workers who have carried the labor movement forward.
If you can join us at IAM Headquarters, please RSVP here!
Elected officials from across Maryland, IAM members from the surrounding area and community allies have also been invited to join us as we officially launch Labor Day Week.
Now is the time to celebrate our history, and recommit ourselves to the fight for working people.
“Labor Day is a reminder that everything working people have won, from safer workplaces to better wages and a voice on the job, all came because workers stood together and refused to back down,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “The IAM carries that legacy forward every day. We honor the Machinists who came before us by continuing the fight for dignity, respect and a better future for every working family.”
The post Watch Live on Sept. 2! Kick Off Labor Day Week with the IAM Union appeared first on IAM Union.
Aug 13, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
The 2026 New Jersey State Council brought together labor leaders, elected officials, and IAM members to discuss legislative progress, political engagement, and opportunities to strengthen the union. Led by President Cristino Vilorio, the conference highlighted the importance of member involvement in protecting workers’ rights and advancing labor priorities.
A major highlight was the recent House passage of the Faster Labor Contract Act, with attendees recognizing the support of U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross for helping move the legislation forward. Speakers also stressed the importance of the 2026 elections, urging union members to become active in voter outreach and political advocacy to support pro-labor candidates.
IAM Union General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes delivered the keynote address, while Chief of Staff Vinny Addeo provided an update on the national political landscape. New Jersey Labor Commissioner Kevin Jarvis discussed efforts to expand apprenticeship programs statewide, underscoring the importance of developing the next generation of skilled workers.
The conference also showcased the resources available through the Winpisinger Center (W3), including professional development courses and educational programs, and featured updates on international labor solidarity and union communications.
Throughout the conference, one message remained clear: by staying engaged in the legislative process, supporting political action, and investing in member education, New Jersey IAM Union members are building a stronger future for working families.
The post New Jersey State Council Focuses on Legislative Wins, Political Action appeared first on IAM Union.
Aug 10, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM Union members from across Maryland and Washington, D.C., gathered for the IAM Maryland/D.C. State Council meeting to discuss the upcoming 2026 elections, hear from union and political leaders, and endorse candidates committed to fighting for working families.
State Council President Rick Compher welcomed delegates, noting that the IAM’s political endorsement process begins at the local level and reminding members that all IAM members are encouraged to participate. The meeting was the most attended Maryland and D.C. State Council gathering in recent memory.
Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller (D) accepted the IAM’s endorsement on behalf of the reelection campaign of Gov. Wes Moore and herself, praising the union’s long history of standing up for working people. IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon urged delegates to stay focused on the issues affecting working families, while U.S. Rep. April McClain Delaney (D-Md.) highlighted the impact of federal job cuts, tariffs, and attacks on workers’ rights. IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan reminded delegates that the union’s political work is about electing leaders who will put working people ahead of politics and fight for policies that improve their lives.
The Maryland and D.C. State Council endorsed the following candidates and elected officials: Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller and Gov. Wes Moore; U.S. Reps. Sarah Elfreth (D), Johnny Olszewski (D), Jamie Raskin (D), Kweisi Mfume (D), and Glenn Ivey (D); Fifth Congressional District candidate Adrian Boafo (D); Washington, D.C., delegate candidate Robert White (D); Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman (D); Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown (D); and several Maryland state delegates and senators who supported IAM members during the Apple Towson organizing campaign.
Delegates also heard updates from IAM Eastern Territory Chief of Staff Lorie Wilson, IAM Communications Director Jonathan Battaglia, IAM Air Transport Territory Coordinator James Carlson, IAM Retirees and Membership Services Assistant Director Rich Evans, and IAM Associate General Counsel Jeff Wheeler on the union’s ongoing organizing, communications, legislative and legal efforts to strengthen the IAM and build power for working people.
The post Maryland/DC State Council Shows IAM Union Power appeared first on IAM Union.
Jul 27, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, July 27, 2026 – Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) released the following statement after the Office of the United States Trade Representative announced new Section 301 trade actions aimed at addressing forced labor in global supply chains:
“Forced labor has no place in the global economy. Companies and countries that profit from exploitation should not be rewarded with access to the U.S. market at the expense of workers who play by the rules.
“The IAM Union supports strong trade enforcement that defends human rights, protects good-paying jobs and prevents unfair trade practices from undermining American and Canadian manufacturing. When foreign governments allow forced labor to persist in their supply chains, they create an artificial cost advantage that hurts workers everywhere.
“Trade enforcement is most effective when it is focused on changing the behavior of the worst offenders while strengthening partnerships with nations that share our commitment to higher labor standards and fair competition.
“That is why we are deeply troubled to see Canada, which shares the United States’ commitment to ban goods manufactured with forced labor, included in these actions. The IAM Union proudly represents workers in both the United States and Canada, and our members build products together every day through one of the most integrated manufacturing relationships in the world. As this policy moves forward, we encourage the administration to work with Canada to preserve the strong economic and labor partnership that has benefited workers on both sides of the border for generations.”
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 IAM Union: Fight Forced Labor, Strengthen the U.S.-Canada Partnership appeared first on IAM Union.
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