May 15, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News

UPPER MARLBORO, Md., May 15, 2024—The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Maryland State Council of Machinists congratulates Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks on her primary victory in the Maryland U.S. Senate race and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski on his win in Maryland’s Second Congressional District primary. Their steadfast commitment to working families and tireless advocacy for economic justice directly impact our members and their families.
Angela Alsobrooks’ journey, marked by her historic role as the youngest and first woman elected Prince George’s County State’s Attorney and her current position as County Executive, is a testament to her unwavering dedication to public service. Her focus on job creation, educational advancement, and community safety, along with her initiatives to raise the minimum wage and improve healthcare access, demonstrate her strong support for working-class families, inspiring the general public.
“Angela Alsobrooks’ leadership has been instrumental in driving positive change in Maryland,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Her commitment to economic empowerment and workers’ rights will make her a strong champion in the United States Senate. The IAM is committed to helping propel Angela to victory in November.”
Johnny Olszewski’s leadership as Baltimore County Executive has brought about life-changing initiatives, fostering a more equitable and progressive community. His advocacy for emergency benefits in the aftermath of the Key Bridge collapse is a clear example of his commitment to protecting workers and ensuring their well-being during crises, instilling hope and optimism in the community.
“Angela Alsobrooks is the type of elected official we need in Washington,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “She is a leader who puts the people above all else. Johnny O’s track record as County Executive of Baltimore County speaks volumes about his commitment to workers. The IAM Eastern Territory will call and knock on doors to ensure both are elected in November.”
“Johnny O’s dedication to the people of Baltimore County is evident in his relentless pursuit of solutions to complex challenges,” said Maryland State Council of Machinists President Joseph “Rick” Compher. “We have the right person to fight and protect working families’ interests in the Second Congressional District. The IAM stands firmly behind Angela Alsobrooks and Johnny Olszewski as they embark on their journeys to uplift and empower communities across the state.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airlines, transportation, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.
The post Maryland State Council of Machinists Congratulate IAM Endorsed Candidates Angela Alsobrooks and Johnny Olszewski on Election Night Victories appeared first on IAMAW.
May 9, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News

Registration is now open for the 2024 IAM Legislative Conference! This crucial conference provides an opportunity for IAM members to have their voices heard in Washington, DC, and to advocate for policies that benefit working families.
This year’s conference will take place from June 17-19, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Washington, 400 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001.
Attendees must make reservations by Thursday, May 9, 2024, to guarantee the IAM hotel room rate.
Click here for the official call letter, registration information and hotel booking details.
As part of the conference schedule, attendees will lobby members of Congress and remind them who they were elected to represent. IAM members will meet with their congressional representatives and will provide their perspectives to advocate on behalf of fellow machinists and their families on the issues that matter most.
All delegates planning to attend the 2024 IAM Legislative Conference should pre-schedule meetings with their Congressional District Representatives and Senators for Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon.
By adding their voice, members can help support IAM’s work on:
- Retirement security
- Affordable healthcare
- The Rail Safety Act
- Transportation
- The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act
- Organizing efforts for Delta Air Lines workers
- Defense Funding
- Fair Trade
- FAA Reauthorization Act
- And much more!
The 2024 IAM Legislative Conference includes sessions where delegates will hear and interact with Congressional allies and attend a congressional reception hosted by the IAM.
Join us and make an impact by participating in this important conference.
Register today!
The post Register Now for the 2024 IAM Legislative Conference appeared first on IAMAW.
May 9, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News

IAM Local 1400 (District 98) members at Voith Hydro recently unveiled a new multi-million dollar industrial-scale capital investment in American manufacturing with the addition of a 200-ton, 30-foot-tall PAMA Speedram 3000 horizontal boring mill (HBM) during a ribbon cutting ceremony at its York, Pa., manufacturing plant.
The 200-ton, 30-foot-tall PAMA Speedram 3000 HBM was unveiled to local, state, and federal officials, company employees, and IAM Local 1400 members. It will machine components crucial to the operations of North American hydropower facilities.
Clean energy investments driven by the IAM-championed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act are increasing the demand for hydropower in the United States. The $5.8 million U.S. Energy Department investment enhances the capabilities in hydropower manufacturing and demonstrates the Biden Administration’s commitment to being part of the clean energy economy.
“Investing in the new equipment paves the path for collaboration between the IAM and Voith Hydro in discovering new opportunities for the York facility,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “Through our joint efforts, the IAM advocated to the U.S. government on behalf of Voith, securing recognition for their investment in American workers and equipment under the Inflation Reduction Act. This advocacy yielded a $5.8 million tax credit, empowering us with enhanced capabilities in York.”
The tax credit is for Voith’s investment in machinery to support the production of renewable energy equipment at Voith’s existing U.S. manufacturing facility.
“Voith Hydro traces its roots in Pennsylvania and the U.S. back nearly 150 years. The York facility employs almost 350 hydropower professionals, including almost 100 skilled members of the IAM Local 1400,” said IAM District 98 Assistant Directing Business Representative Kermit Forbes, Jr. “For nearly 85 years, we have worked hand in hand with Voith, and today marks another important milestone in that relationship.”
The post IAM Advocacy Secures Nearly $6 Million Clean Energy Investment for Local 1400 Voith Hydro Plant in Pennsylvania appeared first on IAMAW.
May 7, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News

WASHINGTON, May 7, 2024 – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) released the following statement:
“The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is pleased to announce a Voluntary Recognition Agreement with Siemens Mobility to represent employees who will build state-of-the-art train sets for the Brightline West high-speed rail project connecting Las Vegas and Southern California. The agreement between the IAM and Siemens Mobility establishes a fair and non-adversarial process for future employees to obtain relevant information about the benefits of union representation. Once the majority of employees petition for IAM representation, Siemens Mobility will voluntarily recognize the IAM and commence bargaining immediately. Thanks to the historic investments by the Biden Administration and allies in Congress, the IAM looks forward to continuing to ensure that the growing U.S. high-speed rail network is built by union workers here at home.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airlines, transportation, automotive, railroad, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.
The post IAM Union Statement on Voluntary Recognition Agreement with Siemens Mobility appeared first on IAMAW.
May 6, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News

In March, Georgia State Council of Machinists (GSCM) President James Clements (IAM Local 2699) joined U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su for an event in Atlanta to highlight the strengths of a diverse workforce and the importance of unions to advance working families.
Su has been touring several states to promote President Biden’s agenda and establish partnerships with unions.
“It’s a privilege to stand alongside Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su and an esteemed group of community and labor leaders,” said GSCM President James Clements. “This event is not just a gathering but a strong statement of our collective commitment to equity and our dedication to building a stronger, more resilient labor movement.”
Secretary Su held a Q&A session, addressing different topics critical to working Georgians, including wages, worker classification, and legislation passed by the Biden Administration, such as the infrastructure bill, the Inflation Reduction Act, and more.
The event was attended by leaders from various community and labor organizations, including the IAM, IBEW, Teamsters, AFGE, and others.
The Georgia State Council of Machinists has been at the forefront of supporting workers’ rights and has played a crucial role in the ongoing organizing campaign for Delta Air Lines ramp workers. During the event, GSCM was able to ask her to support the organizing efforts as she continues to travel the country.
5 March 2024 – Atlanta, GA – Acting US Secretary of Labor Julie Su attends a Labor Leaders meeting at the IBEW.
Photo Credit: Department of Labor
Alyson Fligg
The post IAM Joins Acting Secretary of Labor to Strengthen Workers’ Power and Bargaining Rights appeared first on IAMAW.
Apr 30, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Maryland State Council of Machinists has endorsed Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski for the United States Senate and State Sen. Clarence Lam (D-12) for Congress. The state council had already endorsed Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.
What they’re saying: “Our union supports any candidate that fights for workers and our members,” said Maryland State Council of Machinists President Rick Compher. “This council is excited that these candidates will fight for workers when elected.”
- Olszewski, who serves as Baltimore County Executive, has been fighting to secure emergency benefits for workers impacted by the recent collapse of the Key Bridge, which is part of his county.
- Lam, a Maryland State Senator, is a physician and advocate for preventive medicine and healthcare modernization.
- He co-sponsored the IAM-championed Library Workers Empowerment Act that passed in the Maryland Legislature this year to expand the right to collectively bargain for public library workers throughout Maryland.
- The IAM represents library staff in Baltimore County.
Speakers included: Josh Hartford, Special Assistant to the International President for the IAM Rail Division; Edison Fraser, Chief of Staff, IAM Air Transport Territory; Chuck Herod, Chief of Staff, IAM Eastern Territory.
The post DC & Maryland Machinists Back Working People Candidates appeared first on IAMAW.
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