Feb 10, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
The legislative building in Santa Fe, N.M., is known as the Roundhouse. Citizens can spend hours there going round and round with different lobbyists and interest groups trying to sway state politicians. This session, IAM members from New Mexico Locals 1635 (Albuquerque), 794 (Albuquerque), and 2515 (Alamogordo) –along with IAM International President Brian Bryant, Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez, General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes, and Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett–took matters into their own hands and scored some impressive wins.
“The reason we do this is because we fight for working people, and when we fight for working people – we win,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “And what you were able to do yesterday, by getting an anti-captive audience bill out of committee, that’s a win for working people!”
Bryant was speaking about the lobbying efforts of these IAM members to move the Employees Free Speech Act, sponsored by State Rep. Eleanor Chavez, which is aimed at preventing employers from monitoring employees’ political activities and from holding mandatory attendance, anti-union captive audience meetings.
“We believe that you don’t only fight for things at the bargaining table, you also have to simultaneously fight for things through legislative action and advocacy,” said IAM Local 794 President Ashley Long. “Secondly, we are advocating for paid family medical leave. We know that our members have needs. They’re caregivers to children, to their elders in their family, and we want to make sure this legislation is passed, so that it’s easier for us to codify it in our collective bargaining agreements”
“We are building people, to build power, to make significant change for our members in their work life and their communities,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. That concept grows from legendary organizer of the United Farm Workers, Marshall Ganz. “Engaging our members will get us better contracts, win more elections, and we’re just going to win overall. Real change is made when we invest in people!
IAM members also gathered at a nearby conference center to install new officers to the state council and update their bylaws to reflect needed changes.
New Mexico State Council President John Dyrcz noted that across the country, people are turning to organized labor to do things for workers that have long been ignored.
“You see states like Alaska, that are ruby red, but their voters are passing family medical leave because we all need it,” said Dyrcz. “We are going to continue to fight for laws that support workers because it’s the right thing to do. We are going to keep up the fight here in New Mexico.”
[ Council Meeting Photo Gallery]
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Feb 5, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM Rail Division representatives joined members of Congress and leaders from fellow U.S. rail unions in calling on Congress to act on rail safety two years after the toxic East Palestine train derailment.
“On behalf of all our members, our hearts still go out to the people of East Palestine. They want answers, they want results and so do we,” said Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) National Legislative Director David Arouca. “The so-called Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) era has been nothing short of just cutting head counts to the bone and then harassing those who remain to pick up the slack.”
TCU/IAM represents various crafts, one of the largest being carmen, who maintain, repair and critically inspect rail cars all across the country.
“Whether it’s our carmen being harassed to perform safety inspections on insane timelines or signalmen maintaining our national network of safety detectors, we’ve all been saying the same thing: PSR is going to kill people,” said Arouca. “We need legislation passed now to reduce the risk of another East Palestine. The time to act was yesterday. Rail safety is not, nor should it ever, be a partisan issue.”
IAM District 19 President and Directing General Chair Reece Murtagh was also present to answer questions for the press. Members of Congress joining rail included House Transportation Committee Vice Ranking Member Emilia Sykes (D-Ohio), House Rail Subcommittee Ranking Member Dina Titus (D-Nev.), House Transportation Committee Member Troy Nehls (R-Texas) and House Transportation Committee Member Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.).
The rail leaders demanded that Class I railroad companies adopt the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS), which allows rail workers to report safety concerns without retaliation from employers.
While addressing the public with his own press conference in East Palestine, Ohio on the disaster’s anniversary, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who co-sponsored the bipartisan Railway Safety Act as Senator, said that passing legislation “is a very viable and a very reasonable goal.”
Senator Maria Cantwell sent a letter to U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chairman Ted Cruz urging him to “advance the re-introduced Railway Safety Act to ensure President Trump and Vice President Vance have the tools they need to hold the railroads accountable for improving safety. “
“Rail safety is not a partisan issue or a regional issue, it is a human issue,” said Congresswoman Sykes. “I am proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on and off the Transportation Committee to put forth a piece of legislation we can be proud of, but we can only truly make it right for the people of East Palestine if we actually pass meaningful rail safety legislation.”
“I think we have a real opportunity here,” said Congresswoman Titus. “I think we can get it done, just reintroduce those bills, bring it together in a package, and move it forward. I’m committed to it, other members of Congress and the great representatives from unions are, so I’m leading this with optimism.”
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Feb 4, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2025 – Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union, and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, issued the following statement following a pause of proposed U.S.-Canadian tariffs.
“As the largest aerospace and defense labor union in the United States and Canada, the IAM Union is relieved that destructive tariffs between our two allied countries are being paused. A new path forward—one that doesn’t put U.S. and Canadian workers in a needless cycle of worrying about job loss due to tariff threats between allies—is possible. This moment offers the perfect opportunity for workers and unions from both countries to be a part of the solution moving forward.
“For decades, we have seen millions of good-paying, high-skilled U.S. and Canadian jobs outsourced to countries with little to no labor rights. Thanks to bad trade deals, tens of thousands of good IAM Union aerospace and defense jobs have become low-wage jobs in Mexico, while China has used forced technology offsets to create its own aerospace industry. This race-to-the-bottom model is being replicated by other bad actors across the globe – and it’s hurting all workers, as well as our shared national security.
“We have a chance right now to pull all stakeholders – government, business and labor – together to forge a real, comprehensive strategy to protect and grow critical manufacturing here in the United States and Canada. Workers on the both sides of the border deserve to drive policy conversations about their livelihoods, not be pawns in a larger political discussion.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) 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, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.
goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion
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Feb 2, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2025 — Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union, and David Chartrand, IAM Canadian General Vice President, issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump imposing a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods imported into the United States:
“The IAM is a strong advocate of trade policy that helps protect and grow jobs in the United States and Canada. This includes both nations working as allies, not enemies, with regards to policy to combat illegal trade practices by countries such as China.
“The IAM represents hundreds of thousands of members in the aerospace, defense and other manufacturing sectors in both countries. Many IAM members work at companies that rely heavily on integrated supply chains between the U.S. and Canada.”
“The 25% tariffs on Canadian goods imported to the U.S., will result in job losses, increased prices, and a variety of other negative impacts. This trade war action is unjust and should be reconsidered.
“As we’ve stated in the past, the IAM supports tariffs when used properly. Tariffs are just one tool in the toolbox to combat wrongdoing by nations, such as China, that cheat global trade rules for an unfair advantage of the U.S. and Canada.
“The U.S. and Canada have a longstanding history of being close allies and working collaboratively to help level the global playing field. The Trump administration’s imposing tariffs on Canadian imports could reverse this partnership and ultimately lead to job losses for both nations.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) 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, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.
goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion
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Jan 30, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM Union members gathered in Mystic, Conn., over the weekend for the semi-annual Connecticut State Council of Machinists meeting. Patrick Buzzee, President of the State Council, opened the conference with a robust agenda. This gathering brought together IAM members from various industries, as well as legislative leaders, to provide an essential platform for discussing labor challenges in the state and advancing collective bargaining strategies.
IAM International President Brian Bryant addressed the delegation with a powerful message of progress and vigilance. He highlighted the recent successes in securing strong contract wins, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and strategic negotiations in achieving these victories.
However, President Bryant also issued a stark warning about the new administration’s aggressive approach, pointing to over 150 executive orders, many aimed at undermining the working class. Despite these challenges, he urged the members to remain resilient and engaged in the fight for workers’ rights.
“The IAM will not falter on its promise to protect America’s working middle class, and an IAM union contract is one way to ensure that promise,” said Bryant.
In a forward-looking moment, Bryant also discussed the importance of embracing new technology, particularly artificial intelligence, urging union members to stay ahead of the curve and harness these tools to strengthen their positions in the evolving workforce.
IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan passionately addressed the delegation about the growing challenge of foreign competition in military shipbuilding, a sector vital to national security and proudly supported by IAM members in Connecticut. He stressed Connecticut’s critical role in producing these ships and underscored the importance of keeping this work in the hands of skilled American workers.
“Our members are the backbone of this industry, building the ships that defend our nation’s security,” said Sullivan. “We must continue to protect these jobs and ensure that the work stays here, in the hands of those who know how to get it done.”
Additionally, Sullivan spoke about the recent successes throughout the Eastern Territory, praising the collective efforts to expand the union’s influence and protect workers’ rights.
“These victories prove that when we stand together, we are unstoppable,” said Sullivan.
The delegation was joined by several legislative representatives from both the state and federal levels; members learned about the current challenges and strategies for moving forward during a difficult and uncooperative administration in Washington, D.C. This event highlighted the union’s ongoing commitment to advocating for workers’ rights, fair wages, and improved working conditions in Connecticut and beyond.
Among the most significant challenges for Connecticuters is the passage of a bill designed to lessen the economic impact on striking workers in Connecticut by providing them unemployment benefits after a two-week waiting period. The bill made it to Gov. Ned Lamont’s (D) desk last year, where the governor vetoed it, dealing a blow to organized labor. The state’s labor force vows to fight for and secure this worker-friendly bill.
Also speaking at the meeting were working family champions in Connecticut.
- U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, representing Connecticut’s 2nd District, has been a leading voice for programs that provide young workers with non-traditional education and critical skills, strengthening the backbone of our nation’s infrastructure.
- Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz comes from a proud union household and has tirelessly advocated for working families across Connecticut, fighting for economic opportunity and fairness.
- State Rep. Anthony Nolan of the 39th District has dedicated his career to supporting working families and championing vital services for veterans, ensuring that those who serve our nation receive the respect and resources they deserve.
- State Rep. Kevin Brown of the 56th District is a passionate educator who prioritizes skilled trades, vocational training, and non-traditional education pathways after high school, empowering the next generation with practical tools for success.
- State Sen. Saud Anwar of the 3rd District and medical doctor has focused on addressing the opioid crisis, particularly its impact on the American workforce due to competitive strain injuries, advocating for both prevention and recovery initiatives.
These leaders represent a shared commitment to uplifting Connecticut’s working families, expanding educational opportunities, and building a stronger, more inclusive future.
IAM Assistant Legislative Director Loren Almeroth addressed the delegation, highlighting key legislative priorities, including the increasing threat of foreign competition in the defense sector. He emphasized the need for policies that support domestic manufacturing and ensure the U.S. remains competitive globally. Almeroth also outlined the broad range of legislative initiatives the IAM is pursuing on Capitol Hill, focusing on worker protections, fair wages, and strengthening labor rights, urging continued advocacy and collaboration to push these crucial issues forward. Almeroth also praised National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon, recognizing him as a champion on Capitol Hill for tirelessly advocating for IAM members and pushing for policies that safeguard American manufacturing jobs.
During his remarks, Ed Hawthorne, President of the Connecticut AFL-CIO, emphasized the importance of unity and strength in solidarity among the state’s unions. Highlighting SEIU’s recent rejoining of the national AFL-CIO after leaving in 2005, he celebrated the renewed commitment to collective action. Hawthorne passionately coined the phrase, “Solidarity isn’t a noun; it’s a verb. It requires action,” reminding everyone to build solidarity through ongoing efforts to stand together for workers’ rights and a better future.
Closing out the conference portion of the meeting, the Connecticut State Council of Machinists was honored by the Connecticut AFL-CIO with an award for their outstanding commitment to the 2024 election season. Exceeding expectations, the IAM contributed over 7% of their resources—far surpassing the 1% ask—for physical support during the election. The award was presented by Legislative Director Jennifer Berigan, Political Director Joelyn Leon, and Legislative and Political Organizer CC Cienawski, recognizing the IAM’s exceptional dedication to strengthening the voice of working families at the ballot box.
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Jan 23, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has selected the PACCAR (operating as Kenworth) facility in Renton, Wash., which employs approximately 300 members of IAM Union District 160, as a recipient of its Domestic Manufacturing Conversion Grant Program, which supports the transition to zero-emission vehicles.
“This funding support will have a massive impact on IAM Union members in Washington state,” said IAM Union Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “Not only will we be working with other unions and PACCAR to preserve our workforce in the facility, but we will develop the skills of existing members, strengthening our position in the burgeoning electric vehicle industry.”
The DOE is investing over $1.8 billion by way of the Inflation Reduction Act, a part of former President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, to support the conversion of 13 closed or at-risk auto manufacturing and assembly facilities across Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, and Washington state to manufacture electric vehicles and their supply chains.
“This investment brings multiple benefits, including the creation of new zero-emission trucks and the strengthening of our domestic manufacturing capabilities,” said IAM Union District 160 Directing Business Representative Steve Miller. “It ensures the retention of our skilled workforce while offering valuable opportunities for upskilling our existing members, further enhancing the skill level within our community.”
The grant award announcement states that PACCAR’s Conversion IMPACT plan will attract and retain workers through “work with International Association of Machinists, Local 289 and Local 79, Sheet Metal Workers (SMART), Local 66, International Painters & Allied Trades, Local 1094, and Teamsters, Local 763 to train workers and convert the facility in Renton, Wash.”
“We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to IAM Union National Legislative and Political Director Hasan Soloman, Assistant Director Loren Ameroth, and the entire IAM Legislative and Political Department for their efforts in pushing this initiative forward,” said Miller. “With a very competitive grant such as this, it shows how important a strong legislative team is. This is a significant step forward for the environment, our local economy, and our members.”
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