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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Jan 23, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
Registration is now open for the 2025 IAM Legislative Conference! Time is of the essence; attendees must make reservations by Monday, March 24, 2025, to guarantee the IAM hotel room rate.
This important gathering of IAM political activists provides members the opportunity to have their voices heard on Capitol Hill.
The conference will take place from Tuesday, April 29, 2025, to Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Washington, 400 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001.
Click here for the official call letter, an important message, registration form/information, and hotel booking details.
Participants will lobby members of Congress to remind them who they were elected to represent. IAM members will meet with their congressional representatives to provide their perspectives and advocate on behalf of fellow union members and their families on the issues that matter most.
All delegates planning to attend the 2025 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 2025 IAM Legislative Conference includes sessions where delegates will hear and interact with Congressional allies and attend a congressional reception hosted by the IAM.
Come take an active role in advocating for policies that benefit working families.
Register today!
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Jan 15, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
The state legislature in Kansas only meets for 90 days each year – and as the saying goes, “if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” This year, members of the Kansas State Council of Machinists continued an annual tradition of being front and center at the table.
As the 2025 legislative session began, the IAM teamed up with other Kansas unions to ensure members’ concerns are heard by elected politicians from both political parties.
“What matters to us? It’s the basics,” Martin told hundreds of labor activists at the state capitol. “It’s what labor has always fought for—the things that lift up our families and our communities. Economic development, infrastructure, opportunities for job growth, and strong ‘Made in America’ policies. Tax relief and policies that make it easier for workers to provide for their families. Workers’ rights and workers’ comp. Workplace safety.”
Last year, the IAM and the Kansas AFL-CIO saw their lobbying efforts result in the passage of the Enhanced Kansas Worker Compensation Act. Between 2011 and 2023, workers compensation laws and rules had seen Kansas fall to one of the worst systems in the nation. The previous system was very cheap for employers, but was economically harmful to any worker injured on the job. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly lauded the union’s lobbying efforts to get the necessary changes into the bill and passed by the legislature for her signature.
At a rally inside the capitol building, just off the floor of both branches of the Kansas legislature, Martin closed his remarks with a powerful call to action.
“Fighting for these things works,” said Martin. “Fighting for the workers of Kansas, their families, and their communities works. Fighting back against those who think that workers don’t matter and don’t have power works!”
The post GVP Martin, Kansas IAM Union Members Bring Working People Power to State Capitol appeared first on IAMAW.
Jan 8, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2025 – Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union, issued this statement on incoming President Trump’s recent remarks about outsourcing domestic Navy shipbuilding to foreign nations:
“As International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and a former pipefitter at Bath Iron Works (BIW), I express deep concern about any discussion to outsource Navy shipbuilding to foreign nations.
“We know that American workers and domestic shipyards have the talent and capacity to meet our national defense needs if given proper investment and support.
“The incoming administration must prioritize rebuilding the U.S. industrial base by addressing the skilled labor shortages and backlog in shipyards, not by turning to foreign builders and suppliers.
“A strong domestic shipbuilding industry is essential to economic and national security in an era of increasing geopolitical tensions. Maine shipbuilders have been at the forefront of innovation and excellence for over 400 years, consistently delivering vessels that meet the rigorous standards of the U.S. Navy.
“Our nation’s security and economy depend on a strong domestic shipbuilding industry, and IAM members stand ready to build the ships America needs.
“We look forward to engaging with the new administration to help strengthen American shipbuilding and secure our defense industrial base here at home.”
The 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, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
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Jan 7, 2025 | Politics & Legislative News
The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives recently passed the IAM-endorsed Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82), which would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) laws that reduce or even eliminate Social Security benefits for millions of public sector workers. President Biden has signed the legislation into law.
The GPO and WEP unfairly reduce Social Security benefits for retirees who receive a public pension or the spouse or survivor of a Social Security beneficiary who worked in a job not covered by the Social Security program.
By passing the Social Security Fairness Act, Congress voted to fix two unfair provisions that are currently being used to calculate benefits.
“No one should face financial hardship in retirement because of outdated and unfair policies,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Passing the Social Security Fairness Act is a crucial step toward justice for millions of Americans who deserve the benefits they’ve earned.”
The GPO and WEP cause an unnecessary hardship for 2.8 million retired and disabled Americans. It is fundamentally unjust that public employees who earned Social Security credits and benefits through non-government employment cannot receive the full benefits from their work.
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Dec 14, 2024 | Aerospace/Defense, Politics & Legislative News
FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 13, 2024 –The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union recently applauded the House and Senate defense committees’ full authorization of the 68 F-35 jets included in the President’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget request. The F-35 program is a cornerstone of America’s national security, sustaining critical jobs nationwide, including thousands of IAM members employed in Fort Worth, Texas.
“This year’s final authorization is a win for our workforce and the F-35 program,” said Paul Black, President and Directing Business Representative of IAM District 776. “District 776 members have proudly built this cutting-edge fighter jet, and we’re pleased to see its importance to continue to be recognized by members of Congress.”
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) fully funds the 68 jets despite a $452 million reduction in procurement lines, which is not expected to impact aircraft quantities. The IAM Union appreciates the progress made after earlier budget drafts proposed a 10-aircraft decrease.
“IAM members in Fort Worth take great pride in their contribution to producing the most advanced fighter jet in the world,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “This program not only safeguards our national security but also provides high-quality jobs for workers and their communities.”
Since its inception, IAM Union members have been at the forefront of building the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the nation’s only fifth-generation stealth aircraft currently in production. Designed for three branches of the U.S. military, the F-35 also plays a vital role in the defense strategies of America’s closest allies.
“This outcome is a testament to the tireless advocacy of IAM members and our legislative department to highlight the importance of the F-35 to the future of our nation’s military,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “The F-35 is vital to our military’s strength and the economic stability of Texas and others nationwide. Production cuts would put both at risk.”
The F-35 program supports more than 254,000 direct and indirect jobs across the United States, with about 1,800 first-tier suppliers. Its supply chain generates an annual economic impact exceeding $49 billion.
“The F-35 ensures the U.S. and its allies maintain a strategic advantage in a dangerous world,” said IAM International Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett. “Our District 776 members are proud to play a central role in fighting for investments in defense programs that protect the country while supporting its workforce.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of the largest and most diverse industrial trade unions in North America. The IAM Union represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, manufacturing, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion
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