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.
Feb 3, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
The IAM Florida State Council met during its 5-day legislative conference in Tallahassee. Union members and retirees gathered to meet with state representatives and senators to advocate for labor rights, improved wages, and the protection of pensions and Social Security.
Leaders and activists emphasize the importance of opposing anti-union legislation that threatens the collective bargaining power and financial stability of the working class.
Watch the video here.
By engaging directly with lawmakers, these members aim to serve as a political voice for machinists across the state, from the Kennedy Space Center to South Florida to the Panhandle. The main goal of the gathering is to influence the political landscape to ensure a better quality of life for all union workers and prepare for the 2026 midterms.
See photos here.
The post Florida IAM Union Members Bring Working People Power to State Capitol appeared first on IAM Union.
Feb 1, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
The IAM Union proudly congratulates Taylor Rehmet, an IAM District 776 member and labor activist, on his election to represent Texas Senate District 9.
Rehmet currently serves as President of IAM Local 776B and President of the Texas IAM Union State Council. A U.S. Air Force veteran, skilled machinist, and community organizer, Rehmet has been a steadfast advocate for working families across Texas. His leadership is defined by action, accessibility, and an unwavering commitment to solidarity and economic justice.
“Taylor’s victory is a win for working people,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Taylor understands the challenges workers face because he’s lived them. He brings the voice of the shop floor to the State Capitol, and we know he will fight every day for fair wages, strong labor protections, and opportunity for all Texans. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have an IAM Union member in the Texas Senate.”
Throughout his career, Rehmet has shown up for IAM members and communities alike – whether negotiating on behalf of workers, organizing for safer workplaces, or standing up for policies that strengthen the middle class. His election reflects the growing power of working people engaging directly in the democratic process.
“This is a proud moment for the labor movement in Texas,” said IAM Union Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “Taylor’s election shows that union members can lead beyond the workplace and shape public policy that lifts working families.”
The IAM Union looks forward to continuing to work with Senator-elect Rehmet to advance pro-worker policies and ensure that the voices of working families are heard and respected.
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 Congratulates IAM District 776 Member and Activist Taylor Rehmet on Texas Senate District 9 Victory appeared first on IAM Union.
Jan 23, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
As a result of continuous legal and public pressure from labor unions, including the IAM Union, the government plans to reopen all closed portions of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and reverse all staff reductions eliminated during last year’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) restructuring of the agency.
NIOSH, a component of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), plays a vital role in conducting workplace safety research, evaluating workplace hazards, and developing protections for workers across industries ranging from health care and education to air transport, mining, and manufacturing.
In response to the cuts, IAM Union joined prominent American unions representing workers in nursing, education, mining, and manufacturing, along with a manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE), in a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration.
“The IAM Union will continue to force accountability for this administration’s unlawful attacks on workers,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “As a union representing federal workers and representing workers whose safety depends on a functional NIOSH to keep them out of danger, we are thankful that NIOSH is operating and jobs are being restored.”
Organized labor and IAM Union’s legal pressure has played a key role in pushing back against attacks on workers’ rights and safety. The lawsuit is currently on hold to determine if the administration truly restores all critical functions of NIOSH. IAM Union will continue with the lawsuit alongside its allies and if necessary, continue to advocate for a fully staffed, fully funded NIOSH that can carry out its congressionally mandated mission of protecting workers’ health and safety.
The post IAM Union, Labor Coalition Beat Back Harmful Cuts to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health appeared first on IAM Union.
Jan 20, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM delegates of the Kansas State Council recently met in the state capital of Topeka to lobby politicians and set a statewide labor agenda for the year.
The post IAM Kansas State Council Launches 2026 Labor Agenda at State Capitol appeared first on IAM Union.
Jan 15, 2026 | Politics & Legislative News
The IAM Union joined the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) and other federal worker unions at a rally calling on U.S. Senators to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act (PAWA), critical legislation that would restore collective bargaining rights and protect the voices of federal workers nationwide.
The rally brought together union leaders, federal workers, and elected officials to demand action from the U.S. Senate following the bill’s passage in the House of Representatives. Speakers included National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) National President Randy Erwin, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), and other labor advocates and activists.
READ: Federal unions, employees urge Senate to take up bill restoring collective bargaining Federal News Network
“We have this essential piece of legislation, which passed the House and is now waiting for action in the Senate,” said Erwin. “This bill would protect the U.S. Constitution and the First Amendment rights of American workers by reversing an unconstitutional executive order that stripped more than one million federal employees of their right to collectively bargain.”
See rally photos here.
The Protect America’s Workforce Act would reverse a March 27, 2025, executive order issued by President Donald Trump that unlawfully eliminated collective bargaining rights for federal workers. That order represented a direct attack on civil servants and undermined the fundamental rights of workers to have a voice on the job.
Federal workers play a vital role in keeping the nation running, from ensuring public safety and national security to delivering essential services to communities across the country. Restoring collective bargaining rights is essential to protecting their ability to advocate for safe workplaces, fair treatment, and effective public service.
The IAM Union stands with NFFE-IAM and all federal workers in urging the U.S. Senate to immediately pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act and restore long-standing worker protections.
Federal workers and allies are encouraged to contact their U.S. Senators and urge them to vote YES on the Protect America’s Workforce Act to restore collective bargaining rights and protect the civil service.
Help us restore collective bargaining for federal workers by sending a letter to your Senators NOW asking them to vote to PASS the Protect America’s Workforce Act!
The post IAM Union, NFFE-IAM Join Federal Workers Rally Urging Senate Passage of Protect America’s Workforce Act appeared first on IAM Union.
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