Oct 15, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) joined labor unions across the greater Philadelphia area this weekend to support pro-labor candidates in the 2024 election. In collaboration with the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, IAM members participated in labor walks, canvassing union households to raise awareness of candidates who champion the rights of working families.
WATCH: Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO Labor Walk
Union volunteers knocked on doors in neighborhoods throughout the city, urging voters to support Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in their bid for the White House, the re-election of U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), and other pro-labor candidates running for office in Pennsylvania.
“We’re proud to see our members out in force, having meaningful conversations with their fellow union brothers and sisters about what’s at stake in this year’s election,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Our rights are on the ballot, and the future of working families depends on electing leaders who understand and support the needs of workers. “This election is about protecting democracy, retirement security, and ensuring labor has a place at the table.”
The labor walks will continue through Election Day, with IAM members and other union affiliates continuing their efforts to ensure a pro-labor outcome at the ballot box.
“IAM members in the Eastern Territory are on the front lines in battleground states like Pennsylvania,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “From Philadelphia to York, our members know that electing pro-labor leaders will make a real difference in our communities. “This is a fight for a better and brighter future for all working families.”
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Oct 10, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
The New Mexico State Council of Machinists and Aerospace Workers recently met in Ruidoso, N.M., to strengthen their Political Action Committee and prepare the political activists for upcoming state legislative priorities.
The Council also completed necessary business to finetune its bylaws and operating procedures.
“I continue to be extremely proud of the advances our New Mexico State Council is making through increased transparency and modernizing how we operate our Council,” said New Mexico State Council of Machinists President John Dyrcz. “Building real power for working people is a team effort, and New Mexico Council delegates have rolled up their sleeves and are doing the real work needed to increase our footprint in both New Mexico policy and politics.”
The Council discussed its upcoming winter meeting and the legislative issues they’ll be lobbying on in-state, including pursuing a ban on captive audience meetings, safe-staffing hospital ratios, and a bill for paid family medical leave.
They also reviewed endorsements for U.S. Congressional candidates and New Mexico’s House and Senate races, and decided on support for New Mexico constitutional amendments.
IAM Western Territory Chief of Staff Bobby Martinez spoke on behalf of the Territory and General Vice President Allen, voicing the Western Territory’s support for the New Mexico State Council and congratulating them on the positive progress they’ve made so far.
“The New Mexico State council is a shining example of bringing diverse members together to build on the common purpose of building people to enhance their power, bringing meaningful change for working families in the state of New Mexico,” said Martinez.
IAM Legislative and Political Assistant Director Loren Ameroth gave an overview of the political landscape in New Mexico right now, laying out where the IAM’s priorities lie.
IAM Veterans Services Assistant Coordinator Bryan Stymacks informed Council members about the many member support services the IAM provides to members, like the Employee Assistance Program, Veterans Affairs claims processing, and alcohol and addiction resources.
IAM Grand Lodge Auditor Suzette Trout spoke to the Council about legal compliance in managing their finances.
The Council also examined the outlook for its endorsed candidate, Democratic U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, in his swing-seat congressional race.
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Aug 6, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM International President Brian Bryant and Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett with the IAM Legislative Department recently hosted an event with labor allies in Washington, D.C. to support pro-labor U.S. Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks.
Alsobrooks, a Maryland Democrat and current Prince George’s County executive, is running against Republican Larry Hogan in an election that may decide Senate control.
“Angela Alsobrooks has a track record of fighting for working families. Our union strongly supports her campaign for the Senate,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “This is an important election. With Alsobrooks in the Senate, our country can push forward legislation that will protect and support not only IAM members and union members, but all workers.”
The IAM endorsed Alsobrooks last October for the primary election.
U.S. Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, as well as U.S. Reps. Steny Hoyer and Glenn Ivey, all for Maryland, attended and spoke, each proclaiming their adamant support for Alsobrooks.
One of Alsobrooks’ main focuses in her campaign is the economy and how to improve the lives of working families. She knows that America’s workers need strong representation on the national stage to protect their rights, paychecks, and pensions and to enact economic policies that will lift up the average American.
“This election is not just important to Maryland, it’s important all across the country,” said Alsobrooks. “When we think about working families, I think about my own family. I was raised in a working-class family. It showed me the value of all work, and it also showed me what it looks like to struggle.”
Alsobrooks has strongly supported the Biden-Harris Administration’s bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that is rebuilding America’s roads, bridges and rails, expanding access to clean drinking water, ensuring every American has access to high-speed internet, tackling the climate crisis, advancing environmental justice, and investing in communities.
The IAM trusts Angela Alsobrooks to defend working people while helping employers thrive to have a healthy economy that works for everyone.
IAM members and Maryland citizens should make it a priority to get to the polls and cast their votes for Angela Alsobrooks, the pro-labor candidate in this race.
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Jul 24, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), wrote a letter urging the Senate to confirm President Biden’s re-nomination of Lauren McFerran to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
Prior to her appointment to the NLRB, McFerran served as Chief Labor Counsel for the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP Committee) and also previously served the Committee as Deputy Staff Director under Senator Tom Harkin.
The NLRB, a vital independent government agency responsible for enforcing U.S. labor law, plays a pivotal role in shaping the lives of working people.
“McFerran has proven time and time again she works hard to ensure the NLRB protects workers through her extensive background of working for the betterment of our nation’s workforce,” wrote Bryant in a letter. “This includes several former jobs, including previously serving as Chief Labor Counsel for the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP Committee).”
The Biden NLRB, unmistakably pro-union and pro-worker, has sought input on various critical matters, including:
1. Allowing unions to organize appropriate bargaining units, moving beyond the restrictive “wall-to-wall” approach
2. Expanding traditional make-whole remedies for unfair labor practices to encompass consequential damages
3. Strengthening workers’ rights to engage in concerted activities
4. Extending protections to workers through a redefinition of independent contractor status
5. And numerous other initiatives aimed at supporting workers’ rights
Read the complete letter here.
The post IAM Union Urges Senate to Confirm McFerran to NLRB appeared first on IAMAW.
Jul 16, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan and Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett recently testified before Democratic Members of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.
The Select Committee was interested in hearing labor leaders views on the bipartisan report “Reset, Prevent, Build: A Strategy to Win America’s Economic Competition with the Chinese Communist Party.” The report, issued late last year, included nearly 150 policy recommendations for Congress.
Sullivan and Bennett were able to communicate the IAM’s most important interests and objectives.
“The IAM is ready to build and maintain our 21st century Naval and commercial fleet,” said Sullivan. “We remain steadfast in our devotion to that goal. We urge lawmakers to work with us to bolster and reinvigorate this vitally important domestic industry for the sake of long-term U.S. economic and national security.”
IAM members face issues like cyber espionage, risks to critical infrastructure, and China’s human rights abuses. This hearing focused on the most pressing job-related concerns, highlighting areas needing more action. The IAM applauded the Congressional and Biden-Harris administration efforts on CHIPS, the IRA, export controls, and other issues.
China continues to use every tool available to establish a strong aerospace industry at the expense of U.S. workers,” said Bennett. “The U.S. needs to immediately find more effective ways to stop China from using market-distorting activities – like curbing the transfer of technology and production. China’s commitments in the 2020 Phase One Agreement did not resolve many of these concerns about forced transfers and other market-distorting practices.”
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Jul 16, 2024 | Politics & Legislative News
The Texas State Council of Machinists recently held a meeting in Austin bringing together delegates from all corners of the state creating a platform for in-depth discussions on a plethora of issues critical to the labor community. Throughout the event, the council focused on legislative and political matters, benefiting from the insights of various speakers who champion labor rights in the Lone Star State.
During the meeting, the Texas State Council of Machinists announced its endorsement of Congressman Colin Allred (D-Texas) for the U.S. Senate race. This decision was reached after a thorough evaluation of Allred’s record and his commitment to advancing working families.
“After careful consideration and comprehensive discussions among our members, we are proud to endorse Congressman Colin Allred for the United States Senate,” said Texas State Council of Machinists President Taylor Rehmet. “We believe that with Allred in the Senate, Texas workers will have a strong ally who will tirelessly fight for their rights, safety, and economic well-being.”
“It’s more than an endorsement; it’s a call to action for all workers to support a leader who truly has our back. With Congressman Colin Allred in the Senate, we are confident that the future of labor rights in Texas is in capable hands,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin.
“[It’s] great to be with my union brothers and sisters at the Texas State Council of Machinists Convention this weekend,” said Allred in a tweet.“When I’m in the Senate, I’ll keep working to build an economy that works for everyone.”
The endorsement underscores the importance of the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) and the critical role that voluntary contributions play a critical role in supporting pro-worker candidates. With the backing of IAM’s political and legislative department, the Texas State Council of Machinists emphasizes increasing support for the MNPL to facilitate the election of candidates who prioritize worker rights and democratic values.
Delegates heard from a diverse group of speakers, including IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin, IAM Texas State Council of Machinists President Taylor Rehmet, National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon, and IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Director James Little.
Other speakers included:
- Rick Levy, Texas AFL-CIO President
- Claretta Allen, AFL-CIO Chapter President of Tyler
- BO Delp, Texas Climate Jobs Project Director
- Sean Marcill, Addiction Services
- Jennifer Alexander, IAM Benefit Funds & Education Department
- Jeff Grim, Employee Benefit Systems
- Marlin Phillips, Railroad Industry, TSCMAW Vice President-at-Large
- Solomon Ortiz, Candidate for State Representative, District 34
- Tony Padilla, Texas Alliance for Retired Americans
SEE PHOTOS HERE
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