The IAM has officially wrapped up its 2024 Legislative Conference. Held in the nation’s capital, the conference serves as a vital platform for IAM members to strategize and amplify their voices in the halls of Congress. Throughout the three-day event, IAM members engaged in productive discussions with lawmakers, advocating for policies supporting working families nationwide.
More than 300 delegates representing diverse industries participated in legislative plenaries, equipping themselves with the necessary tools to advance a pro-labor agenda.
WATCH: National Political Leaders Praise IAM at Legislative Conference
Among the event’s highlights were the speeches a diverse group of speakers delivered. These included elected officials from various levels of government and supportive allies from the labor movement. Their messages underscored the importance of solidarity and collective action in fighting for workers’ rights and dignity.
“The IAM 2024 Legislative Conference has been a resounding success,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “We have joined together to make our voices heard, to learn from each other, and to strategize on the best ways forward. We are leaving this conference more united and determined to push for policies that uplift all workers.”
WATCH: IAM International Brian Bryant, Jr. Opening 2024 IAM Legislative Conference
Delegates met with many lawmakers and urged them to address critical priorities to protect working people. These meaningful interactions not only helped to close the gap between IAM members’ realities and the policymakers responsible for meeting their needs.
During their meetings, IAM delegates emphasized vital issues critical to our members, such as:
- Right to organize through the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act
- National security, job creation and defense funding
- No tax breaks for union-busting
- Restoring a union dues tax deduction
- Railway Safety Act
- Prioritize rail workers in federal appropriations and policies
- Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Reauthorization
- Fair and equal trade policy
- Support for Delta Air Lines’ workers seeking a voice on the job
- Support for protecting negotiated pensions for federal contract workers
- Protection and strengthening of a modern federal workforce
- And more.
“The IAM restated its commitment to continue advocating and taking grassroots actions needed to ensure a prosperous future for the labor movement,” said IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon.
PHOTOS: 2024 IAM Legislative Conference Day 1, Day 2, Day 3
These are some of the members of Congress and allies who provided remarks during the third day of the Legislative Conference:
- U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)
- U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.)
- U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.)
- U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio)
- Greg Regan, Transportation Trades Department President
- Carla Siegel, IAM General Counsel
- Shane Brinton, IAM Healthcare Director
- Randy Erwin, NFFE-IAM National President
- David Arouca, TCU/IAM National Legislative Director
See social media coverage below (Thread):
https://x.com/MachinistsUnion/status/1803415366099509643
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