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The IAM Human Rights Department kicked off their 2025 convention in Atlanta with a reminder of how struggle leads to progress. Actress Debra Straida performed in a recreation scene of the Washerwoman’s Strike of 1881 in Atlanta. The women had gone on strike in July 1881 over low pay, lack of respect, and working conditions in what some consider one of the first revolts against Jim Crow laws in the South. It succeeded in demonstrating that organized labor is a real force in addressing social and economic issues that workers struggle with everywhere.
“Siblings, we are going to do things a little differently at this convention,” said IAM Human Rights Director Nicole Fears. “We are going to vibrate energy in a way to show everyone here how important your voice can become if you stand together and fight for what is just.”
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The convention kicked off with over 300 delegates from around the IAM in attendance. Many are members at human rights committees at their local, and are seeking ways to make an impact in their community.
The effort to encourage human rights engagement at all levels of the IAM was echoed by many of the speakers at the convention, highlighted by a keynote address from IAM International President Brian Bryant. On Wednesday delegates heard from IAM Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cevantes, IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin, and IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez.
During the convention delegates will receive training in mobilization and peaceful advocacy to take back to their local communities. They hope to identify issues and concerns happening in their communities that can be helped by use of union solidarity. They heard from a panel of IAM members that have had recent success with organized actions from their human rights committees at their Locals.
“Sisters, Brothers, and Siblings, this conference is not just a meeting,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “It is a declaration. A declaration that the IAM is not on the sidelines of the human rights struggle, we are leading it! That mission is bigger now, broader now, and more urgent than ever. Let’s keep Breaking Barriers until every IAM member, and every worker, can live free, equal, and respected. Because this is our union! This is our time!”
