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The IAM Union invites you to join our labor and civil-rights allies in Baltimore from Jan. 15-18, 2026 for the 2026 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil & Human Rights Conference.
This year’s theme, “Honoring Our History – Fighting for Our Future,” highlights the urgency of bridging our rich past with the fight that lies ahead. It speaks to how the labor movement and civil-rights movement are inextricably linked, and how we must listen to history to chart our future
Register now for the 2026 AFL-CIO MLK Civil and Human Rights Conference.
This conference is an important platform for dialogue and action at the intersection of labor rights and civil/human rights. It celebrates Dr. King’s enduring legacy while setting a course for collective strength in 2026.
Participants will engage in timely discussions led by experts about the most pressing issues facing our movement — from attacks on workers’ collective-bargaining rights to threats to our democracy, including voting rights and economic justice.
Workshops and breakout sessions will provide attendees with hands-on tools and best practices to empower them to organize in their communities and workplaces. Whether you’re a rank-and-file member or a union leader, this is an opportunity to sharpen skills, build alliances, and leave ready to drive change.
The AFL-CIO recently announced the appointment of Alex Rias as the new Director of Civil, Human, and Women’s Rights. He will lead the federation’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference.
The conference will be held at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor (401 W. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21201). Early booking of hotel and travel is strongly recommended as rooms tend to fill quickly. The negotiated room rate is $219 per night.
Conference programming begins the afternoon of Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. Hotel accommodations on Jan. 14 are limited, so please plan your travel accordingly.
If you’re an IAM member who plans to attend and need additional information, please contact IAM Human Rights Director Nicole Fears at nfears@iamaw.org.
