IAM Delegates Build Critical Power, Pack Halls of Congress to Advance Workers’ Rights at Legislative Conference

The IAM wrapped up its annual legislative conference this week to strategize and make their voices heard in Washington, DC. Nearly 350 IAM delegates attended this year’s event and participated in legislative plenaries, and heard from a range of speakers, including elected officials and allies.

“We are here because what happens in Washington, DC and in State Houses across the country affects everything about our lives and our union,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “ We’re here to protect our right to form a union; We’re here to defend our right to negotiate industry-leading contracts; And we’re to fight for the right of every working man and woman to live the American Dream!”

WATCH: IAM International President Robert Martinez, Jr. Opening 2023 IAM Legislative Conference

Nearly 350 IAM delegates from across the country who were gathered at the 2023 Legislative Conference, had the opportunity to visit dozens of lawmakers and asked them to address important priorities to protect working people.

“The only game is the economy, and legislative policies are the rules to that game,” said IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon during the closing plenary. “Those rules are written right next door in the Capitol.”

“Unfortunately, during the last administration, the rules were written for Wall Street to win and for workers to lose. How do we change those rules so that we, as workers, win and have shared prosperity? You all are doing it this week. You are taking the Machinists Union’s message right to the Capitol,” continued Solomon.

WATCH: IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon Providing Remarks About the Importance of the 2023 IAM Legislative Conference

During their meetings, IAM delegates emphasized key federal issues critical to our members, such as:

• The Rail Safety Act
• The PRO Act
• Organizing efforts for Delta Air Lines workers
• National Defense Authorization Act
• Buy American and Made in America policies
• Fair Trade

WATCH: 2023 IAM Legislative Conference Day 3: Powerful Elected Officials Pledge Support to IAM

These are some of the members of Congress and allies who provided remarks and shared their message of support for working families on Day 3 of the Legislative Conference:

• Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT)
• Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL)
• Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA)
• Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA) 
• U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA)
• Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY)
• Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA)
• Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)

PHOTOS: 2023 IAM Legislative Conference

See social media coverage below (Thread):

“The poll that just came out says 71% of Americans approve of unions. The American people figured out intuitively that unions are the best guarantor for working families in the middle class of this country.” – @RepJoeCourtney as the first speaker Day 3 of the #IAM2023 Leg. Conf. pic.twitter.com/Ii4PNmWfnH

— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) June 21, 2023

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