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IAM Union members, labor and community allies from across the country recently gathered in Baltimore for the 2026 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference, recommitting to the fight for economic justice, voting rights, and equality for all working people.
The four-day conference, themed “Honoring Our History — Fighting for Our Future,” featured plenary sessions, workshops, and panels.
WATCH: IAM Members Reflect on the Legacy of Dr. King
Workshops and panels at the conference focused on emerging challenges facing working people, including understanding AI’s Impact on workers, the impact on federal services under the current administration, and an interactive workshop on mass immigration that highlighted union-led mutual aid and defense models supporting immigrant workers and their families.
Members of the IAM Executive Council, including IAM International President Brian Bryant, IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes, IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan, IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett, and IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez, attended the conference.
Numerous labor and community leaders stressed the need to respond and fight back against the attacks on our rights and values.
IAM members also convened for an IAM Caucus meeting, providing an opportunity to connect with other IAM members and hear directly from members of the IAM Executive Council. During the caucus, members were asked a simple but powerful question: “What has this week’s experience been for you?” The discussion highlighted personal reflections, renewed motivation, and a shared commitment to carrying the conference’s lessons back to IAM Locals and Districts across the country.
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“I am inspired by the turnout from our membership at this important conference,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “As Dr. King taught us, we must embrace this significant moment in history and move forward to ensure workers receive justice and dignity. Participating in this conference ensures IAM members continue to honor Dr. King’s legacy by standing up for equality, democracy, and the rights of all working people.”
General Secretary-Treasurer Cervantes presented the Bill Lucy Eyes on the Prize Award at the Conference Gala and Awards to Metropolitan Baltimore Labor Council President Courtney Jenkins. The Bill Lucy Eyes on the Prize award honors young union leaders who use their voice to inspire their peers.
“This moment calls for courage guided by love,” said IAM Human Rights Director Nicole Fears. “IAM members are stepping beyond the shop floor and rising together as Human Rights leaders.”
