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Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) are in Houston this week for the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists’ (CBTU) 53rd Annual Convention. The event, themed “Never Back, Always Forward: Hate Cannot Erase Us,” runs from May 21-26 at the Marriott Marquis Houston.
IAM members are joining with fellow union leaders to celebrate the achievements of the past year and strategize for the future. Key topics at the convention include organizing, political action, and advancing equality for workers of color.
“CBTU continues to be a beacon of solidarity and progress in the labor movement,” said IAM Human Rights Director Nicole L. Fears. “The IAM’s presence at this year’s convention signifies our commitment to advancing equality and justice for all workers.”
The IAM will also host a panel on Thursday, May 23, to discuss Delta Air Lines’ history of utilizing anti-union tactics. Up to 55,000 Delta employees are currently engaged in a campaign to join unions. The IAM is organizing Delta ramp, cargo, and tower workers. The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) is signing up flight attendants, and the Teamsters are supporting technicians and related crafts.
IAM International President Brian Bryant recently sent a strong letter to U.S. Senators urging them to sign on to Sen. Laphonza Butler’s letter to Delta CEO Ed Bastian calling for the carriers’ neutrality toward workers’ union organizing efforts.
Sen. Butler’s letter asks Delta’s CEO to respect the voices of its employees by adopting a neutrality agreement and pledging not to interfere in any union organizing activities.
IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon, a member of the CBTU Executive Council, is among the IAM members attending the convention. His presence underscores the union’s commitment to advocating for workers’ rights from Capitol Hill to state capitols around our nation.
Visit the CBTU conference website for additional information on the events for the week.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airlines, transportation, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.
