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IAM Union members recently attended the A. Philip Randolph Institute’s (APRI) 54th Annual Education Conference. The theme “We Were Built For This” echoed throughout the conference, emphasizing the labor movement’s shared commitment to continue fighting for civil and human rights for all people.
“The APRI and the IAM share a long history of standing up together for working people,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “The IAM’s APRI delegates left more committed to organizing, mobilizing, and fighting for a fairer, more just society.”
The conference brought together labor leaders, activists, and allies to address challenges facing working people during the recent attacks on working families. APRI delegates came together to plan for justice and equality over the next few months.
The IAM Union proudly joined labor activists at the 2025 @APRI_National Educational Conference in Chicago.
We carry forward Brother A. Philip Randolph’s vision -organizing rooted in racial justice, economic dignity, and power for all working families pic.twitter.com/BOdgSHxqVM
— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) August 11, 2025
“Our participation at the APRI Conference reminds us that the fight for dignity, equality, and opportunity is never over,” said IAM Union Human Rights Director Nicole Fears. Fears chaired a session on equity, dignity, and social justice. “Together, we continue the fight for labor, civil, and human rights. All of which are the core values that define our union and our mission.”
AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond discussed the importance of solidarity in the labor movement.
At APRI’s 54th Annual Conference, @AFLCIO Secretary-Treasurer @STRedmond delivered strong, timely remarks on labor unity. In a time of political division, solidarity isn’t optional – it’s essential.
We move forward together. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/rv3z3c2HrO
— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) August 7, 2025
Other notable speakers included Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.), Rev. Al Sharpton, and CBTU President Rev. Terry Melvin, who highlighted the ongoing fight for dignity and justice. In a social media message, Rep. Jackson criticized the Trump Administration’s efforts to end collective bargaining at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
.@CBTU72 President Rev. Terry Melvin never fails to ignite the room. His powerful remarks at the APRI Education Conference reminded us why we fight for dignity, justice, and working people everywhere. pic.twitter.com/2uw4TydvQ5
— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) August 8, 2025
“We must organize, mobilize, and fight back!”@TheRevAl delivered powerful remarks at APRI’s Education Conference, calling for collective action to take on corporate greed. pic.twitter.com/NjFDKAoCwA
— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) August 8, 2025
IAM Union International Affairs Director Peter Greenberg updated APRI delegates on the tariff policies and shared information on how the Trump administration’s policies will impact workers in Canada and the U.S.
SEIU National President April Verrett, honored with an award at the APRI Gala, urged the labor movement to lead with vision and courage.
“When it’s time for the fight, you have to fight.”@seiupres fired up the room at APRI’s 54th Annual Education Conference with a message we all need to hear: The labor movement must lead with vision & fight for a world where all workers are treated with dignity.#UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/BnflfmwtNw
— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) August 7, 2025
IAM Union members also participated in the 96th Annual Bud Billiken parade. The parade amplifies the mission of bettering Chicago’s youth and sounding the clarion call for “Back to School.”
💪🏽 IAM members are joining other @APRI_National @AFLCIO delegates in Chicago today for the legendary 96th Annual @BudParade!
We are all standing together to celebrate community and culture! ❤️#UnionStrong #BudBillikenParade pic.twitter.com/i16K2MgB3u
— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) August 9, 2025
