Quick links+
Justice For All.
By Larry Bickett, IAM District W24 Business Representative
As published in the District W24 newsletter in conjunction with Northwest Labor Press
There was a time when hate and bigotry were clearly recognized for what they are: harmful, divisive, and unacceptable. While those attitudes certainly existed in the past, I want to believe they were not normalized or openly celebrated in the way they seem to be today. Watching that shift has been troubling, and it raises an important question about who we are becoming.
This reflection is not about political parties or labels. It is about values.
I believe the Machinists Union strives to be inclusive. I also believe the IAM recognizes everyone as equal and refuses to single anyone out because of the color of their skin, who they love, how they worship, or where they come from. The IAM was not built on hate or exclusion. It was built on standing together—in solidarity, dignity, and mutual respect.
So, I ask an honest question, not in anger but in concern:
What happened to us as unionists? How do we stand as unionists? Do we still stand together as brothers, sisters, and siblings?
The labor movement has always stood for people’s rights, especially for those who cannot stand up or speak out on their own. That purpose has never belonged to one political party it belongs to the working people.
The IAM Union’s mission states this clearly: To inspire and empower IAM union members to make life better and create a world with security, dignity, and opportunity for all.
That mission is supported by core values that transcend politics:
If these are truly our mission and our values, then we must live by them—not only when it is easy, but when it is uncomfortable.
No one should be placed above another. We should never tear down our fellow brothers, sisters, siblings, or members of our community because they think differently or live differently. Disagreement does not require dehumanization. Strength does not require cruelty.
Solidarity means standing together even when we don’t agree on everything.
Justice means speaking up—especially when it is hard.
Dignity and respect mean recognizing the humanity in every person.
Unity does not mean uniformity. It means respect. It means fairness.
And it means remembering that what binds us together is stronger than what tries to pull us apart.
This is the union I believe in. It is also the America I believe in.
When we strive to live by these principles—not as Democrats or Republicans, not as Conservatives, Liberals, Independents, or other Parties but as unionists, we are at our best. And when we do, we can still make the world a better place for all of us.
