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WASHINGTON, July 5, 2022 – Robert Martinez Jr., International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), released the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization:
“Recently, the media reported that a few employers announced they will pay workers to travel to other states for medical care as a result of the Dobbs decision. Radical politicians across the country have even indicated that this decision opens the door to further restrict women’s and other rights, including contraceptive rights. This underscores that the Court’s decision threw these vital healthcare issues and costs back to our members at the bargaining table. This is just one of many reasons the IAM opposes this decision and supports each woman’s right to choose. The IAM is proud to have a long track record of securing health plans for our members that gives so many families access to quality, affordable healthcare and allows our members and healthcare professionals to make decisions about their wellbeing.
“Unfortunately, the Supreme Court has inserted itself into a critical healthcare decision by continuing its assault on working people and overturning nearly 50 years of precedent in the Dobbs case, which will significantly impact working women. The court has further signaled that it is willing to overturn long-standing precedents, attack other fundamental human rights and undermine the rule of law in this country. The Dobbs ruling is another step back for working families.
“Our union has a motto that we stand by—an injury to one is an injury to all. We believe workers’ health care plans should always provide quality and the necessary healthcare required by an individual. The Supreme Court ruling has delivered a blow to healthcare as a fundamental human right. Now more than ever, working people need unions to protect their rights in a binding collective bargaining agreement.”
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of the largest and most diverse industrial trade unions in North America, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.
