The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) Maine State Council has unanimously endorsed IAM member Troy Jackson in his campaign for U.S. Senate. 

A lifelong advocate for working people, Jackson has built his career fighting for workers, rural communities, and middle-class families. During his time as Maine State Senate President, Jackson has consistently championed the rights of working people and the values of the labor movement.

“The Maine State Council is proud to stand behind Troy Jackson in his bid to advocate for working families in the U.S. Senate on behalf of the state of Maine,” said IAM Union Maine State Council President Anthony Leeman. “Our Maine State Council is proud to endorse Troy because we know he’ll always put working people ahead of corporate special interests and never stop fighting for the men and women who keep our state moving.” 

Jackson is a fifth-generation logger. His advocacy in the 1998 logging blockade along the Canadian border to protest unfair trade policies launched his career in politics. He has served for almost 20 years in the Maine State Legislature, first elected as a state Senator for Maine’s first District in 2008, and in 2018, he was chosen to be president of the state Senate. 

“Troy Jackson winning a U.S. Senate seat will be a major win for the working people across Maine,” said IAM Union Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “Troy comes from the same labor movement that built the middle class and strengthened communities throughout our state. He understands the dignity of work, the importance of collective bargaining, and the need to ensure that workers have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. Maine voters have the opportunity to choose a candidate who has never forgotten where he came from, and we’re proud to support him in this campaign.”

“Troy Jackson knows firsthand what it means to work hard for a living and fight for a better future for working families,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Throughout his career, he has stood shoulder to shoulder with union members and working people, never backing down from a challenge when workers’ rights were on the line. He represents the strength of a people-powered movement focused on fairness, opportunity, and economic justice. Troy has our full support as he heads to the general election.”

Jackson’s roots in the labor movement have shaped his representation and are the cornerstone of his campaign focused on creating good-paying jobs, protecting workers’ rights, and ensuring economic opportunity for all Mainers.

The IAM Union Maine State Council throws its full support behind Jackson and looks forward to a strong campaign focused on the issues that matter most to working families throughout the state.

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NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., July 25, 2026 – Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller addressed delegates of the IAM Union’s (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) Maryland and D.C. State Council on Saturday, where she accepted the union’s endorsement on behalf of the Moore-Miller reelection campaign.

“The Moore-Miller administration is proud to stand with the men and women of the IAM Union who build, maintain, repair and keep our economy moving every day,” said Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller. “Gov. Moore and I believe that when unions are strong, Maryland is strong. We are honored to receive the endorsement of the IAM Union’s Maryland and D.C. State Council, and we look forward to continuing our work together to create more opportunity, protect workers’ rights and ensure every Maryland family has a fair shot at success.”

The endorsement recognizes Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Miller’s record of supporting collective bargaining, protecting workers’ rights and partnering with organized labor to create more opportunity for working families across Maryland.

“It was an honor to welcome Lt. Gov. Miller to our State Council and present our endorsement of the Moore-Miller ticket,” said IAM Union Maryland and D.C. State Council President Rick Compher. “Our members know this administration has been a true partner for working people. We’re proud to stand with Gov. Moore and Lt. Gov. Miller because they’ve consistently stood with us.”

“Gov. Moore and Lt. Gov. Miller have demonstrated that they don’t just talk about supporting workers—they show up when it matters,” said IAM Union Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “When Apple closed its first unionized retail store and denied transfer opportunities to our IAM Local 4538 members in Towson, Gov. Moore publicly stood with those workers and made it clear they deserved the same rights as every other Apple employee. That kind of leadership, combined with this administration’s commitment to collective bargaining and good union jobs, is why the IAM Union is proud to endorse the Moore-Miller ticket.”

The IAM Union represents tens of thousands of workers throughout Maryland in the aerospace, defense, transportation, manufacturing and federal sectors. The Maryland and D.C. State Council of Machinists will mobilize IAM Union members, retirees and their families in support of the Moore-Miller ticket ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members in aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across North America.

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IAM Union International President Brian Bryant called on more working people to seek elected office during remarks at the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Convention, telling thousands of union members that working people must have a greater voice in the decisions that shape our lives.

Bryant highlighted the IAM Union’s growing investment in political engagement and member activism, urging union members to become leaders not only in their workplaces, but in their communities.

“That’s why the IAM is making a major investment in political engagement and member activism,” said Bryant. “We’re knocking doors. We’re making calls. We’re having conversations with our members. And we’re encouraging our own members to run for office. Because there is no better way to have a voice in the halls of power than to be that voice ourselves.”

Bryant also emphasized why union members are uniquely qualified to serve in public office.

“Who better understands working people than working people? Who better understands the benefits of a union contract than a union member? Who better understands the challenges facing our communities than the people living them every day?” sadi Bryant. “We need more workers in office. We need more union members making decisions. And we need more working-class voices at every level of government.”

Bryant then welcomed newly elected Texas State Sen. Taylor Rehmet, an IAM District 776 member and aircraft mechanic, to the stage, praising his historic election victory and what it represents for working people nationwide.

“Taylor Rehmet proved that working people belong everywhere decisions are made,” said Bryant. “From the union hall to the state capitol. From the shop floor to the senate floor. From the bargaining table to the halls of power.”

Watch IP Bryant’s full remarks at the AFT Convention.

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What would happen if union membership tripled in the United States? The IAM Union asked an economist and our members that question, and the answer is remarkably similar: higher wages, stronger communities and a more secure future for working families.

A new report from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) concludes that restoring union membership to roughly 30% of the workforce—levels not seen since the 1950s—would dramatically strengthen the American economy.

Researchers estimate it would raise the median worker’s pay by 14.5%, or more than $7,700 a year, shift $1.2 trillion annually back to working people, expand access to health care, reduce racial wage gaps, and strengthen democracy through greater civic participation.

The report also found that more than 56 million non-union workers say they would vote to join a union if they had the opportunity, showing a growing demand for collective bargaining across the country.

For IAM Union members, those findings simply confirm what they’ve experienced firsthand for generations. Union contracts mean better pay, quality health care, retirement security, safer workplaces, job protections and a real voice on the job.

As more Americans search for economic security and a fair shot at the middle class, the message from economists and working people is clear: when workers have the freedom to organize and bargain collectively, everyone benefits.

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Young car enthusiasts had just as much reason to stop by the IAM District 77 booth as their parents during this year’s Street Machine Nationals at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul.

While adults learned about the IAM’s work representing working families and picked up IAM-branded giveaways, children selected free Hot Wheels cars before heading over to the event’s Hot Wheels Kid Zone to put them to use. The family-friendly event helped District 77 connect with tens of thousands of attendees during one of the Midwest’s premier automotive shows.

Volunteers from IAM Locals 459 and 737 staffed the booth throughout the three-day event, engaging with visitors and sharing information about the IAM’s representation of skilled workers across a variety of industries. Local 737, whose members work throughout the automotive industry, was a natural fit for the event.

“Our members have a long history of building, repairing, and maintaining the vehicles that keep America moving,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Participating in the Street Machine Nationals was a natural opportunity to celebrate that connection while showcasing the work the IAM does on behalf of working families and our communities.” 

“Thousands of families come together to celebrate their passion for automobiles, and it creates a natural setting to talk about the work our members do, the careers they build, and the difference a union makes,” said IAM District 77 Directing Business Representative Andrew Peltier. “Events like this strengthen our visibility in the community and help introduce a new generation to the IAM.”

View photos from the event here. 

Community events like the Street Machine Nationals help District 77 share the IAM’s story while building lasting relationships throughout the community. 

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Nearly 100 participants, including delegates, guests, speakers, and IAM leaders from industries across the Lone Star State, gathered in Austin for the 2026 IAM Texas State Council Meeting to discuss the issues facing working families, strengthen the union’s legislative and organizing efforts, and hear from labor and political leaders committed to advancing workers’ rights.

Texas State Council President Taylor Rehmet opened the meeting by reaffirming the Council’s commitment to building worker power through organizing, political engagement, and solidarity. Rehmet also thanked delegates and the International IAM for their support during his successful campaign for the Texas State Senate. Rehmet has made history as the first rank-and-file union member elected to the Texas State Senate.

“Our strength has always come from our members standing together,” said Rehmet. “The work we do here goes beyond our own workplaces. Every conversation we have, every worker we organize, and every election we engage in helps build a stronger future for working families across Texas. I’m proud of what we have accomplished together, and I know our best work is still ahead.”

See photos.

IAM International President Brian Bryant addressed delegates on the importance of remaining politically engaged amid rising attacks on unions and working people. Bryant highlighted the IAM’s continued success in advancing pro-worker legislation, organizing new members and fighting back against corporate interests seeking to weaken workers’ rights.

“Working people cannot afford to sit on the sidelines,” said Bryant. “When we organize, vote, and stand together, we have the power to shape the future. The IAM will continue fighting for laws that protect workers, strengthen collective bargaining, and ensure every member has the opportunity to build a better life.”

IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett reinforced those remarks, encouraging delegates to remain united as the labor movement faces growing challenges from powerful corporate interests.

“Corporate greed continues to threaten the livelihoods of working families, but our union has always been strongest when we stand together,” said Bennett. “The labor movement was built by ordinary people refusing to accept less than they deserve, and that spirit continues to drive the IAM today.”

Delegates also heard from several prominent leaders in the Texas labor movement, including Texas AFL-CIO President Leonard Aguilar, who stressed the importance of protecting democracy, defending all workers’ rights, and ensuring Texas remains a place where every worker has the opportunity to succeed.

“The Texas State Council continues to play a vital role in strengthening our union throughout the Southern Territory,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “Whether it’s supporting our members at the bargaining table, or electing leaders who stand with working families, the dedication of our Texas delegates helps ensure the IAM remains a powerful voice for workers across the state.”

Texas State Representative and U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico addressed delegates via video, thanking IAM members for their continued advocacy on behalf of working families and recognizing the union’s leadership in advancing policies that strengthen workers’ rights throughout Texas and across the country.

The meeting also featured presentations from IAM Assistant Organizing Director Juan Eldridge and IAM Assistant Political and Legislative Director Loren Almeroth, who provided updates on recent organizing campaigns, legislative victories, and the union’s ongoing efforts to grow membership and expand worker protections.

Additional remarks were delivered by:

• IAM Special Assistant to the General Secretary-Treasurer Bryan Pinette
• IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Director James “Stretch” Little
• IAM District 776 General Counsel Rod Tanner
• Texas State Representative (D-District 49) and candidate for Governor Gina Hinojosa
• Texas State Representative (D-District 47) and candidate for Lieutenant Governor Vikki Goodwin
• Texas State Senator (D-District 16) and candidate for Attorney General Nathan Johnson
• Texas State Senator  (D-District 14) and candidate for Comptroller Sarah Eckhardt
• Candidate for Agriculture Commissioner Clayton Tucker
• Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines Representatives
• Employee Benefit System Representatives

Prior to the meeting, members of the Texas State Council Executive Board, along with IAM leaders and delegates, visited the Texas State Capitol, where they learned more about the legislative process and the important role political engagement plays in advancing policies that protect workers’ rights. 

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SAN JUAN, P.R., July 22, 2026 — The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is raising serious concerns about ongoing staffing shortages affecting Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) personnel at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, warning that prolonged vacancies are placing increasing demands on firefighters responsible for protecting one of the Caribbean’s busiest airports.

According to IAM-represented firefighters, vacant positions often remain unfilled because the hiring process is lengthy and requires nearly a year of specialized training and certification before new recruits are qualified to respond to emergencies. Until that certification is complete, new hires cannot perform operational firefighting duties—which means that current certified firefighters are frequently required to extend their shifts to as many as 18 hours to ensure continuous emergency coverage for airport operations. The union warns that these extended shifts increase the risk of physical fatigue and burnout, which can affect firefighters’ ability to perform at the highest level while protecting the airport, its workers, airlines, and the traveling public. 

The IAM Union believes airport management has not treated chronic understaffing with the urgency it deserves. Filling vacancies and maintaining appropriate staffing levels should be a top operational priority, and the union is calling on management to take immediate action before conditions worsen.

“Every time we report for duty, we know people are counting on us,” said IAM Airport Rescue Firefighter Yamil Rodríguez. “We do not hesitate to answer the call, no matter the hour. But working repeated extended shifts because there aren’t enough certified firefighters wears on you over time. We love what we do, and we simply want the staffing needed to do our jobs safely and effectively.”

“Airport Rescue Firefighters are the last line of defense when an emergency occurs on the airfield,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “These professionals protect thousands of passengers, airline crews, airport workers, and visitors every day. Chronic understaffing should never become the norm. Management must recognize that maintaining adequate staffing is not simply an operational issue – it is a public safety responsibility. The firefighters have done their part. Now it’s time for management to make filling these vacancies a priority.”

Airport Rescue Firefighters play a critical role in maintaining the safety and security of Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. These highly trained professionals respond to aircraft emergencies, structural fires, hazardous materials incidents, rescue operations, and medical emergencies. They also ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety regulations and maintain operational readiness for all commercial flight activity

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recognizes that Airport Rescue and Firefighting staffing should be based on a task resource analysis that reflects the operational needs of each airport and establishes minimum staffing levels necessary to safely and effectively perform emergency response operations. Maintaining sufficient personnel is essential to carrying out critical firefighting and rescue tasks during an aircraft emergency 

In addition, Puerto Rico’s Occupational Safety and Health Act (PR OSHA) requires employers to provide employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm. The IAM Union believes chronic understaffing and the resulting reliance on extended shifts warrant immediate attention to protect both firefighter safety and the airport’s emergency preparedness.

“When these firefighters chose to join the IAM Union, they did so because they wanted a voice in improving safety and working conditions,” said IAM Southern Territory Special Representative John Vigueras. “Addressing chronic understaffing is essential – not only for the health and well-being of these dedicated firefighters, but also for maintaining the highest level of emergency preparedness for everyone who travels through Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.”

The IAM Union is calling on airport management to expedite hiring efforts, improve workforce planning, and ensure staffing levels meet the operational demands of Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport while protecting the health and safety of the firefighters entrusted with safeguarding the traveling public.

In 2023, Airport Rescue Firefighters at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport made history by joining the IAM Union in Puerto Rico to strengthen their voice in advocating for safer working conditions and workplace improvements. 

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WASHINGTON, July 22, 2026 — The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers), which represents more than 100,000 workers across the airline and railroad industries, is thanking former National Mediation Board (NMB) Member Deirdre Hamilton for her service following her dismissal by the Trump Administration, a move made possible by a recent Supreme Court decision allowing the arbitrary removal of officials serving on independent federal labor boards.

Hamilton, a respected labor attorney and former IAM Legal Fellow, brought decades of labor law experience to the National Mediation Board, the independent federal agency responsible for administering the Railway Labor Act and helping resolve labor-management disputes in the rail and airline industries.

“Deirdre Hamilton has dedicated her career to standing up for working people, and her service on the National Mediation Board reflected that commitment every day,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “As a former IAM Legal Fellow, Deirdre understands the challenges facing workers and the critical role the NMB plays in ensuring fair labor relations across the rail and airline industries. We thank her for her service and for the professionalism, integrity and expertise she brought to this important position.”

Bryant also expressed concern about the broader implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling and the removal of labor-focused appointees from independent agencies.

“The IAM Union remains deeply troubled by the Supreme Court’s decision, which overturns more than 90 years of precedent, allowing the Trump Administration to remove officials charged with protecting workers’ rights for arbitrary or unclear reasons,” said Bryant. “Independent agencies like the National Mediation Board exist to provide stability, fairness and confidence in the collective bargaining process. Their independence is essential to ensuring workers and employers alike receive fair treatment under the law.”

Before joining the NMB, Hamilton built a distinguished career in labor law and labor relations, including serving as an IAM Legal Fellow early in her career. She became one of the nation’s leading experts on the Railway Labor Act and was widely respected throughout the transportation labor community.

“Deirdre’s contributions to working people will be felt long after her service on the Board,” said Bryant. “The IAM Union is proud of her accomplishments, grateful for her service, and wishes her continued success in the years ahead. The workers of the rail and airline industries were well served by her leadership, and our nation benefits when dedicated public servants like Deirdre Hamilton are allowed to do their jobs independently and without political interference.”

The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members in aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across North America.

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Labor leaders, workers, community allies,  NAACP leadership, and delegates from across the country gathered in Chicago for the NAACP “We the Working People” Labor Town Hall, part of the NAACP’s National Convention. The event was hosted by actress, producer and SAG-AFTRA member Ryan Michelle Bathé. 

NAACP Labor Chair Robin Williams and NAACP Board Chairman Leon Russell both addressed the crowd about the importance of the partnership between Labor and the NAACP. Throughout history, the labor and civil rights movements have been connected in their struggles for economic justice, democracy, respect, and dignity. 

National Education Association (NEA) President Becky Pringle and American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) President Everett Kelley delivered speeches that brought the delegates to their feet, stressing the importance of getting out the vote ahead of this year’s midterm election and the unemployment rates for Black women. 

According to analysis by the Economic Policy Institute, Black women suffered large employment losses in 2025, particularly among college graduates and public-sector workers. 

READ: Federal Job Cuts Hit Black Women Hard—a Year Later, Unemployment Is Up American Prospect 

The alliance between the NAACP and the labor movement dates back 117 years, when the NAACP was founded. One of the key issues that NAACP members fought for and continue to fight for is equal employment opportunities. 

Labor and the NAACP have always stood in the gaps, from labor leader A. Philip Randolph’s role in organizing the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom to the NAACP and Unions, standing together on the picket lines and in the halls of Congress for civil rights, voting rights, and labor rights. The partnership remains rooted in the belief that economic opportunity and racial justice are inseparable goals.

At the conclusion of the speakers, NAACP Senior Vice President of Strategy and Advancement Jamal Watkins moderated a panel discussion touching on a range of issues facing workers. 

Panelists included SAG-AFTRA member Ryan Michelle Bathé, UNITE HERE Local 1 Shop Steward, Julia Lewis, AFGE Local 777 President, Darrell English, and The United Food & Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) Director of Civil Rights and Community Action LaQuita Honeysucker. 

Some of the issues discussed were the growing threat artificial intelligence poses to jobs, efforts to privatize the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), UNITE HERE Local 1’s upcoming contract negotiations, the impact of surveillance pricing and electronic shelf labels on consumers and workers in the grocery industry, protecting the nation’s food supply, and the concept of portable benefits for workers who move between jobs.

The NAACP “We the Working People” Labor Town Hall was sponsored by the AFL-CIO, AFSCME, AFT, APWU, CWA, IAM Union, LiUNA!, NEA, SEIU, UAW, UFCW, and UNITE HERE.

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As the FIFA World Cup ends, the IAM Union proudly thanks our members across the United States and Canada who helped keep millions of fans moving safely throughout the tournament.

From rail stations to airports, IAM Union and Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) members stepped up in host cities and across North America’s transportation network, with many volunteering for additional crowd control, passenger assistance and operational duties to meet the demands of one of the world’s largest sporting events.

Many transit systems also implemented modified operating procedures and special service plans for the tournament, and our members played a critical role in putting those plans into action. Reports from across the continent highlighted the professionalism and teamwork our members brought to every shift.

“When the world came to North America, IAM Union and TCU/IAM members answered the call,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Whether welcoming travelers at our airports or helping move massive crowds through our rail systems, our members once again proved they are the skilled professionals who keep our transportation network running. Their professionalism, adaptability and commitment made this tournament a success, and we couldn’t be more proud.”

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