The IAM Western Territory recently completed a highly successful internal organizing blitz at the City of Long Beach, signing up 147 new dues-paying members in just three days through coordinated outreach efforts across the city.

The organizing effort led by IAM International Representative Ryan Carrillo brought together 13 teams and 28 workers and staff who conducted worksite visits, new employee orientations, and sidewalk conversations throughout the City of Long Beach. The campaign demonstrated the growing strength and solidarity of IAM members while continuing to build worker power across the city.

“This organizing blitz showed what can be accomplished when IAM members and staff come together with a shared commitment to growing our union,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “Every conversation, every worksite visit, and every new member strengthens our collective voice and helps build a stronger future for workers throughout Long Beach.”

“Workers are joining the IAM because they understand the value of having a strong union fighting alongside them,” said Carrillo. “A union provides workers with protections on the job, a stronger voice in the workplace, and the opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their families. The conversations we had throughout Long Beach showed that workers want to stand together and be part of something bigger.”

The success of the organizing blitz was made possible through the support and leadership of the IAM Western Territory, IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen, and IAM Organizing Department Director Mike Evans.

Special recognition also goes to IAM Assistant Organizing Director Juan Eldridge for coordinating a dynamic team of organizers to assist with the effort, including IAM International Representative Fabian Liendo, Assistant Organizers Lisa Ferm, Adrian Marquez, Thomas O’Bryant, and Craig Garrett, whose dedication and hard work were instrumental throughout the campaign.

In addition, IAM Western Territory Assistant Organizer Darren White and District 142 Organizer Harriet DeBaca played a pivotal role in signing up new members at airport locations and worksites throughout the city.

The IAM also recognizes the leadership and support provided by IAM District 947 President and Directing Business Representative Sal Vásquez, Business Representative Jenifer Friesen, Carla Pulido, and Sashi Muralidham, along with IAM Western Territory International Representative Ashley Gunkle and Assistant Organizer Danny Johnsen, for their professionalism, commitment, and dedication to strengthening the union.

The organizing blitz reflects the IAM Union’s continued commitment to building solidarity, increasing membership engagement, and strengthening the collective voice of workers throughout the City of Long Beach.

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WASHINGTON, D.C., June 4, 2026 — Apple (AAPL) continues to feel national political heat even as the tech giant’s stock has risen nearly 15% in 2026. 

Fifty-four members of the Congressional Labor Caucus, led by Co-Chairs and Reps. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), and Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), are calling on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to conduct a thorough investigation into Apple’s planned June 20 closure of its unionized Towson, Md., retail store, citing concerns that the company may be treating union workers differently than employees at other closing locations.

The lawmakers specifically pointed to Apple’s differing treatment of employees at three stores slated for closure.

“The Towson, Maryland location was the first Apple store in the country to unionize and secure a negotiated collective bargaining agreement with the company,” the letter to NLRB General Counsel Crystal Carey states. “We are alarmed that the company is making efforts to relocate employees at stores that have non-bargaining unit workers, while denying those same benefits to unionized locations.”

Carey formerly worked for Morgan Lewis, one of the largest management-side law firms that currently represents corporations known for violating workers’ rights, including Amazon, SpaceX, Apple and Tesla. 

The Towson Apple Store became the first Apple retail location in the United States to successfully unionize in 2022 and later secured a negotiated collective bargaining agreement with the company in August 2024. Apple recently announced plans to close the Towson location alongside stores in Trumbull, Conn., and Escondido, Calif.

In their closing request to the NLRB, lawmakers wrote: “Accordingly, we respectfully call on the NLRB to thoroughly investigate alleged practices, reach a timely resolution to this issue, ensure that workers’ rights and benefits are protected, and, if violations are identified, provide robust enforcement of labor law to make workers whole.”

Workers at the Towson store, represented by IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) Local 4538, have not been offered the same relocation opportunities being provided to employees at the non-union stores. Instead, they have been told to reapply for positions elsewhere within the company. The IAM Union has alleged that Apple’s actions violate the workers’ collective bargaining agreement and has filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge with the NLRB.

Apple Towson workers and IAM Union representatives were present on Capitol Hill today for a hearing examining the policies and priorities of the NLRB, where lawmakers discussed the agency’s role in protecting workers’ rights and enforcing federal labor law.

The Congressional Labor Caucus letter is the latest in a growing series of actions supporting Apple Towson workers. It follows a recent Congressional Progressive Caucus letter signed by 40 members of Congress, a separate letter from the Maryland congressional delegation, public support from Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, and a community rally in Towson that brought together elected officials, labor leaders, and local residents.

“The IAM Union thanks Reps. Pocan, Dingell, Norcross, Horsford, and the members of the Congressional Labor Caucus for standing with workers and demanding accountability,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “The facts here are deeply troubling. Apple is closing the first unionized Apple retail store in America while denying those workers opportunities being offered to employees at non-union locations. If one of the richest corporations in the world believes it can treat workers differently because they exercised their legal right to form a union, every working person in America should be paying attention. We appreciate the Congressional Labor Caucus for calling on the NLRB to fully investigate these allegations and ensure these workers receive the protections guaranteed under federal law.”

“The workers at Towson made history by organizing the first unionized Apple retail store in the country and negotiating a contract that guarantees equal treatment,” said IAM Union Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “Now they are being told they must reapply for jobs while workers at non-union stores are being offered relocation opportunities. That is a serious concern and one that deserves immediate scrutiny. We are grateful to the Congressional Labor Caucus for recognizing what is at stake and urging the NLRB to move quickly to protect workers’ rights and hold Apple accountable if violations occurred.”

The IAM Union will continue supporting Apple Towson workers as they fight for equal treatment, respect, and the enforcement of the rights guaranteed under federal labor law and their collective bargaining agreement.

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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The IAM Union is proud to announce the 2026 IAM Women’s and Young Workers Conference, taking place September 19-23, 2026, at the historic Palmer House Hilton in Chicago. The deadline to register is Thursday, August 13, 2026.

Register today!

This year’s conference theme, “Emerging Leaders Building the Labor Movement of the Future,” highlights the IAM’s ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of union activists and leaders.

The conference will also mark a major milestone for the union as delegates celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the IAM Women’s Department, established during the 1996 IAM International Convention in Chicago. Attendees will also recognize the continued growth and advancement of the Young Workers Department as the union builds toward the future.

Bringing together IAM members from across North America, the conference will focus on strengthening solidarity, building leadership skills, and addressing the key issues impacting women and young workers throughout today’s labor movement.

Participants will take part in dynamic workshops, educational sessions, discussions, and networking opportunities designed to empower members and strengthen the union at every level. Whether members are newly active in the IAM or longtime activists, the conference will provide valuable tools, resources, and inspiration to bring back to their locals and communities.

“We strongly encourage all qualified individuals, especially those interested in leadership development, activism, and strengthening our union, to attend,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “The voices of women and young workers continue to shape the future of our organization and the labor movement as a whole.”

Conference Information

Dates: Sept. 19-23, 2026

Registration Deadline: Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026

Registration Fee: $125

Register online here.

Hotel Information

Hotel: Palmer House Hilton
17 E. Monroe Street
Chicago, IL 60603

Room Rate: $229 per night

Hotel Reservation Deadline: Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026

Book your hotel stay here.

Members with questions or needing additional information can contact the IAM Women’s and Young Workers Department at WMSANDYW2026@iamaw.org.

The IAM looks forward to welcoming members to Chicago as the union continues the important work of building a stronger, more inclusive labor movement for generations to come.

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Members of the IAM Local 62A negotiating committee recently completed intensive contract negotiation preparation training at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center, strengthening their skills and strategy as they prepare for upcoming negotiations with Collins Aerospace in Cheshire, Conn.

The committee participated in the Winpisinger Center’s Negotiation Preparation for Bargaining Committees program, a specialized training designed to equip IAM bargaining teams with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to secure strong contracts for members.

Through the program, the negotiating team received hands-on instruction in bargaining strategy, contract campaign planning, legal considerations, and member engagement tactics. The training focused on helping committee members effectively represent the interests of their fellow IAM members and build the leverage necessary to achieve meaningful gains at the bargaining table.

“Our members deserve a contract that reflects the tremendous value they bring to Collins Aerospace every day,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “By investing in education and preparation, this bargaining committee is putting itself in the strongest possible position to fight for the wages, benefits, and workplace protections our members have earned.”

As negotiations approach, IAM Local 62A members are focused on securing improvements that recognize the contributions of the highly skilled workforce that helps drive the company’s success. Committee members worked closely with Winpisinger Center instructors, IAM Strategic Resources, Communications, and more to develop bargaining goals and contract campaign strategies tailored to the challenges and opportunities ahead.

“The Winpisinger Center continues to be one of the IAM’s greatest resources for building strong union leaders and successful bargaining committees,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “The training Local 62A received will help ensure they enter negotiations united, prepared, and ready to advocate for every member they represent.”

The program also emphasized contract organizing techniques designed to keep members informed, engaged, and mobilized throughout the bargaining process. A strong, active membership remains one of the most powerful tools available to any negotiating committee.

“Preparation is critical to winning a strong agreement,” said IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett. “The members of this negotiating committee have demonstrated their commitment to their coworkers by taking the time to sharpen their skills and strengthen their strategy. That dedication will serve them well when they sit down across the table from management.”

“Armed with new knowledge, practical experience, and a clear vision for their bargaining objectives, the IAM Local 62A negotiating committee is preparing to enter negotiations with professionalism, determination, and the full support of the IAM Union behind them,” said IAM Aerospace Coordinator Stephen Jordan.

“Our members at Collins Aerospace perform highly skilled work that is essential to the company’s success, and they deserve a contract that reflects that contribution,” said IAM District 26 Business Representative Dianna Koch. “The training provided at the Winpisinger Center gives our negotiating committee the tools, confidence, and strategic preparation needed to advocate effectively for our members. We are committed to securing an agreement that delivers meaningful improvements and protects the interests of the workforce for years to come.” 

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In a landmark victory for working people and the future of app-based work organizing, rideshare drivers across Illinois are one step closer to securing a stronger voice on the job after the Illinois General Assembly passed the Rideshare Drivers’ Union Rights Bill.

The legislation, championed by the Illinois Drivers Alliance — a coalition formed by the IAM Union and SEIU Local 1 — passed both chambers of the state legislature and now heads to the Governor’s desk for signature.

“For the past few years, Illinois rideshare drivers have stood strong, demanding the right to organize and collectively bargain over many workplace standards,” said IAM Midwest Territory Special Representative Ronnie Gonzalez, the IAM lead for the campaign. “Today, the legislature showed they heard those drivers and the personal stories they have shared. This legislation isn’t just a win on paper – it is a turning point for rideshare drivers all across this state.”

“This victory belongs to the drivers who spent years speaking out about lack of safety measures, unfair deactivations, and exploitative compensation in this multibillion-dollar industry,” IAM Union Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “I am especially proud that our state and this campaign is leading the way with Massachusetts in establishing stronger protections and standards for app-based workers who provide essential, safe transportation for thousands of people. Hopefully this leads to other states doing the same for workers in this industry.”

“For too long, rideshare drivers have generated billions in wealth for major corporations without the same rights as every other worker in the U.S. to form a union and gain a voice in the decisions that impact their livelihoods,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “By passing the Rideshare Drivers’ Union Rights Bill, Illinois has created a pathway for drivers to build collective power and negotiate for the dignity and economic security they deserve. The IAM is proud to stand with these drivers as they make history and help shape the future of workers organizing in America.”

Once signed into law, the measure will allow approximately 100,000 rideshare drivers in Illinois to begin the process of electing union representation and bargaining collectively with rideshare companies for higher wages, improved benefits, stronger safety protections, and fairer working conditions.

In addition to bill sponsors Senator Villivalam and Representative Morris, the Illinois Drivers Alliance thanks Senate President Don Harmon, Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, Governor JB Pritzker, and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton for their leadership in getting this historic legislation across the finish line.

“One of the hardest parts about being a rideshare driver is how isolating this job can feel,” said Tracy Shaw, an Illinois rideshare driver from West Rogers Park. “We work alone in our cars, without coworkers or a real support system, and when your pay drops or you get deactivated without explanation, you start to wonder if you’re the only one struggling. Through the Illinois Drivers Alliance, drivers realized we are not alone; we are stronger together. After I got in a car accident on the job, it was this driver community that carried me through. They checked on me, lifted me up, and reminded me that I wasn’t alone, because for so many drivers, this community has become family. This fight was about standing up for ourselves and for each other, and together, we won. Now, we are ready to form a union and build an even stronger community that unites drivers from every corner of Illinois.” 

“I have been driving rideshare all the way back to when Uber first came to Illinois more than a decade ago,” said Juan Flores, a rideshare driver from Joliet. “At one time, this job gave me the ability to support my family and even help put my daughter through college. I was proud of the life I could build through hard work. But over the years, the pay kept shrinking while the costs of gas, insurance, and car repairs only went up. In the past few years, after everything I have given to this job, my own kids have been helping me pay the bills just so we can get by. That changes today because we can now form a union and bargain for wages that keep up with rising costs and allow us to live a full life! I am so proud of my fellow drivers and thankful to Senator Villivalam and Representative Morris for standing with us.”

The Illinois victory builds on momentum generated by another groundbreaking achievement for app-based workers. The IAM Union and SEIU made history in Massachusetts, where nearly 70,000 app-based drivers recently won official union recognition through the App Drivers Union. That effort marked the first union recognition for app-based workers anywhere in the United States and the largest private-sector organizing victory in generations.

Together, these victories demonstrate the growing strength of rideshare and app-based workers who are demanding a greater say in their working conditions and a fair share of the wealth they help create.

For the IAM Union and SEIU Local 1’s Illinois Drivers Alliance, the passing of the Rideshare Drivers’ Union Rights Bill marks the culmination of a major organizing and legislative campaign aimed at giving rideshare drivers a seat at the table on issues such as wages, safety, transparency, and job security. 

The post 100,000 Illinois Rideshare Drivers Pave Historic Pathway for IAM Union, SEIU Local 1 Representation appeared first on IAM Union.

The IAM Kentucky/Tennessee Joint State Council recently gathered in Louisville to energize the union’s powerful pro-labor political base.

The post IAM Activists, Pro-Union Elected Officials Meet & Greet in Louisville appeared first on IAM Union.

This article was featured in the Summer 2026 IAM Journal  and was written by IAM Communications Representative Angela Colaizzi.

Newly elected Texas State Senator Taylor Rehmet made history as a working-class voice representing 1.2 million constituents in Texas when he won his run-off election on Jan. 31, 2026.

Rehmet is a U.S. Air Force veteran, president of both IAM Local 776B and the Texas IAM State Council, and a mechanic at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth. He ran a common-sense campaign that targeted the priorities of working families, as opposed to touting culture-war politics. Now, he is the first rank-and-file union member to ever serve in the Texas State Senate.

A proud member of our union, Rehmet used his leadership as a union steward and his IAM Union political training to create a successful campaign that focused on funding public schools, protecting veterans, investing in affordable housing, and putting workers first. He participated in the IAM’s Political Seminar and the Texas AFL-CIO’s Ruth Ellinger Leadership Academy, which provide members with skills to actively engage in legislative and political campaigns, build connections, and encourage them to run for public office.

Rehmet’s election made national headlines. Despite spending hundreds of thousands of dollars less than his competition, Rehmet won with more than 57% of the vote. He flipped a seat that had been held by the GOP for 35 years. But Rehmet didn’t win because of partisan voting; he won because his platform crossed party lines and centered on directly improving the lives of his constituents.

With strong support from the labor movement, including the IAM Union, Rehmet’s message resonated with Texans because he put aside playing politics to address real societal issues: workers’ rights, education, affordability, and access to opportunity.

On the day of his swearing-in, we sat down with Rehmet to get his perspective on this historic campaign for the IAM Union, Texas, and all working people.

Q&A with Taylor Rehmet

How has your leadership journey been shaped by IAM Union’s political training?

“Really the foundation of learning to represent was built in my union. I learned in my union, through our training and through role models, that the first thing to do is surround yourself with good folks and people who are really here for the right reasons, and now that’s what I do anywhere I go.

“My campaign staff was all locally sourced in my district or right next to it. We used Texas-based vendors — union vendors.

“My union also taught me that disagreement is not something to go to war over. We need to have conversations. We’re a democratic organization, and we have so much open discussion in our union. It really made me realize that whenever someone disagrees with you, it’s not disloyalty. It’s the beginning of understanding.”

Can you talk about the support you received from the labor community?

“Well, first off, the IAM had my back from day one. I had the support of General Vice President Craig Martin. He was always a mentor to me, always helped me along the way, even before I ran for office.

“I also had a lot of support from my district [IAM District 776]. They helped me navigate the campaign issues and gave me advice, along with my campaign staff. So it was really good to have all of them in my corner, and I felt so supported and able to take on this election.”

You won on a platform focused on lowering costs and strengthening job opportunities. Why did that message resonate?

“I think that is because a lot of people may identify with either party, but what we’re really fighting for, both sides can agree on— our wages have not kept up. And really, our retirement is further away than ever.

“This is about unifying us, right? That’s a core tenant of being in a union. That’s something else my union taught me — that we all need to be unified and focus on what brings us together, not what divides us. Because we can spend a ton of time finding what divides us, but where is that going to get us? It’s not going to drive us forward.”

What does this election show about where working people are politically?

“It shows that they’re politically upset with both sides. We have not had enough representation on either side, and we’re going to have to find a way to meet the moment — and that’s what I did.”

“I think that’s what people are looking for — authenticity. I know the struggles of working folks. I’m one of them. Who better to represent you than someone who is a peer?”

Do you see more working people like yourself running for office?

“We have a couple candidates. One of them is Marcos Velez. He’s running for Lieutenant Governor, and we have Jose Loya running for land commissioner. They’re both Steelworkers. They’re both union guys. They really understand what it’s like.

“Labor is going to have to have their hands directly on the levers of power to make sure that working Texans get a fair shake here.”

What are you focused on now?

“When I’m in my union, I want to make sure that I’m going around and checking on people, making sure they are supported. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do with my district office.

“We want to make sure that people, especially working folks, have a place they can go to. If they don’t have a game plan, they can come to my office and get representation — feel supported.”

What message do you have for IAM members and other union members?

“If your heart’s in the right place and you have a passion for representing folks — a lot of us learn that we do by stepping up to be a steward for the first time — you can do it. Representation is something that we have perfected in unions, and that does translate to public service.

“It’s the same work that you do on the shop floor. Just scale it bigger. Build community, stay unified, and run for office if you feel compelled to because I definitely did. I hope that I see other brothers, sisters, and siblings running for office. It is our time to do that.”

Solidarity to the End

IAM District 776 members took a bus from Fort Worth to Austin to support Rehmet at his swearing-in ceremony. IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin, whom Rehmet called an important mentor, made sure to be there to witness history for our union and the state.

“It’s a proud day for the IAM and a proud day for labor in Texas,” said Martin on the day Rehmet took the oath of office. “We’re excited for Taylor. We’re here to celebrate and support him, and we are proud to be on this journey with him.”

Rehmet made a promise to the congregation of his supporters: “I will never vote to make life harder for working Texans, especially if it makes politics easier for myself.”

A Growing Movement of IAM Members Seeking Public Office

Rehmet is not the only IAM member whose union values and leadership led to running for public office. Across the country, IAM members are recognizing that the skills they sharpen as stewards, negotiators, organizers, and activists are directly transferable to public service. From local boards to the federal government, union members are increasingly answering the call to serve. Here’s just a few:

Cornelius Fowler

Cornelius Fowler, an IAM Local 2152 (District 166) member, is a candidate for the Florida State House. He credits the IAM Union for getting him involved with political and legislative activism and prompting him to run for office.

“My inspiration for running came from being in the union and getting exposure to how our legislatures work behind the scenes,” said Fowler. “By traveling to our state capitol, traveling to DC, and meeting with countless of our elected officials through the union.”

“Some of our elected officials are very hostile towards union members and that just encouraged me to run, because I know that’s what we need,” said Fowler. “We need more working-class people in our State Capitol representing the people to the fullest. Many of our elected officials have a disconnect. They are no longer connected to the daily lives of people in our communities and they show that in the legislation that they pass. I’m a strong believer that we should not only be able to survive, but we should be able to thrive in the communities that we live in. My union taught me that.”

Jerry McCarty

Jerry McCarty is an IAM Assistant Organizer Coordinator who came from the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) and has served on the Redwater Independent School District Board of Trustees in Texas for six years. He is now running unopposed for his third term. His family has been in the area for more than 100 years, and he went to school in that same district.

“When we’re on the organizing trail, we don’t talk ‘you have to vote this way’ or ‘vote that way.’ We tell people to pay attention to how the people you vote for are voting on labor issues.” said McCarty. “Don’t just vote party lines because you’ve always done that. That’s the problem. I think a lot of people are fed up with slamming each other on what we need to fix. Don’t talk about what everybody’s doing wrong — fix something. Give me a solution, not problems.”

Former IAM Local 1284 President Dave Tackett is a locomotive machinist at Amtrak’s Wilmington, Delaware shops and has been serving as an elected New Castle County Councilmember for 22 years.

Dave Tackett

“I say this all the time; the people who need to be representing the average constituent voter here in our state are the ones that go to work every day, and they work hard, and they wear work boots, and they know what it’s like to have to work to earn your money in order to support your family,” said Tackett. “Those are the ones who really have a full grasp of the needs of the people.”

Tackett is trying to mentor union members and encourage them to run for any public office, because he believes that the people who represent us should be one of us.

“We want to empower and educate our peers to run for public office, because who knows better, what we need, and the issues we face than us. Who knows better than someone just like you? If anyone is considering running for office, I’ll help you identify a district, help you with drafting your literature to hand out, and help with campaigning. I’ll teach you about door knocking and help you target who you need to identify as your voters.”

Maine gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson, Maine State Senate Candidate Mark Vigliotta, and IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan.

In Maine, IAM Local 836 member and Associate Organizer Mark Vigliotta is currently running for State Senate, bringing his union experience and commitment to working families on the campaign trail. Like Rehmet, Vigliotta understands firsthand the challenges facing working people — from rising costs to retirement insecurity — and he wants to bring the same representation he gave to his local membership, to District 33 Mainers.

“It took a little convincing, and I decided to put my hat in the ring. I decided to run,” said Vigliotta. “The biggest thing that I used to say as a chief steward is that I want fair and equitable treatment for all people. Then, I meant that I want to make sure management isn’t going to pull one over on our members, and that’s how I feel about representing District 33. I want the government to work for the people of the district.”

Troy Jackson is a former IAM member and fifth-generation logger who served as the Maine State Senate President from 2018 to 2024. He is the son of a public-school teacher, a father of two, and is now running for Governor in Maine. His platform is anchored by working-people and our universal experience of being left behind by elected elites.

“I know what it’s like to work in the woods, and I know what it’s like to not have a governor who has your back,” said Jackson. “There are people that work in the woods, people that work on the lobster boats, people that are farming in the fields, workers in construction, teachers in the classroom, nurses in hospitals — it doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, if you’re a working-class person that feels like you’re getting left behind, I know that feeling. I’ve been there, and I’m going to be a governor that stands up for you.”

Sam Forstag is a National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) member who was a firefighter smokejumper and union leader. He’s running in Montana’s U.S. House of Representatives race this year to make sure working people have a voice in Congress.

Sam Forstag

“The richest people in this country are trying to burn it all down so they can buy it all up,” said Forstag. “Meanwhile, folks are breaking their backs, barely getting by, can’t afford the doctor, priced out of house and home, just one surprise bill away from devastation.”

Forstag’s campaign, like Rehmet’s, Fowler’s, Vigliotta’s, and Jackson’s, is about giving everyday people — our neighbors, our coworkers, our family members, and our children — a real voice. The rich and powerful get elected and betray their constituents. Forstag says Montanans deserve one of their own fighting for them in Congress.

“While we’re working more but getting less, DC isn’t doing much about it, either because they don’t hear the siren or because they set the blaze,” says Forstag. “I know what it’s like to work a thousand hours of overtime and still be holding on by my fingernails, and I’ve seen the Montana we love burn around us while corporations and billionaires buy up our housing. Let’s fix this together.”

Each of these candidates is approaching their campaigns from the same angle that Rehmet did: this isn’t about red or blue; it’s about common ground. We all want better schools, better working conditions, better communities, better representation, and better lives. Labor’s voice is needed in policymaking at every level, because working people will speak for all of us.

“IAM members are stepping forward to bring working-class representation into our legislatures,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “They’ve built skills through representing all kinds of people as union stewards, standing up to injustice, and fighting for fairness. We are excited to see more union members take their representation beyond our contracts and our union, to the public.”

As Senator Rehmet put it: “It is our time.”

Video: In an interview with Taylor Rehmet, he talks about his campaign on the day he was sworn into office. iam4.me/rehmet-interview

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The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) proudly congratulates NFFE-IAM member Sam Forstag on winning the Democratic Primary for Montana’s U.S. House First District seat.

“The IAM Union is especially proud to see one of our own advance to the general election for U.S. Congress,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “We congratulate Sam, his campaign team, and the countless volunteers and supporters who made this victory possible. Tonight’s result is proof that when working people organize and stand together, they can build the political power needed to create real change.”

Forstag’s victory sends a powerful message: working people are ready for leaders who understand their struggles because they’ve lived them.

With roots in the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) as a smokejumper and union leader, Forstag has never lost sight of the common-ground issues that matter most to Montana’s working families—secure jobs, fair wages, strong unions, affordable healthcare, and an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy and well-connected.

“Sam knows better than anyone what Montanans need so that they can thrive, not just survive,” said NFFE-IAM President Randy Erwin. “This win is another signal of the growing demand for leaders in Washington who understand the challenges facing working people because they’ve lived them. We are confident that Sam will be elected to Congress in November, where he will be a champion for NFFE-IAM members, federal employees, and working Montanans.”

Forstag says Montanans deserve one of their own fighting for them in Congress and ran his campaign on giving everyday people — neighbors, coworkers, family members, and children — a real voice in Washington.

At a time when workers across the country are standing up, organizing, and demanding a greater voice on the job and in our democracy, Forstag has been a steadfast champion for working people and the power of strong unions to fight back against corporate greed. His campaign has energized working people across Montana, and this primary win demonstrates a growing sentiment in the nation that public representation should reflect everyday people.

The IAM Union looks forward to continuing the fight alongside Sam Forstag as he carries the voices of Montana’s working families into the general election.

The post IAM Union’s Own Sam Forstag, a NFFE-IAM Smokejumper, Wins Montana U.S. House Democratic Primary appeared first on IAM Union.

TOWSON, Md., June 2, 2026 — The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) applauded Maryland Gov. Wes Moore today for his statement supporting the approximately 90 members of IAM Local 4538 at the Towson Town Center Apple Store, which Apple has announced it will close June 20.

“The Towson Town Center Apple Store has been a retail anchor for the region since 2022,” said Gov. Moore. “It’s provided good-paying jobs, increased economic activity, and been an important localized service hub for the region. As the first unionized Apple retail store in the country and a strong-performing location, its workers proved that economic growth and workers’ rights go hand-in-hand. Now, the rug is being pulled out from underneath them. These Marylanders deserve the same transfer rights and opportunities afforded to other Apple employees, and we stand with them.”

IAM International President Brian Bryant praised Gov. Moore’s support and called on Apple to act before the store closure deadline.

“Governor Moore is saying what any fair-minded person can plainly see: Apple is treating its unionized workers in Towson differently than every other employee at a closing Apple store in this country,” said Bryant. “Apple workers in Towson voted to join the IAM, fought for and won a contract, and are now being punished for it. Apple signed a collective bargaining agreement that requires equal treatment. It is time for Apple to honor that agreement and do right by these workers before June 20.”

The IAM Union recently held a rally in Towson in support of Apple workers that featured local, state and national elected officials, as well as labor and community allies.

IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan, whose territory includes the Towson store, called the fight a defining moment for the labor movement.

“Our members at the Apple store in Towson proved that organizing works. Our members built power, negotiated a contract, and created a model for Apple store workers everywhere,” said Sullivan. “Apple is now trying to make an example out of them. We will not allow that to happen. The IAM stands firmly with our members in Towson, and we are grateful to Governor Moore and every elected official who has refused to look away.” 

Gov. Moore’s statement comes as pressure on Apple continues to build from elected officials at every level. 

A new Congressional Progressive Caucus-led letter by 40 members of Congress urges the tech giant to reverse course and treat workers fairly at its Towson, Md., location.The letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook and incoming CEO John Ternus–led by Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Greg Casar (D-Texas), U.S. Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Jesús “Chuy” García (D-Ill.) raise serious concerns that Apple’s planned June 20 closure of the Towson Town Center store is part of a broader union-busting effort targeting workers who organized with the IAM Union in 2022.

The Congressional Progressive Caucus outreach follows an earlier letter sent by members of the Maryland congressional delegation raising concerns over Apple’s planned closure of the Towson store, as well as an Unfair Labor Practice charge filed by the IAM Union alleging Apple is violating federal labor law and the workers’ collective bargaining agreement through its treatment of union employees during the closure process. Apple has not yet responded to the Maryland congressional delegation’s May 4 letter. 

The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.

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IAM International President Brian Bryant has appointed Joe Terlisner as Education Representative at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center, effective June 29, 2026.

Terlisner brings more than three decades of union experience and a strong background in worker education, safety training, and leadership development to his new role.

He joined IAM Local 873 in 1995 while working at John Deere in Horicon, Wis., and quickly became an active leader within the Local. Over the years, Terlisner served in several key positions, including Local President and Shop Chairperson, helping guide members through contract fights, workplace issues, and organizing efforts.

In 2014, Terlisner was appointed to IAM District 10, where he advanced to Assistant Directing Business Representative. He also currently serves as Vice President of the Wisconsin State Council of Machinists executive board.

“Joe has dedicated his career to educating, mentoring, and advocating for IAM members,” said IAM International President Brian Byant. “His experience on the shop floor and in the classroom makes him an outstanding addition to the Winpisinger Center team.”

Terlisner’s extensive instructional experience spans both labor education and workplace safety. From 1999 to 2007, he worked for the ATV Safety Institute, training riders on safety procedures and operational protocols for all-terrain vehicles. He also served as a Safety and Health Instructor from 2000 to 2008, delivering OSHA and leadership training to workers at his facility.

At District 10, Terlisner developed and facilitated Shop Chairperson training programs and conducted annual steward training classes, helping prepare the next generation of IAM leaders and workplace advocates.

In his new role at the Winpisinger Center, Terlisner will help educate and empower IAM members from across North America through leadership development, labor education, and skills training programs.

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