IAM Union members joined IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez and fellow labor activists in Tucson on Saturday, Oct. 17, to get out the vote and build support for candidates who will stand with working families.

The Arizona AFL-CIO’s canvass launch brought together union members and community allies to defend the freedom to vote and emphasize the stakes for workers in the upcoming midterm elections. The event is part of the IAM’s largest national midterm election mobilization effort to date, engaging members in battleground states through direct conversations about workers’ priorities.

See Photos: 2026 Tucson GOTV Rally

Martinez, a Tucson native, addressed the gathering alongside AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva, Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and Pima Area Labor Federation Chair Cecilia Valdez.

“We have to believe in ourselves and in the power we have when we stand together,” said Martinez. “I know how hard our families work and what it means to fight for a good cause. Good jobs, fair wages, and a better future for our children are worth that fight. When we come together, knock on doors and get out the vote, we can make real change for working people.”

Watch: IAM Western Territory General Vice President Martinez on the importance of getting out the vote

Following the rally, IAM members joined their union siblings and allies to knock on doors across Tucson, talking with voters about the importance of making their voices heard and electing labor-friendly candidates.

Those conversations focused on issues that affect working families every day, including wages, benefits, retirement security, and the right to organize and bargain collectively. Members also discussed the need to fight economic inequality and an economy that concentrates wealth in the hands of billionaires at the expense of working families.

IAM members are taking the same solidarity they bring to the bargaining table into their communities, encouraging fellow workers to vote and help elect leaders who will stand up for working people.

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As IAM retirees clubs continue to grow, the union is looking for meaningful ways to keep retirees connected, engaged and supported. Access to guidance on Medicare options is one way the IAM can deliver a lasting benefit to members as they move into retirement.

Listen to this episode on your favorite platform here.

On this episode of Shift Change, International President Bryant sits down with Andrea MonteCalvo of Employee Benefits Systems (EBS) to discuss the IAM’s custom Medicare options for retirees. They explore how retirees can get personalized help understanding their coverage options and where to turn for more information.

To learn more, call 1-833-443-1942, visit ebsretireesolutions.net or contact us at retirees@ebsworksite.com. You can also visit ebsworksite.com.

Your union wants you to be aware that these benefits exist and that they may be helpful to you. Your union, however, is not party to any agreement you enter into with Employee Benefit Systems and is not responsible in any way for the operation or administration of any plans.

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Cheryle Eckhardt, a 29-year veteran of the airline industry, an IAM member at Sky Harbor Local 2559, and a member of District 142, offers her firsthand perspective on how economic issues are prompting her to volunteer this year in the midterm election. Eckhardt is walking neighborhoods, educating fellow union members in Arizona about the importance of voting for pro-labor candidates.

View the video here. 

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For the IAM Union, being an advocate for the membership is part of a deeper responsibility – a responsibility to ensure that the membership it serves has a seat at every table. From corporate boardrooms, when it comes time to negotiate substantial contracts, to making sure that those who represent us in government know where workers’ priorities lie.

Over the weekend, IAM Union International President Brian Bryant and other IAM leadership visited with members to hear firsthand how organizing with the IAM is delivering a stronger voice in the workplace, dignity, respect, and justice on the job.

Leaders spoke with members at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center, where the IAM organized over 1,000 highly skilled Patient Care Associates (PCAs) and Psychiatric Care Technicians (PCTs). IAM Healthcare Bargaining Committee Member and now Chief Steward, Kelly Williams, welcomed leadership and expressed appreciation for their visit. A desire to become more involved in their union and the benefits of negotiating and signing their first contract were the top topics of discussion during Bryant’s visit.

This first agreement offers a robust compensation package and includes strong language to support our continued growth. PCAs and PCTs now receive the professional recognition they deserve, and together, they are leveraging the tools secured in this agreement to champion safe staffing and patient care.

View photos here.

Holding true to their mantra, IAM Healthcare works to provides healthcare members with a center of resources to organize new members and grow power in a rapidly changing and evolving industry, bargain strong and effective agreements with employers that ensure our members have a voice in quality patient care, and strategically advocate on legislation and policies that impacts and governs our professions and the conditions under which we provide care to our patients.

PCAs and PCTs at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center are a testament to the commitment to healthcare workers.

Additionally, Bryant and the leadership delegation attended the Ohio State Council of Machinists in Columbus and carried the Workers vs. Billionaires message to the delegates.

“A family can do everything right—work hard, play by the rules and save what they can—and still feel like they are one emergency away from losing everything,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Workers create the wealth—but billionaires take more and more of it!”

Watch the video here. 

In an economic environment where the cost of everything has skyrocketed, the only group not feeling the economic impact is billionaires. In recent memory, basic necessities were out of reach for a large portion of North America’s middle-class workforce. Today, the staggering trend continues to push the middle class further into poverty – a trend which, by all standards, cannot continue.

As the middle class slips further, rising inequality is the root of the affordability problem, according to the Economic Policy Institute. Policymakers must look at the affordability crisis as an inherent cause.

“This union will never tell you who to vote for,” said IAM Union Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon. “Our job is to educate the membership about what’s at stake, how the current political candidates stand on issues affecting labor and working families.”

View photos here.

Ohio State Council President D. Scott Rich opened the one-day conference to carry the message that, with the IAM Union, the solutions are clear. This election season is no longer just a season. Outcomes from this election cycle will determine whether there is any recovery for the American workforce.

“This is not about the D or the R next to your name, it’s not about being the Independent voter,” said IAM Ohio State Council President D. Scott Rich. “This is about voting for who is going to fight and support you and your family and all working families in Ohio and elsewhere”

In a traditional fashion, the state council provided an opportunity for current working family candidates in Ohio to address the delegation.

The IAM Union has a long history of supporting working family candidates through the Machinist Non-Partisan Political League, ensuring that working families’ voices are heard on Capitol Hill.

As the IAM continues to ramp up, people are engaged and excited. We’re seeing sky-high energy and optimism across the country as we fight for real change for working people. IAM Union members have the power to make a difference. Please join us in getting out the vote. Find out where and how you can participate here.

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On this episode of Shift Change, IAM International President Brian Bryant sits down with leaders from IAM District 4 and Local S6, along with negotiating committee members, to discuss a historic contract victory for nearly 4,500 shipbuilders at Bath Iron Works in Maine.

Listen to this episode on your favorite platform here.

Hear how they prepared for negotiations, put members’ priorities front and center, and mobilized the membership to build solidarity and strength at the bargaining table.

The result: a five-year agreement with a 17% first-year wage increase, stronger job and healthcare protections, safeguards addressing artificial intelligence and new technology, and zero concessions. For Bryant, a former Bath Iron Works shipbuilder and proud Local S6 member, it’s a conversation rooted in the power of members standing together.

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The IAM Union invites our Districts and Locals to join our labor and civil-rights allies at the 2027 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil & Human Rights Conference.

This communication will serve as the Official Call Letter for the conference. 

Join our labor and civil-rights allies in Washington, D.C. from Jan. 14-17, 2027 for the 2027 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil & Human Rights Conference.

Washington Hilton
1919 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20009, US

This year’s theme is, “United by the Dream.” Through this annual conference, we continue our legacy of civil rights and labor solidarity. We stand in our collective power to fight back against ongoing attacks and chart our course forward along the long arc that bends toward justice.

We’ll think strategically about the road ahead and our continued fight for economic and racial justice with, and within our movement.  

Register now for the 2027 AFL-CIO MLK Civil and Human Rights Conference.

This conference is an important platform for dialogue and action at the intersection of labor rights and civil/human rights. It celebrates Dr. King’s enduring legacy while setting a course for collective strength in 2027.

Participants will engage in timely discussions led by experts about the most pressing issues facing our movement from attacks on workers’ collective-bargaining rights to threats to our democracy, including voting rights and economic justice.

Workshops and breakout sessions will provide attendees with hands-on tools and best practices to empower them to organize in their communities and workplaces. Whether you’re a rank-and-file member or a union leader, this is an opportunity to sharpen skills, build alliances, and leave ready to drive change.

Book your room here.

If you need additional information and if you’re an IAM member attending the conference, please contact IAM Human Rights Director Nicole Fears at nfears@iamaw.org so we can ensure all IAM participants receive an IAM shirt for the event.

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The IAM Local 2198 Young Workers Committee recently hosted its second annual Dora Cervantes Bowling Fundraiser to benefit Guide Dogs of America – Tender Loving Canines (GDA | TLC), bringing together IAM members, families and community supporters from across the United States.

Building on last year’s inaugural event, the fundraiser honored IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Cervantes for her longstanding support of GDA | TLC and her commitment to encouraging young members to take on leadership roles in the union.

SEE PHOTOS: 2nd Dora Cervantes Bowling Fundraiser for GLC | TLC

IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen and Air Transport staff attended, along with young workers and members from multiple IAM locals across the country.

“It means so much to see our young workers continue this fundraiser and bring more members into the effort,” said Cervantes. “Thank you to Local 2198’s Young Workers Committee and everyone who supported the event. Your generosity helps GDA | TLC provide dogs that give people greater independence and support in their everyday lives.”

All proceeds will go directly to GDA | TLC, which provides service dogs free of charge to veterans, individuals who are blind or visually impaired, and children with autism.

IAM Local 2198 Young Workers Committee Chair Quintarius Oliver and IAM Local 2198 President Enrique Bojorquez thanked participants and volunteers for helping carry the event into its second year.

“After our first fundraiser, we wanted to keep it going and get more people involved,” said Oliver. “Seeing members and young workers from locals across the country come out to support us meant a lot. We’re proud to honor General Secretary-Treasurer Cervantes and support a charity that helps so many people.”

The annual fundraiser gives young workers an opportunity to organize together, build relationships across locals and raise awareness of GDA | TLC’s mission.

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The IAM’s Arizona State Council has wrapped up its 2026 Fall Conference, bringing together about 30 union leaders, delegates, and guests to discuss the future of working families across the state.

The conference was led by Council President Steve Nickel, with special guest IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez also was in attendance.

Watch the video report. 

A major focus of the gathering was the upcoming election season. The Council formally endorsed two candidates — incumbent Adelita Grijalva and Joanna Mendoza, who is challenging for Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District.

Both candidates addressed union members and outlined positions supporting the PRO Act, worker protections, and stronger health and safety standards.

See photos here.

Arizona’s extreme heat and water supply were also major issues discussed at the conference.

Union leaders emphasized the need for stronger protections for outdoor and agricultural workers exposed to dangerous heat, while also addressing the growing financial burden on Arizona families who struggle to afford air conditioning during periods of extreme temperatures.

Water conservation was another key concern, with speakers stressing the importance of protecting Arizona’s water resources for future generations.

The conference also highlighted positive developments within the IAM Union. Reports from Districts and Locals showed successful contract negotiations throughout the year, along with organizing victories and membership growth across the state.

Council President Steve Nickel called the conference a success, with strong participation and discussions focused on both workplace issues and the political challenges facing Arizona workers.

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