The IAM Air Transport Territory made history by hosting the union’s first-ever Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit, a groundbreaking educational event designed to prepare union leaders for the rapidly changing workplace while reinforcing the IAM’s commitment to protecting good union jobs through innovation, education, and collective bargaining.

The three-day summit, an initiative of IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen, brought together representatives from IAM Districts 141, 142, and 19, the Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM), the Transport Workers Union (TWU), and the Air Transport Territory for hands-on training focused on understanding artificial intelligence and its growing impact on the transportation industry and the labor movement.

“As technology continues to reshape our industries, it is critical that our union stays ahead of the curve,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “This summit is about giving our representatives the knowledge and tools they need to protect our members, strengthen organizing efforts, and ensure workers have a voice in how AI is implemented in the workplace. This is just the beginning of a larger effort to grow and expand AI education throughout our union.”

See photos

The summit featured instruction from labor and employment attorney and AI expert Joe Bonomo, who led participants through an interactive curriculum covering the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, its growing role in the workplace, and the importance of ensuring unions help shape how these technologies are introduced.

Participants explored strategies for negotiating contract language addressing AI, protecting members from the misuse of artificial intelligence by employers, and responsibly incorporating AI into union communications, organizing campaigns, research, and member servicing. Through hands-on exercises and collaborative discussions, attendees developed practical skills they can immediately apply in their work representing IAM members.

“The real success of this summit will be measured by what happens after everyone returns home,” said IAM Air Transport Territory Chief of Staff Edison Fraser. “ By investing in this education today, we’re building a stronger union that’s prepared for the future of work.”

Watch video

Unlike many conversations surrounding artificial intelligence, the summit emphasized that AI should be used to support workers – not replace them. By proactively educating union leaders, the IAM is positioning itself to negotiate stronger contract protections, improve member services, enhance organizing efforts, and ensure workers have a voice in how emerging technologies are implemented.

As the first AI educational event in IAM history, the summit represents an important step in preparing the union for the future of work. Building on the success of this inaugural program, the IAM Air Transport Territory plans to continue expanding AI education and training opportunities so more union representatives across the IAM can leverage emerging technologies while continuing to put members first.

The post IAM Air Transport Territory Hosts Inaugural AI Summit to Prepare Union for the Future of Work appeared first on IAM Union.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RICHMOND, Va., July 29, 2026 — Members of LGBG Workers United, represented by the IAM Union, launched their second one-day Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike today in protest of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s continued refusal to bargain in good faith over wages in first-contract negotiations.

The IAM Union filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board on April 30, 2026, citing regressive bargaining in wage proposals from Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden during negotiations.

The workers’ strike received a major show of solidarity from Grammy-nominated musician Jesse Welles, who was scheduled to perform at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden on Wednesday evening. After learning of the strike, Welles announced he would not cross the workers’ picket line and had a message for Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: “Pay a living wage or get lost.”

In an Instagram post to his 2.2 million followers, Welles wrote:

“In solidarity with the workers on strike at the botanical garden we are rescheduling our show this evening in Richmond.

“To the fans: we would not want to put you in a position to cross the picket line, we are sorry.
To the Garden: pay a living wage or get lost.
To the workers: never back down.

“We’ve rescheduled the show for Friday, September 25th at The National. Your tickets from tonight will remain valid for the rescheduled date. For those who cannot make this date, refunds will be available at your original point of purchase.”

“We’re incredibly grateful to Jesse Welles for standing with working people,” said IAM Union Organizer Bridget Fitzgerald. “His decision sends a powerful message that workers fighting for fair wages deserve the community’s support. We hope garden leadership hears his message.”

The workers are also calling on the public to boycott Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden until a fair agreement is reached. They are asking supporters to refrain from purchasing admission tickets or buying or renewing annual memberships until the garden bargains a contract that provides employees with living wages and the respect they have earned.

This all comes more than a year after workers began negotiating their first union contract following a decisive vote to join the IAM Union in November 2024. Wages remain the primary obstacle to reaching an agreement, with the average bargaining unit employee earning just $17.52 per hour—well below the estimated $25-per-hour living wage for the Richmond area.

More than 50 community members publicly backed workers during the organizing drive, and a recent petition supporting the employees has collected nearly 1,000 signatures from Garden members, volunteers, and local residents, many of whom have pledged to support the workers if the dispute escalated.

The post Grammy-Nominated Musician Jesse Welles Honors Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Workers’ Picket Line, Cancels Show: ‘Pay a Living Wage or Get Lost’ appeared first on IAM Union.

Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, 412-562-2444, jkamm@usw.org; Jonathan Battaglia, 202-579-3212, jbattaglia@iamaw.org

PITTSBURGH – United Steelworkers (USW) International President Roxanne Brown and IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) International President Brian Bryant today sent a letter to United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer, urging him to reconsider tariffs on Canadian goods and instead employ a trade policy built on the long history and unique relationship the two nations share.

 “While it’s true that workers and their communities have suffered greatly from decades of so-called free trade, Canada has never been the problem,” said Brown. “Our two nations share a deep collaboration built on decades of economic integration as well as intelligence and defense cooperation. Rather than imposing further tariffs through Section 338 or any other mechanism, we should instead work together with our Canadian allies to limit illegal trade practices and advance our shared prosperity.”

“Unfair trade has no place in the global economy, and the IAM Union supports strong trade enforcement that protects human rights, defends good-paying jobs, and holds bad actors accountable,” said Bryant. “But trade policy should also strengthen partnerships with allies that share our commitment to fair labor standards. Canada is one of our closest economic partners, and we urge the administration to work with the Canadian government to preserve the integrated manufacturing relationship that supports workers on both sides of the border.”

President Donald Trump on July 20 signed three proclamations imposing additional 50 percent tariffs on several Canadian products, which will take effect in 30 days. This and other trade actions taken by the United States under this administration have disrupted aspects of the bilateral trade relationship and created uncertainty for producers and workers in both countries. Total merchandise trade between the two countries exceeded $700 billion last year.

“USW members in Canada proudly work in coordination with their U.S. counterparts, with materials and components historically passing back and forth across our border several times before becoming a finished good,” said Marty Warren, who serves as the USW National Director for Canada. “Canadian workers also understand what’s at stake for their jobs and communities if we fail to curb the illegal trade practices that are fueling global overcapacity. Providing a united front against bad actors will help advance the interests of workers in both countries.”

“Canadian and American IAM Union members build some of the most advanced aerospace and manufacturing products in the world together every day,” said IAM Union Canadian General Vice President David Chartrand. “Our economies and our members succeed when the United States and Canada work together as partners. As these trade measures move forward, we encourage both governments to continue strengthening that relationship and protecting the manufacturing jobs that support working families.”

The unions in their letter to Greer urged him to prioritize confronting countries like China rather than “drive a further wedge between our nations” and noted that “our unions have supported several of the administration’s trade actions. We will continue our work to abandon the outdated and misguided free trade orthodoxy in favor of trade policies that address the reality of markets and the policies of many of our trade partners.”

Read the full text of the letter here.

The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of people in tech, higher education, public sector and service occupations.

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.

###

The post USW, IAM Urge USTR to Reconsider Canada Trade Policy appeared first on IAM Union.

The IAM Wood, Pulp and Paper Council is inviting IAM Union members, friends, family and barbecue enthusiasts to fire up their grills for the 7th Annual Chillin’ & Grillin’ Barbecue Competition, a virtual event taking place Aug. 15 and 16, 2026.

Watch the promo video here. 

Competitors can enter the Chicken Champion or Rib Champion categories for $100, or choose the Prime Entry for $150, which includes both categories and a bonus opportunity to compete in the Cooks Choice Champion division. The Cooks Choice category welcomes nearly anything that can be grilled, including seafood, steak, vegetables, pizza and more.

Sign up to compete or sponsor the event here.

Entries will be judged on appearance, presentation, moisture, smoke rings, and tenderness, while Cooks Choice entries will also be evaluated on creativity and uniqueness. Awards will be presented for Grand Champion, category champions, Cooks Choice Champion, and Best of Each Territory.

The competition is sponsored by IAM International President Brian Bryant, with proceeds benefiting Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines.

Participants can register by visiting iam4.me/bbq2026.

Join us for a great event!

The post Join Us for the Wood, Pulp and Paper Council’s 7th Annual ‘Chillin’ & Grillin’ Barbecue Competition appeared first on IAM Union.

IAM District 9 hosted a successful Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines (GDA | TLC) Clay Shoot on July 11 at NILO Farms in Brighton, Ill., bringing together 64 shooters for a day of friendly competition in support of the IAM’s favorite charity.

“This event is about more than sporting clays—it’s about changing lives. Every participant and sponsor helps provide greater independence and opportunity for individuals who rely on GDA | TLC,” said IAM District 9 Business Representative Darren Bierman. “We’re proud to bring our community together for a day of friendly competition while supporting the incredible mission of Guide Dogs of America. District 9 would like to thank everyone who donated and participated to make this day possible.”

GDA|TLC recipient Kim Boehm attended with her service dog Jackson to share their story and represent the value of supporting the organization. 

The event featured outstanding marksmanship from participants across the district. The first-place team, sponsored by IAM Local 660, posted a score of 378 and included Darren Bierman, Derek Bierman, Zach Bertles, Ryan Reno and Garrett Gerdes.

Two teams sponsored by IAM Local 41 rounded out the top three. The second-place team scored 376 and consisted of Aaron Schlemmer, Matt Malone, Dave Brown, Eric Buchhite, and Scott Beyer. The third-place team finished with a score of 358 and included Chris Steinkuehler, Will Roach, Austin Quirin, Mike Shatley, and Ethan Brown.

The top three teams were awarded trophies, as well as the top three individual competitors: Matt Malone of IAM Local 41 with a score of 88, followed by Derek Bierman of IAM Local 660 with a score of 83 and Ari Alexanian of Olin Winchester who scored an 83 to earn third place.

Sponsors donated an assortment of raffle prizes that competitors bought tickets to win. The top prizes, three shotguns, were donated by the District 9 staff, IAM Midwest Territory International Representative Jen Kahl, and District 9 Business Representative Darren Bierman. 

Events like the District 9 Clay Shoot help raise critical funds for Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines, which provides service dogs and training at no cost to individuals who are blind, visually impaired, veterans and children with autism.

The post District 9 Clay Shoot Raises Funds for IAM’s Favorite Charity appeared first on IAM Union.

The Southern Territory’s fundraising efforts for the 2028 IAM International Convention, which will be hosted in New Orleans, received a boost as IAM Union members and supporters helped raise more than $32,000 through the Kimber Rapide Dawn 1911 raffle.

The winning ticket was drawn on July 1, during the Southern Territory Staff Training Session.

Congratulations to Brother Douglas Pribble of IAM Local 10 (District 2020), whose name was selected as the winner. Pribble has been notified and has chosen to receive the Kimber Rapide Dawn 1911 pistol rather than the cash option.

The raffle is one of several fundraising initiatives supporting the 2028 IAM International Convention, helping ensure a successful event that will bring together IAM delegates, staff, and leaders from across North America in New Orleans.

“We want to thank every IAM Union member, retiree and supporter who purchased a ticket and helped make this raffle such a tremendous success,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “We are already busy preparing for an outstanding 2028 IAM International Convention in New Orleans that will showcase the strength of the Southern Territory and the entire IAM Union. Congratulations to Brother Douglas Pribble, and thank you to everyone who made this fundraiser possible.”

Be on the lookout soon for the next Southern Territory fundraising raffle benefiting the 2028 IAM International Convention!

The post Southern Territory Raffle Helps Power 2028 IAM International Convention – Another Chance to Win Soon! appeared first on IAM Union.

WASHINGTON, July 27, 2026 – Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) released the following statement after the Office of the United States Trade Representative announced new Section 301 trade actions aimed at addressing forced labor in global supply chains:

“Forced labor has no place in the global economy. Companies and countries that profit from exploitation should not be rewarded with access to the U.S. market at the expense of workers who play by the rules.

“The IAM Union supports strong trade enforcement that defends human rights, protects good-paying jobs and prevents unfair trade practices from undermining American and Canadian manufacturing. When foreign governments allow forced labor to persist in their supply chains, they create an artificial cost advantage that hurts workers everywhere.

“Trade enforcement is most effective when it is focused on changing the behavior of the worst offenders while strengthening partnerships with nations that share our commitment to higher labor standards and fair competition.

“That is why we are deeply troubled to see Canada, which shares the United States’ commitment to ban goods manufactured with forced labor, included in these actions. The IAM Union proudly represents workers in both the United States and Canada, and our members build products together every day through one of the most integrated manufacturing relationships in the world. As this policy moves forward, we encourage the administration to work with Canada to preserve the strong economic and labor partnership that has benefited workers on both sides of the border for generations.”

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.

The post IAM Union: Fight Forced Labor, Strengthen the U.S.-Canada Partnership appeared first on IAM Union.

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.

The post IAM Union’s Maine State Council Unanimously Endorses Troy Jackson for U.S. Senate appeared first on IAM Union.

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.

The post Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller Accepts IAM Union Endorsement on Behalf of Moore-Miller Ticket at Maryland and D.C. State Council Meeting appeared first on IAM Union.

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.

The post IP Bryant at AFT Convention: Working People Belong in Public Office appeared first on IAM Union.