The IAM Union is celebrating the grand opening of the Maine Museum of Innovation, Learning and Labor (Maine MILL), a landmark project dedicated to preserving the stories of the workers, families, immigrants and communities who built Maine’s industrial economy.

For IAM International President Brian Bryant, a native Mainer who grew up in the state shaped by its mills, shipyards and working-class communities, the opening is both personal and historic.

“Maine MILL tells the story of the people who built Maine,” said Bryant. “The mills of Lewiston and Auburn employed generations of working families and helped shape communities throughout the state. When many of those jobs disappeared, workers carried their skills, determination, and pride into other industries, including Maine’s shipyards, where many IAM Union members continue that tradition today. Preserving those stories matters because they are the foundation of who we are.”

Located in the historic former Camden Yarns Mill in Lewiston, Maine, the new 22,000-square-foot museum transforms a long-vacant industrial building into a vibrant center for education, storytelling, innovation and community engagement.

In 2025, Bryant led the IAM Union’s efforts to support the museum through the IAM International President’s Classic golf tournament. The event brought together IAM members, labor allies and supporters from across North America and raised more than $150,000 for Maine MILL, helping turn the vision of a permanent home into a reality.

“Supporting Maine MILL was an easy decision for our union,” said Bryant. “The labor movement has a responsibility to preserve the stories of the workers who built our communities and industries. Maine MILL ensures those stories will be shared for generations to come.”

The tournament reflected the deep connection between the IAM Union and Maine’s labor history. Many workers who once found employment in the mills of Lewiston and Auburn later worked in Maine’s shipbuilding industry, where generations of IAM members have continued the tradition of building, manufacturing and strengthening their communities through skilled work.

A lasting symbol of the IAM Union’s commitment to the museum can be found inside the new facility through the IAM Union Design Lab, an innovative space designed to connect visitors with the creativity, ingenuity and problem-solving spirit of Maine’s workers.

The IAM Union Design Lab is a dynamic, hands-on environment where creativity, innovation and learning come together. Equipped with tools for prototyping, crafting and digital exploration, the flexible space invites visitors of all ages to experiment, build and bring ideas to life while drawing inspiration from the museum’s permanent collection.

The space will also host regular make-and-take workshops inspired by artifacts and exhibits throughout the museum. Activities include designing personalized bandanas featuring patterns, shapes and artwork influenced by historic textiles, mill products and objects preserved in the museum’s collection.

“The IAM Union Design Lab is about more than learning history. It’s about experiencing the creativity and innovation that have always been part of working people’s lives,” said Maine MILL Executive Director Rachel Ferrante. “We want visitors to leave inspired by the stories they discover and empowered to create something of their own.”

Founded in 1996 as Museum L-A, Maine MILL began as an effort to preserve the stories of Lewiston-Auburn’s textile workers. Its collection started with machinery and artifacts saved by local residents when the last textile mill closed in 2001. Over the years, the museum expanded its mission to include the shoe, brick and manufacturing industries, as well as the broader stories of immigration, innovation and labor that shaped the region.

Today, Maine MILL houses more than 10,000 artifacts and hundreds of recorded oral histories documenting the lives and experiences of the workers who powered the region’s economy.

At the center of the museum’s permanent collection stands a massive Jacquard loom once used by Bates Manufacturing. The loom, which operated using punch cards to control intricate weaving patterns, serves as a powerful reminder of the innovation and craftsmanship that made Maine’s textile industry known around the world.

“The IAM Union has long been a powerful voice for Maine’s working people, and that legacy is a vital part of the labor history we preserve and celebrate,” said Ferrante. “Maine MILL celebrates the remarkable stories of the people who built this region through hard work and resilience. This museum is a gathering place, a resource and a tribute to working people.”

For Bryant, the opening of Maine MILL represents an investment in the future of Maine workers.

“Working people built Maine, and working people continue to build its future,” said Bryant. “The IAM Union is proud to have helped support this project. I hope our members and all visitors walk through these exhibits and come away with a deeper appreciation for the men and women whose labor built these communities and industries. Their story is Maine’s story.”

Photo by Bret Woodard

Photo courtesy of Maine MILL

Photo courtesy of Maine MILL

Photo courtesy of Maine MILL

Photo courtesy of Maine MILL

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IAM District 9 members recently came together through the HELPS program to support an important community cause, building beds, donating bedding and essential sleep items to help children in need through Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending child bedlessness.

Fifteen volunteers representing IAM Locals 41, 313, 660, 668 and 777 joined forces for the effort, including Assistant Directing Business Representative Tracy Gardner. The District 9 office, the Health, Welfare and Pension Office, local lodges throughout the district, and individual members all contributed bedding and financial donations to support the project.

In total, IAM members donated approximately 60 items, including pillows, comforters, sheet sets, bed-in-a-bag sets, blankets, and quilts.

Founded in 2012, Sleep in Heavenly Peace was created after founders Luke and Heidi Mickelson discovered children in their community sleeping on floors without beds. Today, the volunteer driven organization operates hundreds of chapters across the United States and beyond, building and delivering beds to children ages 3-17 who do not have a safe place to sleep.

“Providing a child with a bed may seem like a simple act, but it can have a life-changing impact,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Our members understand the importance of looking out for our communities. When we learned there were children in need, our members stepped up without hesitation.”

The donations will help support SHP’s mission of ensuring that every child has a comfortable place to sleep, promoting better health, education, and overall well-being for children and families.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace relies on volunteers and community support to build and deliver beds to children in need. Through partnerships with local organizations, schools, businesses, and volunteers, SHP has provided hundreds of thousands of beds nationwide and continues working toward its goal that no child sleeps on the floor.

The project reflects the IAM’s long-standing commitment to giving back and strengthening the communities where members live and work. Through efforts like this, IAM members continue demonstrating that solidarity extends beyond the workplace and into the neighborhoods they call home.

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The IAM and NFFE-IAM joined a broad coalition of labor unions, veterans’ organizations, and lawmakers in opposition to H.R. 9237, the so-called Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol.

Led by U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA), an Iraq War veteran, members of the Democratic Veterans Caucus stood alongside veterans’ advocates and labor leaders to voice concerns that the legislation would reduce benefits for currently serving military members and future veterans.

Among those participating in the event were House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-Calif.), NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin, AFGE National President Everett Kelley, Jess Finucan, from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), and U.S. Reps. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.), Gil Cisneros (D-Calif.), and Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.).

Labor and veterans’ advocates warned that the proposal would undermine commitments made to the nation’s servicemembers and veterans, including those returning from recent military operations. Speakers emphasized that veterans have earned the benefits promised to them through their service and sacrifice and called on lawmakers to reject any effort to reduce those benefits.

“America’s servicemembers and veterans have earned every benefit they were promised through their sacrifice and service to our nation,” said NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin. “Congress should be strengthening the support systems our veterans rely on, not weakening them. NFFE-IAM is proud to stand with our labor partners, veterans’ organizations, and elected leaders in opposing any legislation that breaks faith with those who have worn the uniform.” 

The IAM has long advocated for policies that protect veterans, support military families, and ensure access to quality healthcare, retirement security, and workplace opportunities for those who have served.

The coalition pledged to continue educating lawmakers and the public about the potential impact of H.R. 9237 and urged Congress to protect veterans’ benefits rather than reduce them.

The coalition pledged to continue educating lawmakers and the public about the potential impact of H.R. 9237 and urged Congress to protect veterans’ benefits rather than reduce them. The coalition also submitted letters to both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate outlining its opposition to the legislation. Read the letters here:

• House Letter 
• Senate Letter

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IAM Union International President Brian Bryant joined labor leaders in New Haven for the Connecticut AFL-CIO’s 16th Biennial Political Convention, delivering a powerful keynote address focused on solidarity, organizing, and building worker power in the face of growing attacks on working families.

The convention, themed “Strong Unions, Stronger Democracy,” also featured a keynote address by AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, and its agenda centered on organizing, political action, economic justice, and the protection of workers’ rights.

Bryant followed Shuler, thanking Connecticut AFL-CIO President Ed Hawthorne and the state’s labor movement for their unwavering support during the 2025 IAM District 26 strike at Pratt & Whitney.

“We did not win that strike alone,” Bryant said. “We won because of the solidarity of the labor movement in this state. We won because Connecticut union members understood that the fight at Pratt & Whitney wasn’t just about Pratt & Whitney. It was about every worker in Connecticut.”

Bryant credited the union members of Connecticut for walking picket lines, delivering supplies, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with striking IAM Union Local 1746 and Local 700 members, calling their victory proof that solidarity remains labor’s greatest strength.

Throughout his speech, Bryant challenged corporate greed and attacks on collective bargaining while emphasizing the IAM Union’s commitment to organizing and fighting for working people.

“The labor movement is under attack. Workers are under attack. And unions are under attack,” said Bryant. “But the labor movement has seen this playbook before. And we are not going backward. Not now. Not ever.”

Bryant also highlighted the IAM Union’s Workers vs. Billionaires campaign, urging delegates to recognize that the struggle facing working families transcends political divisions.

“This is not Democrat versus Republican. This is not Left versus Right,” said Bryant. “This is workers versus the people profiting while workers struggle to survive. It is workers versus corporate greed. Workers versus union busting.”

He concluded by calling on delegates to continue organizing new workers and standing united against efforts to weaken unions.

“Together we stand. Together we fight. Together we organize. And together we will build an economy that works for workers—not just billionaires.”

Earlier in the convention, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler urged delegates to continue organizing workers and building political power, arguing that working people must shape an economy that prioritizes the workers who drive it over shareholders and profits.

“That economic pain won’t end until we take on an entire system that has left working people behind, and we put in place an economy that values real work,” said Shuler. “It starts with three words that everyone in this room knows well: Organize, organize, organize. That’s how we change what’s possible in this country.”

Shuler stressed that protecting workers’ rights requires mobilization beyond the workplace and into legislatures. “Organizing in the workplace won’t be successful if it isn’t paired with political organizing. Because the rules matter. Who writes them matters. Who enforces them matters,” said Shuler.

The convention brought together union delegates from across Connecticut to discuss organizing strategies, political action, legislative priorities, and strengthening worker power ahead of the 2026 elections.

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The U.S. Virgin Islands Area Labor Federation (ALF), a coalition representing approximately 4,000 workers across the territory, recently held a debate amongst the three democratic candidates for governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The IAM Union is a key member of the ALF executive committee and helped sponsor the event.   

“The federation is grateful that we had such a robust debate from the candidates. They were responsive to the questions that many working people and families have about issues in the territory,” said U.S. Virgin Islands Area Labor Federation Executive Board President Carver Farrow. “The unionized workers of the Federation seek a partnership with the next government of the Virgin Islands with communication and accountability on both sides. Our debate was a good first step to achieving that goal”.

The debate was part of the federation’s commitment to increasing political engagement and ensuring that the voices of working people remain at the center of the issues shaping the future of the territory.

“The IAM Southern Territory is proud of our union members in the Virgin Island territory. They work the ports, collect the trash, deliver food products from Frito Lay, and work in the territory’s government” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “These candidates need to address the needs of our members and all USVI workers.”

SEE PHOTOS HERE.

The ALF released the results of a poll conducted after the debate held by straw poll, online membership voting, interviews and debate performance judged by the rank and file union members. 

Over 2,600 votes were cast as follows:

• Del. Stacey Plaskett: 45.7%
• Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach: 31.9%
• Former Legislature President Donna Frett Gregory: 20.1%

About the U.S. Virgin Islands Area Labor Federation

Launched in March 2026, the U.S. Virgin Islands Area Labor Federation is a coalition of labor organizations representing approximately 4,000 workers throughout the Territory. The federation was formed to unite working people around shared priorities, strengthen worker engagement, build alliances with community organizations, and ensure elected leaders are accountable to working families.

Participating unions include the IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers), American Federation of Teachers Local 1825, Virgin Islands Police Benevolent Association, Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Supervisors Union, Seafarers International Union, American Federation of School Administrators, and the American Association of University Professors at the University of the Virgin Islands. 

The federation is focused on advancing solutions to the challenges facing workers, including contract delays, workforce shortages, retirement security, workplace safety, economic inequality, and the rising cost of living throughout the Virgin Islands.

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The IAM Rail Division continued to strengthen its international partnerships as TCU/IAM National President Matt Hollis and IAM Special Assistant to the International President for the IAM Rail Division Josh Hartford recently represented the IAM and TCU/IAM at the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Railway Workers Section Steering Committee (RWSSC) meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The meeting marked Hollis’ first as North American Co-Chair of the RWSSC, which brings together 149 affiliate unions from 90 countries representing more than 1.5 million railway workers worldwide.

Over two days, delegates discussed the development and implementation of a global vision for railway workers built around six key pillars established at the ITF 2024 Congress: equity, sustainability, accountability, safety, rights and the future of rail work.

“The challenges facing railway workers may differ from country to country, but our goals remain the same, safe workplaces, good jobs, strong unions and respect for every worker,” said Hollis. “Serving as North American Co-Chair is an opportunity to ensure TCU and IAM members have a strong voice in shaping the future of the global rail industry while learning from the experiences of our brothers and sisters around the world.”

Among the key discussions was a new report examining the experiences of railway workers with disabilities and long-term health conditions. The report found that many workers continue to face barriers, including inaccessible workplaces, insufficient reasonable accommodations, and limited employer support. It also highlighted safety concerns, particularly for workers in safety-critical positions who often lack the training and resources necessary to perform their jobs safely. Delegates emphasized the need for stronger workplace protections, improved implementation of disability rights, and increased union advocacy to create safer and more inclusive workplaces.

Committee members also received an update on the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Railway Technical Meeting held last September, the first global railway sector meeting convened by the ILO in more than three decades. The meeting marked an important step toward addressing critical issues affecting the rail industry, including workforce sustainability, safety, governance, and the long-term future of rail transportation.

Representatives from affiliates around the world shared updates on the successes and challenges facing railway workers in their respective regions. Discussions highlighted the impacts of ongoing conflicts in Iran and Ukraine on transportation workers, as well as the economic and political pressures affecting rail systems worldwide.

Hollis and Hartford also provided updates on issues impacting IAM rail members in the United States, including developments involving the Long Island Rail Road, efforts to advance rail safety legislation, and the effects of policies under the Trump Administration on the nation’s rail industry.

“These international discussions reinforce that solidarity doesn’t stop at our borders,” said Hartford. “By working together with rail unions across the globe, we can share ideas, strengthen our advocacy, and continue fighting for safer workplaces and a stronger future for railway workers everywhere.”

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More than 400 IAM Union delegates traveled to Washington, D.C., for the union’s Legislative Conference, meeting directly with members of Congress and the U.S. Senate to advocate for policies that strengthen working families.

IAM members urged lawmakers to pass key pro-worker legislation, including the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and the Faster Labor Contracts Act, which would make it easier for workers to organize and help ensure newly organized workers can secure a first contract without years of unnecessary delays.

Watch the video report here.

Delegates also called for passage of the Railway Safety Act to improve rail safety, protect workers and communities, and help prevent future derailments.

In addition, IAM members emphasized the importance of continued federal investment in critical aerospace and defense programs—including military aircraft, naval shipbuilding, and other strategic manufacturing initiatives—that support thousands of high-skilled union jobs while strengthening America’s national security and industrial base.

Meeting with Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, IAM delegates delivered a simple message: elected officials must put working people first. Through these face-to-face meetings, the IAM Union continues to hold lawmakers accountable and fight for policies that protect jobs, strengthen workers’ rights, and build a stronger future for working families.

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WASHINGTON, July 6, 2026– Today, the IAM Union’s (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) Maryland and D.C. State Council of Machinists announced its endorsement of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller for reelection, citing their record on growing the state’s labor movement, workplace protections, and collective bargaining rights for the thousands of IAM members who live and work across the state and the District.

“Gov. Moore and Lt. Gov. Miller have shown they understand that a strong Maryland economy starts with workers who can bargain for fair wages and safe jobs,” said Maryland and D.C. State Council of Machinists President Rick Compher. “When Apple punished our members at IAM Local 4538 in Towson, Gov. Moore didn’t stay silent. He spoke out about how our members deserved the same transfer rights as every other Apple employee. From IAM members at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River (PAX) to those keeping air travel moving at Baltimore’s Thurgood Marshall International Airport to those working in the federal and defense sector across the region, IAM families have a stake in who leads this state. Gov. Moore and Lt. Gov. Miller have proven they support working families.”

Moore and Miller’s strong record of protecting workers’ right to organize and ensuring they have a seat at the table was crucial to the decision to endorse. The Moore-Miller administration has given the IAM a seat at the table and a voice in the policies that shape our jobs and livelihoods, from collective bargaining rights to workplace safety standards. Moore has helped make this state better for workers. 

The IAM Union represents thousands of workers across Maryland and the District of Columbia in the aerospace, shipbuilding, transportation, and federal sectors. The state council will engage IAM members, their families, and allies across the labor movement to mobilize support for Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

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As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we reflect on the freedoms that define our nation and honor those who have sacrificed to protect them.

The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate the ideals of liberty, democracy, and opportunity that have shaped our country’s history. While many families will gather for barbecues, parades, and fireworks, millions of hardworking Americans will spend the holiday on the job, keeping our nation moving.

The IAM Union is proud to represent workers who build, maintain, manufacture, transport, defend, and serve our country every day. Whether supporting our nation’s military, keeping our transportation systems running, manufacturing critical equipment, or providing essential services, IAM Union members play a vital role in strengthening America and our communities.

As our nation faces challenges and uncertain times, this anniversary is also a reminder that our greatest strength has always been our ability to stand together. While we may come from different backgrounds and hold different perspectives, we are stronger when we remain united by our shared commitment to freedom, democracy, and opportunity for all.

This Independence Day, we also pay tribute to the brave men and women of our Armed Forces, our veterans, first responders, and all those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our nation’s freedoms. Their service and sacrifice make it possible for us to enjoy the liberties we cherish today.

On behalf of the IAM Executive Council, thank you to our members and their families for everything you do. I wish you a safe, happy, and meaningful Independence Day.

In solidarity,

Brian Bryant
International President

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IAM Local 1414 near San Francisco recently awarded three top students from nearby Washington High School with new toolboxes. The annual scholarship endeavor is open to graduating automotive students in the San Francisco Unified School District who studied at Washington High School’s prestigious automotive program, the only one in the city.

“Our lodge is committed to excellence, and since 2012 we’ve trained Washington High School students to become high-skilled mechanics in the automotive industry,” said Silvio “Rich” Del Rosso, IAM Local 1414 executive board member and class instructor. “The Machinists Union prepares young mechanics for a lucrative auto tech career that pays great. We’re talking about jobs with good benefits, an environment with safe working conditions, and a good union contract.”

The three lucky students, Ezra Wolf, Sebastian Cardona Hernandez and Wallace Starkweather, were awarded the toolboxes during the Local 1414 membership meeting in June.

“I’m proud of our members at Local 1414 and their commitment to mentoring a new generation of automotive techs,” said Robert “Bobby” Martinez, IAM Western Territory General Vice President. “These students are bright, driven and are destined to be successful in the automotive world.”

To learn more about Local 1414’s automotive program at Washington High School, and to hear directly from the students, enjoy the following IAM video. 

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