WASHINGTON, D.C., May 21, 2026 — The IAM Union today applauded the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for passing an amendment to include the Railway Safety Act (RSA) in the BUILD America 250 Act, marking a major step forward in the fight to strengthen freight rail safety protections for railroad workers and communities nationwide.

For years, the IAM Union, Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) and rail labor unions have warned lawmakers and regulators about deteriorating safety conditions caused by aggressive cost-cutting, understaffing, longer trains, and unsafe operating practices imposed by Class I freight railroad carriers. Those concerns were sadly confirmed on Feb. 3, 2023 when a Norfolk Southern train derailed in the small town of East Palestine, Ohio, and tank cars loaded with toxic chemicals were set aflame, polluting the area for many miles. 

The legislation advances long-overdue reforms aimed at protecting railroad workers, first responders, and the tens of millions of Americans living near freight rail corridors, just like the residents of East Palestine. 

The Railway Safety Act amendment includes provisions that:

• Require railroads to properly use wayside defect detectors and stop trains when dangerous defects are identified

• Prohibits arbitrary railroad-imposed time limits on rail safety inspections

• Closes loopholes in regulations to promote and protect the use of qualified mechanical inspectors in performing critical safety inspections

• Expands enhanced safety requirements for hazardous materials shipments

• Requires two-person crews on most Class I freight trains, including those carrying hazardous materials

• Improves emergency response information and resources for communities and first responders

• Strengthens federal freight rail safety oversight and accountability measures

The unions also thanked U.S. Reps. Troy Nehls (R-Texas), Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.), Dina Titus (D-Nev.), Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.), and Emilia Sykes (D-Ohio) for leading the bipartisan amendment effort in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

The IAM Union and TCU/IAM recognized the Trump Administration for making rail safety legislation a priority and Vice President JD Vance for introducing and championing the Railway Safety Act while serving in the United States Senate following the East Palestine derailment disaster.

“Today’s committee vote is a major victory for railroad workers and communities that have spent years demanding action while Class I rail carriers prioritized profits over safety,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Our members know firsthand the dangers created by rushed inspections, reduced staffing and unsafe operating practices. This legislation represents meaningful progress toward finally putting safety first across the freight rail industry.”

“This legislation reflects years of advocacy from frontline railroad workers who have continued sounding the alarm about dangerous conditions across the industry,” said TCU/IAM National President Matt Hollis. “Railroaders deserve the staffing levels, inspection protections and safety standards necessary to safely operate the nation’s freight rail network.”

“For too long, freight rail carriers have pushed unsafe operating models that place enormous pressure on workers while putting communities at risk,” said Josh Hartford, IAM Special Assistant to the International President for the IAM Rail Division. “This legislation addresses many of the systemic safety failures rail labor has warned about for years.”

“Railroad workers have fought tirelessly for these protections because they understand what is at stake every day on the job,” said IAM District 19 President and Directing General Chair Reece Murtagh. “This committee vote sends a strong message that Congress is finally listening to the workers who keep this industry moving.”

The IAM Union and TCU/IAM urged Congress to continue advancing the Railway Safety Act through the legislative process and called on lawmakers in both parties to support final passage.

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, TCU/IAM Applaud House Committee Advancement of Railway Safety Act After Years of Rail Labor Advocacy appeared first on IAM Union.

The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) and Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) are standing in full solidarity with IAM and TCU/IAM members on strike at the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), alongside fellow union workers in a coalition representing 3,500 railroad employees.

The strike began at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, May 16 after years of stalled negotiations, four years without raises for many workers, and repeated failures by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and LIRR management to reach a fair agreement.

“Our members kept Long Island moving through every challenge thrown at this railroad, and they deserve dignity, respect and a fair contract,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “The MTA and LIRR had every opportunity to settle this dispute and avoid a strike. Instead, they chose delays, concessions and disrespect. The IAM Union stands shoulder to shoulder with our members and every worker on the picket line. We have their backs for as long as it takes.”

The coalition of unions has said workers are seeking a contract that keeps pace with the rising cost of living on Long Island after years without raises, despite recommendations from federal panels supporting wage increases.

“TCU/IAM members did not want to be forced into this position, but management left workers with no other choice,” said TCU/IAM National President Matt Hollis. “Our members show up every day to keep this railroad running safely and efficiently for hundreds of thousands of commuters. They deserve a contract that respects their work and recognizes the sacrifices they have made. We will remain united until a fair agreement is reached.”

The Long Island Rail Road is the busiest commuter railroad in the United States, serving roughly 300,000 daily riders. This marks the first strike at the carrier in more than three decades.

“Our IAM Rail Division members and our brothers and sisters across this coalition have bargained in good faith throughout this entire process,” said Josh Hartford, IAM Special Assistant to the International President for the IAM Rail Division. “The responsibility for this strike falls squarely on MTA and LIRR management. We are proud to stand with our members on the picket line.”

The IAM Union is encouraging the public and labor allies across the country to support striking LIRR workers as they continue their fight for a fair contract.

The post IAM Union, TCU/IAM Stand with Striking Long Island Rail Road Members Fighting for Fair Contract appeared first on IAM Union.

WEST PLAINS, Mo., May 11, 2026 – The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is calling on Leonardo DRS to immediately end its lockout of more than 285 IAM Local 2782 (District 9) members in West Plains, Mo., and return to the bargaining table with a commitment to reach a fair agreement that respects workers.

IAM Local 2782 (District 9)-represented workers were locked out by the company after voting to reject a proposed contract that failed to provide fair wage increases and unsustainable (or unworkable) increases in healthcare costs. Workers were sent home with pay prior to the contract’s expiration, and the company officially began the lockout at 12:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1, following the contract’s expiration.

Members had also voted to authorize a strike if a fair contract reflecting their needs was not reached.

“These workers showed up in good faith, ready to negotiate a contract that reflects their value and contributions,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Instead of working toward a fair contract, the company chose to lock them out. That is unacceptable. The IAM Union is calling on Leonardo DRS to end this lockout immediately and return to negotiations with a commitment to reaching a fair agreement that respects these workers and the critical work they perform.”

“IAM Local 2782 members are united and determined to secure a contract that reflects their worth,” said IAM District 9 Directing Business Representative Jason Tetidrick. “Locking out these workers only delays progress and puts unnecessary strain on working families in this community. The path forward is clear: end the lockout, respect these workers, and negotiate a fair agreement.”

“Our members made it clear that the proposal on the table did not meet their needs,” said IAM District 9 Business Representative BJ Wear. “Rather than addressing those concerns, the company escalated the situation by locking them out. This is about fairness, fair wages, affordable benefits, and reasonable working conditions. We are ready to get back to the table and reach an agreement, but it takes a real commitment from the company to do so.”

The IAM Union stands firmly with Local 2782 members and urges Leonardo DRS to end the lockout and engage in meaningful negotiations that deliver a fair contract for workers.

The post IAM Union Calls on Leonardo DRS to End Lockout of West Plains Workers and Return to Fair Negotiations appeared first on IAM Union.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After weeks on the picket line, IAM Union Local 778 members have voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement with Olin Corporation’s Winchester division, officially ending their strike that began on April 4.

The agreement was approved by the membership on Wednesday, May 6, marking a victory for the more than 1,300 skilled workers at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant who stood united in their fight for improved wages, better working conditions, and relief from excessive overtime.

IAM Local 778 members return to work starting on the day shift, Thursday, May 7, bringing the end to a strike that drew national attention and underscored the essential role these workers play in supporting U.S. military readiness.

“This ratified agreement met the needs of our membership and they are ready to get back to work under these new terms,” said IAM Local 778 Directing Business Representative Scott Brown. “Our members fought for a contract that includes improvements to pay and relief to mandatory overtime scheduling.”

“Our members stood up and fought for fairness,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “They walked the picket line day and night, advocating for every worker in the plant for relief from excessive overtime to improve their work-life balance.”

“I am proud of these members for their courage and sacrifice,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “The members of IAM Local 778 took the necessary action to make their workplace better and make each other’s lives better. ”

Details of the new contract include front-loaded wage increases over the course of the four-year agreement and some relief from forced overtime. Union leaders say the agreement represents meaningful progress and a foundation for continued improvements.

The post IAM Local 778 Members Ratify New Contract, End Strike at Olin Winchester appeared first on IAM Union.

Leer en español

AGUADILLA, P.R., May 5, 2026 – IAM Union-represented Lufthansa Technik workers in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement, securing job protections, a signing bonus, wage increases, and improved benefits.

The agreement, covering more than 200 aircraft mechanics and related workers, follows nearly four years of negotiations driven by strong member advocacy and solidarity. The first contract establishes a solid foundation of rights, pay, benefits, and working conditions that workers can continue to build on in future bargaining.

Throughout negotiations, IAM Union leadership worked closely with the bargaining committee and membership to ensure workers’ voices remained front and center and to push the process forward despite delays.

“This first contract wasn’t given to these workers – it was earned through their unity, determination, and refusal to back down,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico workers didn’t wait for change – they organized for it, fought for it, and won it.”

“For Lufthansa Technik workers in Aguadilla, this first contract represents long-awaited progress after years of standing together,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “It’s a strong example of what solidarity and sustained pressure can achieve.”

Read: IAM Air Transport Territory Visits Lufthansa Technik Workers in Puerto Rico and Reaffirms Commitment as Contract Talks Resume

“This shows what’s possible when workers organize and stay involved,” said Tom Regan IAM Special Assistant to the International President. “Wages, benefits, and protections don’t improve by chance – they come through a union contract. 

“This first contract is just the beginning,” said IAM District 142 President and Directing General Chair John Coveny. “It’s a living document that gives our members a real voice on the job today – and the power to keep building stronger protections, better pay, and greater respect in every round of bargaining moving forward.”

“Our members never lost sight of what they were fighting for,” said IAM Special Assistant to the International President Juan Negron. “They stood strong through every challenge, and today’s ratification shows the result of that unity.”

For workers on the shop floor, this first contract represents long-awaited progress after years of standing together.

“This agreement shows what we can accomplish when we stay united,” said the IAM Lufthansa Technik Negotiating Committee. “We fought for respect, better conditions, and a voice – and this is a big step forward for all of us, our families and the entire Puerto Rico.”

IAM members at Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico voted to join the union in 2022, seeking fair wages, improved working conditions, and a voice on the job. Since then, negotiations were marked by delays, prompting the IAM to seek federal mediation in 2023 and rally support locally and internationally.

In December 2025, workers overwhelmingly rejected a decertification effort backed by anti-union forces, reaffirming their commitment to the IAM and sending a clear message that they were united in their fight for a fair contract.

Trabajadores de Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico representados por la Unión IAM ratifican su primer convenio colectivo, asegurando importantes avances tras años de unidad

AGUADILLA, P.R., 5 de mayo de 2026 – Los trabajadores de Lufthansa Technik en Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, representados por la Unión IAM (Asociación Internacional de Maquinistas y Trabajadores de la Industria Aeroespacial), han ratificado su primer convenio colectivo, que asegura protecciones laborales, un bono de firma, aumentos salariales y mejores beneficios.

El convenio, que cubre a más de 200 mecánicos de aeronaves y trabajadores relacionados, llega tras casi cuatro años de negociaciones impulsadas por la fuerte defensa de los miembros y su solidaridad. Este primer contrato establece una base sólida de derechos, salarios, beneficios y condiciones laborales sobre la cual los trabajadores podrán seguir construyendo en futuras negociaciones.

Durante todo el proceso, el liderazgo de la IAM trabajó estrechamente con el comité de negociaciones y la matrícula para asegurar que las voces de los trabajadores se mantuvieran como prioridad e impulsar el proceso a pesar de los retrasos.

“Este primer convenio colectivo no les fue regalado a estos trabajadores; lo ganaron con su unidad, su determinación y su convicción de no rendirse”, dijo el Presidente Internacional de la IAM, Brian Bryant. “Los trabajadores de Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico no esperaron el cambio: se organizaron, lucharon y lo lograron”.

“Para los trabajadores de Lufthansa Technik en Aguadilla, este primer contrato representa un progreso esperado por años tras mantenerse unidos”, dijo el Vicepresidente General de Territorio de Transporte Aéreo de la IAM, Richie Johnsen. “Es un claro ejemplo de lo que la solidaridad y la presión sostenida pueden lograr”.

Lea: El Territorio de Transporte Aéreo de la IAM visita a los trabajadores de Lufthansa Technik en Puerto Rico y reafirma su compromiso mientras se reanudan las negociaciones de convenio colectivo

“Esto demuestra lo que es posible cuando los trabajadores se organizan y se mantienen involucrados”, dijo el Asistente Especial del Presidente Internacional de la IAM, Tom Regan. “Los salarios, beneficios y protecciones no mejoran por casualidad; se logran a través de un contrato de la unión.

“Este primer contrato es solo el comienzo”, dijo el Presidente y Director General del Distrito 142 de la IAM, John Coveny. “Es un documento vivo que le da a la matrícula una voz real en el trabajo hoy y el poder de seguir construyendo protecciones más fuertes, mejores salarios y mayor respeto en cada ronda de negociación en el futuro”.

“Nuestros miembros nunca perdieron de vista por lo que estaban luchando”, dijo el Asistente Especial del Presidente Internacional de la IAM, Juan Negron. “Se mantuvieron firmes ante cada desafío y la ratificación de hoy demuestra el resultado de esa unidad”.

Para los trabajadores en el taller, este primer contrato representa un progreso esperado tras años de mantenerse unidos.

“Este convenio demuestra lo que podemos lograr cuando permanecemos unidos”, dijo el Comité de Negociaciones de la IAM en Lufthansa Technik. “Luchamos por respeto, mejores condiciones y una voz, y este es un gran paso adelante para todos nosotros, nuestras familias y todo Puerto Rico”.

Los miembros de la IAM en Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico votaron para unirse a la unión en 2022, buscando salarios justos, mejores condiciones laborales y una voz en el trabajo. Desde entonces, las negociaciones estuvieron marcadas por retrasos, lo que llevó a la IAM a solicitar mediación federal en 2023 y a movilizar apoyo a nivel local e internacional.

En diciembre de 2025, los trabajadores rechazaron abrumadoramente un intento de descertificación respaldado por fuerzas antisindicales, reafirmando su compromiso con la IAM y enviando un mensaje claro de unidad en su lucha por un convenio justo.

###

La Unión IAM (Asociación Internacional de Maquinistas y Trabajadores de la Industria Aeroespacial) es una de las uniones industriales más grandes y diversas de Norteamérica, con aproximadamente 600,000 miembros activos y jubilados en las industrias de aeroespacial, defensa, aerolíneas, ferrocarril, transporte, salud, automotriz, entre otras.

goIAM.org | @IAM_Union

The post IAM Union Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico Workers Ratify First Contract, Securing Strong Gains After Years of Unity appeared first on IAM Union.

HOLLYWOOD, Md., May 5, 2026 – The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) officially launched its “Workers vs. Billionaires” campaign with a high-energy kickoff rally led by International President Brian Bryant at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Md. The launch date coincides with the IAM’s founding on May 5, 1888, 138 years ago.

The event marks the beginning of a coordinated series of mobilization efforts across all IAM territories and departments in the months leading up to the midterm elections. Hundreds of IAM members, labor leaders, and community allies gathered both in person and online to rally around a unified message: working people are done being left behind in an economy dominated by corporate greed.

Watch the live feed here.

“Today, we are living through the greatest concentration of wealth in history,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “A small group of people has accumulated more money than entire national economies, and they are using it to buy politicians, break unions, offshore jobs, and gut the regulations that protect working families.”

Read International President Bryant’s “Workers vs. Billionaires” op-ed in the Southern Maryland News here.

The kickoff event was held on the IAM Union’s birthday, founded in a locomotive pit by 19 railroad workers who took a stand against industry tycoons in the Gilded Age, creating one of the world’s most influential labor unions.

Again, the IAM is taking up the fight for working people in an economy controlled by elites but powered by labor.

View photos here.

Bryant delivered a powerful address that underscored the urgency of the campaign and the growing economic divide facing working families.

Other rally speakers included Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO President Donna Edwards, Washington Metropolitan Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Samuel Epps, IAM Human Rights Director Nicole Fears, and Kevin Gallagher, a former IAM-represented Apple retail store worker from the closing Towson store who now serves as an IAM District 4 organizer.

“We’re celebrating 138 years of this union, a growing power, saving workers and making life better,” said Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO President Donna Edwards. “Nothing has ever been given to labor. We have fought for everything: safer work conditions, time off, overtime pay, benefits, and sick leave. Everything has to be a fight, and then we do win. Over those 138 years of the IAM Union and over the couple of centuries that labor has been fighting, we fight together. In all of our unions, you never stand alone. You never fight alone. We are in this together.”

“Apple made $94 billion in profit last year, and they can’t afford to let their workers have a voice, they cannot afford dignity, fair wages, and safe working conditions,” said Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Samuel Epps. “That’s not a business decision, that’s a power grab. Here is what they forget and what we are here today to remind them: you cannot close the movement. You can shut down the store but you can’t shut us up. History is always on our side–the side of workers.” 

“When I organized my workplace, I knew it was going to be a fight,” said Kevin Gallagher, a former IAM-represented Apple retail worker from the closing Towson store who now serves as an IAM District 4 organizer. “I knew that Apple was the world’s most profitable company. I knew that they had all the money in the world to fight us, but what I do know after organizing and winning twice is that when we organize, we win!”

The IAM’s Workers vs. Billionaires campaign aims to mobilize IAM members and allies in every community where the union operates, focusing on issues such as fair wages, strong labor protections, retirement security, and the right to organize. The campaign will also highlight the vast economic imbalance in the United States, where CEOs earn, on average, 285 times more than the typical worker and received an average raise of $1.24 million last year.

The event was livestreamed on the IAM Union’s Facebook page, allowing members across North America—from job sites to picket lines—to participate in the launch.

As the campaign moves forward, the IAM Union is expected to host dozens of rallies, actions, and organizing events to build worker power and hold corporations accountable.

“Billionaires have the money, but we have the people,” said Bryant. “They have the lobbyists, but we have the votes. They have the politicians, but we have each other — and that is why we will win.”

The post IAM Union Launches ‘Workers vs. Billionaires’ Campaign on 138th Birthday appeared first on IAM Union.

TOWSON, Md., May 4, 2026 – The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) commends the Maryland congressional delegation, led by U.S. Rep Johnny Olszewski and joined by U.S. Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, as well as U.S. Reps. Steny Hoyer, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Kweisi Mfume, Sarah Elfreth and April McClain Delaney for standing with working people and demanding accountability following Apple’s decision to close its unionized retail store at Towson Town Center in Towson, Md., effective June 20, 2026. 

Read the Maryland congressional delegation letter to Apple here.

The Towson store is the first unionized Apple retail location in the United States, where workers are represented by the IAM Union. 

“We urge Apple to reconsider whether there are viable paths forward that would preserve jobs and maintain a retail presence in the region,” said the signing members in a letter to Apple. “Maryland residents value employers who invest in their workforce and demonstrate a sustained commitment to the communities they serve. We stand ready to engage constructively with Apple to better understand this decision and to explore potential solutions.”

The IAM Union has filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), citing discriminatory treatment against unionized workers at the Towson store. Unlike workers at two other closing stores, Apple is prohibiting its unionized Towson employees from having transfer rights to other stores. 

The store employs nearly 90 workers, provides critical access to Apple products and technical support for students, working families, and small businesses, and serves as a vital retail and service hub for the Baltimore region.

“We praise the Maryland congressional delegation for having these workers’ backs and demanding answers from Apple,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “These workers made history by exercising their right to organize for a voice on the job. Walking away from them now sends a dangerous message to working people everywhere.”

The IAM Union welcomes Maryland lawmakers’ decision to press Apple for answers and to intervene on behalf of these workers, who now face uncertainty about their futures. The union is seeking a clear explanation of the company’s decision, including whether alternatives such as relocation within the Baltimore region or other operational adjustments were seriously considered.

Despite being located in a strong-performing market and having recently expanded its workforce, Apple says it is moving forward with the closure, with no plans to reopen or relocate in the Baltimore area.

The IAM Union remains committed to supporting Towson Apple workers as they navigate the consequences of Apple’s egregious decision and will continue advocating for fair treatment, transparency, and respect for workers’ rights.

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 Applauds Maryland Congressional Lawmakers for Standing with Towson Apple Workers, Demands Accountability from Tech Giant appeared first on IAM Union.

WASHINGTON, April 29, 2026 — Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers), issued the following statement in response to today’s Supreme Court ruling on Louisiana v. Callais, which sharply weakened Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965:
 
“Today’s Supreme Court ruling is a direct attack on workers and our democracy. The court has effectively gutted Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, the very provision designed to end Jim Crow-era gerrymandering and expand voting protections for Black people across the South.
 
“The right to vote and the right to organize are connected. IAM Union represents hundreds of thousands of workers of every background across North America, and we know that when any worker’s voice is silenced at the ballot box, all workers lose.
 
“Repressive voter ID laws, racial gerrymandering, long lines, and voter misinformation campaigns are the modern tools of disenfranchisement. The Supreme Court has now made it harder to fight them. Congress must act immediately to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act. This is not a Democrat issue or a Republican issue. Workers deserve a democracy that works for all of them, not just the billionaires and people in power.”

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.

The post IAM Union Blasts Supreme Court’s Gutting of the Voting Rights Act appeared first on IAM Union.

The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) has filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Apple, alleging the company unlawfully discriminated against unionized workers at its Towson, Md., retail store.

The Towson store is the first unionized Apple retail location in the United States, where workers are represented by the IAM Union.

According to the charge, Apple has denied Towson employees the ability to access transfer rights and other opportunities provided to non-represented employees affected by store closures at other locations. The IAM Union alleges that these actions, taken in retaliation for workers’ protected union activity, constitute discrimination in violation of federal labor law.

The ULP charge follows Apple’s decision to close the Towson store while offering transfer opportunities to employees at two non-union Apple stores closing in the same timeframe. Towson workers, by contrast, have been told they must reapply for positions through the same process as external candidates.

“This is about whether workers are treated fairly under the law or punished for exercising their rights,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Apple is denying union-represented workers the same opportunities it is giving to others — and doing so because these workers chose to organize. That is discrimination, and it is exactly what federal labor law is designed to prevent.”

The Towson store employs nearly 90 workers and serves as a key retail and service hub for the Baltimore region, providing critical access to Apple products and support for students, working families, and small businesses.

The IAM Union is calling on Apple to reverse course and treat Towson workers fairly.

The post IAM Union Files Unfair Labor Practice Charge Against Apple Over Discriminatory Treatment of Unionized Workers appeared first on IAM Union.

WASHINGTON, April 24, 2026 — Richie Johnsen, Air Transport General Vice President of the IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers), North America’s largest airline union, issued the following statement regarding potential federal relief for Spirit Airlines:

“Spirit Airlines workers, including IAM ramp service employees, are the backbone of this airline and a lifeline for millions of travelers who depend on affordable air service.

“Every day, our members help make air travel accessible for working families, students and communities who rely on Spirit to stay connected. When Spirit flies, more Americans have access to affordable air travel.

“The IAM Union strongly supports federal relief for Spirit Airlines, but it must come with clear, enforceable protections for workers, just like the CARES Act’s Airline Payroll Support Program. That means no furloughs, no layoffs, and no shifting the burden onto the very people who keep this airline running.

“We’ve seen this model work before. Protecting workers also protects service. Keeping experienced aviation workers on the job ensures reliability, safety and the affordability passengers count on.

“IAM Union members at Spirit, and all frontline aviation workers, did not cause this crisis. They should not be the ones forced to pay the price. Any federal assistance must prioritize protecting jobs, preserving pay and benefits, and maintaining the affordable air service that millions of Americans rely on.

“The IAM Union stands ready to work with policymakers to ensure any relief package puts workers and passengers first.”

 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: Save Spirit Airlines by Protecting Worker Paychecks and Customer Affordability, Not Executive Pay appeared first on IAM Union.