Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Southern Territory convened in Biloxi, Mississippi for the Southern States Conference to discuss strategies for strengthening union power and advocating for workers’ rights in the region.
Craig Martin, IAM Southern Territory General Vice President, addressed delegates on the importance of political engagement. “Our strength, our power, our solidarity is real,” said Martin. “We have to use that to engage in political processes to protect what we have and strengthen it for all workers. It’s how we tell those politicians what is important to us.”
IAM International President Brian Bryant highlighted the need to hold elected officials accountable. “No matter who is in the White House, we will always back those who support bringing our jobs home, create opportunities to grow unions, and protect our retirement and healthcare,” said Bryant. “But we have to call them out when they don’t.” He also spoke about preparing future generations of union members and labor activists: “We’re moving fast in this country; there’s a group of workers who want to form unions, and we are going to be there for them,” said Bryant. “These negotiations and gains for our members create organizing opportunities. It’s an opportunity when we fight an employer and we’re successful, because non-union workers look at it and say ‘we want the same thing for us’.”
Dora Cervantes, IAM General Secretary-Treasurer, reported on the union’s finances with a focus on supporting striking members. “We are better prepared financially and structurally, so that we can go out there and fight back, just like we’re doing down in St Louis, and what we did at Boeing in Washington and Oregon,” said Cervantes. “We’ve got our reps and everybody out in the field standing ground with our striking workers as they walk the picket line.”
Hasan Solomon, IAM Legislative and Political Director, emphasized that policy impacts all workers regardless of their level of political interest: “If you are a worker in this country, you cannot afford not to be involved in politics. Everything that you do is political,” said Solomon.
Other speakers included Julian Bruner, Charles Bennett, Derek Cearley—who provided updates on organizing efforts—and Mary McHugh from the William W. Winpisinger Center led an open forum with several general vice presidents about their motivations for becoming politically active.
Mississippi AFL-CIO President Mickey Carr underscored regional unity: “What happens in one southern state is bound to happen in all southern states” said Carr. “It takes all of us standing together in unity. Let’s be the spark that lights the fire of change.”
Julie Frietchen from IAM Women’s and Young Workers Department described efforts toward workplace equality through programs such as ‘Be More Than a Bystander,’ while Carla Siegel, IAM General Counsel, discussed federal-level challenges facing union contracts due to actions against agencies like the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
Craig Hughes provided updates on automotive sector priorities; Andrew Sandberg reported on Metal Trades; Jason Schroeder presented information about veterans’ programs.
Taylor Rehmet—a candidate endorsed by IAM for Texas State Senate District 9—spoke about his decision to run for office as a union member.
At the conference’s conclusion attendees expressed support for striking members at Libbey Glass in Toledo; District 837 members in St. Louis; as well as federal employees facing policy threats.
Addressing differing political views within membership ranks regarding former President Trump’s policies affecting labor rights, Bryant stated: “I don’t care how somebody voted. I know we’ve got people who voted for President Trump, and there’s nothing wrong with that. That’s our democracy in our country, and that’s our democracy in our Union,” he said. “But I know nobody in this union voted for President Trump thinking that he was going to take away bargaining rights for over a million people in the federal government, because that’s just flat out wrong. I know they didn’t vote for President Trump hoping that he would defund OSHA and incapacitate the NLRB and other critical departments that our members need.” He continued: “This is what’s important: If you voted for him, you’ve got to make sure he knows that you don’t agree with what’s happening, because when it comes to union rights, there are no if-ands-or-buts. There’s nowhere to be but on the side of workers,” said Bryant. “Unfortunately, President Trump and his billionaire buddies do not like organized labor because they know we’re the only voice for the working people.”
