IAM members from across Alabama gathered in Huntsville for the IAM Union Alabama State Council meeting, where union leaders, community representatives, and political candidates addressed issues affecting working families in the state.
The meeting began with a welcome from Huntsville City Council Member Michelle Watkins, representing District 1. IAM delegates attended a series of presentations focused on legislative priorities, organizing activities, and political engagement. Topics discussed included the defense of service contract jobs, the expansion of manufacturing opportunities, advocacy for union rights, and the importance of ensuring that working people have representation at both state and federal levels.
“When working people in Alabama stand together, there is no force more powerful,” said IAM Union Alabama State Council President Rickie Langford. “This meeting was about uniting our voices and building our strength across the political aisles for the road ahead.”
Several political figures and labor allies spoke at the event. Among them were State Representatives Anthony Daniels (District 53) and Laura Hall (District 19), Dr. Will Boyd (candidate for Governor of Alabama), U.S. Representative Brandon Moore (candidate for U.S. Senate), Loren Almeroth (IAM National Assistant Political & Legislative Director), Galen Bullock (EBS Executive Director), DeLane Adams (IAM Assistant Communications Director), Nicole Fears (IAM Human Rights Director), Frederick Ross (IAM Benefit Trust), Pam Evans (IAM W3 Education Representative), Helena Thornton (IAM Southern Territory International Representative), Pat Keahey (Keahey Law Firm), and Jacob Morrison (President of the North Alabama Area Labor Council, AFL-CIO).
Speakers addressed challenges and opportunities facing workers in Alabama and reaffirmed the IAM’s commitment to supporting labor voices statewide.
Delegates were also updated on the ongoing government shutdown and the IAM’s work to secure back pay for federal contract workers impacted by the political situation in Washington, D.C.
The Alabama State Council remains a key part of the IAM’s political and legislative initiatives in the state. Delegates concluded the meeting with a renewed focus on political mobilization.
The Alabama State Council Executive Board includes Rickie Langford (President), Gavin Brunner (Secretary Treasurer), James Tate (VP North), Joe Cleveland (VP North), Anthony Holton (VP South), and Michelle Hunt (VP South).
