The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Kentucky State Council organized a lobby day at the State Capitol in Frankfort, aiming to bring concerns of working families directly to lawmakers. The event was scheduled to align with Kentucky’s legislative session in January and February, rather than waiting for the council’s official meeting in late May. This timing was chosen so that IAM members could engage elected officials during critical decision-making periods.
Chris Harrington, President of the IAM Union Kentucky State Council and organizer of the event, highlighted the increase in member involvement. “We had a great lobbying day,” Harrington said. “If we had 18 to 20 members this year, we need 36 to 40 next year.”
Craig Martin, IAM Southern Territory General Vice President, praised the council’s efforts. “The Kentucky State Council is doing great engaging members and making sure they are prepared and have the confidence to speak with elected officials about issues that are impacting workers,” Martin said. “We need to keep the energy up to continue building worker power across the state, and the entire South.”
Participation grew significantly compared to previous years. In 2025, five members attended; this year saw 18 rank-and-file members from six different IAM locals—Local 219, Local 681, Local 830, Local 1294, Local 1720, and Local 1969—make the trip to Frankfort.
“It’s not just me,” Harrington added. “It’s all of our leadership in Kentucky. The locals were supportive. The locals sent their people and paid lost time for them to be there. It was a great effort all around.”
The day started with a strategy session where participants coordinated with the Kentucky AFL-CIO on legislative talking points before meeting directly with legislators. An afternoon debrief followed these meetings to review progress and plan future actions.
Ryan McCarthy, IAM Southern Territory Special Representative and former Kentucky State Council president, also joined members throughout the day as they spoke with lawmakers.
Key topics discussed included repealing right-to-work laws through Senate Bill 161 and House Bill 585; advocating for HB 472—the Kentucky Buy America Act—to promote domestic manufacturing; and addressing recent changes in unemployment insurance requirements that have made it more challenging for laid-off workers to receive benefits.
Harrington observed that increased participation signals growing political engagement among union members. “I think the labor movement is coming to the forefront, and our membership is starting to see the important issues that we have to get out there and stand up for,” he said.
Although challenges remain in advancing legislation favored by labor groups, organizers view this year’s lobby day as evidence of increasing momentum among IAM members dedicated to supporting worker-focused policies.
