Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Southern Territory gathered in Biloxi, Mississippi, for the Southern States Conference to discuss strategies for strengthening union power and defending workers’ rights across the region.
Craig Martin, IAM Southern Territory General Vice President, highlighted the importance of political activism. “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 addressed delegates about holding elected officials accountable for their commitments. “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 on preparing future generations of union members: “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. 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 financial health and emphasized support for 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, told attendees about the unavoidable impact of politics on workers’ lives: “If you are a worker in this country, you cannot afford not to be involved in politics. Everything that you do is political,” he said.
Other speakers included Julian Bruner, Charles Bennett, Derek Cearley—International Representatives from IAM Southern Territory—who provided updates on hiring initiatives and relief programs; Mary McHugh from William W. Winpisinger Center moderated an open forum with other territory vice presidents; Mississippi AFL-CIO President Mickey Carr discussed regional solidarity: “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 presented on equality efforts including adoption of ‘Be More Than a Bystander’ program while moderating a panel discussion on legislative advocacy.
Carla Siegel, IAM General Counsel detailed current federal-level challenges faced by unions such as attempts to weaken the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) or cancel federal union contracts: “The problem in Washington right now is that the people who ran campaigns on backing working people are now attacking working people while in office,” she said.
Additional reports were given by Craig Hughes (Automotive Department), Andrew Sandberg (Metal Trades), Jason Schroeder (Veterans Program), along with remarks from Taylor Rehmet—a candidate endorsed by IAM running for Texas State Senate District 9—on why union members should consider public office roles.
Conference attendees concluded with a video message supporting striking IAM Local 1297 members at Libbey Glass (Toledo), District 837 members (St. Louis), as well as federal employees facing pressure under current administration policies.
Bryant addressed internal diversity of political opinion among members but underscored unity over labor issues: “I don’t care how somebody voted…that’s our democracy…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…because that’s just flat out wrong…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…Unfortunately President Trump and his billionaire buddies do not like organized labor because they know we’re the only voice for the working people.”
