International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
09/06/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/06/2024 10:10
600,000 Member IAM Union Endorses Harris Walz Presidential Ticket
NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2024 - Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), released the following statement on the IAM's endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for President and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for Vice President at the 41st IAM Grand Lodge Convention:
"The IAM, the nation's largest aerospace, airline, transportation, and defense labor union, is proud to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for Vice President.
"The American people, especially working families, have a clear choice in the upcoming presidential election. We need a capable, strong, and experienced leader to continue the Biden administration's work addressing the widening gap between the rich and poor, growing retirement insecurity, and ongoing foreign and domestic threats.
"Future U.S. Supreme Court nominations will play a decisive role in maintaining the right to bargain collectively, defending workers and unions from relentless attacks, and upholding the principles of democracy.
"Vice President Harris has proven herself to be an instrumental leader in helping President Biden create the most union-friendly administration in American history. Her commitment to working families is evident in her support for historic legislation like the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the CHIPS and Science Act-legislation that saved hundreds of thousands of IAM jobs and is building the economy of the future with union members at its core.
"Trump broke promise after promise to our members, resulting in the closure of at least 48 IAM-represented facilities and the loss of tens of thousands of IAM jobs. His administration froze during the COVID-19 crisis, failed to assist in saving thousands of U.S. jobs across various states, and did not address the impact of the 2019 government shutdown on federal workers.
"Vice President Harris and Governor Walz have consistently supported the IAM and the labor movement, including her opposition to former president Trump's NAFTA 2.0 trade deal, her leadership in the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment, and her unwavering support for the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.
"Vice President Harris has stood with striking workers, saved the pensions of more than a million union members, and increased access to childcare for working families. Her dedication to advancing the rights and livelihoods of American workers is unmatched.
"Governor. Tim Walz, a former union member himself, passed the most pro-worker package of laws in Minnesota's history. known for his strong labor record and commitment to public service. He is an ideal running mate who will continue to champion the values that the IAM and working families across the nation hold dear.
"In this election, we reject the politics of fear, hate, division and exclusion. The IAM is fully committed to doing everything in our power to ensure that Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are elected as the next President and Vice President of the United States."
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) 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, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.