IAM Union members joined labor and civil rights allies in Austin, Texas, for the 2025 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference. The AFL-CIO MLK Conference is held annually to honor Dr. King’s legacy and advance workers’ rights and social justice.
“It makes me proud to see the number of IAM members who attended this year’s MLK Conference,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “This week wasn’t just about focusing on unity. It was about taking action in our communities. Together, we can fulfill Dr. King’s vision to create an inclusive economy that works for everyone.”
The conference opened with the historic announcement that the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) officially rejoined the AFL-CIO, uniting 2 million SEIU service and care workers with the 13 million-member federation.
History is being made today as @SEIU and @AFLCIO officially announce their affiliation.
The IAM is honored to be part of this important conversation with workers on the frontlines of the union fight. The movement grows stronger! #PowerInUnity pic.twitter.com/9RzhFBLc5o
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) January 9, 2025
The affiliation was formally announced during a roundtable with workers, including Lawrence Moore, an IAM member from Aurora, Ohio, who recently unionized his workplace at a GE Healthcare plant.
“Forming a union is life-changing,” said Moore. “My co-workers and I fought for our union because we were sick and tired of being treated disrespectfully. Winning a union wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Now we can negotiate better wages, fair working conditions, and the dignity we deserve.”
Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy and Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Aguilar welcomed the attendees to Austin with a message focusing on the connection between labor and civil rights and why it is crucial to continue fighting for justice and equality.
“The South knows that the harshest conditions can produce the brightest diamonds, and the Texas labor movement has a lot of them.”@RickTxAFLCIO welcomed our @AFLCIO family to Texas for the 2025 MLK Civil & Human Rights Conference! pic.twitter.com/2RDGjoJFoK
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) January 9, 2025
Members of the IAM Executive Council, including IAM International President Brian Bryant, IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes, IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan, IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen, and IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli attended the conference to amplify the voice of IAM Union members and their work in human and civil rights.
The AFL-CIO MLK Conference also featured powerful speeches from elected officials and labor and civil rights leaders, including U.S. Reps. Greg Casar (D-Texas) and Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas). They both stressed the importance of defending voting rights and the role of unions in shaping a more just future.
. @RepCasar speaks at #MLK2025, stressing the importance of defending voting rights and the power of unions in shaping a more just future. pic.twitter.com/yG8SfeV4ZI
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) January 10, 2025
Inspiring remarks by @RepJasmine as she energizes #MLK2025 attendees, stressing the urgent need to protect and preserve democracy. pic.twitter.com/4FPIFDhXan
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) January 10, 2025
The 2025 AFL-CIO MLK Civil and Human Rights Conference demonstrated the dedication of labor and civil rights activists to building a fairer, more inclusive society. IAM Union members left Austin ready to advance the fight for justice.
The IAM stands strong at the @AFLCIO Martin Luther King Jr. Human and Civil Right Conference this week to continue the fight for working people and protect our democracy!#MLK2025 #1u pic.twitter.com/NxfxkZvwE8
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) January 11, 2025
“This event is important because it allows us to reinforce the longstanding relationship and bond that civil rights and labor have built over the years. I really enjoyed the engagement,” said IAM Human Rights Director Nicole L. Fears. “It’s been a beautiful week of us getting the opportunity to connect.”
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