IAM Union members from across Washington state gathered at the State Capitol in Olympia to advocate for pro-worker legislation aimed at protecting working families. Under the strong leadership of Washington State Council President Steve Miller, who also serves as IAM District 160 Directing Business Representative, the voices of IAM members resonated loudly in the halls of power.
Delegates lobbied their state legislators, focusing their advocacy on two critical pieces of legislation:
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HB 2471: This bill aims to ensure that Washington’s private sector workers remain protected even if federal labor laws fail.
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HB 2264: This proposed legislation seeks to remove unnecessary barriers that prevent workers from accessing the unemployment insurance benefits they’ve earned.
“The IAM Union Washington State Council once again demonstrated what solidarity in action looks like. Our members showed up in Olympia with a clear message for lawmakers: working families must remain the top priority in Washington,” said IAM Union Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “From protecting good union jobs and advancing pro-worker legislation to bringing light to what working families are facing: access to affordable childcare, rising costs, and inefficiencies in unemployment benefits.”
The lobbying effort reflects the IAM Washington State Council’s commitment to engaging directly in the legislative process to defend and expand workers’ rights across the state.
“I am proud of the dedication and professionalism our delegates brought to every conversation in the Capitol. When we sit down with lawmakers, we bring the real-life experiences of Washington’s workforce: aerospace workers, healthcare professionals, public employees, and more,” said Washington State Council President Steve Miller. “We advocate for every working person in our state, as well as our members, and we will keep pushing for policies that put working families first and hold elected officials accountable to the people who power Washington’s economy.”
The meeting featured powerful insights from several key labor leaders, including:
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Hasan Solomon, IAM National Political and Legislative Director
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Brandon Hemming, IAM Western Territory International Representative
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Donny Donovan, IAM District 751 Legislative and Political Director
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Jonathan Battaglia, IAM Communications Director
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Joe Kendo, Washington State Labor Council Chief of Staff
The Washington State Council of Machinists continues to be a formidable force in advocating for the rights of workers.
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