The IAM Union is proving that workers in the South are building a resurgence of working people power.
The IAM’s Tennessee/Kentucky State Council recently brought member-activists across the two states to Gatlinburg, Tenn., for the council’s annual meeting. The councils, led in Tennessee by District 1888 Directing Business Representative Bill Benson and in Kentucky by District 1888 Business Representative and Organizer Ryan McCarthy, are focusing on fighting and winning for working families in states that are often thought to be unfriendly to workers’ rights.
View state council photos here.
International President Brian Bryant and Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin helped inspire delegates to continue to push for pro-worker policies in both states.
“Our members across Tennessee and Kentucky are rising up and fighting back,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “We see it in strong contracts, engaged members and the activism right here in the Tennessee and Kentucky State Council.”
IAM Local 1296 members at Trane in Clarksville, Tenn., recently ratified a strong contract with 9% first-year raises. IAM members in Kentucky recently advocated for pro-worker legislation at a lobby day at the state capitol.
“This is how we show our strength and solidarity,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “We need to bring more pride and dignity to workers across Tennessee and Kentucky. We’re willing to strike, and we’re willing to take to the halls of state capitols. We’re here to remind politicians where their power comes from.”
Other speakers included:
- Paul Kendall, Assistant Secretary to the General Secretary-Treasurer
- Carla Siegel, General Counsel
- Shaun Junkins, Southern Territory International Representative
- Ty Richardson, Assistant Political and Legislative Director
- Juan Eldridge, Assistant Organizing Director
- Tim Hight, Winpisinger Center Education Representative
- Jonathan Battaglia, Communications Director
- Former Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service employees
The post Strength and Solidarity on Display at IAM’s Tennessee/Kentucky State Council appeared first on IAMAW.