TCU/IAM National and Local Officers joined fellow IAM leaders and members in Washington, D.C., this week for the IAM Legislative Conference, an important opportunity to educate, advocate, and engage directly with lawmakers on issues affecting workers across the country. The conference opened with a keynote address from IAM International President Brian Bryant, who underscored the importance of political engagement, voter participation, and grassroots activism in strengthening the labor movement and advancing the interests of working families.
The conference began with a march to Capitol Hill and a Workers vs. Billionaires rally supporting legislation aimed at ensuring the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share in taxes. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders addressed the crowd in support of his proposed Make Billionaires Pay Their Fair Share Act. IAM members who have experienced layoffs firsthand shared powerful accounts of the impact of corporate greed on working people and their communities. Additional speakers included Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Senator Ed Markey (D-MA).
On Tuesday, TCU delegates will take their advocacy directly to Capitol Hill, meeting with lawmakers and congressional staff to discuss issues critical to TCU members. Legislative priorities include addressing chronic underfunding at the Railroad Retirement Board, securing continued federal investment in Amtrak, advancing the Passenger Rail Protection Act, and supporting the Build America 250 Act.
TCU members continue to ensure that the voices of transportation workers are heard in the halls of Congress and that the interests of working families remain at the forefront of the national conversation.
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