IAM Southern Territory members met in Biloxi, Mississippi for the Southern States Conference to discuss strategies for strengthening union and worker power across the region. The event focused on legislative priorities, political engagement, and organizing efforts.
Craig Martin, General Vice President of IAM Southern Territory, addressed delegates about the need for active participation in politics. “Our strength, our power, our solidarity is real,” said Martin. “We have to use that to engage in political processes to protect what we have and strengthen it for all workers. It’s how we tell those politicians what is important to us.”
IAM International President Brian Bryant spoke on holding elected officials accountable and supporting those who promote jobs, unions, retirement security, and healthcare. “No matter who is in the White House, we will always back those who support bringing our jobs home, create opportunities to grow unions, and protect our retirement and healthcare,” said Bryant. “But we have to call them out when they don’t.” He also emphasized preparing future generations of union members and labor activists: “We’re moving fast in this country; there’s a group of workers who want to form unions, and we are going to be there for them,” Bryant said.
Dora Cervantes, IAM General Secretary-Treasurer, reported on the union’s finances. She highlighted a robust strike fund supporting members during industrial actions. “We are better prepared financially and structurally so that we can go out there and fight back… We’ve got our reps and everybody out in the field standing ground with our striking workers as they walk the picket line,” Cervantes stated.
Hasan Solomon, IAM Legislative and Political Director, reinforced the impact of policy on working people: “If you are a worker in this country, you cannot afford not to be involved in politics. Everything that you do is political.”
The conference included updates from IAM representatives Julian Bruner, Charles Bennett, and Derek Cearley on hiring initiatives and support programs. Mary McHugh led an open forum with regional vice presidents discussing their motivation for activism.
Mississippi AFL-CIO President Mickey Carr stressed regional unity: “What happens in one southern state is bound to happen in all southern states… It takes all of us standing together in unity. Let’s be the spark that lights the fire of change.”
Julie Frietchen from IAM Women’s and Young Workers Department discussed ongoing efforts toward equality within IAM including adoption of new programs aimed at bystander intervention.
Carla Siegel presented concerns about federal-level challenges such as actions affecting the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and threats against federal union contracts. “The problem in Washington right now is that the people who ran campaigns on backing working people are now attacking working people while in office,” Siegel said.
Other presentations covered current initiatives within automotive trades as well as metal trades and veterans’ programs.
Taylor Rehmet—a candidate endorsed by IAM Union running for Texas State Senate District 9—addressed attendees about union member involvement in electoral politics.
The conference concluded with participants voicing solidarity with striking workers at Libbey Glass (Local 1297), District 837 members in St. Louis, and federal employees facing administrative challenges.
Addressing political divisions among members regarding recent presidential elections, Bryant stated: “I don’t care how somebody voted… But I know nobody in this union voted for President Trump thinking that he was going to take away bargaining rights for over a million people… because that’s just flat out wrong.” He continued: “This is what’s important: If you voted for him [Trump], you’ve got to make sure he knows that you don’t agree with what’s happening… Unfortunately, President Trump and his billionaire buddies do not like organized labor because they know we’re the only voice for the working people.”
