Approximately 400 IAM Union activists have converged on the nation’s capital for the 2025 IAM Legislative Conference, held April 29 through May 1. At a time of growing economic uncertainty, political upheaval, and ongoing attacks on working people, IAM members are making their voices heard in the halls of Congress.

Delegates from across the United States are using the three-day conference to engage directly with policymakers, pressing them to take action on a wide range of legislative priorities. From protecting collective bargaining rights for federal workers to strengthening retirement and healthcare security, from defending domestic manufacturing to passing the long-stalled Rail Safety Act, and other critical issues, IAM members are making clear demands for a pro-worker agenda.

The conference officially opened with powerful remarks from IAM International President Brian Bryant, IAM Canadian Territory General Vice President David Chartrand, and IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon. Each leader underscored the urgency of the moment and the stakes for working families across North America.

IAM International President Brian Bryant opened the conference by welcoming delegates and calling attention to the growing threats facing working people, many of which, he noted, are coming directly from the White House.

“What happens here in Washington, D.C. – and in every state across the country – affects all of us, every second of every day,” said Bryant. “Elected officials can strengthen – or weaken – our collective bargaining rights, our pay, our healthcare, our retirement, our democracy, and so much more. We’re not fighting for Republican or Democratic issues – we’re fighting for IAM Union issues.”

“This week is all about fighting for our union and our members, it’s about showing that the power of the people is always more powerful than the people in power, and it’s about taking this country back for working people instead of billionaires,” continued Bryant.

IAM members will hear from policymakers, union allies in Congress, and policy experts throughout the week. Scheduled speakers will address topics ranging from domestic policy to defending democracy and countering corporate influence in government.

In his remarks, IAM Canadian Territory General Vice President David Chartrand spoke to the shared economic challenges and responsibilities between the United States and Canada, especially amid increasing tensions with China, as the need for cooperation to preserve national security and economic stability.

“We need to work together to make sure there’s fairness in the workplace,” said Chartrand.

IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon also addressed delegates, highlighting the IAM’s growing influence on Capitol Hill and the need for grassroots activism to hold elected officials accountable.

“We are here to take care of business,” said Solomon. “This week, we are here to hold our elected officials accountable.”

The IAM Legislative Conference is a vital opportunity for members to engage in the political process, share their personal stories with lawmakers, and shape the future of the labor movement. As economic pressures continue to mount and corporate interests tighten their grip on the political system, IAM delegates are delivering a clear message: the needs of working people must come first.

As the week continues, IAM members will meet with dozens of House and Senate offices, ensuring that the voices of workers are heard loud and clear.

Télécharger (PDF, 160KB)

In a press conference held today in Ottawa, Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), and Magali Picard, President of the Quebec Federation lf Labour (QFL), called on the federal government to act quickly to support Canadian workers, industries, and communities severely impacted by the ongoing U.S. tariffs.

Bruske, alongside several union leaders including the General Vice-President of the IAM Union David Chartrand, underscored the importance of collective solidarity. She noted that the decisions made today will have lasting impacts on Canada’s future, particularly with regard to its workers. “Elections matter,” Bruske stated, emphasizing that the policies and decisions being made now will shape the future of the nation for generations to come. “Union members must get involved in their unions, support local products, and support their communities because together we are stronger.”

Bruske also stressed the critical need to focus on endorsing political candidates who will stand up for workers and advocate for policies that protect Canadian jobs and industries. “We must ensure that the candidates we support are committed to saving workers,” she said, urging voters to back those who prioritize the well-being of the Canadian workforce.

The Canadian Labour Congress president also directly addressed the actions of the former U.S. administration under Donald Trump, saying that the tariffs are a deliberate attempt to hurt Canadian workers and destabilize the country’s economic fabric. “They may want to hurt us, but Canadians don’t break,” Bruske declared, showcasing the resilience and determination of Canadian workers in the face of external pressure.

Picard expanded on the theme of unity and collective action, stressing that the trade war has already begun and that Canadians must work together to face it. She pointed out that in Quebec alone, approximately 160,000 workers are at risk of losing their jobs across various industries due to the imposition of U.S. tariffs.

Additionally, Picard expressed concerns about the provincial government’s approach to economic policy, accusing it of attempting to divide the labour movement and opening the door for private companies, particularly American firms, to exploit Quebec’s natural resources. She further pointed out that the Legault government must resist these pressures to ensure the protection of workers and industries. Picard also drew attention to Bill 89, a proposed piece of legislation that would weaken protections for workers across the country.

In a show of solidarity, both Bruske and Picard affirmed that their organizations stand ready to work with the government in these unprecedented times. “The QFL is ready to work with you,” Picard said, urging the government to act decisively and protect the interests of workers and their communities.

The press conference emphasized the ongoing crisis facing Canadian workers and the need for immediate and unified action to safeguard jobs, industries, and the long-term economic health of the country. The labour leaders made a powerful call for all Canadians to support political candidates who will fight for the future of workers and communities, ensuring that the strength of the Canadian workforce remains a priority for the nation’s leaders.