IAM Union Reaffirms Membership Endorsement of Biden-Harris Presidential Ticket
Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), released the following statement on the IAM’s continued support of the Biden-Harris Administration:
“As the 2024 election nears, it’s crucial to reflect on the impacts of the Trump and Biden administrations on labor and working families.
“Trump broke promise after promise to our members, resulting in the closure of at least 48 IAM-represented facilities and the offshoring of many jobs. His administration failed to assist in saving thousands of U.S. jobs across various states and did not address the impact of the 2019 government shutdown on federal workers.
“Our members, utilizing a democratic process that included a general membership vote open to all U.S. members in good standing, voted overwhelmingly to endorse President Biden for a second term because they felt the need to protect our democracy and economy.
“In contrast, President Biden has been a beacon of hope for working people, partnering with organized labor to deliver good jobs, benefits, and secure retirements. His administration’s investments in infrastructure and manufacturing and adherence to Buy American requirements have created millions of jobs, including nearly 800,000 in manufacturing.
“The President’s unparalleled support for working people includes the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the American Rescue Plan. He reinstated critical job security protections and was the first president to walk a picket line with striking auto workers.
“President Biden’s enforcement of Buy American provisions continues to strengthen national defense and the economy, benefiting working families.
“IAM members and their communities are benefiting from federal funding, with IAM Local 1400 members at Voith Hydro securing a $5.8 million tax credit to enhance capabilities in York, PA, and IAM Local 1943 members at Cleveland-Cliffs helping secure a $500 million grant to support jobs and modernize operations in Ohio.
“The Trump administration terminated job security for thousands of IAM members working under the Service Contract Act. The Biden Administration reversed this policy and helped increase job security and improved the well being of our members working under federal service contracts.
“For the IAM, the choice is clear: We must re-elect Joe Biden to continue building an economy that works for everyone. We stand firm in our support and urge all working families to support the only candidate who fights for us.”