Why the Machinists Honor Juneteenth
GoIAM.org
19 June 2022

Dear Sisters, Brothers, and Friends of the IAM,
We have had a whole year to prepare our nation for Juneteenth as a federal holiday. A holiday that remembers June 19, 1866, the day Afro-Texans gathered to commemorate the first anniversary of the ending of slavery.
This was acknowledged and celebrated across America throughout African-American communities. It signaled a new start to a brighter future. Many of these celebrations gave rise to fighting for workers’ rights.
Our union is committed to ensuring that we never forget the successes and failures of our past. It helps us as our nation continues to fight against racism and against the erosion of civil rights. This holiday allows us to reflect on how we can better serve our community, fellow citizens, and union.
We can celebrate Juneteenth by recognizing how far we have come together and how much work we have to do in our society. Our union is always at its best when celebrating our diversity, and on this Juneteenth, we will fight to ensure every one of us is respected and treated with dignity.
In solidarity,
Robert Martinez Jr.
IAM International President
Related News
United Ground Express Negotiations Update (23 June 2025)
Over the week of June 16—20, our IAM District 141 negotiating team met in Chicago with United Ground Express management. We worked to advance the remaining sections of our first collective-bargaining agreement. We are pleased to report continued forward movement and...
United Airlines Negotiations Update 17 June
Last week in Chicago, our IAM District 141 team met with United management to resume work on all seven collective-bargaining agreements. The Fleet Technical Instructor (FTI) and Security Officer sub-committees were also present and submitted updated proposals.United...
Four Tips for Writing (and Winning) Scholarship Essay Contests
Four Tips for Writing (and Winning) Scholarship Essay ContestsYou don’t need to be the best writer in the world to win a scholarship. You just need to follow a few smart rules, speak from the heart, and—this part is important—show up. Here are four ways to give...