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
Machinists, Aviation Unions Commend Bipartisan Push for Airline Worker Payroll Support Program Extension
The IAM along with other aviation unions are lauding 223 bipartisan members of Congress for calling for an extension of the CARES Act Payroll Support Program (PSP) through March 31, 2021. The program, which allocated grants to commercial airlines and airline...
Letter Urging Extension of Airline Aid to Prevent Furloughs Has a Majority of Support in Congress
More than 200 members of Congress have signed a letter supporting a union-backed plan that would prevent mass airline furloughs this fall. The letter, written by the Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Representative Peter DeFazio...
Video Report: Machinists & Aerospace Union Legislative Action
IAMAW District 141 Video Report: Legislative Action to Prevent Airline FurloughsIAMAW District 141 Legislative Director David Roderick Discusses Legislative Efforts to Extend the CARES Act Furlough ProtectionsThis week's 141 report is about Legislative action and what...