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
Illinois State Council of Machinists Holds Annual Conference
Illinois State Council of Machinists Holds Annual ConferenceIAM141.org March 25, 2023The Illinois State Council of Machinists and Aerospace Workers recently held its annual conference in Springfield, Illinois, from March 21-23. The conference began with a reception...
United Airlines Contract Negotiations
United Contract Negotiations UpdateIAM and United management negotiators met this past Friday in Washington DC for 14 hours in an effort to reach agreement on seven IAM contracts covering almost 30,000 United Airlines workers. While United management has finally...
Kris N Treder Named New District 141 EAP Midwest Regional Coordinator
Kris N Treder Named New District 141 EAP Midwest Regional CoordinatorIAM141.org March 15, 2023IAMAW District President Mike Klemm and EAP Director Bryan Hutchinson have appointed Kris N Treder to serve as the new District 141 Midwest Regional Coordinator. Kris will...