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
Iowa Lawmakers Seek to Bring Child Labor Back to the US
Iowa Lawmakers Seek to Bring Child Labor Back to the USIAM141.org February 23, 2023In February, labor advocates expressed their opposition to a proposed bill in Iowa that state lawmakers have introduced with support from businesses. The bill aims to relax child labor...
Do Airline Contracts Expire?
Do Airline Contracts Expire?IAM141.org February 22, 2023You've probably heard of the Railway Labor Act if you work at an airline or are a frequent air traveler. This federal law, enacted in 1926, established a framework for labor-management relations in the railroad...
United Negotiations Update
United Contract Negotiations UpdateThe IAM District 141 Negotiations Committee and United Airlines’ negotiators met this week in Chicago as planned. Your negotiations committee passed to United a proposal that would satisfy IAM members' priorities as outlined at the...