IAM Union Local 2003 held its third annual “Stakes at the Gate” political forum on August 16 at its union hall in Daleville, Alabama. The event brought together more than 25 candidates from various city council, mayoral, state, and federal races to address union members and local residents.
The forum allowed over 4,000 union activists and more than 50,000 Alabama residents to hear directly from candidates about their positions on issues important to working families. Candidates represented races for city councils in Daleville and Ozark, mayoral contests in several cities including Enterprise and Level Plains, as well as state and federal offices.
“This event gives working people in Alabama the chance to connect directly with those seeking to represent them,” said IAM Local 2003 Legislative Chairman Patrick Wise. “When candidates show up here, they’re showing they value the voices of working families. Allowing each candidate to present their whole platform is essential and has worked in favor of some serious races across Alabama.”
IAM Local 2003 President Anthony Holton highlighted the significance of civic participation among union members. “Our union hall is not only a place for negotiations, it’s a place where democracy is practiced,” Holton said. “The turnout today proves that when we say show up, be heard, and be counted, our members take that seriously.”
Rickie Langford, President of the IAM Alabama State Council, commented on the importance of providing a venue for accountability. “The Alabama State Council is proud to help create a space where working families can hold candidates accountable,” Langford said. “Events like Stakes at the Gate make sure our voices are heard loud and clear to help shape the future for Alabama’s working families.”
Michelle Hunt, Vice President of the IAM Alabama State Council, described the forum as an important fixture for political engagement in Alabama. “The Stakes at the Gate forum has quickly become a cornerstone of political engagement in the state,” Hunt said. “This forum ensures that working men and women are not left out of the political conversation. We tie together all the issues that matter to Alabama residents, including jobs, healthcare, and education.”
Volunteers from IAM Union Local 2003 played key roles in organizing the event.