IAM Union members from across Washington state gathered at the State Capitol in Olympia to advocate for legislation supporting working families, according to a March 10 announcement. The event was led by Washington State Council President Steve Miller, who also serves as IAM District 160 Directing Business Representative.
The gathering aimed to push for pro-worker laws and highlight issues affecting workers, such as access to affordable childcare, rising costs, and challenges with unemployment benefits. The union’s lobbying efforts focused on two key pieces of legislation intended to protect good union jobs and improve conditions for working families.
“The IAM Union Washington State Council once again demonstrated what solidarity in action looks like. Our members showed up in Olympia with a clear message for lawmakers: working families must remain the top priority in Washington,” said IAM Union Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “From protecting good union jobs and advancing pro-worker legislation to bringing light to what working families are facing: access to affordable childcare, rising costs, and inefficiencies in unemployment benefits.”
Miller said he was proud of the delegates’ dedication during their meetings with lawmakers. “I am proud of the dedication and professionalism our delegates brought to every conversation in the Capitol. When we sit down with lawmakers, we bring the real-life experiences of Washington’s workforce: aerospace workers, healthcare professionals, public employees, and more,” Miller said. “We advocate for every working person in our state, as well as our members, and we will keep pushing for policies that put working families first and hold elected officials accountable to the people who power Washington’s economy.”
The meeting included contributions from several labor leaders and reinforced the council’s ongoing commitment to defending workers’ rights throughout the state.
The Washington State Council of Machinists continues its advocacy efforts through direct engagement with legislators.
