IAM Union members from across Washington state gathered at the State Capitol in Olympia on March 10 to advocate for legislation supporting working families. The event was led by Washington State Council President Steve Miller, who is also the IAM District 160 Directing Business Representative.
The gathering aimed to highlight the importance of pro-worker policies and ensure that lawmakers prioritize the needs of working families. Delegates focused their lobbying efforts on two key pieces of legislation designed to protect union jobs and address issues such as affordable childcare, rising costs, and inefficiencies in unemployment benefits.
“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 legislators. “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 who shared insights on current challenges facing workers. The Washington State Council of Machinists continues its efforts to defend workers’ rights through direct engagement with policymakers.
Live updates from the event were shared through an IAM Union Facebook post and an X (Twitter) thread.
