Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), addressed thousands of labor, community, and pro-democracy activists at the ‘No Kings’ rally in Savannah, Ga., on March 28. The event brought together a broad coalition to call for solidarity, economic justice, and political engagement from working people nationwide.
The rally coincided with the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) Conference in Savannah, where IAM Union members organized efforts to mobilize union voters ahead of the 2026 elections. No Kings is a coalition made up of hundreds of groups including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Indivisible, MoveOn, Public Citizen, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and others.
Bryant said that this movement is meant for everyone. “Because this fight—this moment—this movement—should be everybody’s fight,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “We did not elect a dictator. We did not elect a king. And we are not going to let Donald Trump run this country like it’s his own personal business. He must follow the Constitution and the rule of law—just like every president before him.”
He highlighted IAM’s historical roots in Georgia dating back to its founding by railroad machinists in Atlanta in 1888 who demanded dignity and respect on the job. “138 years later, we are still standing up and saying the same thing,” said Bryant. “Working people deserve dignity. We deserve respect. And we will not stay silent.” He also spoke about economic challenges facing working families: “We’re living in the richest country in the history of the world, yet working people are being told to do more with less while billionaires keep getting richer,” said Bryant.
Bryant linked these economic issues with broader democratic concerns: “Across this country, they are trying to make it harder for working people to vote,” he said. He encouraged attendees to take action beyond voting: “Voting is critical—but voting alone is not enough,” said Bryant.
He concluded by calling for continued solidarity among workers and their allies: “If you see workers on strike—join them on the picket line… Solidarity isn’t just a word—it’s an action.”
