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 Steve Miller, President of the Washington State Council and Directing Business Representative of IAM District 160.
The gathering aimed to bring attention to issues affecting workers, including access to affordable childcare, rising costs, and challenges with unemployment benefits. The union’s efforts focused on lobbying state legislators for two key pieces of pro-worker legislation.
“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 highlighted ongoing efforts by the Washington State Council of Machinists to defend workers’ rights throughout the state.
The council continues its advocacy work through direct engagement with policymakers and public outreach.
