IAM Union members participated in the Texas AFL-CIO COPE Convention, where the main theme was “Workers vs. Billionaires — Which Side Are You On?” The event brought together union representatives from across Texas to discuss issues facing working families and the influence of wealthy individuals in politics.
A key part of the convention was supporting Taylor Rehmet, a member and activist from IAM District 776, who is running for Texas Senate District 9. IAM delegates made calls to union voters in Rehmet’s district to encourage turnout before Election Day on January 31.
Jody Bennett, IAM Resident General Vice President and a member of District 776, addressed the gathering. Bennett stated, “This moment is about a clear choice: workers or billionaires. For too long, billionaires have written the rules while working families pay the price. The labor movement is drawing a line, and in Texas that means supporting leaders like Taylor Rehmet who come from our ranks and fight for working people.”
The convention also included the first debate between Democratic U.S. Senate candidates James Talarico and Jasmine Crockett. The debate focused on policies affecting working families and resisting billionaire influence in politics. While delegates decided not to take action in the contested U.S. Senate primary, they did make endorsements in several other races at federal, state, and local levels that featured union members or candidates supportive of workers’ interests.
