The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is encouraging its members and labor allies to participate in the 2026 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil & Human Rights Conference, scheduled for January 15-18, 2026, in Baltimore.
The event’s theme, “Honoring Our History – Fighting for Our Future,” emphasizes the connection between the labor movement and civil rights efforts. Organizers state that the conference will focus on learning from history to guide future actions.
According to the IAM, “This conference is an important platform for dialogue and action at the intersection of labor rights and civil/human rights. It celebrates Dr. King’s enduring legacy while setting a course for collective strength in 2026.”
Attendees will have opportunities to discuss current challenges facing workers, including collective bargaining rights, voting rights, threats to democracy, and economic justice. The program includes workshops and breakout sessions designed to equip participants with practical skills for organizing within their communities and workplaces.
The AFL-CIO has appointed Alex Rias as its new Director of Civil, Human, and Women’s Rights. He will oversee this annual conference.
The event will take place at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor hotel at 401 W. Pratt St., Baltimore, Maryland. Early hotel reservations are advised due to limited availability; rooms are offered at a negotiated rate of $219 per night. The conference begins on Thursday afternoon, January 15, with limited accommodations available for arrivals on January 14.
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