IAM Union members from across Washington state gathered at the State Capitol in Olympia to advocate for legislation supporting working families, according to a March 10 announcement. The event was led by Washington State Council President Steve Miller, who also serves as IAM District 160 Directing Business Representative.
The gathering aimed to bring attention to issues affecting workers and their families, including access to affordable childcare, rising costs of living, and challenges with unemployment benefits. Delegates focused their lobbying efforts on two key pieces of pro-worker legislation.
“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’ commitment during discussions 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.
The council continues its advocacy work through direct engagement with legislators and public outreach.
