IAM members from across Alabama recently attended the IAM Union Alabama State Council meeting in Huntsville, where union leaders, community allies, and political candidates discussed issues affecting working families throughout the state.
The meeting began with a welcome from Michelle Watkins, Huntsville City Council Member for District 1. Delegates participated in discussions covering legislative priorities, organizing initiatives, and political engagement. The agenda addressed defending service contract jobs, expanding manufacturing opportunities, advocating for union rights, and ensuring representation for working people at both state and federal levels.
Rickie Langford, President of the IAM Union Alabama State Council, said: “When working people in Alabama stand together, there is no force more powerful. This meeting was about uniting our voices and building our strength across the political aisles for the road ahead.”
Speakers included State Representative Anthony Daniels (District 53), State Representative Laura Hall (District 19), Dr. Will Boyd (candidate for Governor of Alabama), U.S. Representative Brandon Moore (candidate for U.S. Senate), Loren Almeroth (IAM National Assistant Political & Legislative Director), Galen Bullock (EBS Executive Director), DeLane Adams (IAM Assistant Communications Director), Nicole Fears (IAM Human Rights Director), Frederick Ross (IAM Benefit Trust), Pam Evans (IAM W3 Education Representative), Helena Thornton (IAM Southern Territory International Representative), Pat Keahey (Keahey Law Firm), and Jacob Morrison (President of the North Alabama Area Labor Council/AFL-CIO).
Each speaker highlighted challenges and opportunities facing workers in Alabama and reinforced IAM’s commitment to supporting labor interests statewide.
Delegates also received updates on the ongoing government shutdown and efforts by IAM to secure back pay for federal contract workers affected by developments on Capitol Hill.
The Alabama State Council continues to be central to shaping IAM’s political and legislative activities within the state. Delegates concluded the event with renewed focus on mobilizing politically.
The Executive Board of the Alabama State Council includes Rickie Langford as President; Gavin Brunner as Secretary Treasurer; James Tate and Joe Cleveland as Vice Presidents North; Anthony Holton and Michelle Hunt as Vice Presidents South.
