Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), spoke on March 28 at the ‘No Kings’ rally in Savannah, Georgia. The event brought together thousands of labor, community, and pro-democracy activists to call for solidarity, economic justice, and political engagement among working people.
The rally was part of efforts by IAM Union member-activists who were in Savannah for the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League Conference. These members are organizing to mobilize union voters ahead of the 2026 elections. The No Kings coalition includes hundreds of community groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Indivisible, MoveOn, Public Citizen, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and others.
The IAM represents tens of thousands of workers in Georgia at companies like Lockheed Martin and Molson Coors as well as Hartsfield Jackson International Airport and military bases across the state. During his speech, Bryant said: “Because this fight—this moment—this movement—should be everybody’s fight. We did not elect a dictator. We did not elect a king. And we are not going to let Donald Trump run this country like it’s his own personal business. He must follow the Constitution and the rule of law—just like every president before him.”
Bryant referenced IAM’s origins in Georgia dating back to 1888 when it was founded by railroad machinists standing up for dignity and respect on the job. He said: “138 years later, we are still standing up and saying the same thing. Working people deserve dignity. We deserve respect. And we will not stay silent.”
Addressing economic issues facing workers today, Bryant stated: “We’re living in the richest country in the history of the world yet working people are being told to do more with less while billionaires keep getting richer… That’s not an accident—it’s the result of policies written by corporate CEOs for corporate CEOs at the expense of people who actually build this country.”
He also discussed threats to democracy through voting restrictions: “Across this country they are trying to make it harder for working people to vote… When working people organize and vote we win… That’s not democracy—that’s fear of the people.” Bryant urged attendees to take action beyond voting by organizing locally or running for office themselves.
Concluding his remarks with a call for solidarity among labor organizations including Georgia AFL-CIO and Savannah Central Labor Council, Bryant said: “If you see workers on strike—join them on picket line… Solidarity isn’t just a word—it’s an action.”
