Dear IAM Family,
As we gather to celebrate Labor Day, let’s not just celebrate with a cookout or another day off but take time to truly honor the spirit that ignited this holiday over a century ago.
IAM Delegates from across North America are coming together this week for the 41st IAM Grand Lodge Convention in New York City, where, in 1882, the streets were filled with a parade of different labor unions, followed by a massive picnic where workers from all walks of life came together in solidarity. This was the birth of Labor Day, a tribute started by IAM member Matthew Maguire to honor the determination of working men and women who demanded fairness, safety, and respect in their workplaces.
Labor Day is a celebration of us and the communities we help thrive. It’s a powerful reminder that from those early parades to today’s picket lines, our collective voice, our unity, has the power to shape a better future. We are not alone in this fight. We are part of a larger movement, and our strength lies in our solidarity.
The fight for a national labor holiday echoed these same sentiments in Canada. In 1894, Prime Minister John Thompson’s government made Labor Day official, solidifying the recognition of workers’ contributions across the country.
Today, the IAM stands tall across North America, continuing the legacy of fighting for every worker, regardless of industry. We are united in our mission to secure fair wages, safe conditions, and the dignity every worker deserves.
According to Gallup’s annual survey of union favorability, 70% of Americans approve of labor unions, which is near a 60-year high.
Let’s celebrate our hard-won victories this Labor Day and recommit to the ongoing fight for justice. Our work is not done, and our commitment to securing fair wages, safe conditions, and the dignity every worker deserves is unwavering. Let’s use this day to reignite our determination and continue our fight.
Together, we’ll build a future where every worker’s voice is heard, every job is secure, and every family thrives.
Sincerely,
Brian Bryant
International President