Today marks Human Rights Day, and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is highlighting its recent efforts in advancing human rights within the union.
According to a statement from the IAM Human Rights Department, “This year, our IAM Human Rights Department made meaningful strides, including hosting an impactful IAM Human Rights Conference and continuing to show up through our constituency groups to ensure our members’ voices are heard and valued.”
The department emphasized that the union’s commitment to human rights is not limited to one day a year. “As a union, we don’t just acknowledge human rights one day a year, we practice them every day. Every grievance filed, every contract enforced, every policy challenged, and every member supported represents our commitment to worker dignity, fairness, and safety. Human rights live in our fight for safe work environments, equal treatment, and the right for every worker to be respected on and off the job,” the statement said.
IAM also pointed out that its foundational values are rooted in justice. “Our union values are grounded in justice. IAM Circular 888 confirms the right for each Local to have a Human Rights presence, creating space for education, advocacy, and accountability within our own membership,” according to the department.
Looking ahead, IAM encourages more local chapters to engage in human rights work at their level. The department stated: “As we look ahead, we encourage more Locals to tap into what Human Rights work can look like at the local level. Strong locals build strong members, and strong members protect each other.”
The message concluded with a call for continued unity: “We move forward with unity, compassion, and dedication today and every day because human rights are not optional, they are essential.”
