Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), addressed thousands of labor, community, and pro-democracy activists at the “No Kings” rally in Savannah, Georgia on March 28. The event brought together a broad coalition that included 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 rally coincided with the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) Conference in Savannah. IAM member-activists gathered to organize union voters and build momentum ahead of the 2026 elections. The IAM represents tens of thousands of members across Georgia at companies including Lockheed Martin, Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, Molson Coors, and military bases.
“Because this fight—this moment—this movement—should be everybody’s fight,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “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 the union’s origins in Atlanta in 1888 when railroad machinists demanded dignity and respect from corporate interests: “138 years later, we are still standing up and saying the same thing,” he said. “Working people deserve dignity. We deserve respect. And we will not stay silent.” Addressing economic challenges faced by working families today, Bryant said: “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… It’s the result of policies written by corporate CEOs for corporate CEOs.”
He also spoke about efforts to restrict voting rights: “Across this country, they are trying to make it harder for working people to vote,” he said. “When working people organize and vote, we win… That’s not democracy—that’s fear of the people.” Urging continued action beyond voting alone, Bryant called on attendees to engage their communities: “Voting is critical—but voting alone is not enough… Knock on doors… Talk to your neighbors… run for office yourself… Because if working people aren’t at the table, we’re on the menu.”
Bryant concluded by encouraging solidarity among unions: “If you see workers on strike—join them on the picket line… Solidarity isn’t just a word—it’s an action.”
