Larry Bickett, a business representative for IAM District W24, has called for a renewed focus on inclusivity and solidarity within the Machinists Union. Writing in the District W24 newsletter in collaboration with Northwest Labor Press, Bickett reflected on changing social attitudes and questioned the normalization of divisive behaviors.
“There was a time when hate and bigotry were clearly recognized for what they are: harmful, divisive, and unacceptable. While those attitudes certainly existed in the past, I want to believe they were not normalized or openly celebrated in the way they seem to be today. Watching that shift has been troubling, and it raises an important question about who we are becoming,” Bickett wrote.
He clarified that his message was not politically motivated but centered on values. “This reflection is not about political parties or labels. It is about values.”
Bickett highlighted that the International Association of Machinists (IAM) aims to include all members equally, regardless of race, sexual orientation, religion, or origin. He stated: “The IAM was not built on hate or exclusion. It was built on standing together—in solidarity, dignity, and mutual respect.”
Bickett posed questions to fellow union members about unity within the labor movement: “What happened to us as unionists? How do we stand as unionists? Do we still stand together as brothers, sisters, and siblings?”
He reiterated that advocating for workers’ rights is central to the labor movement’s mission and transcends political affiliation. “The labor movement has always stood for people’s rights, especially for those who cannot stand up or speak out on their own. That purpose has never belonged to one political party it belongs to the working people.”
According to Bickett, IAM’s mission is “To inspire and empower IAM union members to make life better and create a world with security, dignity, and opportunity for all.” He listed several core values supporting this mission: solidarity among workers; justice through fair treatment; dignity and respect without fear of retaliation; accountability in leadership; striving for excellence; ethics in actions; and promoting diversity and equity.
“If these are truly our mission and our values, then we must live by them—not only when it is easy but when it is uncomfortable,” he wrote.
Bickett cautioned against placing anyone above others or demeaning community members over differences. He stated: “No one should be placed above another. We should never tear down our fellow brothers, sisters, siblings, or members of our community because they think differently or live differently. Disagreement does not require dehumanization. Strength does not require cruelty.”
He concluded by emphasizing unity despite differences: “Solidarity means standing together even when we don’t agree on everything.” He added that justice requires speaking up during difficult times while dignity means recognizing everyone’s humanity.
“Unity does not mean uniformity. It means respect. It means fairness,” he wrote.
“This is the union I believe in. It is also the America I believe in.”
“When we strive to live by these principles—not as Democrats or Republicans, not as Conservatives, Liberals, Independents or other Parties but as unionists—we are at our best. And when we do, we can still make the world a better place for all of us,” Bickett concluded.
