IAM members from across Alabama gathered in Huntsville for the IAM Union Alabama State Council meeting, which brought together union leaders, community representatives, and political candidates to address key issues affecting working families in the state.
The event began with a welcome from Huntsville City Council Member Michelle Watkins, representing District 1. Attendees participated in discussions and presentations focused on legislative priorities, organizing strategies, and political involvement. Topics included protecting service contract jobs, increasing manufacturing opportunities, advocating for union rights, and ensuring that workers have a voice in both state and federal government.
“When working people in Alabama stand together, there is no force more powerful,” said IAM Union Alabama State Council President Rickie Langford. “This meeting was about uniting our voices and building our strength across the political aisles for the road ahead.”
Several notable figures addressed the council, including State Representatives Anthony Daniels (District 53) and Laura Hall (District 19), Dr. Will Boyd (candidate for Governor of Alabama), U.S. Representative Brandon Moore (candidate for U.S. Senate), Loren Almeroth (IAM National Assistant Political & Legislative Director), Galen Bullock (EBS Executive Director), DeLane Adams (IAM Assistant Communications Director), Nicole Fears (IAM Human Rights Director), Frederick Ross (IAM Benefit Trust), Pam Evans (IAM W3 Education Representative), Helena Thornton (IAM Southern Territory International Representative), Pat Keahey (Keahey Law Firm), and Jacob Morrison (President of the North Alabama Area Labor Council, AFL-CIO).
Speakers addressed both challenges and opportunities for Alabama workers and emphasized the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers’ (IAM) commitment to amplifying labor voices throughout the state.
Delegates were also updated on the ongoing government shutdown and the IAM’s ongoing efforts to secure back pay for federal contract workers affected by the impasse in Washington.
The Alabama State Council remains active in guiding the IAM’s legislative and political work statewide. Delegates concluded the meeting with a renewed focus on political mobilization.
The Executive Board of the Alabama State Council includes Rickie Langford as President, Gavin Brunner as Secretary Treasurer, James Tate and Joe Cleveland as Vice Presidents North, and Anthony Holton and Michelle Hunt as Vice Presidents South.
