Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), addressed thousands of labor, community, and pro-democracy activists at a “No Kings” rally in Savannah, Ga., on March 28. Bryant called for unity among working people to pursue economic justice and defend democratic principles.
The event coincided with the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) Conference in Savannah, where IAM Union members gathered to mobilize voters ahead of the 2026 elections. The No Kings coalition includes hundreds of 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 movement aims to unite Americans from diverse backgrounds against concentrated power by wealthy individuals or undemocratic leaders.
Bryant emphasized the importance of defending constitutional norms and resisting authoritarian tendencies. “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.”
He linked these themes to IAM’s history in Georgia since its founding in Atlanta in 1888 by railroad machinists seeking workplace dignity and respect. “138 years later, we are still standing up and saying the same thing,” said Bryant. “Working people deserve dignity. We deserve respect. And we will not stay silent.”
Addressing economic issues facing workers 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… That’s not an accident—it’s the result of policies written by corporate CEOs for corporate CEOs, at the expense of the people who actually build this country.”
Bryant also discussed efforts that he said restrict voting rights: “Across this country, they are trying to make it harder for working people to vote… When working people organize and vote, we win. So instead of changing their ideas, they’re trying to change the rules. That’s not democracy—that’s fear of the people.” He encouraged ongoing engagement beyond voting: “Voting is critical—but voting alone is not enough… Knock on doors… Talk to your neighbors… run for office yourself…”
He concluded with a call for continued 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.”
