The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), utilizing an unprecedented democratic process that included a general membership vote open to all U.S. members in good standing, has endorsed Joe Biden for president of the United States.
The IAM’s endorsement is the majority will of the IAM’s membership and its state councils, who voted online in early March, just after Super Tuesday.
Biden won 36% of the vote versus 26% for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Donald Trump took 34% of ballots cast. Members were free to vote for any candidate from any party on the ballot, and members supported a Democrat over a Republican by nearly 2-1.
The machinists union endorsement is unique in that it was done through a rank-and-file vote, overseen by an independent third party. At most large international unions, executive board members or other officials ultimately make the decision on which presidential candidate to back, typically after internal surveys and feedback from their members and local leaders. Many union members complain that their processes are not democratic.
The IAM used to do its endorsement like other unions, but overhauled the system after the 2016 election. Like many other labor groups in that cycle, the union jumped out early for Hillary Clinton, the eventual nominee, and no doubt rankled members who preferred Sanders in that contest.
“Our union made it a priority in the 2020 election cycle to give IAM members a real say in who we endorse for president,” announced IAM President Robert Martinez Jr. in a statement.
Martinez called Biden “a proven leader who we believe can take back the White House and restore power back to working people and unions.” The union noted Biden’s support of the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, which would overhaul labor law to make it easier for workers to form unions. The bill is a priority for organized labor and has passed the Democratic-controlled House.
“Today the IAM is proud to announce our endorsement for Joe Biden, a proven leader who we believe can take back the White House and restore power back to working people and unions. Joe understands that unions built the middle class and that working people deserve their fair share of the prosperity we create. At this time more than ever, we need a leader who can deliver for workers and communities across this nation on retirement security, affordable health care and stronger protections for workers and unions. Our members have indicated that strong support for these issues is critical for our endorsement. Joe Biden has been fighting for these issues throughout his career.
“Make no mistake, workers’ rights including safety and health and the right to unionize and bargain collectively, is on the ballot this November. We have endured four years of attacks on working people in the form of anti-union judges and NLRB decisions, attacks on our retirement and health care, and more. The GOP tax plan gave enormous tax breaks to multinational corporations while resulting in more than 50 plant closures for IAM members since the president took office. We cannot afford another four years of anti-worker policies being dictated to us by corporate-bought politicians in Washington.
“Joe Biden has pledged to protect the pensions of workers and strengthen our ability to bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions. Joe would also end the senseless attacks on federal workers and fight for multi-employer pensions by passing the Butch Lewis Act.
“I encourage our members whose preferred candidate did not receive our endorsement to remain committed to our core principles. In a union as diverse as the IAM, it is OK to have different views with one common cause. We are strongest when we are united.”