The Virginia IAM Council recently held a meeting that brought together union members and leaders to discuss key labor issues and the importance of political involvement during the election year. Charles Mann, president of the council, addressed attendees about the need to prioritize member security, fair compensation, and workplace safety. He also encouraged members to participate in the upcoming Virginia elections, where all major statewide offices and delegate seats will be contested.
The meeting included newly unionized IAM members who spoke about their organizing experiences at local botanical gardens. They described how resources and support from both international and state-level union partners, such as the AFL-CIO, played a role in their efforts.
Participants emphasized that political engagement and voting are critical for advancing labor rights, regardless of political party. The event highlighted the union’s focus on mobilizing its members to support candidates who back labor issues.



