Nearly 100 participants, including delegates, guests, speakers, and IAM leaders from industries across the Lone Star State, gathered in Austin for the 2026 IAM Texas State Council Meeting to discuss the issues facing working families, strengthen the union\u2019s legislative and organizing efforts, and hear from labor and political leaders committed to advancing workers\u2019 rights.<\/p>\n
Texas State Council President Taylor Rehmet opened the meeting by reaffirming the Council\u2019s commitment to building worker power through organizing, political engagement, and solidarity. Rehmet also thanked delegates and the International IAM for their support during his successful campaign for the Texas State Senate. Rehmet has made history<\/a>\u00a0as the first rank-and-file union member elected to the Texas State Senate.<\/p>\n \u201cOur strength has always come from our members standing together,\u201d\u00a0said Rehmet. \u201cThe work we do here goes beyond our own workplaces. Every conversation we have, every worker we organize, and every election we engage in helps build a stronger future for working families across Texas. I\u2019m proud of what we have accomplished together, and I know our best work is still ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n See photos<\/a>.<\/p>\n IAM International President Brian Bryant addressed delegates on the importance of remaining politically engaged amid rising attacks on unions and working people. Bryant highlighted the IAM\u2019s continued success in advancing pro-worker legislation, organizing new members and fighting back against corporate interests seeking to weaken workers\u2019 rights.<\/p>\n \u201cWorking people cannot afford to sit on the sidelines,\u201d said Bryant. \u201cWhen we organize, vote, and stand together, we have the power to shape the future. The IAM will continue fighting for laws that protect workers, strengthen collective bargaining, and ensure every member has the opportunity to build a better life.\u201d<\/p>\n IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett reinforced those remarks, encouraging delegates to remain united as the labor movement faces growing challenges from powerful corporate interests.<\/p>\n \u201cCorporate greed continues to threaten the livelihoods of working families, but our union has always been strongest when we stand together,\u201d said Bennett.\u00a0\u201cThe labor movement was built by ordinary people refusing to accept less than they deserve, and that spirit continues to drive the IAM today.\u201d<\/p>\n Delegates also heard from several prominent leaders in the Texas labor movement, including Texas AFL-CIO President Leonard Aguilar, who stressed the importance of protecting democracy, defending all workers\u2019 rights, and ensuring Texas remains a place where every worker has the opportunity to succeed.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Texas State Council continues to play a vital role in strengthening our union throughout the Southern Territory,\u201d said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. \u201cWhether it\u2019s supporting our members at the bargaining table, or electing leaders who stand with working families, the dedication of our Texas delegates helps ensure the IAM remains a powerful voice for workers across the state.\u201d<\/p>\n