The Kentucky State Council of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) organized a lobby day at the State Capitol in Frankfort, aiming to bring the concerns of working families directly to state lawmakers. The event was scheduled during Kentucky’s legislative session in January and February to allow IAM members to engage with elected officials while key decisions were being made.
Chris Harrington, President of the IAM Union Kentucky State Council, who organized the event, stated, “We had a great lobbying day. If we had 18 to 20 members this year, we need 36 to 40 next year.”
Craig Martin, IAM Southern Territory General Vice President, commented on the council’s efforts: “The Kentucky State Council is doing great engaging members and making sure they are prepared and have the confidence to speak with elected officials about issues that are impacting workers. We need to keep the energy up to continue building worker power across the state, and the entire South.”
Participation in this year’s lobby day increased compared to previous years. In 2025, five members attended; this year saw 18 rank-and-file members from six different IAM locals—Local 219, Local 681, Local 830, Local 1294, Local 1720, and Local 1969—traveling to Frankfort.
Harrington acknowledged collective support: “It’s not just me. It’s all of our leadership in Kentucky. The locals were supportive. The locals sent their people and paid lost time for them to be there. It was a great effort all around.”
The lobby day started with a morning strategy session involving coordination with the Kentucky AFL-CIO for legislative talking points. Members met directly with legislators before regrouping for an afternoon debrief.
Ryan McCarthy, IAM Southern Territory Special Representative and former Kentucky State Council president, joined members throughout the day as they spoke with legislators.
IAM members addressed several key issues affecting workers in Kentucky:
– Repeal of Right-to-Work: Members discussed legislation aimed at repealing Kentucky’s right-to-work law—Senate Bill 161 and House Bill 585.
– Buy America / Build America Protections: Members advocated for HB 472—the Kentucky Buy America Act—to reinforce domestic manufacturing requirements so taxpayer funds support American jobs.
– Unemployment Insurance Reform: Members focused on reversing recent changes that make it harder for laid-off workers to access unemployment benefits. Current rules require multiple weekly job search contacts by workers—even those expecting recall after temporary layoffs—which also places a burden on employers.
Harrington said participation growth reflects increased awareness among union members about political engagement’s importance: “I think the labor movement is coming to the forefront, and our membership is starting to see the important issues that we have to get out there and stand up for.”
Despite ongoing legislative challenges, organizers say growing participation in lobby day events signals momentum among IAM members advocating for worker protections and stronger unions.
