Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), spoke on March 28 at the ‘No Kings’ rally in Savannah, Georgia. The event brought together thousands of labor, community, and pro-democracy activists to call for solidarity, economic justice, and increased political engagement among working people.
The rally coincided with the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) Conference, where IAM Union members gathered to organize union 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. Organizers describe it as a movement representing diverse backgrounds from across the country who are united against concentrated power.
Bryant highlighted that IAM represents tens of thousands of members in Georgia at companies including Lockheed Martin and Molson Coors as well as Hartsfield Jackson International Airport and military bases throughout the state. He said: “Because this fight—this moment—this movement—should be everybody’s fight. 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.”
Reflecting on IAM’s origins in Atlanta in 1888 by railroad machinists demanding dignity and respect at work, Bryant added: “138 years later, we are still standing up and saying the same thing,” he said. “Working people deserve dignity. We deserve respect. And we will not stay silent.”
Addressing current economic issues facing working families—including rising costs and growing inequality—Bryant stated: “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,” he said. “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.”
He also spoke about challenges to democracy: “Across this country, they are trying to make it harder for working people to vote,” Bryant said. “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.”
Bryant encouraged attendees to take action beyond voting: “Voting is critical—but voting alone is not enough,” he said. “Knock on doors. Make phone calls. Talk to your neighbors and co-workers. And yes—run for office yourself. Because if working people aren’t at the table, we’re on the menu.” He closed by calling for continued solidarity with labor organizations such as Georgia AFL-CIO and Savannah Central Labor Council: “If you see workers on strike—join them on the picket line,” Bryant said.” If workers are organizing—let them know you’ve got their backs.”
