The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) has issued a statement recognizing U.S. Representative Steny Hoyer, D-Md., for his more than 40 years of service in Congress following his announcement to retire.
“Steny has been a consistent and trusted ally of the labor movement and the IAM throughout his career,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “He has always had a strong pro-labor voting record. We will miss his support for our IAM Union Local 4 members at Naval Air Station Patuxent River (PAX) in Maryland. He always stood strong for their rights and fought for consistent funding throughout his career.”
Hoyer, who holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Democrat in the House, played a significant role in supporting legislation aimed at improving workers’ rights. During his tenure as House Majority Leader, he was involved in passing measures that reinforced collective bargaining, protected retirement security, broadened access to health care, and invested in infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.
“Steny Hoyer never forgot where he came from or who he was fighting for,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “He stood with our Maryland members in the Eastern Territory and with working families time and again. His leadership helped deliver real wins for workers across Maryland.”
The union’s activities in Maryland and Washington, D.C., have benefited from Hoyer’s advocacy over several decades.
“Congressman Hoyer has always understood that working people deserve a seat at the table,” said IAM Union National Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon. “His leadership helped advance legislation that protected union jobs, strengthened worker rights, and ensured labor’s voice was heard on Capitol Hill. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his impact will be felt for generations.”
IAM Union officials say that Hoyer’s legacy will continue to influence efforts toward fairness and opportunity within the workforce.
“On behalf of our members in Maryland and Washington, D.C., we thank Congressman Hoyer for his decades of service and unwavering support for working families and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement,” said the IAM Union Maryland/DC State Council President Rick Compher. “He listened to our members, supported our priorities, and consistently fought for good-paying union jobs.”
The IAM Union represents about 600,000 active and retired workers across various industries such as aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroads, transit systems, healthcare services, automotive sectors as well as other fields throughout North America.
