The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is inviting members and allies to participate in the 2026 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil & Human Rights Conference, scheduled for January 15-18, 2026, in Baltimore. The event will take place at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor.
This year’s conference theme is “Honoring Our History – Fighting for Our Future.” Organizers say the theme highlights the connection between the labor movement and civil rights efforts. According to IAM, “It speaks to how the labor movement and civil-rights movement are inextricably linked, and how we must listen to history to chart our future.”
The conference aims to serve as a forum for dialogue on issues at the intersection of labor rights and civil rights. The program includes discussions led by experts addressing challenges such as threats to workers’ collective-bargaining rights, voting rights, economic justice, and democracy.
Attendees will have access to workshops and breakout sessions designed to provide practical skills for organizing within their communities and workplaces. Organizers state that both union leaders and rank-and-file members can benefit from these sessions.
AFL-CIO recently named Alex Rias as Director of Civil, Human, and Women’s Rights. He will lead this annual conference moving forward.
The negotiated room rate at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor is $219 per night. Organizers recommend booking early due to high demand for accommodations during the conference dates. Conference activities will start on Thursday afternoon, January 15; hotel availability on January 14 is limited.
“Register now for the 2026 AFL-CIO MLK Civil and Human Rights Conference,” states IAM in its announcement.
“This conference is an important platform for dialogue and action at the intersection of labor rights and civil/human rights. It celebrates Dr. King’s enduring legacy while setting a course for collective strength in 2026.”
“Participants will engage in timely discussions led by experts about the most pressing issues facing our movement — from attacks on workers’ collective-bargaining rights to threats to our democracy, including voting rights and economic justice.”
“Workshops and breakout sessions will provide attendees with hands-on tools and best practices to empower them to organize in their communities and workplaces. Whether you’re a rank-and-file member or a union leader, this is an opportunity to sharpen skills, build alliances, and leave ready to drive change.”
“The AFL-CIO recently announced the appointment of Alex Rias as the new Director of Civil, Human, and Women’s Rights. He will lead the federation’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference.”
Conference programming begins on January 15; those attending are encouraged to plan travel accordingly.
