Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), addressed thousands at the ‘No Kings’ rally in Savannah, Ga., on March 28. The event brought together labor, community, and pro-democracy activists to call for solidarity, economic justice, and political engagement among working people across the country.
The rally coincided with the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) Conference in Savannah. IAM Union members gathered there to organize efforts aimed at mobilizing 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.
Bryant spoke about the union’s historical connection to Georgia. “Because this fight—this moment—this movement—should be everybody’s fight,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “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.” He also reflected on IAM’s founding in Atlanta in 1888 by railroad machinists who stood up for dignity and respect.
“138 years later, we are still standing up and saying the same thing,” said Bryant. “Working people deserve dignity. We deserve respect. And we will not stay silent.” Addressing economic issues facing workers today, he added: “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… 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.”
Bryant also highlighted threats to democracy: “Across this country, they are trying to make it harder for working people to vote… When working people organize and vote, we win… That’s not democracy—that’s fear of the people.” He urged attendees to engage beyond voting by organizing locally or running for office themselves: “Voting is critical—but voting alone is not enough… Because if working people aren’t at the table, we’re on the menu.” He concluded by calling for ongoing solidarity within labor organizations: “If you see workers on strike—join them on picket line… Solidarity isn’t just a word—it’s an action.”
