SAG-AFTRA EVP Gives Keynote Speech at IAM Convention

SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Linda Powell was a keynote speaker at the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers 41st Grand Lodge Convention on Sept. 3.

Her speech, which came following the Labor Day holiday weekend, was a powerful testament to the power and importance of unions. Within her speech, she cited the triumphs of SAG-AFTRA during and following its 2023 negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers, and its continuing work to support key legislation protecting against misuse of artificial intelligence as examples of the continued impact of labor unions. She also emphasized the importance of the solidarity of unions across industries as work changes.

“The reason the actors’ and writers’ strikes struck a chord with so many outside our industry, and why we had such support all across the political spectrum, was because individuals everywhere saw that change, in all sectors, was — and still is — urgently needed. We can’t keep tolerating a system where folks have to work multiple side hustles in addition to their 40-hour-a-week job to afford the skyrocketing cost of living,” said Powell.

She concluded, “A future where every worker in the United States is unionized is absolutely a possibility. Imagine what a future that will be — where everyone can afford rent, groceries, health care and transportation. Let’s raise our voices as workers and make that future a reality.”

The IAM, founded in 1884, represents the aerospace and transportation sectors. Its membership of 600,000 is composed of military and defense, tech, airline and railroad workers. Its 41st convention, themed “Honoring Our Past, Building Our Future,” took place Sept. 1–6 in New York City.

All photos courtesy of IAM. 

Photo: SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Linda Powell at the 41st IAM Grand Lodge Convention on Sept. 3.