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Political Action

We’re holding our politicians accountable on every level and protecting working families. Learn more below about our wins, our champions, and upcoming priorities in the fight ahead.

Our Issues

We remain committed to supporting the American worker on every level of government and continue to fight back against attacks that will shortchange our jobs, benefits, and livelihoods. Our core issues include:

  • Protecting the right to come together, organize, and collectively negotiate stronger contracts
  • Blocking attempts to undermine union representation with “Right to Work” laws
  • Upholding prevailing wage and the Davis-Bacon Act to ensure a level playing field for union workers and contractors
  • Ensuring safe job sites across New England, especially light of the global pandemic

Our Victories

Putting Workers First in FY21

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker tried to sneak anti-labor policies into the 2021 budget. These policies would have compromised our contractors’ current bid laws and jeopardized millions of dollars in public projects.

Thanks to our quick response, legislators struck these dangerous provisions from the budget. 

Halting Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs

Our apprenticeship programs are foundational to preparing the next generation of iron workers. These programs fell under attack when the Department of Labor (DOL) attempted to create “Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs), which would’ve allowed private employers to shortcut training and safety requirements. 

Together, Local 7, along with the union building trades, rallied and fought back against IRAPs, sending over 326,000 comments to the DOL and ensuring the construction industry is exempt from dodgy standards. 

Securing Historic Investment in Our Nation’s Infrastructure

In electing Joe Biden, we’ve secured a proposed $2 trillion investment to repair and replace our crumblings roads, bridges, schools, and more. We will continue to work hard to ensure that these investments create good, safe, union jobs that provide opportunities for all.

Check out the gallery below to see some of our recent political and advocacy efforts.

Ironworkers hanging sign
Helmet
Ironworkers group photo
Ironworker with sign
Hands closeup
Ironworker giving speech
Person at podium
Ironworkers with banner
Ironworkers with signs

Our Champions

Our leaders should stand shoulder to shoulder with labor. We’re proud to stand with the following elected officials:

U.S. Senate

Edward Markey

U.S. House

1st District: Richard Neal
2nd District: Jim McGovern
3rd District: Lori Trahan
4th District: Jake Auchincloss
5th District: Katherine Clark
6th District: Seth Moulton
7th District: Ayanna Pressley
8th District: Stephen Lynch
9th District: Bill Keating

U.S. Senate

Jeanne Shaheen

U.S. House

1st District: Chris Pappas
2nd District: Annie Kuster