Chief of Staff to the International President Vinny Addeo, IAM National Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon, TCU/IAM National Legislative Director Dave Arouca, and IAM Assistant Communications Director DeLane Adams recently visited members of TCU/IAM Locals 1351 and Local 878 who work for Amtrak in Philadelphia. Members were able to receive IAM Union for Kamala Harris/Tim Walz T-shirts and yard signs. These efforts help encourage members to go out and vote in the upcoming election.

“It’s important to talk about what this election really means for our members working at Amtrak and SEPTA,” said TCU/IAM National President Maratea. “We’ll always fight to beat back proposed cuts to Amtrak and transit funding, but those fights get much harder when we send anti-passenger rail people to Washington. Fact: Trump tried to defund us every single budget year. Fact: The Biden-Harris Administration provided record funding for Amtrak. Sometimes elections are tough choices – this one is not.” 

TCU/IAM will always engage in the political process and educate members on the importance of civic engagement. 

The outreach effort also included distributing informational materials and encouraging members to inform others about the upcoming election. IAM Local 1351 and Local 878 members expressed excitement about their choices for the 2024 election.  

“This election is extremely important,” said TCU/IAM Local President Shari Paige. “Our jobs and livelihood depend on it. Cuts to Amtrak funding mean pink slips for TCU. We need people to go out and vote their job.” 

The IAM GOTV program is designed to help IAM members across the country understand the importance of electing pro-labor candidates with a strong track record of advocating for working families.  

“Our members play a crucial role in shaping policies that affect their lives and the lives of their families,” said Addeo. “We must all participate in the upcoming election to ensure our voices are heard.”

Our union has already knocked on thousands of doors and made thousands of calls across key battleground states. From worksite visits to door-to-door efforts, to phone calls and texts, IAM members are working hard communicate directly to voters about what’s at stake this Election Day.