NFFE-IAM members on Capitol Hill during the 2017 IAM Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.
The National Federation of Federal Employees celebrated after a successful legislative week which took place May 8-11 in Washington, D.C. NFFE members charged up Capitol Hill alongside their sisters and brothers from IAM locals to fight for the labor movement and the future of federal employees.
“We simply had an amazing week,” exclaimed Randy Erwin, NFFE National President. “To see so many NFFE and IAM members from across the country comer together as the Fighting Machinists—embracing working families and the future of the country—you can’t ask for anything better.”
Each morning started with no-nonsense discussions and inspiring speeches from labor leaders and top lawmakers, and the afternoons entailed meeting with hundreds of Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill. NFFE members took to the Halls of Congress to discuss federal official time, paid parental leave, VA employee rights, fair retirement benefits for first responders injured on duty, FAA privatization, the pay gap, reductions to pensions and benefits, and much more.
Speakers at the conference included NFFE National President Randy Erwin, IAM International President Robert Martinez, in addition to many members of Congress and Senators. Advocating for NFFE and federal employees across the country, was influential House Representative Steny Hoyer (D-MD), as well as leading Senators Angus King (I-ME), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and several more.
“I would personally like to thank every NFFE member and the many spouses who attended this week,” Erwin added. “One group attended over 90 appointments with lawmakers over the four days of the conference. That is the kind of passion and heart that makes NFFE unique, tough and exceptional!”