The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is encouraging its members and partners to participate in the 2026 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil & Human Rights Conference, scheduled for January 15-18, 2026, in Baltimore.
The conference theme for this year is “Honoring Our History – Fighting for Our Future.” Organizers say the event aims to connect the labor movement’s historical roots with current and future efforts for civil rights. According to the IAM Union, “It speaks to how the labor movement and civil-rights movement are inextricably linked, and how we must listen to history to chart our future.”
The conference serves as a forum for discussion on issues affecting both labor and civil rights. It will feature panels led by experts on topics such as collective-bargaining rights, voting rights, threats to democracy, and economic justice. The event is designed not only to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy but also to prepare participants for advocacy work throughout 2026.
Workshops and breakout sessions will offer practical tools and strategies for organizing within communities and workplaces. Organizers state that “whether you’re a rank-and-file member or a union leader, this is an opportunity to sharpen skills, build alliances, and leave ready to drive change.”
AFL-CIO has named Alex Rias as its new Director of Civil, Human, and Women’s Rights. He will oversee this annual conference moving forward.
The event will take place at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor hotel at 401 W. Pratt St., Baltimore, Maryland. The negotiated room rate is $219 per night. Early reservations are recommended due to limited availability of accommodations on January 14.
Conference programming begins on the afternoon of Thursday, January 15.
