Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), addressed thousands of labor, community, and pro-democracy activists at a “No Kings” rally in Savannah, Ga., on March 28. The event brought together a broad coalition of groups to advocate for economic justice, political engagement, and the protection of democratic norms.
The rally took place as IAM Union member-activists gathered in Savannah for the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League Conference. Organizers said their goal was to mobilize union voters ahead of the 2026 elections. No Kings is described as a movement representing diverse backgrounds from across the country, united in opposition to concentrated power among strongmen or wealthy elites.
The IAM Union represents tens of thousands of workers in Georgia at companies such as Lockheed Martin, Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, Molson Coors, and various military bases. Bryant linked the current movement to the union’s origins in Atlanta more than a century ago. “Because this fight—this moment—this movement—should be everybody’s fight,” said Bryant. “We did not elect a dictator. We did not elect a king. And we are not going to let Donald Trump run this country like it’s his own personal business. He must follow the Constitution and the rule of law—just like every president before him.”
Bryant spoke about economic challenges facing working families today: “We’re living in the richest country in the history of the world, yet working people are being told to do more with less while billionaires keep getting richer,” he said.
He also highlighted concerns about voting rights: “Across this country, they are trying to make it harder for working people to vote,” said Bryant. He urged attendees to remain active beyond elections by organizing locally and supporting unions: “Voting is critical—but voting alone is not enough,” he said.
Bryant concluded by calling for continued solidarity with other labor organizations such as Georgia AFL-CIO and Savannah Central Labor Council: “Solidarity isn’t just a word—it’s an action.”
