Strong and United: PPPWU Delegates Back IAM Merger
Reflecting a theme of “A Stronger Future, Built Together,” delegates to a special PPPWU convention voted unanimously to merge with the powerful, 600,000-strong IAM Union and send a referendum to members for final approval.
The action came after three days of presentations by PPPWU and IAM Union leaders who said a partnership between the two unions would assure PPPWU autonomy, benefit members and promote labor unity and solidarity.
PPPWU President Israel Castro called an alliance with IAM Union “the right merger at the right time” and IAM International President Brian Bryant said his group was “looking forward to a great future for both our unions.”
If rank-and-file PPPWU members vote in favor – electronic balloting takes place in June – the PPPWU would become an IAM affiliate for two years and then achieve fully merged status. In both cases, the PPPWU would be a unit of a major labor organization known for its national influence, political clout and vast membership services.
Leaders noted that many PPPWU and IAM members already work for the same employers – Georgia-Pacific, WestRock Packaging and International Paper, for example – and have common interests.
“This merger is a helluva’ good move,” said IAM official Bob Walls.
Also enthusiastic was Liz Shuler, the highly regarded AFL-CIO president, who paid a surprise visit to the convention – a measure of the event’s importance, leaders said.
Shuler thanked the PPPWU “for your leadership, for your activism, for your fight” and underlined the importance of unity in the labor movement. “There’s power in standing together.”
Castro said that over months of discussion with Bryant and other IAM officials, the PPPWU had been shown respect and treated as an equal.
“They have proven to me over this course of time that they are truly our brothers and sisters,” Castro said. “They have been there for our union.”
During a visit to IAM’s large headquarters in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, PPPWU delegates were welcomed warmly by a number of IAM department leaders.
“You are home,” said General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes.
As IAM partners, PPPWU members would have access to the IAM’s wide resources in the areas of negotiations, training, legal service, communications, and in the political and legislative fields.
“Our mission is to make our members’ lives better,” said Bryant. “We all do better, when we all do better.”
Leaders at the special convention in Hanover, Maryland, said affiliation with the IAM signals the PPPWU’s resolve and determination to endure as an independent organization.
We are still standing,” Castro said to cheering delegates. “Strong and united.”
