The 128,000 members of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers urge the U.S. Senate to pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021 (S. 4) and the Freedom to Vote Act (S. 2747) before the 2022 midterm elections.
 
Our union has strived to defend the franchise for ironworkers and other working people. We have watched with concern as voting rights have steadily chipped away over the past decade. The current wave of voter suppression laws in many states is cause for serious alarm. Working class people like the members of our union are disproportionately affected. We need voter protection legislation from Congress urgently.

The benefits of both bills to save democracy and expand the voting rights of American workers are well understood and both these bills must pass. American democracy is under threat and it is imperative that Congress protects it. The right to vote is where all other rights come from and the Iron Workers support changing the Senate rules to secure these bills’ passage. No justification for delay we have heard over the past year passes muster.

Ironworkers will not forget the senators who vote in support of their voting rights and livelihood. Pass these bills right away.

IW Statement on the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and Freedom to Vote Act