The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is encouraging participation in the 2026 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil & Human Rights Conference, scheduled to take place in Baltimore from January 15 to 18, 2026.
This year’s conference theme is “Honoring Our History – Fighting for Our Future.” According to the IAM, this theme emphasizes the need to connect the labor movement’s history with current and future efforts. The organization states that 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 event aims to serve as a platform for discussions on issues at the intersection of labor rights and civil and human rights. It is designed both to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and to plan strategies for collective action moving forward.
Attendees will participate in discussions led by subject matter experts on challenges such as threats to workers’ collective bargaining rights, democracy, voting rights, and economic justice. Workshops and breakout sessions are planned to provide practical tools for organizing within communities and workplaces. The IAM notes 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.”
Recently, Alex Rias was appointed as Director of Civil, Human, and Women’s Rights at AFL-CIO. He will oversee the federation’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference.
The conference will be held at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor located at 401 W. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Early booking for hotel accommodations is advised due to limited availability; rooms are offered at a negotiated rate of $219 per night.
Conference programming begins on Thursday afternoon, January 15, 2026. Attendees are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly since hotel accommodations on January 14 may be limited.
