IAM Air Transport Local 1833 has maintained a presence at the Minnesota AFL-CIO House of Labor Pavilion during the Minnesota State Fair for over five decades. The pavilion, open throughout the 12-day event, provides fairgoers with information about union membership and offers opportunities to meet members from various trades.
The IAM Local 1833 booth features displays related to the airline industry, including model airplanes and a donut press contributed by an IAM Business Representative. The booth also honors Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines, a charity supported by the IAM. Additionally, it serves as a gathering point for Delta Air Lines ramp and flight attendant organizers seeking information about union representation.
Other unions participating in the pavilion include AFSCME, USW, UFCW, MNA, SEIU, IBEW, and CWA.
Richie Johnsen, IAM Air Transport General Vice President, stated: “Our members in Minnesota show the true spirit of the labor movement at the state fair. By connecting directly with the public, educating them about the value of union membership, and standing in solidarity with other unions, they are helping strengthen the voice of working people everywhere.”
Mary Sansom, President of IAM Local 1833, reflected on her long-standing involvement: “I have been doing the state fair for at least 20 years, and the best part is seeing my brothers and sisters at the AFL-CIO Pavilion, making new friends, and supporting one another. It’s a great time building solidarity with family, friends, and union family.”
The IAM Union encourages all workers to visit their booth at next year’s fair to learn more about union efforts and celebrate collective action.
