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, which operates throughout the entire 12-day fair, provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about union membership and meet members from a variety of trades.
The event features live music, displays from multiple unions, and educational activities. IAM Local 1833 is joined by other unions such as AFSCME, USW, UFCW, MNA, SEIU, IBEW, and CWA.
At their booth, IAM Local 1833 emphasizes its ties to the airline industry with model airplanes and includes a donut press donated by another IAM Business Representative. The booth also pays tribute to Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines. It serves as a gathering place for Delta Air Lines ramp and flight attendant organizers who are interested in learning more about union representation.
“Our members in Minnesota show the true spirit of the labor movement at the state fair,” said IAM Air Transport General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “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, described 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,” said Sansom. “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 Minnesota State Fair to connect with others in support of organized labor.
