Organizing with The IAM Union District W24

Jessica Hart Deming

Jessica Hart Deming
Organizing International Rep.

My Story

Jessica Hart Deming is a committed labor organizer and leader with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). She currently serves as a Business Representative for IAM District W24, where she channels her energy and determination into organizing efforts across industries in the Pacific Northwest.

Her union journey began with IAM Local 63 in Gladstone, Oregon, where she helped found the Young Workers Committee and later became Women’s Committee Chair. She went on to serve on the Local Executive Board and, in 2022, was elected President of Local 63, reflecting her ability to inspire and mobilize members with both passion and persistence.

Deming’s leadership has been marked by her unwavering commitment to solidarity and fairness. In 2022, she organized support for IAMAW members striking against Weyerhaeuser, where more than 1,100 workers fought for fair wages, healthcare, and benefits amid record corporate profits. Her tireless advocacy during the strike underscored her reputation as a leader who brings energy, focus, and resolve to every campaign.

Her contributions have been recognized nationally. During Women’s History Month 2022, the IAM spotlighted her in its Women in Leadership series, celebrating her as a trailblazer who exemplifies union values and inspires future generations of activists.

Before becoming a full-time union representative, Deming worked for seven years at a Boeing plant in Portland, Oregon, where she saw firsthand the power of collective bargaining to transform wages and working conditions. Her career path, from hospitality and Boeing manufacturing to union leadership, illustrates the opportunities unions create for working people.

Aubria Hopes

Aubria Hopes
Organizing International Rep.

My Story

Aubria Hopes is a seasoned labor representative and organizer with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District W24, where she brings over three decades of experience in the labor movement. Currently serving as a Business Representative assigned to organizing, Hopes is known for her dedication to building campaigns that empower workers, strengthen solidarity, and expand union membership across industries in the Pacific Northwest.

Her career began at Daimler Trucks North America, where she has worked for more than 30 years. In her role as a TOS Coordinator, she collaborated closely with floor staff to ensure equitable workloads, conducting time studies and making recommendations to management to prevent overwork and promote fairness. This hands-on experience gave her deep insight into the challenges workers face and the solutions unions can deliver.

Hopes has also been recognized nationally for her leadership and advocacy. In February 2024, the IAM spotlighted her during Black History Month as part of its Women in Leadership and Human Rights features, honoring her as a trailblazer who advances equality and justice within the union.

Her activism extends beyond the shop floor. She has participated in public demonstrations, including labor protests in Portland, where union members challenged corporate practices that exploit workers globally. These actions reflect her broader commitment to justice, not only for IAM members but for working people everywhere.

Why Organize?

Organizing with the IAM Union is about more than just securing a contract, it’s about having a voice on the job. When workers come together under the IAM Union, they gain the collective strength to negotiate fair wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions. Alone, it’s easy for management to overlook concerns, but united employees have the power to make sure their needs are heard and respected.

Union membership delivers measurable gains. Union workers earn about 15–20% more in wages than their nonunion counterparts. That wage premium translates into greater financial stability for families and stronger communities. Beyond pay, unions also make workplaces safer. Studies show that unionized worksites are significantly more likely to follow OSHA safety standards, invest in hazard prevention, and reduce workplace injuries. In industries like construction, union employers were found to be 20% more likely to adopt proactive safety practices.

At the same time, the IAM Union isn’t just about bargaining, it’s about building community. Members support one another, share resources, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder when challenges arise. It’s realistic to acknowledge that organizing takes effort and courage, but the payoff is real: stronger protections, more stability, and the dignity of knowing you have a say in your future.

In short, the IAM Union helps turn individual frustrations into collective solutions, giving working people the tools to shape the workplace they deserve, with better pay, safer conditions, and a stronger voice.