Machinists and Aerospace Workers, International Association of, is a labor union affiliated with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations. It has local unions in the United States and its territories and in Canada. Membership in the union is open to men and women who work in the metalworking industries, on production lines, in machine shops, garages, toolrooms, and everywhere that machinery and equipment are manufactured, installed, repaired, or operated.
The union was founded in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1888 as the National Association of Machinists. It became the International Association of Machinists in 1891, when it expanded its membership to include Canadian metalworkers. The union took its present name in 1965. It is one of the largest unions in the aerospace industry, as well as one of the largest among the railroad, automobile mechanics, airlines, machine tool, and business machine industry unions. Services include a research and statistical department, a department of safety and health, and a department of community services. Headquarters are in Washington, D.C. For membership, see Labor movement (table) .
