More than 800 delegates from the Air Transport and Rail Divisions of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) gathered in Las Vegas for the 2025 IAM Transportation Conference. The event, held under the theme “Building a Better Tomorrow,” focused on strengthening transportation jobs, protecting workers’ rights, and fostering new labor leaders.
The conference included months of preparation and coordination among administrative staff, international representatives, headquarters departments, and member education teams. According to organizers, this work ensured that the event ran smoothly and engaged members with its agenda.
Richie Johnsen, IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President, highlighted recent contract achievements: “Those are our contracts, those are IAM contracts. We keep delivering and delivering, but there is much more to do. The FAA Authorization bill [passed by Congress and signed into law in 2024] deserves polite applause for getting done, but it means nothing if they are not implementing what we got them to put in that bill. That’s why we’re ready to keep fighting.”
Edison Fraser, IAM Air Transportation Territory Chief of Staff, stressed the importance of mentorship within the union: “I’ve seen plenty of examples of progress being lost because there was no plan, no leaders, and no mentoring of the next generation. That is why mentorship is so important to GVP Johnsen and me, because you want the tide to keep rising in our favor. If we fail to plan, then our plan is to fail and failure is not an option,” he said.
Fraser credited mentors such as Dora Cervantes for shaping his career at IAM. This year marked the first time a young workers committee attended the transportation conference.
Member Education booths were present at the conference with subject matter experts available to discuss union benefits with attendees. Delegate Sarah Garcia from Houston Local 811 expressed her support for these efforts: “It’s great to hear what the leaders had to say about the direction they want to take the union in and the changes they want to put in place to make sure the union is ready for the issues we may be facing in the future,” Garcia said. “I’m just excited to see the work being put in and what will come of it.”
IAM International President Brian Bryant addressed attendees: “This union is stronger because of your commitment. ‘Building a Better Tomorrow’ is not just a slogan; it’s truly our mission,” he said. “For our members, families, and the industries we work in daily. Please take that message back to your shops.”
General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes reflected on her decades-long involvement with IAM: “I can tell you, with all the pride in my backbone, that I was raised right. My father stressed union with all his children. My brother, three sisters, a cousin, one niece, and one nephew all IAM members,” Cervantes said. “And I will always be a loyal member, and I will be a loud yelling, loud thumping, fighting Machinists forever.”
Delegates from various workplaces participated in breakout sessions designed for their trades where they could provide feedback directly influencing future plans.
The Rail Division also reported progress during negotiations with Amtrak through a coalition involving eight other unions that resulted in wage increases totaling 34.1% compounded over their agreement’s duration.
“Together, District 19 and TCU have an opportunity. An opportunity to demand that we bring change to our workplaces, fundamentally improve our members’ lives, and grow and organize,” said Josh Hartford Special Assistant to IAM International President for Rail Division. “Not just to gain new members but to reignite passion… Relentlessly fighting for what is rightfully our future.”
Tom Regan from IAM stated ongoing negotiations involve more than 28,000 United Airlines workers seeking new agreements after May 2025 amendments became possible; joint negotiations are planned following Alaska Airlines’ merger with Hawaiian Airlines; discussions continue with United Ground Express covering 6,100 employees; a tentative agreement was reached with McGee Air Services representing 3,000 employees set for ratification August 2025.
“After 41 years I want to make sure that I give back to this union,” Regan said. “Remember this – either you stand up and fight or sit down and be quiet. We choose to stand up and fight…you will lead the industry.”
Conference presenters discussed resources available through IAM membership which now numbers over 600,000 active or retired individuals nationwide.
The Air Transport Territory remains IAM’s largest segment including Districts 141 & 142—representing employees at major carriers like American Airlines United Southwest Alaska & Hawaiian Airlines.
