IAM District 751 President Jon Holden has been appointed as a General Vice President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, following a unanimous vote by the IAM Executive Council, effective April 1. In his new position as General Vice President of Training and Apprenticeships, Holden will focus on expanding the union’s apprenticeship and training programs.
Holden’s appointment comes at a time when unions are placing increased emphasis on workforce development to meet industry demands. His leadership is expected to help strengthen training initiatives for current and future members.
Holden has been an active member of IAM Local 751F since joining in 1997 at Boeing’s Everett facility. Over his career, he has served in various roles including steward, committee chair, and local officer positions. Since being elected District 751 President in March 2014, he has represented more than 32,000 aerospace and manufacturing workers at Boeing and other employers across Puget Sound.
During his tenure as president, Holden led members through a historic strike at Boeing in 2024 that resulted in significant wage increases, improved job security protections, and greater worker input into production processes. He also serves as president of the Machinists Institute’s Board of Directors, which focuses on education and skills training for union members.
“Jon Holden is a proven leader who has spent his entire IAM career fighting for working people and delivering real results for our members,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “From the shop floor to leading one of our largest and most influential districts, Jon has always put members first. What he has helped build with the Machinists Institute is a model for the future of our union—one that expands apprenticeship, training and real pathways into good union jobs. Now, we have the opportunity to take that model and replicate it across the IAM, creating more opportunities for working people and ensuring the IAM leads the way in developing the next generation of highly skilled workers.”
“I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve on the IAM Executive Council and to continue fighting for our members,” said Holden. “Expanding apprenticeship programs and investing in cutting-edge training must be at the center of our union’s future. I can’t wait to get to work across our union to grow apprenticeship opportunities and give more working people the skills they need to earn a living and build a future. Together, we’re going to create opportunity, build careers and ensure our members have both the skills and the voice to thrive.”
The appointment highlights an ongoing effort within labor organizations like IAM to prepare workers with advanced skills needed in evolving industries.
