The TCU/IAM Executive Council has elected Matt Hollis as National President-Elect following the resignation of Artie Maratea due to health reasons. The decision was made unanimously by the council.
In a statement, Hollis expressed his gratitude for the council’s support: “I am deeply honored by the confidence and unanimous support shown by the Executive Council in selecting me to lead this Union. I have spent my entire career grounded in the belief that strong unions are built on respect, fairness, and decency in the workplace. I remain fully committed to serving our membership with integrity, standing shoulder to shoulder with them at the bargaining table, and upholding TCU/IAM’s proud legacy of strong contracts, fierce representation, and unwavering solidarity.”
Hollis began working for CSXT Railroad in 2004 as a yard clerk in Birmingham, Alabama. He joined TCU Lodge 691 and became protective committeeman in 2005. By 2007, he was Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Gate City Lodge 1295 in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2008, he was elected Local Chairman of Lodge 1295. Two years later, then-National President Scardelletti appointed him Assistant National Representative for Unit 96 in Jacksonville, Florida. In 2014, he became National Representative for Unit 96.
He was elected National Vice President by the Executive Council in 2016 and re-elected at conventions held in both 2018 and 2022. Since being named Special Assistant to the President in 2020, Hollis has played a significant role in contract negotiations and served as spokesperson during multi-union coalition talks.
The Executive Council released a statement regarding their decision: “The Executive Council has the utmost confidence in Matt Hollis and his ability to lead this Union with integrity, strength, and a deep commitment to our membership. Matt is widely respected throughout the railroad industry and the labor movement, and he has earned a reputation for honesty, fairness, and principled leadership.
Throughout his career, Matt has consistently demonstrated a resolute dedication to protecting workers’ rights, strengthening collective bargaining, and upholding the values upon which this Union was built. The Executive Council has full faith in his judgment, experience, and proven leadership, and we are confident he will continue to serve the membership with distinction and steadfast resolve.”
