The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) held its 2025 Transportation Conference in Las Vegas, bringing together more than 800 delegates from the Air Transport and Rail Divisions. The biennial event focused on preparing for changes in the transportation industry and developing future labor leaders.
The conference, themed “Building a Better Tomorrow,” highlighted efforts to strengthen transportation jobs, defend workers’ rights, and encourage new leadership within the union. Organizers noted that extensive planning by administrative staff, international representatives, headquarters departments, and member education teams contributed to the smooth execution of the event.
Richie Johnsen, IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President, shared updates on wage increases secured through recent contracts: “Those are our contracts, those are IAM contracts,” said Johnsen. “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, Chief of Staff for the IAM Air Transportation Territory, stressed the importance of mentorship: “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 with shaping his career at IAM. This year’s conference included a young workers committee for the first time to expose future leaders to union operations.
Sarah Garcia from Houston Local 811 expressed her appreciation for efforts aimed at keeping members informed: “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,” said Garcia. “I’m just excited to see the work being put in and what will come of it.”
IAM International President Brian Bryant addressed delegates: “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.”
Dora Cervantes spoke about her long-standing family connection 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 participated in breakout sessions tailored by trade as part of ongoing efforts to ensure members’ needs shape future plans.
In rail transport developments announced at the conference by Josh Hartford—Special Assistant for Rail Division—a coalition including District 19 and TCU/IAM negotiated new Amtrak contracts providing compounded general wage increases totaling 34.1% over their term.
“Together District 19 and TCU have an opportunity. An opportunity to demand that we bring change to our workplaces… Relentlessly fighting for what is rightfully our future. No one will do it for us so we must do it ourselves,” Hartford stated.
Tom Regan reported ongoing negotiations covering more than 28,000 United Airlines employees whose contract became amendable this year; discussions also continue with Alaska/Hawaiian merger employees (over 7,000), United Ground Express (6,100), as well as McGee Air Services (3,000). The IAM represents three out of five leading collective bargaining agreements among airlines.
“After 41 years I want to make sure that I give back to this union,” Regan said during his remarks at the event.“Remember this – either you stand up and fight or sit down and be quiet.We choose to stand up and fight,and if you continue todo that,you will leadthe industry”.
Union experts presented resources available through membership benefits.The organization includes over 600 thousand activeand retiredmembers.IAM’s largest segmentis air transportwith Districts141and142 representingworkersat major carriers including American Airlinesand United Airlines.
