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 event, held under the theme “Building a Better Tomorrow,” focused on strengthening transportation jobs, safeguarding workers’ rights, and preparing future labor leaders.
Conference planning involved coordination across multiple departments to ensure smooth execution. Organizers aimed to include new voices and perspectives alongside experienced members, emphasizing unity within the union.
Richie Johnsen, IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President, highlighted recent contract achievements for Southwest customer service agents and American Airlines ramp workers, who will reach $40 an hour at the top pay scale. Top-scale aircraft mechanics at American Airlines are set to earn over $70 an hour. Johnsen stated, “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, Chief of Staff for the Air Transportation Territory, stressed the importance of mentorship in maintaining progress: “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.”
Fraser credited mentors such as Dora Cervantes for shaping his career and explained that this year’s conference included a young workers committee for the first time.
Member Education booths were present at the conference with experts available to discuss union benefits with attendees. Sarah Garcia from Houston Local 811 expressed her optimism about union leadership: “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,” she said. “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.
Dora Cervantes reflected on her family’s history 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 took part in breakout sessions designed around their trades so feedback could inform future plans.
The IAM Rail Division also reported progress through collaboration with other unions on Amtrak negotiations resulting in a 34.1% compounded general wage increase over their agreement period—the largest such increase in Amtrak’s history.
Josh Hartford commented on this opportunity: “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.”
Tom Regan updated delegates on ongoing negotiations involving over 28,000 United Airlines workers whose contract became amendable in May 2025; talks are also underway regarding Alaska-Hawaiian airline mergers affecting more than 7,000 employees as well as agreements covering United Ground Express (6,100 employees) and McGee Air Services (3,000 employees).
“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…”
The conference highlighted tools available for IAM’s more than 600,000 active and retired members nationwide.
The Air Transport Territory continues as IAM’s largest segment with Districts 141 and 142 representing members at major airlines including American Airlines, United Airlines (https://www.united.com/), Southwest Airlines (https://www.southwest.com/), Alaska Airlines (https://www.alaskaair.com/), and Hawaiian Airlines (https://www.hawaiianairlines.com/).
