More than 300 delegates attended the IAM Retirees Conference, which focused on mobilizing retirees to address current challenges facing the labor movement. The conference provided an opportunity for participants to share their experiences and pass on lessons learned over decades of union involvement.
IAM Union International President Brian Bryant addressed attendees, saying, “In the IAM you may retire, but you never quit. Our great grandparents fought to make our way of life possible, and we are here to continue that fight. We’re not going to let the billionaires and oligarchs tell us that our earned benefits are over. Hell no!”
A central topic at the conference was concern about proposed cuts to Medicaid. According to organizers, Congress’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” includes $415 billion in cuts for 2026 out of a program with annual costs of $880 billion. The conference highlighted that despite claims from opponents about system abuse by recipients, evidence indicates that improper or fraudulent claims—estimated between $60 and $87 billion annually—are primarily made by medical corporations and providers rather than ineligible individuals. Many retired IAM members qualify for additional benefits through the EBS/TLC Medicare Retiree Program.
James “Stretch” Little, IAM Retirees and Membership Services Director, reflected on his personal experience: “I was raised in a union household, and I didn’t understand what that meant at the time. I watched my dad leave in the evening and go to union meetings. That’s the work it takes. That’s the fight that we all need to keep going. You know how to fight these fights, you have shown that over many years – and we need you now more than ever.”
Conference organizers emphasized retirees’ influence in political engagement as they organize, communicate, rally support, and vote at high rates.
Delegates participated in breakout sessions aimed at organizing efforts in their local areas upon returning home. Plans were discussed to encourage more retiree committees throughout the union structure so retirees can mentor new members and contribute energy to ongoing initiatives.
The event also included vendor booths providing information about member benefits as well as recorded messages encouraging younger members to value solidarity during times of change within both labor movements and broader society.
Guest speakers included Dora Cervantes (IAM General Secretary-Treasurer), David Sullivan (IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President), Richie Johnsen (IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President), Robert “Bobby” Martinez (IAM West Territory General Vice President), Reggie Dixon (IAM Southern Territory Chief of Staff), Mike Evans (IAM Organizing Director), Hasan Solomon (IAM National Political and Legislative Director), Tony Blevins (Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines President & Director), Joe Gruber (Winpingsinger Center Assistant Director), IIana Boivie (IAM Strategic Resources Assistant Director), Vincent Ceraso (IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Assistant Director), Sean Marcil (IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Assistant Coordinator), Traci Drummond (IAM William W. Winpingsinger Education & Technology Center Research Librarian), David Lehive (IAM Communications Representative), Kevin DiMeco (IAM District 166 Directing Business Representative and Organizer), Robert Roach Jr. (Alliance for Retired Americans President), Yolanda D. Montgomery & Damian Anderson (IAM National Benefit Funds) and Andrea MonteCalvo (EBS Retiree Coordinator Licensed Insurance Agent).
The conference concluded with a call for continued activism among retirees within IAM Union activities.
