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 focused on preparing for changes in the transportation industry, strengthening union jobs, protecting workers’ rights, and developing future labor leaders.
The conference operated under the theme “Building a Better Tomorrow.” Organizers aimed to include a wide range of perspectives, from experienced members to younger workers, highlighting shared commitment to union solidarity. Planning involved contributions from administrative staff, international representatives, headquarters departments, and member education teams.
Richie Johnsen, IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President, highlighted wage gains secured by the union: “This year, the top of the scale Southwest customer service agents and American Airlines ramp workers will hit the $40 an hour mark. Top-of-scale aircraft mechanics at American will see over $70 an hour.”
“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, IAM Air Transportation Territory Chief of Staff, stressed mentorship’s role in maintaining progress within the union: “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 his own mentors—Dora Cervantes among them—for shaping his career at IAM. He explained that bringing a young workers committee into this year’s conference was intended to expose future leaders to essential experience.
Member Education booths were present at the conference with experts available to explain union benefits and membership value. Delegate Sarah Garcia from Houston Local 811 commented on her experience: “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 attendees: “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.”
General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes reflected on her family’s deep ties 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 where they could share feedback directly influencing future plans.
In rail transport discussions led by District 19 and TCU/IAM delegates—a coalition representing these groups helped secure new Amtrak contracts featuring compounded general wage increases totaling 34.1% over their duration.
“Together District 19 and TCU have an opportunity,” said Josh Hartford of IAM’s Rail Division leadership team.” An opportunity to demand that we bring change…fundamentally improve our members’ lives…grow and organize…Relentlessly fighting for what is rightfully our future.”
Tom Regan reported ongoing negotiations covering more than 28,000 United Airlines employees as well as efforts involving Alaska/Hawaiian mergers (over 7,000 workers), United Ground Express (6,100 employees), plus tentative agreements for McGee Air Services (3,000 employees). Regan noted: “After 41 years I want to make sure that I give back…Remember this – either you stand up and fight or sit down and be quiet…”
Experts provided information about resources available through IAM membership; currently more than 600,000 active or retired members belong nationwide.
The Air Transport Territory remains IAM’s largest segment with Districts 141/142 representing major carriers including American Airlines,United, Southwest,Alaska, and Hawaiian Airlines.
