More than 300 delegates attended the IAM Retirees Conference, which brought together leaders and long-time members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) to discuss ongoing challenges facing retirees and the labor movement. The event provided an opportunity for participants to share their experiences, pass on lessons learned, and reconnect with former colleagues.
“In the IAM you may retire, but you never quit,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “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 over proposed cuts to Medicaid included in Congress’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The legislation proposes $415 billion in reductions for 2026 from a program with annual costs of $880 billion. Supporters of these cuts argue that Medicaid is subject to widespread abuse; however, data indicate that improper or fraudulent claims by medical corporations and providers account for between $60 billion and $87 billion each year, rather than a significant increase in ineligible recipients.
Many IAM retirees receive additional support through programs such as the EBS/TLC Medicare Retiree Program.
“I was raised in a union household, and I didn’t understand what that meant at the time,” said James “Stretch” Little, IAM Retirees and Membership Services Director. “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.”
The conference highlighted retirees’ continued involvement as advocates for working-class interests. Delegates participated in breakout sessions focused on organizing efforts, education initiatives, and strategies for motivating others within their communities. Plans were made to expand retiree committees throughout all levels of the union.
Attendees also visited vendor booths for information about available member benefits and recorded messages encouraging younger members to value solidarity during periods of change within both the labor movement 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), Andrea MonteCalvo (EBS Retiree Coordinator Licensed Insurance Agent).
Organizers emphasized that even after retirement, there remains important work ahead for union members committed to advocating for worker rights.
