Richard Suarez has been appointed as the new Western Territory Coordinator for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), effective September 1, 2025. The announcement was made by IAM International President Brian Bryant.
Suarez brings decades of experience in union work, including collective bargaining and organizing in both private and public sectors. He is bilingual in Spanish and English, and has participated in numerous organizing campaigns and political rallies. Suarez has also served as a lecturer at IAM Human Rights Conferences.
“A lifetime of service and leadership has prepared Richard for this important role,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “His experience, education, and compassion for working people will help strengthen our union and grow the IAM Western Territory.”
Suarez began his career with IAM in 1987 as a Reservation Agent for Northwest Airlines, joining Local 1932 in Los Angeles. He later worked at Los Angeles International Airport where he was elected Grievance Committee Chairman. His advocacy led to further leadership roles within the union.
He was elected Air Transport District 143 General Chairman before being appointed an Educational Representative at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in 2011, where he trained members from across North America. In 2013, Suarez joined the IAM Western Territory Staff as a Special Representative and was promoted to International Representative two years later.
