IAM Union members, retirees, and staff joined other labor union women and allies in San Diego, California, for the 2025 Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) Convention. The event aimed to strengthen women’s roles in the labor movement, unions, communities, and workplaces.
A significant moment for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) delegation occurred as Julie Frietchen, the current Women and Young Workers Director, passed her position as IAM’s elected Vice President of CLUW to Demetress Colbert. Colbert will also become IAM Women and Young Workers Director on January 1, 2026.
“I want the IAM to build our presence and activism in CLUW,” said Colbert. “I’m excited to take on this role and recruit more sisters to become active in CLUW, to carry what they learn back to their unions, to build the courage to take on leadership positions, and to lift up fellow women.”
Delegates at the convention voted in new vice presidents for each participating union. Demetress Colbert ran unopposed for the IAM seat with support from IAM International President Brian Bryant. Sylvia J. Ramos from the Communications Workers of America was elected as CLUW National President.
Before official proceedings began, attendees participated in workshops focused on topics such as women workers’ rights, international garment workers’ justice efforts, physical and mental health improvement strategies, women’s labor history, and organizing basics within CLUW.
Alana Kirkpatrick, Secretary-Treasurer of IAM Local 850 and Oklahoma State Council President, said: “The workshops were not only interesting and educational, but they also cultivated camaraderie. In addition to tending to the business of the Convention, passing resolutions and constitutional amendments, we were able to discuss challenges in the workplace specific to women and how we can support ourselves and each other.”
Dora Cervantes, IAM General Secretary-Treasurer who has long been active with CLUW but could not attend due to union business obligations, addressed delegates via video message: “First, let me say how truly sorry I am that I can’t be there with you in person,“ Cervantes said. “There’s nothing like being in a room full of powerful union women, sharing stories, strength, and strategy.”
Cervantes also acknowledged Julie Frietchen’s service: “Thank you for your friendship, your fire, and your lifelong dedication to lifting women in this movement,” she said. “You make all of us at the IAM so proud.”
During the convention sessions attended by about 400 delegates from major North American unions—including guests and staff—participants discussed resolutions that will guide CLUW’s mission over the next two years.
Julie Frietchen emphasized: “It’s very important for women to come together in a space like this where we can connect with each other, share experiences, and support one another in the challenges we face as working women especially as workers’ and women’s rights are under attack,” she said. “It’s how we build strength in our workplaces and community in our lives.”
