More than 800 delegates from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Air Transport and Rail Divisions gathered in Las Vegas for the 2025 IAM Transportation Conference. The biennial event focused on adapting to changes in the transportation sector and preparing union members for future challenges.
This year’s conference, themed “Building a Better Tomorrow,” highlighted efforts to strengthen transportation jobs, protect workers’ rights, and develop new labor leaders. Organizers emphasized coordination across departments and organizations to ensure a successful program that would engage members beyond the convention hall.
IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen reported progress on wage increases for union members at major airlines. “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.”
Chief of Staff Edison Fraser spoke about the importance of mentorship within the organization: “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 mentors such as Dora Cervantes for shaping his career at IAM and explained why young workers were included at this year’s conference: giving future leaders exposure to union operations every two years.
Member Education booths offered information on union benefits during the conference. Delegate Sarah Garcia from Houston Local 811 expressed support for these initiatives: “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 with a message about commitment: “This union is stronger because of your commitment. ‘Building a Better Tomorrow’ is not just a slogan; it’s truly our mission,” Bryant said. “For our members, families, and the industries we work in daily. Please take that message back to your shops.”
Dora Cervantes, General Secretary-Treasurer, shared her family history with IAM membership: “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 took part in breakout sessions aimed at collecting feedback from workers across North America so their needs remain central when planning for upcoming years.
The Rail Division had strong representation as well; Josh Hartford announced District 19’s coalition with other unions led Amtrak workers toward securing historic wage increases totaling 34.1% compounded over their contract period.
“Together, District 19 and TCU have an opportunity. An opportunity to demand that we bring change to our workplaces, fundamentally improve our members’ lives, and grow and organize,” Hartford stated. “Not just to gain new members but to reignite passion… Relentlessly fighting for what is rightfully our future.”
Tom Regan provided updates on ongoing negotiations involving more than 28,000 United Airlines employees seeking new agreements since May 2025; joint agreement talks are also underway following Alaska Airlines’ merger with Hawaiian Airlines covering over 7,000 workers; additional negotiations involve United Ground Express (6,100 employees) while McGee Air Services (3,000 employees) reached a tentative deal scheduled for ratification soon.
“After 41 years I want to make sure that I give back…” Regan said.“Remember this – either you stand up and fight or sit down… We choose…to stand up…and if you continue…you will lead industry”.
Conference experts outlined resources available through IAM membership which now counts more than 600,000 active or retired individuals—most represented within Air Transport Territory through Districts 141 & 142 at major carriers like American Airlines,United, Southwest,Alaska,and Hawaiian Airlines.
