The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is continuing its efforts to adapt to a more multilingual workforce by offering training for organizers in Spanish. Fifteen IAM members from the United States and Puerto Rico recently attended the Spanish Organizing I Class at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center.
Dora Cervantes, IAM General Secretary-Treasurer, and Richie Johnsen, IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President, visited the class to speak with participants. Cervantes and Johnsen stressed the need for organizers who can communicate with Spanish-speaking workers and help build collective power in workplaces.
“This training helps develop stronger organizers, stewards, and leaders who can connect with workers in their own language, remove barriers to participation, and ensure every worker has a real voice on the job. As organizing campaigns increasingly involve multilingual workplaces, this type of training is essential to winning elections, securing strong contracts, and growing our union,” they said.
The course uses case studies from previous IAM organizing efforts and focuses on messaging strategies, one-on-one conversations, and building effective organizing plans. According to the union, such skills are vital as more workplaces become linguistically diverse.
Participation in the next Spanish Organizing I Class is open to all IAM members and staff by assignment from a General Vice President. Fluency in Spanish is not required; however, some understanding of spoken Spanish is considered helpful. The next session will be held from December 13–18, 2026.
Locals or districts interested in enrolling members or staff are advised to contact their General Vice President for assignment. For additional information about the program or enrollment process, inquiries can be directed to the Winpisinger Center at 301-373-8820 or w3leadership@iamaw.org.
