IAM District 751 President Jon Holden has been appointed as a General Vice President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, effective April 1. The decision was made following a unanimous vote by the IAM Executive Council. In his new role, Holden will focus on expanding apprenticeship and training programs within the union.
Holden’s appointment comes at a time when workforce development is increasingly important for unions facing rapid changes in industry. His experience is expected to help prepare union members for evolving job requirements.
Holden has been a member of IAM Local 751F since 1997, beginning his career at Boeing’s Everett facility as a Materials Management Specialist. He has held various leadership roles throughout his tenure, including steward and local officer positions. Since being elected District 751 President in March 2014, he has represented over 32,000 aerospace and manufacturing workers at Boeing and other employers in Puget Sound.
Under Holden’s leadership, District 751 managed significant challenges such as leading members through a historic strike at Boeing in 2024. The strike resulted in wage increases, stronger job security protections, and greater worker involvement in production processes—outcomes described as setting new standards across the aerospace sector. Additionally, Holden serves as president of the Machinists Institute’s Board of Directors, which focuses on education and skills training initiatives for union members.
“Jon Holden is a proven leader who has spent his entire IAM career fighting for working people and delivering real results for our members,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “From the shop floor to leading one of our largest and most influential districts, Jon has always put members first. What he has helped build with the Machinists Institute is a model for the future of our union—one that expands apprenticeship, training and real pathways into good union jobs. Now, we have the opportunity to take that model and replicate it across the IAM…”
Holden said: “I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve on the IAM Executive Council and to continue fighting for our members… Together, we’re going to create opportunity, build careers and ensure our members have both the skills and the voice to thrive.”
