Katrina Coleman, National Vice President of the Transportation Communications Union/International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (TCU/IAM), was appointed to the AFL-CIO Executive Council, according to a March 12 announcement.
The appointment places Coleman among the leadership guiding the work of the AFL-CIO, which represents nearly 15 million members. The Executive Council consists of two top officers and 55 vice presidents who are democratically elected, with responsibilities outlined in the federation’s constitution.
Coleman brings almost four decades of experience in labor advocacy and organizing. She began her union career in 1986 as a clerk for Amtrak in Philadelphia, where she became involved in union activism. Over time, she has held various local, regional, and national leadership roles within TCU/IAM.
Coleman was elected Local Chairperson of TCU/IAM Local 1351 in 2014 and served until the end of 2022. In 2016, she became Assistant National Representative for TCU/IAM Unit 86 before being promoted to National Representative. In these positions, she supported Amtrak and SEPTA local lodges and represented members across the system. In addition to her representative roles, Coleman founded FIERCE—the union’s Women’s Committee—in 2022 to address issues facing Local Chairwomen and connect union values with community outreach.
IAM International President Brian Bryant said, “Congratulations to Sister Coleman on this well-deserved honor. Katrina’s election as National Vice President is a testament to the strength she has shown throughout her career. She has been a strong advocate for our members. Her appointment to the AFL-CIO Executive Council is a moment of great pride not just for TCU/IAM, but for the entire labor movement. I am honored to welcome her to the Council. She will bring that same fierce dedication to every room she enters.”
Coleman has also contributed by serving on the TCU/IAM Education Committee, mentoring new Local Chairpersons at Leadership classes and helping build future union leaders.
