More than 300 delegates attended the IAM Retirees Conference, where leaders and longtime members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) gathered to discuss ongoing challenges facing retirees and the labor movement. The event provided an opportunity for participants to share experiences, offer mentorship, and reflect on their collective history.
“In the IAM you may retire, but you never quit,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Our great grandparents fought to make our way of life possible, and we are here to continue that fight. We’re not going to let the billionaires and oligarchs tell us that our earned benefits are over. Hell no!”
The conference focused on threats to earned benefits such as Medicaid. Recent legislative proposals have targeted Medicaid with significant funding reductions, including a $415 billion cut in 2026 from a program with annual costs of $880 billion. This has led some policymakers to argue that such programs are unaffordable.
Critics often claim abuse within Medicaid comes from ineligible recipients; however, data indicates that most improper payments result from fraudulent or incorrect claims by medical corporations and providers—estimated at $60 to $87 billion annually. Many IAM retirees receive additional support through the EBS/TLC Medicare Retiree Program.
“I was raised in a union household, and I didn’t understand what that meant at the time,” said James “Stretch” Little, IAM Retirees and Membership Services Director. “I watched my dad leave in the evening and go to union meetings. That’s the work it takes. That’s the fight that we all need to keep going. You know how to fight these fights, you have shown that over many years – and we need you now more than ever.”
Retired members were recognized as influential advocates for working-class interests due to their organizing abilities, communication skills, political engagement, and high voter turnout rates.
During breakout sessions, delegates discussed strategies for organizing support in their communities and mentoring newer union members. Plans included encouraging more retiree committees throughout different levels of the organization.
Attendees also visited vendor booths for information about member benefits available through union membership. Some recorded messages aimed at younger workers about solidarity during periods of change within both labor organizations and society at large.
Other speakers included Dora Cervantes (IAM General Secretary-Treasurer), David Sullivan (IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President), Richie Johnsen (IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President), Robert “Bobby” Martinez (IAM West Territory General Vice President), Reggie Dixon (IAM Southern Territory Chief of Staff), Mike Evans (IAM Organizing Director), Hasan Solomon (IAM National Political and Legislative Director), Tony Blevins (Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines President & Director), Joe Gruber (Winpingsinger Center Assistant Director), IIana Boivie (IAM Strategic Resources Assistant Director), Vincent Ceraso (IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Assistant Director), Sean Marcil (IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Assistant Coordinator), Traci Drummond (IAM William W. Winpingsinger Education & Technology Center Research Librarian), David Lehive (IAM Communications Representative), Kevin DiMeco (IAM District 166 Directing Business Representative and Organizer), Robert Roach Jr. (Alliance for Retired Americans President), Yolanda D. Montgomery & Damian Anderson (IAM National Benefit Funds), Andrea MonteCalvo (EBS Retiree Coordinator Licensed Insurance Agent).
Organizers emphasized that even after retirement there remains important work ahead for members committed to supporting labor rights.
