The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) New Jersey State Council held its annual meeting, gathering more than 100 union leaders, political advocates, and members from across New Jersey. The focus was on advancing pro-worker legislation and preparing for the 2025 gubernatorial election.
The council represents over 20,000 IAM members in New Jersey. The meeting was led by Cristino Vilorio, President of the IAM New Jersey State Council and Area Director for IAM District 15. Attendees heard from several IAM executive leaders, including International President Brian Bryant, Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen, Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan, and Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett.
“Our union’s strength lies in our ability to organize, mobilize, and legislate,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “The work being done here in New Jersey is a model for building power at the state level and fighting for legislation like fair wages for IAM auto technicians.”
Richie Johnsen spoke to delegates about recent positive developments in airline industry contracts. Jody Bennett stressed the importance of supporting the union’s Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) PAC to continue legislative efforts nationwide.
David Sullivan began the second day with a message emphasizing unity within the labor movement. Lorie Wilson, Eastern Territory Chief of Staff, discussed how initiatives like the Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (IAM LEADS) help strengthen the union.
“We can’t let hate in politics divide our nation,” said Sullivan. “We must stay focused on fighting for a stronger labor movement, and that fight starts here in New Jersey.”
IAM National Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon highlighted the necessity of political engagement among delegates.
“In 2025, your voice can be heard LOUD and CLEAR by getting out the vote for IAM endorsed candidates,” said Solomon.
During the event, TCU/IAM National President Artie Maratea presented the Frank Darcy Award for Leadership to retired TCU/IAM National Vice President Billy DeCarlo. This award recognizes significant contributions to legislative advocacy within IAM ranks.
Several elected officials addressed attendees at the meeting: Rep. Bonnie Coleman (D-NJ), Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Rep. Herb Conaway (D-NJ), Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., and congressional candidate Katie Brennan were among those who spoke.
Delegates also marked a recent legislative achievement: passage of the Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act (A4380/S3309). This law ensures fair wages for automotive dealership mechanics throughout New Jersey after passing both chambers with unanimous bipartisan support—a result attributed largely to lobbying efforts by NJSCM delegates.
https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2022/A4380
The IAM continues representing hundreds of skilled automotive technicians across New Jersey while advocating policies aimed at supporting working families statewide.
“With a critical election season ahead, the IAM New Jersey State Council is laser-focused on supporting candidates who fight for working families,” said Vilorio. “We are ready to work to make Mikie Sherrill our next governor and elect pro-labor candidates across the state. I want to thank everyone for helping make this year’s state council meeting a success and it was exciting to celebrate the passage of legislation for our members working at automobile dealerships across New Jersey.”
NJSCM Executive Board members include Cristino Vilorio as president; Michael Buonpastore as secretary-treasurer; Antony Stevens as executive vice president; Ira Stern as education director; Larry Reeves as PA vice president of airline coordination; Rich Howell as trustee; Mark Perez as railroad vice president; Robert Trapanese as northern vice president; Elizabeth Groner-Rosario as airlines vice president; Bobby Stewart as eastern vice president; Dave Snead as sergeant-at-arms; Marianne DeSantis as trustee/outreach coordinator; C.A. “Obie” O’Brian as trustee; Ross DeConte as trustee; Carmelo Benedicto as auditor; Andre Robinson as auditor/PA airline coordinator; Bill Imbenba as auditor; Will Josey and Hector Perez on COPE committee; Craig Livingston serves as council attorney.
