More than 800 delegates from the Air Transport and Rail Divisions of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) gathered in Las Vegas for the 2025 IAM Transportation Conference. The biennial event, held under the theme “Building a Better Tomorrow,” focused on strengthening transportation jobs, protecting workers’ rights, and developing future union leaders.
The conference included representatives from across North America, including shop stewards, business representatives, and district leaders. Attendees participated in breakout sessions designed to gather input directly from members about their needs and priorities.
Richie Johnsen, IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President, announced that Southwest customer service agents and American Airlines ramp workers would soon earn $40 per hour at the top pay scale. Aircraft mechanics at American Airlines will surpass $70 per hour. Johnsen stated: “Those are our contracts, those are IAM contracts. We keep delivering and delivering, but there is much more to do. The FAA Authorization bill [passed by Congress and signed into law in 2024] deserves polite applause for getting done, but it means nothing if they are not implementing what we got them to put in that bill. That’s why we’re ready to keep fighting”.
IAM Air Transportation Territory Chief of Staff Edison Fraser emphasized mentorship as key to ongoing progress within the union. “I’ve seen plenty of examples of progress being lost because there was no plan, no leaders, and no mentoring of the next generation. That is why mentorship is so important to GVP Johnsen and me, because you want the tide to keep rising in our favor. If we fail to plan, then our plan is to fail and failure is not an option,” he said.
Fraser highlighted mentors such as Dora Cervantes as influential figures in his career development within IAM. This year marked the first time a young workers committee was brought into the transportation conference agenda.
Member education booths offered information on union benefits during the event. Delegate Sarah Garcia of Houston Local 811 commented: “It’s great to hear what the leaders had to say about the direction they want to take the union in and the changes they want to put in place to make sure the union is ready for the issues we may be facing in the future,” she said. “I’m just excited to see the work being put in and what will come of it.”
IAM International President Brian Bryant addressed attendees: “This union is stronger because of your commitment. ‘Building a Better Tomorrow’ is not just a slogan; it’s truly our mission,” Bryant said. “For our members, families, and the industries we work in daily. Please take that message back to your shops.”
Dora Cervantes serves her thirteenth year on IAM’s Executive Council after starting with Southwest Airlines in 1989. She shared her personal connection with organized labor: “I can tell you, with all the pride in my backbone, that I was raised right. My father stressed union with all his children. My brother, three sisters, a cousin, one niece, and one nephew all IAM members,” Cervantes said. “And I will always be a loyal member, and I will be a loud yelling, loud thumping, fighting Machinists forever.”
The conference also showcased developments from IAM’s Rail Division through District 19 and TCU/IAM delegates who worked alongside eight other unions on an agreement with Amtrak securing historic general wage increases totaling over 34% compounded during its term.
Josh Hartford summarized these efforts: “Together District 19 and TCU have an opportunity…to demand that we bring change…and grow…Relentlessly fighting for what is rightfully our future…No one will do it for us so we must do it ourselves.”
Tom Regan reported ongoing negotiations affecting over 28,000 United Airlines employees whose contract became amendable this May; similar talks continue with Alaska-Hawaiian post-merger staff (over 7,000 workers), United Ground Express (6,100 employees), plus ratification steps underway at McGee Air Services covering another 3,000 employees.
“After 41 years I want to make sure that I give back…” Regan stated.“Remember this – either you stand up and fight or sit down and be quiet.We choose to stand up…and if you continue…you will lead industry”.
Experts presented tools available for improving conditions for over 600,000 active/retired members represented by IAM nationwide.The Air Transport Territory—Districts 141 &142—remains its largest segment serving airlines like American,U nited ,Southwest ,Alaska,and Hawaiian.
