More than 300 delegates attended the IAM Retirees Conference, which focused on mobilizing retired members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) to defend earned benefits and support ongoing labor movement efforts. The conference brought together experienced union leaders and retirees to share knowledge, discuss strategies, and encourage continued activism.
“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 event addressed concerns about proposed cuts to Medicaid in Congress’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which would reduce funding by $415 billion in 2026 from a program with annual costs of $880 billion. Supporters of these cuts argue that Medicaid is subject to abuse; however, evidence shows most fraud is committed by medical corporations and providers rather than ineligible recipients.
Many IAM retirees benefit from programs such as EBS/TLC Medicare Retiree Program. Delegates participated in breakout sessions aimed at organizing further action within their communities and mentoring newer union members. Plans were discussed for increasing retiree committee involvement across all levels of the union.
“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 remain active participants by organizing rallies, communicating with fellow workers, voting in large numbers, and sharing their experiences with younger generations through recorded messages.
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) as well as Andrea MonteCalvo (EBS Retiree Coordinator Licensed Insurance Agent).
Conference attendees also visited vendor booths for information on member benefits available through union membership.
The conference concluded with calls for ongoing engagement from retirees as mentors within the organization.
