The TCU/IAM Executive Council has unanimously chosen National Vice President Matt Hollis as National President-Elect following the sudden resignation of Artie Maratea, who stepped down due to health concerns.
In a statement, Hollis said, “I am deeply honored by the confidence and unanimous support shown by the Executive Council in selecting me to lead this Union. I have spent my entire career grounded in the belief that strong unions are built on respect, fairness, and decency in the workplace. I remain fully committed to serving our membership with integrity, standing shoulder to shoulder with them at the bargaining table, and upholding TCU/IAM’s proud legacy of strong contracts, fierce representation, and unwavering solidarity.”
Hollis began his railroad career in 2004 as a yard clerk for CSXT Railroad in Birmingham, Alabama. He joined TCU Lodge 691 soon after and advanced through several leadership roles within the union. By 2010 he was appointed Assistant National Representative for TCU/IAM Unit 96 in Jacksonville, Florida. Four years later he became National Representative for the same unit.
He was elected TCU National Vice President by the Executive Council in 2016 and re-elected at subsequent conventions in 2018 and 2022. In 2020 he was assigned as Special Assistant to the President, taking part in contract negotiations and acting as spokesperson during multi-union coalition efforts.
The Executive Council issued its own statement supporting Hollis: “The Executive Council has the utmost confidence in Matt Hollis and his ability to lead this Union with integrity, strength, and a deep commitment to our membership. Matt is widely respected throughout the railroad industry and the labor movement, and he has earned a reputation for honesty, fairness, and principled leadership.
Throughout his career, Matt has consistently demonstrated a resolute dedication to protecting workers’ rights, strengthening collective bargaining, and upholding the values upon which this Union was built. The Executive Council has full faith in his judgment, experience, and proven leadership, and we are confident he will continue to serve the membership with distinction and steadfast resolve.”
