The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) New Jersey State Council (NJSC) recently convened 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.
Representing over 20,000 workers in the state, the NJSC is a key body for IAM’s legislative efforts in New Jersey. The meeting was led by Cristino Vilorio, President of the NJSC and Area Director of IAM District 15. Attendees heard from several IAM Executive Council members 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 shared updates with delegates about leading contracts in the airline industry. Additional emphasis was placed by Jody Bennett on supporting the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) PAC to help sustain legislative efforts nationwide.
David Sullivan opened the second day of meetings with a call for unity among members. Lorie Wilson, Eastern Territory Chief of Staff, discussed how initiatives such as the Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (IAM LEADS) contribute to strengthening 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 spoke about the importance of political engagement: “In 2025, your voice can be heard LOUD and CLEAR by getting out the vote for IAM endorsed candidates.”
A highlight of the event was presenting the Frank Darcy Award for Leadership to retired TCU/IAM National Vice President and Legislative Director Billy DeCarlo. This award recognizes outstanding leadership within IAM in advancing labor advocacy.
Elected officials addressing attendees included Rep. Bonnie Coleman (D-NJ), Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Rep. Herb Conaway (D-NJ), Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., and Katie Brennan, candidate for Congressional District 32.
Delegates also marked a recent legislative success: passage of the Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act (A4380/S3309). This law ensures fair wages for automotive dealership mechanics statewide after passing both chambers unanimously—a result attributed to strong lobbying by NJSCM delegates. For further details on this development: https://x.com/iamairtransport/status/1952436439930560949
“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.”
The NJSC Executive Board includes 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 Vice President-Railroad; Robert Trapanese as Vice President-North; Elizabeth Groner-Rosario as Vice President-Airlines; Bobby Stewart as Vice President-East; 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.
