IAM union members, retirees, and staff joined women and allies from other labor unions in San Diego, California for the 2025 Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) Convention. The event aimed to strengthen women’s roles within the labor movement, local unions, communities, and workplaces.
A significant moment for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) delegation was the transition of leadership within CLUW representation. Julie Frietchen, current IAM Women and Young Workers Director, handed over her role as elected Vice President of CLUW for IAM to Demetress Colbert. Colbert will officially become IAM Women and Young Workers Director on January 1, 2026.
“I want the IAM to build our presence and activism in CLUW,” said Colbert. “I’m excited to take on this role and recruit more sisters to become active in CLUW, to carry what they learn back to their unions, to build the courage to take on leadership positions, and to lift up fellow women.”
At the convention, delegates voted in new vice presidents representing each participating union. Demetress Colbert ran unopposed for her position with endorsement from IAM International President Brian Bryant. Sylvia J. Ramos from Communications Workers of America (CWA) was elected as CLUW National President.
Before the official start of the convention, attendees participated in workshops focused on topics such as women workers’ rights, international garment workers’ justice campaigns, physical and mental health improvement strategies, women’s history in labor movements, and organizing basics for CLUW members.
Alana Kirkpatrick—Secretary-Treasurer of IAM Local 850 and Oklahoma State Council President—said about these sessions: “The workshops were not only interesting and educational, but they also cultivated camaraderie. In addition to tending to the business of the Convention, passing resolutions and constitutional amendments, we were able to discuss challenges in the workplace specific to women and how we can support ourselves and each other.”
Dora Cervantes—IAM General Secretary-Treasurer who has long been involved with CLUW—addressed attendees through a video message due to conflicting union responsibilities: “First, let me say how truly sorry I am that I can’t be there with you in person,“ said Cervantes. “There’s nothing like being in a room full of powerful union women, sharing stories, strength, and strategy.”
Cervantes also acknowledged Julie Frietchen’s contributions: “Thank you for your friendship, your fire, and your lifelong dedication to lifting women in this movement,” said Cervantes. “You make all of us at the IAM so proud.”
Delegates considered resolutions that will guide CLUW’s mission over the next two years.
“It’s very important for women to come together in a space like this where we can connect with each other, share experiences, and support one another in the challenges we face as working women especially as workers’ and women’s rights are under attack,” said Frietchen. “It’s how we build strength in our workplaces and community in our lives.”
About 400 delegates from major North American unions attended this year’s convention.
