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 focused on addressing changes in the transportation industry and preparing union members for future challenges.
The conference, themed “Building a Better Tomorrow,” highlighted IAM’s commitment to supporting transportation jobs, safeguarding workers’ rights, and fostering new labor leaders. Months of preparation went into organizing the agenda, which included speeches, committee reports, breakout sessions, and member education booths.
IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen told attendees that top-of-scale Southwest customer service agents and American Airlines ramp workers would reach $40 an hour this year. Top-of-scale aircraft mechanics at American Airlines are set to earn over $70 an 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”.
Edison Fraser, IAM Air Transportation Territory Chief of Staff, spoke about the importance of mentorship 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 also acknowledged mentors such as Dora Cervantes among others for shaping his career at IAM. He noted that bringing a young workers committee to this year’s conference aimed to give emerging leaders exposure to how conferences are run.
Member Education booths were present with experts explaining union benefits available through membership. Sarah Garcia from Houston Local 811 expressed her enthusiasm: “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,” said Garcia. “I’m just excited to see the work being put in and what will come of it.”
IAM International President Brian Bryant addressed delegates from across North America: “This union is stronger because of your commitment. ‘Building a Better Tomorrow’ is not just a slogan; it’s truly our mission,” said Bryant. “For our members, families, and the industries we work in daily. Please take that message back to your shops.”
Dora Cervantes, General Secretary-Treasurer at IAM who began her career with Southwest Airlines in 1989 and now serves her thirteenth year on IAM’s Executive Council overseeing finances for over 600,000 active and retired members shared: “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.”
Delegates took part in sessions designed around their trades where they could share feedback directly with leadership.
The Rail Division featured delegates from District 19 and TCU/IAM who worked alongside eight other unions on a new Amtrak contract resulting in what Josh Hartford called “the largest general wage increases in Amtrak’s history – 34.1% compounded general wage increases over the life of the agreement.” Hartford stated: “Together, District 19 and TCU have an opportunity. An opportunity to demand that we bring change to our workplaces, fundamentally improve our members’ lives… Relentlessly fighting for what is rightfully our future.”
Tom Regan reported ongoing negotiations affecting more than 28,000 United Airlines workers whose contract became amendable May 2025; efforts continue toward industry-leading pay rates as well as agreements involving Alaska-Hawaiian merger employees (over 7,000), United Ground Express (6,100 employees), plus ratification processes for McGee Air Services (3,000 employees). Regan said: “After 41 years I want to make sure that I give back… Remember this – either you stand up and fight or sit down and be quiet…”
The Air Transport Territory remains IAM’s largest segment represented by Districts 141 & 142 covering major airlines including American Airlines; United; Southwest; Alaska; Hawaiian Airlines.
