More than 300 delegates attended the IAM Retirees Conference, where leaders and long-time members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) gathered to share their experiences and lessons in union solidarity. The event aimed to prepare attendees for ongoing challenges facing labor retirees, particularly threats to earned benefits.
“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!”
A central topic at the conference was proposed cuts to Medicaid included in Congress’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The legislation would reduce Medicaid funding by $415 billion in 2026 from a program with annual costs of $880 billion. Supporters of these cuts argue that abuse within Medicaid is widespread; however, data indicates that improper or fraudulent claims by medical corporations and providers account for between $60 billion and $87 billion each year, rather than a significant increase in ineligible recipients. Many IAM retirees access additional support through the EBS/TLC Medicare Retiree Program.
James “Stretch” Little, IAM Retirees and Membership Services Director, addressed attendees: “I was raised in a union household, and I didn’t understand what that meant at the time,” he said. “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 union members remain active in advocating for working-class interests by organizing, communicating, rallying support, and voting at high rates. The conference encouraged IAM retirees to participate actively in current campaigns.
Attendees took part in breakout sessions focused on organizing efforts and mentorship for new members. Plans were made to form more retiree committees throughout different levels of the union structure.
The event also featured vendor booths providing information about benefits available through IAM membership. Some participants recorded messages aimed at younger workers about maintaining solidarity during periods of change within the labor movement.
Guest 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), Andrea MonteCalvo (EBS Retiree Coordinator Licensed Insurance Agent).
Conference leaders stressed that even after retirement, there remains important work ahead for union members.
