Ryan Haehnlein has been appointed as the Special Representative for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Midwest Territory, effective January 1, 2026. The appointment was made by IAM Union International President Brian Bryant.
Haehnlein has been a member of IAM Local 701 since 2011. He began his career in the heavy-duty trucking industry at M&K Truck Centers, where he served as a Shop Steward. In this role, he secured several grievance victories and resolved labor disputes for his coworkers. In early 2021, he became an Organizer and later that year was promoted to Business Representative. By June 2022, Haehnlein was named Assistant Directing Business Representative for Local 701.
“IAM members across the Midwest will benefit from Ryan’s deep experience, steady leadership, and unwavering dedication to working families,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Ryan has proven time and again that he is a fighter for our members—at the bargaining table, on the shop floor, and in every role he has taken on. We are proud to welcome him to the Midwest Territory staff.”
In his current position, Haehnlein works with members in freight, heavy-duty sectors, automotive dealerships, machine shops, equipment industries, manufacturing, and independent sectors. He also helped improve communication within Local 701 by editing its newsletter and contributing to both its website and mobile app.
Haehnlein holds additional roles within labor organizations: he serves as a delegate and COPE representative to the Chicago Federation of Labor and is Secretary-Treasurer of the IAM Illinois State Council. In January 2024, International President Bryant appointed him to the IAM Law Committee.
He also brings trustee experience through his work with various funds related to training and employee benefits for Local 701.
