The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is expanding its organizing efforts by offering training in Spanish for its members. Fifteen IAM members from across the United States and Puerto Rico recently attended the Spanish Organizing I Class at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center.
Dora Cervantes, IAM General Secretary-Treasurer, and Richie Johnsen, IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President, addressed the class to highlight the importance of preparing union members to communicate with Spanish-speaking workers. Cervantes and Johnsen stated, “This training helps develop stronger organizers, stewards, and leaders who can connect with workers in their own language, remove barriers to participation, and ensure every worker has a real voice on the job. As organizing campaigns increasingly involve multilingual workplaces, this type of training is essential to winning elections, securing strong contracts, and growing our union.”
The course provides practical skills and strategies for organizing workers using real-life case studies from previous IAM campaigns. It focuses on effective messaging, one-on-one conversations, and building successful organizing plans.
Participation in the next Spanish Organizing I Class is open to all IAM members and staff through assignment by a General Vice President. Fluency in Spanish is not required; however, a basic understanding of spoken Spanish is helpful. The upcoming session will be held December 13–18, 2026.
Locals or districts interested in enrolling members should contact their General Vice President for assignment. For more information about enrollment or course details, individuals may reach out to the Winpisinger Center at 301-373-8820 or via email at w3leadership@iamaw.org.
