The 2025 IAM Transportation Conference convened more than 800 delegates from the Air Transport and Rail Divisions of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) in Las Vegas. The event, held under the theme “Building a Better Tomorrow,” focused on strengthening transportation jobs, protecting workers’ rights, and fostering future labor leaders.
Conference organizers highlighted the extensive planning required for the biennial gathering, emphasizing collaboration among staff, representatives, and member education teams to ensure a successful program. Delegates were encouraged to share their experiences and ideas through breakout sessions and question-and-answer forums.
IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen reported significant wage increases for members: “This year, the top of the scale Southwest customer service agents and American Airlines ramp workers will hit the $40 an hour mark. Top-of-scale aircraft mechanics at American will see over $70 an hour.” He added, “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 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.” Fraser credited mentors such as Dora Cervantes with shaping his career.
For the first time at this conference, a young workers committee was included to provide future union leaders with exposure to key activities during these events.
Member Education booths offered resources on union benefits for attendees. Delegate Sarah Garcia from Houston Local 811 commented on her experience: “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. I’m just excited to see the work being put in and what will come of it.”
IAM International President Brian Bryant addressed delegates: “This union is stronger because of your commitment. ‘Building a Better Tomorrow’ is not just a slogan; it’s truly our mission. For our members, families, and the industries we work in daily. Please take that message back to your shops.”
Dora Cervantes shared her long-standing involvement with IAM: “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.”
The conference also featured updates from rail sector representatives. Josh Hartford announced that District 19 and TCU/IAM worked alongside eight other unions on a new Amtrak contract resulting in compounded general wage increases totaling 34.1%—the largest ever for Amtrak employees.
“Together District 19 and TCU have an opportunity,” Hartford said. “An opportunity to demand that we bring change to our workplaces… Relentlessly fighting for what is rightfully our future.”
Tom Regan reported ongoing negotiations involving more than 28,000 United Airlines workers seeking new agreements since May 2025 as well as efforts related to Alaska-Hawaiian merger talks covering over 7,000 employees. Additionally negotiations continue with United Ground Express (UGE) representing 6,100 employees; McGee Air Services recently reached a tentative agreement affecting another 3,000 workers scheduled for ratification soon.
“After 41 years I want to make sure that I give back to this union,” Regan stated. “Remember this – either you stand up and fight or sit down and be quiet. We choose to stand up and fight…”
The IAM represents more than 600,000 active and retired members across North America with its Air Transport Territory constituting its largest segment—primarily through Districts 141 and 142 serving major airlines including American Airlines (https://www.iamaerican.com/), United Airlines (https://www.unitedafa.org/), Southwest Airlines (https://www.swam.org/), Alaska Airlines (https://iam141.org/alaska-airlines-contract-2022/), and Hawaiian Airlines (https://www.hawaiianairlines.com/careers).
