More than 300 delegates attended the IAM Retirees Conference, gathering leaders and long-time members to discuss challenges facing the labor movement and share lessons of solidarity. The event focused on preparing for ongoing efforts to protect earned benefits, such as Medicaid, which is facing significant proposed cuts.
IAM Union International President Brian Bryant addressed the attendees, stating: “In the IAM you may retire, but you never quit. 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!”
The conference highlighted concerns about congressional plans to cut $415 billion from Medicaid in 2026 out of a total annual cost of $880 billion. This has raised questions about the sustainability of programs that have been supported by labor unions since the Great Depression. While critics argue that Medicaid is subject to abuse by ineligible recipients, data shows that most improper payments stem from fraudulent claims by medical corporations and providers rather than beneficiaries.
James “Stretch” Little, IAM Retirees and Membership Services Director, shared his personal experience: “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.”
Retirees were encouraged to remain active within their communities by organizing, educating others, and mentoring new members of the IAM Union. Plans were discussed for increasing retiree committee participation at various levels within the organization.
Throughout the conference, participants attended breakout sessions designed to foster communication strategies and motivate continued advocacy for working-class rights. Many retirees visited informational booths addressing member benefits or recorded messages encouraging younger union members to maintain solidarity during times of change.
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) and Andrea MonteCalvo (EBS Retiree Coordinator Licensed Insurance Agent).
The conference concluded with a call for continued involvement from retirees in advancing union goals.
