More than 800 delegates from the Air Transport and Rail Divisions of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) gathered in Las Vegas for the 2025 IAM Transportation Conference. The event, held under the theme “Building a Better Tomorrow,” focused on strengthening transportation jobs, protecting workers’ rights, and preparing future labor leaders.
IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen announced significant wage increases for union members at major airlines. Southwest customer service agents and American Airlines ramp workers will reach $40 an hour, while top-scale aircraft mechanics at American Airlines will earn over $70 an hour. Johnsen stated, “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, Chief of Staff for IAM Air Transportation Territory, emphasized 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 also highlighted mentors such as Dora Cervantes as influential figures in his career.
For the first time at this conference, a young workers committee participated to expose future leaders to the experience required for successful events.
Member Education booths provided information about union benefits during the conference. Delegate Sarah Garcia from Houston Local 811 expressed her appreciation: “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,” she said. “I’m just excited to see the work being put in and what will come of it.”
IAM International President Brian Bryant addressed attendees: “This union is stronger because of your commitment. ‘Building a Better Tomorrow’ is not just a slogan; it’s truly our mission,” he said. “For our members, families, and the industries we work in daily. Please take that message back to your shops.”
General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes reflected on 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.”
Delegates included shop stewards and district leaders who took part in breakout sessions aimed at gathering feedback directly from workers.
The Rail Division also reported achievements during negotiations with Amtrak through collaboration between District 19 and TCU/IAM alongside eight other unions—resulting in compounded general wage increases totaling 34.1% over their new contract’s duration.
Josh Hartford from IAM stated: “Together District 19 and TCU have an opportunity. An opportunity to demand that we bring change to our workplaces… Relentlessly fighting for what is rightfully our future.”
Tom Regan reported ongoing negotiations affecting more than 28,000 United Airlines employees whose agreement became amendable this year; similar efforts are underway involving Alaska-Hawaiian merger employees as well as United Ground Express staff.
“After 41 years I want to make sure that I give back to this union,” Regan said during his remarks at the conference.“Remember this – either you stand up and fight or sit down and be quiet.We choose to stand upand fight,and if you continue todo that,you will leadthe industry”.
The IAM represents over 600,000 activeand retired members across North America.The Air Transport Territory includes Districts141and142withmembersatmajorairlinesincludingAmericanAirlinesUnitedSouthwestAlaskaandHawaiianAirlines.
