More than 300 delegates attended the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Retirees Conference, where experienced union members gathered to share their knowledge and discuss ongoing challenges facing the labor movement. The event focused on leveraging retirees’ experience to mentor new members and energize union activities at all levels.
IAM International President Brian Bryant addressed the attendees, emphasizing the continued commitment expected from retirees. “In the IAM you may retire, but you never quit,” said Bryant. “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!”
Discussions at the conference centered on current threats to earned benefits such as Medicaid. Congressional proposals include significant cuts—$415 billion in 2026—to a program with annual costs of $880 billion, raising concerns about funding for programs important to working Americans since the Great Depression.
Some critics argue that Medicaid is abused by ineligible recipients; however, data shows that most losses stem from fraudulent claims made by medical corporations and providers, estimated between $60 billion and $87 billion each year. Many IAM retirees receive additional support through programs like EBS/TLC Medicare Retiree Program.
James “Stretch” Little, IAM Retirees and Membership Services Director, reflected on his personal history within a union family: “I was raised in a union household, and I didn’t understand what that meant at the time,” Little 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.”
The conference highlighted retirees’ role as an active force for workers’ rights—they organize campaigns, communicate with members, rally supporters, and vote in large numbers. Organizers encouraged delegates to help establish more retiree committees across different levels of IAM.
Attendees participated in breakout sessions designed for organizing efforts and information sharing. Many visited vendor booths for details about available member benefits or recorded videos encouraging younger workers to value solidarity during times of change.
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).
Conference organizers emphasized there is still much work ahead even after retirement.
