Ryan Haehnlein, currently the Assistant Directing Business Representative of IAM Local 701, has been appointed as Special Representative for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Midwest Territory. The appointment, made by IAM International President Brian Bryant, will take effect on January 1, 2026.
Haehnlein has been a member of IAM Local 701 since 2011 and started his union involvement in the heavy-duty trucking sector at M&K Truck Centers. As a Shop Steward, he achieved several grievance victories and resolved labor disputes for his colleagues. In early 2021, he was named an Organizer and later that year became a Business Representative. By June 2022, he had advanced to Assistant Directing Business Representative.
“IAM members across the Midwest will benefit from Ryan’s deep experience, steady leadership, and unwavering dedication to working families,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Ryan has proven time and again that he is a fighter for our members—at the bargaining table, on the shop floor, and in every role he has taken on. We are proud to welcome him to the Midwest Territory staff.”
Haehnlein’s responsibilities have included representing workers in freight, heavy-duty trucking, automotive dealerships, machine shops, equipment companies, manufacturing businesses, and independent sectors. He also enhanced Local 701’s communications as editor of its newsletter and contributed to developing its website and mobile app.
In addition to his work within Local 701, Haehnlein has held broader labor leadership roles such as delegate and COPE representative to the Chicago Federation of Labor and Secretary-Treasurer of the IAM Illinois State Council. In January 2024, he was appointed by International President Bryant to serve on the IAM Law Committee.
Haehnlein’s experience includes serving as a trustee on various funds related to training, retirement plans, health benefits, welfare programs, and pensions for Local 701 members.
