More than 300 delegates attended the IAM Retirees Conference, which focused on mobilizing retired members to address ongoing challenges facing the labor movement. The event brought together leaders and long-standing members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) to share experiences, mentor current members, and discuss strategies for protecting earned benefits.
Brian Bryant, International President of IAM, addressed attendees with a message about continuing the union’s legacy. “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!”
The conference highlighted concerns over proposed cuts to Medicaid in Congress’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which would reduce funding by $415 billion in 2026 from an annual budget of $880 billion. Critics claim abuse within Medicaid is widespread among recipients; however, evidence indicates that most improper or fraudulent claims—estimated between $60 billion and $87 billion annually—are made by medical corporations and providers rather than individuals.
James “Stretch” Little, IAM Retirees and Membership Services Director, spoke about the importance of union activism: “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.”
Retired IAM members were encouraged to organize locally, serve as mentors for new members, and participate in retiree committees across all levels of the union. Breakout sessions focused on sharing knowledge and developing plans for continued advocacy.
Attendees also had opportunities to learn about member benefits at vendor booths and recorded messages aimed at younger workers about 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), Andrea MonteCalvo (EBS Retiree Coordinator Licensed Insurance Agent).
The conference concluded with calls for ongoing involvement from retirees as an important force within both the union movement and broader efforts for economic fairness.
