More than 800 delegates from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Air Transport and Rail Divisions attended the 2025 IAM Transportation Conference in Las Vegas this summer. The biennial event focused on preparing for changes in the transportation industry, with an emphasis on supporting jobs, protecting workers’ rights, and mentoring future labor leaders.
This year’s conference was organized under the theme “Building a Better Tomorrow.” According to organizers, months of planning involving administrative staff, international representatives, headquarters departments, and member education teams contributed to a well-executed program. The event included speakers, committee reports, and breakout sessions designed to engage members from across North America.
IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen announced wage increases for union-represented workers: Southwest customer service agents and American Airlines ramp workers will reach $40 per hour at the top pay scale; top-scale aircraft mechanics at American Airlines will exceed $70 per 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”.
Chief of Staff Edison Fraser emphasized the importance of 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,” he said.
Fraser credited his mentors—Dora Cervantes, Diane Babineaux, Robert Roach Jr., and Renee Cicero—with shaping his career at IAM. This year marked the first time a young workers committee participated in the transportation conference.
Member Education booths were available at the conference with experts explaining union benefits. Sarah Garcia of Houston Local 811 commented: “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… 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. 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 own experience as a long-time IAM member: “I can tell you, with all pride in my backbone, that I was raised right. My father stressed union with all his children… And I will always be a loyal member, and I will be a loud yelling, loud thumping fighting Machinists forever.”
Delegates participated in sessions tailored by trade with opportunities for feedback directly from workers.
The Rail Division reported significant gains as District 19 and TCU/IAM collaborated with eight other unions on an Amtrak contract securing general wage increases totaling 34.1% over its duration—the largest such increase in Amtrak’s history.
Josh Hartford stated: “Together District 19 and TCU have an opportunity… Not just to gain new members but reignite passion… Relentlessly fighting for what is rightfully our future.”
Tom Regan noted ongoing negotiations affecting over 28,000 United Airlines employees since May 2025 as well as efforts regarding Alaska-Hawaiian mergers covering more than 7,000 workers; United Ground Express negotiations representing over 6,100 employees; McGee Air Services tentative agreement for about 3,000 employees; adding that IAM represents three out of five leading airline collective bargaining agreements nationally.
Regan said: “After 41 years I want to make sure that I give back… Remember this – either you stand up and fight or sit down and be quiet… You will lead the industry.”
Conference experts discussed tools available through IAM membership which includes more than 600,000 active or retired members nationwide.
The Air Transport Territory remains IAM’s largest segment with Districts 141 and 142 representing employees at major carriers including American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines,and Hawaiian Airlines.
