The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) held its 2025 Transportation Conference in Las Vegas, drawing over 800 delegates from the Air Transport and Rail Divisions. The event focused on preparing for ongoing changes in the transportation sector and reinforcing union solidarity.
This year’s conference, themed “Building a Better Tomorrow,” aimed to strengthen transportation jobs, safeguard workers’ rights, and support emerging labor leaders. Organizers highlighted the extensive planning required to coordinate speakers, committee reports, and educational sessions that engage members across North America.
A significant aspect of this year’s gathering was the inclusion of younger members through a dedicated young workers committee. IAM Air Transportation Territory Chief of Staff Edison Fraser explained, “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 credited mentors such as Dora Cervantes for shaping his career at IAM.
Conference attendees heard updates on recent contract gains for union members. IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen announced that top-scale Southwest customer service agents and American Airlines ramp workers will reach $40 per hour in wages this year. Aircraft mechanics at American Airlines will earn more than $70 per hour under current agreements.
“Those are our contracts, those are IAM contracts,” said Johnsen. “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”.
IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes reflected on her family’s long history with the union: “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.”
Sarah Garcia from Houston Local 811 praised efforts to educate members about union benefits: “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.
The conference also featured updates from rail division representatives who reported progress on new contracts with Amtrak resulting in historic wage increases—34.1% compounded general wage increases over the life of their agreement.
Josh Hartford 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.”
Negotiations continue between IAM-represented workers at United Airlines—more than 28,000 employees—and other carriers including Alaska/Hawaiian following their merger as well as United Ground Express (UGE). In July 2025 a tentative agreement was reached with McGee Air Services covering 3,000 employees.
Tom Regan commented: “After 41 years I want to make sure that I give back to this union… Remember this – either you stand up and fight or sit down and be quiet. We choose to stand up and fight…”
The IAM represents more than 600,000 active and retired members across North America with its Air Transport Territory making up its largest segment through Districts 141 and 142 representing major airlines including American Airlines,United, Southwest,Alaska, and Hawaiian Airlines.
