More than 300 delegates attended the IAM Retirees Conference, where leaders and longtime members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) gathered to share their experiences and discuss strategies for defending workers’ benefits. The event focused on passing down lessons learned over decades in the labor movement.
“In the IAM you may retire, but you never quit,” said IAM Union International President Brian 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 recent legislative proposals affecting programs such as Medicaid. Congressional efforts known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill” propose $415 billion in cuts to Medicaid in 2026, a program with an annual cost of $880 billion. This has led some lawmakers to argue that such social programs are unaffordable, despite their longstanding support among working Americans.
Some critics have claimed that abuse within Medicaid is due mainly to ineligible recipients. However, data indicates that improper or fraudulent claims by medical corporations and providers account for between $60 billion and $87 billion each year, rather than widespread fraud by beneficiaries. Many IAM retirees receive additional support through the EBS/TLC Medicare Retiree Program.
“I was raised in a union household, and I didn’t understand what that meant at the time,” said James “Stretch” Little, IAM Retirees and Membership Services Director. “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 emphasized retirees’ continued role as advocates for working-class interests. Delegates participated in breakout sessions aimed at organizing efforts back home and mentoring new union members. Plans were made to increase retiree committees across different levels of the organization.
Attendees also visited vendor booths for information about member benefits available through union membership. Some recorded messages encouraging younger workers about solidarity during changing times for labor unions.
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) and Andrea MonteCalvo (EBS Retiree Coordinator Licensed Insurance Agent).
The conference concluded with a call for continued action from retirees: even after leaving active service, participants were encouraged to remain involved in advocating for worker rights.
