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, held under the theme “Building a Better Tomorrow,” focused on supporting transportation jobs, protecting workers’ rights, and developing future labor leaders.
Conference planning involved months of preparation and coordination among administrative staff, international representatives, headquarters departments, and member education teams. Organizers aimed to engage both experienced union members and younger participants by including new voices and diverse perspectives.
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, while top-scale aircraft mechanics at American Airlines will earn over $70 per hour. Johnsen said, “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.”
Edison Fraser, IAM Air Transportation Territory Chief of Staff, highlighted the importance of mentorship: “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 credited mentors such as Dora Cervantes for shaping his career.
For the first time at this conference, a young workers committee was included to expose future union leaders to the responsibilities required for successful conventions.
Member Education booths provided information about union benefits. Sarah Garcia of Houston Local 811 commented on her experience: “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. “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,” he said. “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 family’s long-standing involvement with IAM: “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.”
Delegates participated in breakout sessions designed for their trades so feedback from members could help shape future plans.
The Rail Division was represented by District 19 and TCU/IAM delegates who worked alongside eight other unions on a new contract with Amtrak resulting in a 34.1% compounded general wage increase—the largest in Amtrak history.
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. No one will do it for us, so we must do it ourselves.”
Tom Regan reported ongoing negotiations involving more than 28,000 United Airlines employees whose agreement became amendable in May 2025; efforts continue toward setting industry-leading pay rates as well as negotiating joint agreements following airline mergers affecting thousands more workers.
Regan added: “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 over 600,000 active and retired members across North America through its Air Transport Territory—led by Districts 141 and 142—and continues working toward improving wages and conditions within air transport carriers such as American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines,and Hawaiian Airlines.
