WASHINGTON, May 2, 2026 — The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) issued the following statement on Spirit Airlines’ announcement that it will cease operations:

“Today’s news is devastating for the thousands of airline workers who showed up every day and gave everything to keep Spirit Airlines in the air.

Our members on the ramp did not cause this failure; corporate mismanagement and poor financial stewardship did. Our members deserve answers and support.

“The IAM will not abandon our members in this moment. We are activating IAM Employee Assistance Program representatives to be available to IAM-represented ramp service employees at Spirit Airlines. Our EAP representatives stand ready to provide confidential support and resources to help our members and their families navigate this difficult transition.

“We call on Spirit’s leadership and the bankruptcy court to ensure that every worker receives the full severance, back pay, and benefits they are owed. Workers should not be the last in line when a company fails. The IAM will be watching closely and will hold all responsible parties accountable.” 

The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members in aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, rail, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across North America.

The post IAM Union Statement on Spirit Airlines Shutdown appeared first on IAM Union.

IAM International Auditors servicing Locals and Districts in the U.S. and Canada gathered in Orange Beach, Ala., for the 2026 IAM General Secretary-Treasurer International Auditors Conference to share strategies, strengthen coordination, and enhance support for members throughout the union.

The conference focused on reinforcing the critical role auditors play in protecting IAM members’ dues, ensuring transparency, and upholding the highest standards of financial accountability across Districts and Locals. The conference included workshops, discussions, and real-world case studies, during which participants shared best practices and explored ways to strengthen financial oversight while supporting members on the ground.

See photos

International Auditors serve as a direct extension of the General Secretary-Treasurer’s Office, working closely with Local and District Secretary-Treasurers to protect union resources and ensure compliance with Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service regulations, as well as IAM financial policies and procedures. Their work strengthens accountability and reinforces members’ confidence that their dues are being managed responsibly.

“This conference is about making sure we are giving our International Auditors the tools, training, and support they need to succeed in a constantly evolving financial landscape,” said IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes. “Our members trust us to protect their dues and operate with transparency, and that responsibility starts with the strong, consistent work of our auditing team.”

Watch video 

“Our auditors are often the first line of defense when it comes to maintaining financial integrity across our union,” said Assistant Secretary to the General Secretary-Treasurer Paul Kendall. “By coming together, sharing experiences, and aligning on best practices, we strengthen our ability to support Districts and Locals and ensure accountability at every level.”

“The work International Auditors do goes beyond numbers – it’s about protecting the foundation of our union,” said Special Assistant to the General Secretary-Treasurer Bryan Pinette. “This conference gives us the chance to connect, problem-solve, and continue building a system that works for our members and their future.”

As the IAM continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of the membership, the role of International Auditors remains essential to ensuring that every dollar is accounted for and every member’s trust is upheld.

The post GST Cervantes’ International Auditors Conference Reinforces Financial Stewardship, Transparency, and Compliance appeared first on IAM Union.

The post IAM Local 219 Defense Contractors Ready for Bargaining with Tunista appeared first on IAM Union.

IAM Local 2741 members in Hornell, N.Y., have ratified a new one-year collective bargaining agreement with Alstom, securing key improvements for the 190-member bargaining unit.

Negotiations began on Feb. 17, 2026, with members voting to ratify the new one-year agreement on March 31, 2026.

“This agreement reflects a collaborative and future-focused approach by the bargaining committee to secure both immediate gains and a commitment from both parties to work towards a new wage progression system in the next round of bargaining,” said IAM District 19 General Chair Shaun O’Connor.

IAM Union members at the Hornell, N.Y., Alstom facility build Amtrak’s next-generation (NextGen) Acela trains and the rail cars for Chicago’s Metra commuter rail lines, and Alstom has pledged to retain union jobs and create more union jobs for IAM Union members at the Hornell location.

The new contract delivers a 3.25% general wage increase and establishes a new classification for Robotics/PLC Technicians to align with evolving technical demands of the job, ensuring that bargaining unit members perform the high-skill work.

The agreement also includes a memorandum of understanding committing both the union and the company to work collaboratively over the next year to develop updated job classifications for all members, replacing the existing pay structure.

Additional gains include clearer procedures for calling-off in relation to medical leave and bereavement, as well as extended grievance time limits.

“This agreement is a strong base for us to continue building on,” said O’Connor. “Our members are proud of the work they do and look forward to long careers supporting the future of rail travel in America.”

The post IAM Union Members Who Make New Acela Trains Ratify Strong Contract appeared first on IAM Union.

In a powerful show of unity and determination, workers at the Holy Donut on Park Avenue in Portland, Maine, voted unanimously to join the IAM Union – marking a sweet victory for workers standing together for respect and a real voice on the job.

The organizing effort was driven by the workers themselves, who came together to build a stronger future and chose the IAM as their union of representation. Their decision reflects a growing movement of workers across both traditional and emerging industries who are organizing to secure better conditions and a say in their workplaces.

Holy Donut workers organized to be able to negotiate a fair contract that delivers improved wages, stronger health and safety protections, better communication with management, and the dignity and respect they deserve on the job.

Despite anti-union tactics and management misinformation, these workers remained united and determined, proving the power of solidarity in the face of pressure.

“This victory shows what’s possible when workers stand shoulder to shoulder and refuse to be divided,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “These workers saw through the anti-union noise and stayed focused on what matters: building a better future for themselves and their coworkers. We’re proud to welcome them into the IAM family.”

The campaign was led by IAM District 4 Organizer Josh Johnstone, with the support of IAM District 4 Directing Business Representative Jay Wadleigh, alongside worker leaders Justin Gross and Lauren Gamble, who helped bring their coworkers together and drive the effort forward.

“These workers didn’t wait for change, and they made it happen,” said Johnstone. “They leaned on each other, stayed united, and turned that unity into a decisive victory.”

“This was a worker-driven campaign from day one,” said Wadleigh. “These workers knew what they deserved and took action to achieve it. Their victory is not only important for them, but it’s already inspiring others across the community to explore what a union can do.”

The impact of this win is already being felt beyond the shop floor, as workers in similar workplaces across the region show growing interest and support for organizing.

The IAM Union continues to lead the way in empowering workers across industries by ensuring they have the freedom to organize, a voice on the job, and the ability to secure a fair contract they deserve.

The post Sweet Victory in Maine: Holy Donut Workers Unanimously Vote to Join IAM Union appeared first on IAM Union.

Over two-and-a-half days in Niagara Falls, leaders and members of the IAM Union’s New York State Council came together to align priorities for the upcoming election cycle and the future of our union. The conference focused on three key pillars: union strength, non-partisan political engagement, and the economic challenges impacting working families.

Leadership reported that the union remains financially sound, disciplined and ready for the fight ahead. A major focus is on maintaining a strong strike plan, so members receive real, meaningful support during contract disputes. Representatives from the New York State AFL-CIO also highlighted that New York’s labor movement is among the strongest in the nation, thanks to active rank-and-file members.

Union leaders emphasized that the role of the organization is not to tell members who to vote for. Instead, the goal is to provide candidate information, voting records, and issue-based analysis so members can make informed decisions for themselves and their families. The priority remains clear: supporting policies that strengthen labor and working families.

While New York currently has many worker-friendly elected officials, union leadership stressed that success depends on sustained engagement to keep labor issues front and center in legislative discussions.

Conference discussions also addressed major economic factors impacting members—especially in transportation and airlines. Rising fuel costs affect nearly every aspect of life, from food to utilities, and continue to influence industry stability, mergers, and the broader economy.

“We do not tell you who to vote for,” said IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon. “We give you their information and their records—you decide what’s best for your family.”  Together, the message from the conference was clear: Stay informed. Stay engaged. Stay united. 

The post IAM’s New York State Council Lays Out High Stakes for Working Families appeared first on IAM Union.

The IAM Air Transport Territory is proud to welcome approximately 40 new members at Unifi from Westchester County Airport (HPN), marking another strong IAM organizing win for working people in the airline industry.

These customer service workers are employed by Unifi, North America’s largest aviation service provider, and perform critical work supporting airline operations, including at Delta Air Lines and Breeze Airways. Every day, they help keep flights moving and passengers served — and now, they have a union voice on the job.

Unifi workers won despite a brutal anti-union campaign by the company—one so aggressive that the IAM was forced to file an Unfair Labor Practice charge to hold the employer accountable and protect the workers’ rights.

This victory was led by the workers themselves, with strong support from the IAM Air Transport Territory and District 142. IAM Air Transport Territory Associate Rachel Arnold led the campaign, with assistance from Associate Carmelo Benedicto, District 142 Organizer Cordelle Frazer, and District 142 Organizing Director Jackson Hartsfield.

“Unifi workers fought hard for this, and we did it together,” said Arnold. “This is about having respect on the job and a real voice in our workplace. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished with Unifi workers and excited for what comes next.”

IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen praised the workers’ determination and commitment to building a better future.

“Unifi workers at HPN stood strong in the face of anti-union propaganda and intimidation, and they never backed down,” said Johnsen. “Their courage sends a powerful message to workers everywhere — when you stand together, you can win.”

District 142 leadership echoed that sentiment and welcomed the new members into the IAM family.

“This is what solidarity looks like,” said IAM District 142 President and Directing General Chair John Coveny Jr. “This organizing win at HPN Airport shows once again that airline workers across the industry are standing up, joining together and demanding better.”

The victory is on the heels of several other IAM organizing wins with Unifi workers, including in Fresno, Calif., San Jose and Cleveland.

“Every organizing win strengthens the IAM Union and raises standards for all workers in this industry,” said IAM Air Transport Territory Chief of Staff Edison Fraser. “We’re proud to welcome these new members and stand with them as they move forward.”

The IAM Union continues to grow across the air transport sector, organizing workers who are ready to secure better pay, benefits and working conditions — and a real voice on the job.

The post Workers Win at Westchester County Airport: Unifi Customer Service Votes to Join the IAM Union appeared first on IAM Union.

Delegates from across Oregon gathered for a meeting of the IAM’s Oregon State Council to discuss key priorities, strengthen coordination among locals and prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

The meeting brought together IAM leaders, staff and rank-and-file members committed to advancing the interests of working families throughout the state. Discussions focused on organizing, contract fights, legislative and political action, and strategies to grow the union’s presence in both traditional and emerging industries.

A series of presentations provided attendees with insights on key issues affecting IAM members. Speakers included IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez, Chief of Staff James Watson, and IAM Legislative Chief Counsel Laura Ewan.

“Bringing leaders and members together like this strengthens our ability to meet challenges head-on,” said Martinez. “When we align our organizing, bargaining and political strategies, we build the power needed to deliver real results for working families.”

Local and state leaders also addressed the council, including Denise Krause, Charles Gallia, and regional candidate Alex Phan. IAM National Pension Education Representative Jason Thompson also provided a presentation and an update on retirement security and other member benefits.

Council leaders highlighted the importance of solidarity and engagement at all levels of the IAM, encouraging members to remain active, informed, and prepared to mobilize.

“This council is focused on building strength across Oregon,” said IAM Oregon State Council President John Kleiboeker. “When our local unions collaborate, we are more effective in protecting our members, securing strong contracts, and organizing the unorganized.”

Delegates also provided updates from their respective locals, showcasing recent victories, ongoing negotiations, and the challenges members face on the job.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to unity, growth, and the fight for fair wages, strong benefits and dignity on the job for all IAM members across Oregon.

The post Oregon IAM Union Members Unite to Strengthen Solidarity, Strategy at State Council Meeting appeared first on IAM Union.

WASHINGTON, April 29, 2026 — Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers), issued the following statement in response to today’s Supreme Court ruling on Louisiana v. Callais, which sharply weakened Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965:
 
“Today’s Supreme Court ruling is a direct attack on workers and our democracy. The court has effectively gutted Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, the very provision designed to end Jim Crow-era gerrymandering and expand voting protections for Black people across the South.
 
“The right to vote and the right to organize are connected. IAM Union represents hundreds of thousands of workers of every background across North America, and we know that when any worker’s voice is silenced at the ballot box, all workers lose.
 
“Repressive voter ID laws, racial gerrymandering, long lines, and voter misinformation campaigns are the modern tools of disenfranchisement. The Supreme Court has now made it harder to fight them. Congress must act immediately to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act. This is not a Democrat issue or a Republican issue. Workers deserve a democracy that works for all of them, not just the billionaires and people in power.”

The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.

The post IAM Union Blasts Supreme Court’s Gutting of the Voting Rights Act appeared first on IAM Union.

WASHINGTON, April 29, 2026 — Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers), will host a kickoff rally for the launch of the IAM’s national Workers vs. Billionaires rally campaign on Tuesday, May 5. The kickoff rally will be held at the IAM’s William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Md. 

The campaign will include a coordinated series of mobilization events scheduled across all IAM territories, the IAM Aerospace Department, and the IAM Rail Division over the next few months, leading into the midterm elections. 

We are living in the richest country in the history of the world. CEOs make 285 times more than the average worker, and the average CEO took home a $1.24 million raise last year while working families struggled to make ends meet. 

Our union has been on the frontlines, opposing anti-worker legislation and safeguarding federal workers, to pushing for strong domestic policies, fair trade, and retirement security. We continue to fight for stronger labor protections, fair wages, and the right to organize.

“Workers are under assault, and the people leading that assault are the same billionaires and corporate executives who’ve been rigging the rules in their favor for decades,” said IAM Union International President Bryant. “IAM Union members aren’t waiting for someone else to fight this fight. We’re taking our message to every territory, every industry. Making this announcement on our union’s 138th birthday is an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the cause of justice and push back against a corporate agenda that values profits over people.” 

WHO: IAM International President Brian Bryant, Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO President Donna Edwards, Secretary Treasurer of Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO Federation Samuel Epps, IAM Apple Towson Store Worker, and IAM members from across North America. 

WHAT: Kickoff rally launching the IAM’s Workers vs. Billionaires campaign, a coordinated series of mobilization events scheduled across all IAM territories, the Aerospace Department, and the IAM Rail Division over the coming months. The event will also mark the IAM’s founding anniversary and bring together members enrolled in training classes at the Winpisinger Center, including IAM Leadership 1 and the Human Rights Program.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET

WHERE: William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center 

24494 Placid Harbor Way, Hollywood, Md. 20636

WHY: Workers are under assault from the same corporate executives and billionaires who have spent decades rigging the rules in their favor. The IAM is launching Workers vs. Billionaires to fight back in every territory, every industry, and every community where IAM members live and work. 

RSVP: Reporters interested in attending in person or scheduling interviews before the rally should contact DeLane Adams at dadams@iamaw.org or 202-430-2271. The event will be livestreamed via the IAM Union Facebook page.  

The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.

goIAM.org | @IAM_Union

The post TUESDAY, May 5: IAM Union Launches ‘Workers vs. Billionaires’ Rallies as Working People Fight Back Against Rigged Economy appeared first on IAM Union.