The Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) has announced it is merging its Legislative Department into the IAM’s Political and Legislative Department, further strengthening the IAM Union’s advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and across the federal government.

TCU/IAM National Legislative Director David Arouca and National Legislative Representative Connor Vargo will join the IAM’s Political and Legislative Department, led by IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon. The appointments are effective May 1, 2026.

“This merger is about maximizing the strength and effectiveness of our legislative operation,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “David and Connor have built a strong track record of fighting for TCU/IAM members in the halls of Congress and the Administration. Integrating their expertise into our Political and Legislative Department gives our entire membership a more powerful voice in Washington.”

The move consolidates the legislative resources of TCU/IAM and the IAM under a unified department, allowing for a more coordinated approach to advancing the priorities of the IAM Union’s combined membership of more than 600,000 active and retired workers across the defense, aerospace, transportation, manufacturing, rail and other industries.

“I’m proud of what our Legislative Department has accomplished for TCU/IAM members, from securing funding for Amtrak and the Railroad Retirement Board to pushing landmark rail safety legislation on Capitol Hill,” said TCU/IAM National President Matt Hollis. “By joining forces with the IAM’s Political and Legislative Department, we’re ensuring that our members’ voices are amplified even further. David and Connor will continue to fight just as hard for TCU/IAM members — now with the full weight of the IAM Union behind them.”

Since joining TCU/IAM in 2015, Arouca has been instrumental in expanding the reach and political power of TCU/IAM’s legislative operation. He was promoted to National Legislative Director in March 2023 and has long been one of rail labor’s key advocates in Washington. 

“TCU/IAM’s legislative legacy has always been to punch above our weight, and this merger is an exciting opportunity to step into a new weight class,” said Arouca. “Connor and I are looking forward to helping to develop and carry forward the strong legacy of the IAM Union’s efforts in D.C. The fight for rail workers — and all working people — only gets stronger from here.”

Vargo joined TCU/IAM in September 2023 as a Legislative Representative, bringing deep experience in policy development and the legislative process from five years of service on Capitol Hill, where he advised Members of Congress on broad policy portfolios, including labor policy. He has worked closely to advance TCU/IAM’s advocacy on rail safety, infrastructure investment and retirement security.

“David and Connor bring invaluable political and policy expertise to our team,” said IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon. “This merger strengthens our ability to fight for every IAM and TCU/IAM member — whether they work on the shop floor, the flight line, or the railroad. Together, we are building the strongest political and legislative operation in the labor movement.”

The merger reflects the ongoing integration between TCU/IAM and the IAM, building on a relationship that dates back to TCU/IAM’s affiliation with the IAM Union and the more recent creation of the IAM Rail Division. By unifying their legislative efforts, the IAM and TCU/IAM are positioned to more effectively advocate for our members on whatever comes our way.

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The IAM District W24 Negotiations Committee is moving forward with ongoing contract negotiations with Weyerhaeuser.

The agreement will have a broad and meaningful impact. With more than 1,150 members across two states and 13 different collective bargaining agreements, the outcome of these negotiations will affect a large portion of our membership.

Full-scale bargaining on the major issues—often referred to as the “Big Table”—began this week and continues into next week.

The negotiations committee has been preparing for months for the upcoming final talks, having held two rounds of Negotiation Prep, beginning in October of 2025 and continuing into training this past January 2026.

“The IAM is fully committed to our members at W24,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “We will use every resource and every ounce of our collective strength to secure the contract they deserve.”

“Our strength at the bargaining table comes directly from our membership,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President  Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “District W24 members should know they have our full support, and every resource of this union will be behind them throughout these negotiations.”

“This is a very important negotiation and carries the weight of all our members, but our members are united, prepared, and ready to fight for the contract they’ve earned,” said IAM District W24 President and Directing Business Representative Brandon Bryant.

Continued support, solidarity and engagement throughout this process is critical and deeply appreciated by the membership and union.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After weeks on the picket line, IAM Union Local 778 members have voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement with Olin Corporation’s Winchester division, officially ending their strike that began on April 4.

The agreement was approved by the membership on Wednesday, May 6, marking a victory for the more than 1,300 skilled workers at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant who stood united in their fight for improved wages, better working conditions, and relief from excessive overtime.

IAM Local 778 members return to work starting on the day shift, Thursday, May 7, bringing the end to a strike that drew national attention and underscored the essential role these workers play in supporting U.S. military readiness.

“This ratified agreement met the needs of our membership and they are ready to get back to work under these new terms,” said IAM Local 778 Directing Business Representative Scott Brown. “Our members fought for a contract that includes improvements to pay and relief to mandatory overtime scheduling.”

“Our members stood up and fought for fairness,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “They walked the picket line day and night, advocating for every worker in the plant for relief from excessive overtime to improve their work-life balance.”

“I am proud of these members for their courage and sacrifice,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “The members of IAM Local 778 took the necessary action to make their workplace better and make each other’s lives better. ”

Details of the new contract include front-loaded wage increases over the course of the four-year agreement and some relief from forced overtime. Union leaders say the agreement represents meaningful progress and a foundation for continued improvements.

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On Workers’ Memorial Day, observed annually on April 28, the IAM Union gathered at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Md., to remember workers killed or injured on the job.

During the ceremony, IAM members who died over the past year were remembered as their names were read aloud, alongside their families and union brothers, sisters, and siblings.

IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett addressed attendees, noting that 15 names were added to the IAM Workers’ Memorial, including five members who lost their lives on the job.

“That is five too many,” said Bennett. “Far too many workers are still losing their lives simply for going to work, and that must never be acceptable. It is our No. 1 duty to protect our Brothers, Sisters, and Siblings.”

A recent report from the AFL-CIO underscores the ongoing need for stronger workplace protections, noting that many injuries and fatalities remain preventable decades after the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

As the IAM honors those lost, the union remains committed to fighting for safer workplaces for all workers.

To watch the ceremony, click here. To view the full gallery of photos, click here.

Fallen Members: 5
Rocky Baldwin – Local 774 
Denis Demers – Local 712
Jesus Garcia – Local 1484
Susan Leslie – Local FL125
Michael Smith – Local 430

Special Remembrances: 12
Retired International Representative Carl Ashman
Retired Government Employees Director Frank S. Carelli Jr.
Retired General Vice President – James Conigliaro
Retired Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway
Retired Confidential Secretary Loretta Nappi
Retired District 10 Assistant Directing Business Representative Patrick O’Connor
Retired Collective Bargaining Director Tom O’Heron
Retired Chief Pilot James R. Thomas
Retired W3 Center Kitchen Supervisor Mary Fones
Wife of Michael Hinthorn, Glenda Hinthorn

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The IAM Midwest and Southern Territories launched a new tradition with coordinated Paws FORE A Cause Open events, bringing together over 70 participants between Illinois and Texas locations for simultaneous Topgolf-style charity events supporting the IAM’s favorite charity, Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines.

“You can see the energy and commitment from our members here today,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “This is what the IAM is all about, coming together, supporting each other, and giving back. While not every territory could take part this year, the interest is there, and we expect continued growth moving forward.”

Held at Topgolf venues, both events combined a modern, accessible format with a strong charitable mission, giving members and their families the opportunity to connect in a relaxed setting while raising funds for a cause long supported by the IAM. Each location also recognized top-performing participants, awarding prizes to the highest-scoring male and female golfers.

“The strong participation across both territories shows the power of our membership when we come together for a shared cause,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “We’re proud to support Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines and look forward to growing this event in the years ahead.”

View photos from the Midwest Territory event here.
View photos from the Southern Territory event here.

“This was a great opportunity to engage members and their families in a fun, meaningful way,” said IAM Southern Territory Chief of Staff Reggie Dixon. “Events like this strengthen our union while supporting an incredible cause.”

“This is how we build momentum,” said IAM Midwest Territory Special Representative Ronnie Gonzalez. “We had a great turnout for year one, and we’re looking forward to expanding participation and impact moving forward.”

Organizers plan to build on the success of the inaugural events, with goals to increase participation and expand nationwide by connecting select Topgolf locations for live competitive play across IAM territories, further supporting Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines in the years ahead.

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AGUADILLA, P.R., May 5, 2026 – IAM Union-represented Lufthansa Technik workers in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement, securing job protections, a signing bonus, wage increases, and improved benefits.

The agreement, covering more than 200 aircraft mechanics and related workers, follows nearly four years of negotiations driven by strong member advocacy and solidarity. The first contract establishes a solid foundation of rights, pay, benefits, and working conditions that workers can continue to build on in future bargaining.

Throughout negotiations, IAM Union leadership worked closely with the bargaining committee and membership to ensure workers’ voices remained front and center and to push the process forward despite delays.

“This first contract wasn’t given to these workers – it was earned through their unity, determination, and refusal to back down,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico workers didn’t wait for change – they organized for it, fought for it, and won it.”

“For Lufthansa Technik workers in Aguadilla, this first contract represents long-awaited progress after years of standing together,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “It’s a strong example of what solidarity and sustained pressure can achieve.”

Read: IAM Air Transport Territory Visits Lufthansa Technik Workers in Puerto Rico and Reaffirms Commitment as Contract Talks Resume

“This shows what’s possible when workers organize and stay involved,” said Tom Regan IAM Special Assistant to the International President. “Wages, benefits, and protections don’t improve by chance – they come through a union contract. 

“This first contract is just the beginning,” said IAM District 142 President and Directing General Chair John Coveny. “It’s a living document that gives our members a real voice on the job today – and the power to keep building stronger protections, better pay, and greater respect in every round of bargaining moving forward.”

“Our members never lost sight of what they were fighting for,” said IAM Special Assistant to the International President Juan Negron. “They stood strong through every challenge, and today’s ratification shows the result of that unity.”

For workers on the shop floor, this first contract represents long-awaited progress after years of standing together.

“This agreement shows what we can accomplish when we stay united,” said the IAM Lufthansa Technik Negotiating Committee. “We fought for respect, better conditions, and a voice – and this is a big step forward for all of us, our families and the entire Puerto Rico.”

IAM members at Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico voted to join the union in 2022, seeking fair wages, improved working conditions, and a voice on the job. Since then, negotiations were marked by delays, prompting the IAM to seek federal mediation in 2023 and rally support locally and internationally.

In December 2025, workers overwhelmingly rejected a decertification effort backed by anti-union forces, reaffirming their commitment to the IAM and sending a clear message that they were united in their fight for a fair contract.

Trabajadores de Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico representados por la Unión IAM ratifican su primer convenio colectivo, asegurando importantes avances tras años de unidad

AGUADILLA, P.R., 5 de mayo de 2026 – Los trabajadores de Lufthansa Technik en Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, representados por la Unión IAM (Asociación Internacional de Maquinistas y Trabajadores de la Industria Aeroespacial), han ratificado su primer convenio colectivo, que asegura protecciones laborales, un bono de firma, aumentos salariales y mejores beneficios.

El convenio, que cubre a más de 200 mecánicos de aeronaves y trabajadores relacionados, llega tras casi cuatro años de negociaciones impulsadas por la fuerte defensa de los miembros y su solidaridad. Este primer contrato establece una base sólida de derechos, salarios, beneficios y condiciones laborales sobre la cual los trabajadores podrán seguir construyendo en futuras negociaciones.

Durante todo el proceso, el liderazgo de la IAM trabajó estrechamente con el comité de negociaciones y la matrícula para asegurar que las voces de los trabajadores se mantuvieran como prioridad e impulsar el proceso a pesar de los retrasos.

“Este primer convenio colectivo no les fue regalado a estos trabajadores; lo ganaron con su unidad, su determinación y su convicción de no rendirse”, dijo el Presidente Internacional de la IAM, Brian Bryant. “Los trabajadores de Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico no esperaron el cambio: se organizaron, lucharon y lo lograron”.

“Para los trabajadores de Lufthansa Technik en Aguadilla, este primer contrato representa un progreso esperado por años tras mantenerse unidos”, dijo el Vicepresidente General de Territorio de Transporte Aéreo de la IAM, Richie Johnsen. “Es un claro ejemplo de lo que la solidaridad y la presión sostenida pueden lograr”.

Lea: El Territorio de Transporte Aéreo de la IAM visita a los trabajadores de Lufthansa Technik en Puerto Rico y reafirma su compromiso mientras se reanudan las negociaciones de convenio colectivo

“Esto demuestra lo que es posible cuando los trabajadores se organizan y se mantienen involucrados”, dijo el Asistente Especial del Presidente Internacional de la IAM, Tom Regan. “Los salarios, beneficios y protecciones no mejoran por casualidad; se logran a través de un contrato de la unión.

“Este primer contrato es solo el comienzo”, dijo el Presidente y Director General del Distrito 142 de la IAM, John Coveny. “Es un documento vivo que le da a la matrícula una voz real en el trabajo hoy y el poder de seguir construyendo protecciones más fuertes, mejores salarios y mayor respeto en cada ronda de negociación en el futuro”.

“Nuestros miembros nunca perdieron de vista por lo que estaban luchando”, dijo el Asistente Especial del Presidente Internacional de la IAM, Juan Negron. “Se mantuvieron firmes ante cada desafío y la ratificación de hoy demuestra el resultado de esa unidad”.

Para los trabajadores en el taller, este primer contrato representa un progreso esperado tras años de mantenerse unidos.

“Este convenio demuestra lo que podemos lograr cuando permanecemos unidos”, dijo el Comité de Negociaciones de la IAM en Lufthansa Technik. “Luchamos por respeto, mejores condiciones y una voz, y este es un gran paso adelante para todos nosotros, nuestras familias y todo Puerto Rico”.

Los miembros de la IAM en Lufthansa Technik Puerto Rico votaron para unirse a la unión en 2022, buscando salarios justos, mejores condiciones laborales y una voz en el trabajo. Desde entonces, las negociaciones estuvieron marcadas por retrasos, lo que llevó a la IAM a solicitar mediación federal en 2023 y a movilizar apoyo a nivel local e internacional.

En diciembre de 2025, los trabajadores rechazaron abrumadoramente un intento de descertificación respaldado por fuerzas antisindicales, reafirmando su compromiso con la IAM y enviando un mensaje claro de unidad en su lucha por un convenio justo.

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La Unión IAM (Asociación Internacional de Maquinistas y Trabajadores de la Industria Aeroespacial) es una de las uniones industriales más grandes y diversas de Norteamérica, con aproximadamente 600,000 miembros activos y jubilados en las industrias de aeroespacial, defensa, aerolíneas, ferrocarril, transporte, salud, automotriz, entre otras.

goIAM.org | @IAM_Union

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The IAM Union is encouraging members and employers nationwide to take part in the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, taking place May 4-8, 2026. Led by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the annual initiative highlights fall prevention as a critical priority, addressing the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. We stand firmly in support of efforts that emphasize planning, training, and hazard awareness to protect workers on every job site.

“Preventing falls isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting lives,” said IAM Safety and Health Director Michael Oathout. “When workers and employers take the time to focus on safety, speak up about hazards, and look out for one another, we create stronger, safer workplaces. That’s what solidarity on the job looks like.”

Throughout the week, employers are encouraged to pause work and engage in safety trainings, hazard recognition, and open dialogue about job-specific risks. The IAM Union also supports continued collaboration between OSHA and industry partners, including efforts tied to Construction Safety Week, to prevent injuries and fatalities. By participating in initiatives like the Stand-Down, IAM members continue to lead by example—proving that safety is a shared responsibility and a core union value.

For assistance with any safety-related concerns or training needs, please contact the IAM Safety & Health Department at 301-967-4707 or SandH@iamaw.org.

Visit OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction site to learn more.

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HOLLYWOOD, Md., May 5, 2026 – The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) officially launched its “Workers vs. Billionaires” campaign with a high-energy kickoff rally led by International President Brian Bryant at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Md. The launch date coincides with the IAM’s founding on May 5, 1888, 138 years ago.

The event marks the beginning of a coordinated series of mobilization efforts across all IAM territories and departments in the months leading up to the midterm elections. Hundreds of IAM members, labor leaders, and community allies gathered both in person and online to rally around a unified message: working people are done being left behind in an economy dominated by corporate greed.

Watch the live feed here.

“Today, we are living through the greatest concentration of wealth in history,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “A small group of people has accumulated more money than entire national economies, and they are using it to buy politicians, break unions, offshore jobs, and gut the regulations that protect working families.”

Read International President Bryant’s “Workers vs. Billionaires” op-ed in the Southern Maryland News here.

The kickoff event was held on the IAM Union’s birthday, founded in a locomotive pit by 19 railroad workers who took a stand against industry tycoons in the Gilded Age, creating one of the world’s most influential labor unions.

Again, the IAM is taking up the fight for working people in an economy controlled by elites but powered by labor.

View photos here.

Bryant delivered a powerful address that underscored the urgency of the campaign and the growing economic divide facing working families.

Other rally speakers included Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO President Donna Edwards, Washington Metropolitan Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Samuel Epps, IAM Human Rights Director Nicole Fears, and Kevin Gallagher, a former IAM-represented Apple retail store worker from the closing Towson store who now serves as an IAM District 4 organizer.

“We’re celebrating 138 years of this union, a growing power, saving workers and making life better,” said Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO President Donna Edwards. “Nothing has ever been given to labor. We have fought for everything: safer work conditions, time off, overtime pay, benefits, and sick leave. Everything has to be a fight, and then we do win. Over those 138 years of the IAM Union and over the couple of centuries that labor has been fighting, we fight together. In all of our unions, you never stand alone. You never fight alone. We are in this together.”

“Apple made $94 billion in profit last year, and they can’t afford to let their workers have a voice, they cannot afford dignity, fair wages, and safe working conditions,” said Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Samuel Epps. “That’s not a business decision, that’s a power grab. Here is what they forget and what we are here today to remind them: you cannot close the movement. You can shut down the store but you can’t shut us up. History is always on our side–the side of workers.” 

“When I organized my workplace, I knew it was going to be a fight,” said Kevin Gallagher, a former IAM-represented Apple retail worker from the closing Towson store who now serves as an IAM District 4 organizer. “I knew that Apple was the world’s most profitable company. I knew that they had all the money in the world to fight us, but what I do know after organizing and winning twice is that when we organize, we win!”

The IAM’s Workers vs. Billionaires campaign aims to mobilize IAM members and allies in every community where the union operates, focusing on issues such as fair wages, strong labor protections, retirement security, and the right to organize. The campaign will also highlight the vast economic imbalance in the United States, where CEOs earn, on average, 285 times more than the typical worker and received an average raise of $1.24 million last year.

The event was livestreamed on the IAM Union’s Facebook page, allowing members across North America—from job sites to picket lines—to participate in the launch.

As the campaign moves forward, the IAM Union is expected to host dozens of rallies, actions, and organizing events to build worker power and hold corporations accountable.

“Billionaires have the money, but we have the people,” said Bryant. “They have the lobbyists, but we have the votes. They have the politicians, but we have each other — and that is why we will win.”

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The Alliance for Retired Americans, an advocacy organization representing 4.4 million union retirees, held its national meeting in Las Vegas. During the conference, labor leaders and retirees fired up hundreds of attendees and motivated members to fight for their rights.

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IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes, along with IAM Assistant Secretary Paul Kendall, Bryan Pinette, IAM Special Assistant to the General Secretary-Treasurer, and DeLane Adams, IAM Director of Rapid Response and Mobilization, recently joined labor allies from across the country at the 72nd Convention of the Union Label and Service Trades Department, AFL-CIO, held at AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington.

IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Cervantes was reelected to the executive board, and Richard Kline was elected to another term as Union Label & Service Trades President.

Congratulations to IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes on her reelection to the @ULSTD_AFLCIO Executive Board at their 72nd Convention!

Her leadership continues to move working people forward and keep our trades strong! pic.twitter.com/1Zt4cg6UYP

— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) April 23, 2026

“Being reelected to this board is an honor, but more than that, it’s a charge,” said Cervantes. “When we look for the union label and choose union-made products and union-provided services, we are supporting one another in the most direct way possible. Every union purchase protects a union job, sustains a union family, and strengthens the movement we’ve all dedicated our lives to building.”

The convention report highlighted that organizing activity accelerated across industries in 2025, even as union density continues to trail the levels that once anchored a strong middle class. The Union Label and Service Trades Department’s message during this year’s convention was clear: the labor movement’s strength grows not only at the bargaining table, but in the economic marketplace.

The delegates heard from David Woods, International Secretary-Treasurer of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers & Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM), and Nicole Rhine, Secretary-Treasurer of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC).

Buying union matters. When union members, their families, and allies choose union-made products and union-provided services, they reinforce the wages, benefits, and safe workplaces that unions fight to secure. Every purchasing decision is an act of economic solidarity.

The convention leadership also called on affiliates to strengthen its union product, the Airtable database, a searchable platform helping consumers identify union-made goods and services, and to expand digital outreach that connects everyday economic choices to worker advocacy.

The message from the 72nd convention was simple: look for the union label.

For more information on finding union-made products and services, visit unionlabel.org.

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