WEST PLAINS, Mo., May 30, 2026 — Nearly 300 members of IAM Local 2782 (District 9) at Leonardo DRS have voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement, bringing an end to a difficult lockout while securing significant improvements in wages, benefits and paid time off.

The agreement provides for wage increases of 10% in the first year, 4% in the second year, 4% in the third year, 5% in the fourth year, and 5% in the fifth year, delivering a total compounded wage increase of more than 30% over the life of the contract. Members also secured protections that limit annual increases in insurance premiums to 5% per year, with no changes to healthcare copays.

The ratification follows weeks of solidarity and determination by IAM Union members, who remained united throughout the lockout while fighting for a contract that recognized the value of their skills, dedication, and contributions to national defense.

IAM Local 2782 members manufacture critical defense systems used by the U.S. military, including the M-SHORAD counter-drone and air defense system, battlefield surveillance technology, heavy assault bridging equipment, and fuel and water distribution systems that support military operations around the world.

Throughout the dispute, members remained focused on achieving a fair agreement that addressed key concerns surrounding wages, healthcare costs, and quality of life. The newly ratified contract represents significant progress in each of those areas and provides greater economic security for workers and their families.

“The solidarity shown by these members throughout this process was inspiring,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “They stood together through challenging circumstances, and their perseverance helped secure a collective bargaining agreement that recognizes the important work they perform every day. This victory demonstrates what is possible when workers remain united.”

“The members of Local 2782 never lost sight of the power of standing together,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “They showed what solidarity means through their resilience, determination, and commitment to one another. This new contract represents more than meaningful economic gains — it lays the foundation for stronger working conditions, greater opportunities, and successful negotiations in the future.”

“These workers stood together and made their voices heard,” said IAM District 9 Business Representative BJ Wear. “Through their unity and determination, they secured meaningful gains that will improve the lives of members and their families. This ratification reflects the power of workers standing together and refusing to settle for less than they deserve.”

The ratification marks the successful conclusion of a contract battle that began when Leonardo DRS locked out IAM members on May 1 after members rejected the company’s initial proposal. Throughout the lockout, Local 2782 members remained united in their demand for a contract that addressed wages, healthcare costs, and quality-of-life issues while recognizing the critical role they play in supporting U.S. military readiness.

Their solidarity was evident on the picket lines and in successive contract votes, as members stood together in pursuit of an agreement that reflected the value of their work and their contributions to the company’s success and the missions it supports.

With the new agreement approved, members will return to work under a contract that delivers substantial economic improvements while establishing a strong foundation for future bargaining and continued progress.

###

IAM Local 2782 members at Leonardo DRS’s West Plains facility manufacture a portfolio of critical U.S. Army systems, including fire support systems the Army has relied on since 1982; battlefield reconnaissance and surveillance platforms; heavy transport and mobility systems; fuel and water distribution equipment; and force protection technologies for armored vehicles. 

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 Members at Leonardo DRS Ratify New Contract Following Historic Demonstration for Fairness and Solidarity appeared first on IAM Union.

RALEIGH, N.C., May 29, 2026 — The 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is urging members of the North Carolina House of Representatives to vote against S.B. 1082, legislation that would amend the North Carolina Constitution to permanently enshrine the state’s so-called “right-to-work” law.

In a letter sent to North Carolina lawmakers, IAM Union International President Brian Bryant warned the proposal is an unnecessary political attack on workers’ rights that would further weaken workers’ ability to organize and collectively bargain for fair wages, benefits, and safe working conditions.

“North Carolina already has had ‘right-to-work’ provisions in state law since 1947, and this political attack on the constitution is shameful and unnecessary,” wrote IAM Union International President Brian Bryant in a letter to North Carolina lawmakers. “This attempt to enshrine anti-union verbiage in the state constitution is also a waste of taxpayer dollars, and pushes North Carolina in the wrong direction. The ‘right-to-work’ state laws weaken workers’ ability to unionize and collectively bargain for fair wages, benefits, and safe working conditions. Rather than improving workers’ lives amid growing costs of living, these anti-labor laws harm lower and middle-class workers as they are associated with lower wages than in states without them.”

The IAM Union represents thousands of workers across North Carolina, including workers at Spirit AeroSystems in Kinston and air transport workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Research continues to show that so-called “right-to-work” laws lower wages and weaken workplace protections for working people. According to the Economic Policy Institute, workers in states with “right-to-work” laws earn lower wages on average, are less likely to have employer-sponsored health insurance and pensions, and face higher workplace fatality rates than workers in states without those laws.

The bill recently passed the North Carolina Senate and could be considered by the North Carolina House as early as next week.

The post IAM Union Urges North Carolina House to Reject Anti-Worker ‘Right-to-Work’ Constitutional Amendment appeared first on IAM Union.

The post IAM Journal – Summer 2026 appeared first on IAM Union.

The post IAM Journal – Verano 2026 – En Español appeared first on IAM Union.

IAM Local 701 in Chicago recently celebrated a new graduating class of students who completed its renowned automotive and diesel training programs, better known as the IAM Mechanics’ Local 701 Training Fund. The ceremony, which took place in early May, was attended by families, IAM leadership and instructors. Almost 30 former students are now certified and more prepared for lucrative careers in the automotive and trucking Industry, including 22-year-old Lydia Flores of Sleepy Hollow, IL. She developed a passion for automobiles as a child, grew up fixing cars and attended auto shows with her mother.

“I started doing my own maintenance on my cars and helped my family members in the garage late at night,” said Flores. “After I got my first car, I knew I was born to be in the car industry. I took a few auto classes in high school and started getting more comfortable with the tools and more intrigued with the customization of my own cars.”

Flores was fortunate enough to get hired by a local automobile dealership while she was taking courses in the Local 701 Training Program, an accomplishment that blends her love of cars with a lucrative trade, which also comes with an IAM contract.

“I got employed at Patrick Cadillac. Being employed at my dream job at 18-years-old opened my eyes to so many opportunities,” said Flores. “Little did I know being a union mechanic created a phenomenal salary for me.”

Chris Brzuskiewicz is a 21-year-old recent program graduate from Chicago. Like Flores, he’s been passionate about cars since childhood. It’s a hobby he shared with his father growing up, and he’s turned that devotion into a working way of life.

“Being part of the graduating class made me feel proud to take a lifelong passion and make it into a successful, rewarding career,” said Brzuskiewicz. “I’m honored to follow family footsteps and to see my hard work reflected.”

Brzuskiewicz is now employed at an Allison transmission dealership in the Chicagoland area. He works on medium to heavy duty vehicles, performing everything from diagnostics to transmission overhauls.

“It feels gratifying to be in a field that will provide me a dependable income, transferable skills, and daily satisfaction from fixing real-world machines for decades to come,” said Brzuskiewicz.

The educational program, which was conceived in the 1990s by current IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli, opened in 2010. Since then, the program, which is now based in a 30,000 square foot training facility in the suburb of Aurora, has been graduating high-skilled technicians at an impressive rate. Tuition is also drastically cheaper than education at community colleges or four-year universities.

“We have tremendous pride and a passion for the next generation of high-skilled workers,” said Cicinelli. “This program is providing a pathway for young workers and our graduates by giving them a good education and a stable way of life under the hood, a rare opportunity in this changing economy.”

The program is intense and inclusive with hands-on training and guidance overseen by seasoned instructors with decades of experience.

“The IAM Mechanics’ Local 701 Training Fund currently has two main programs available; a 22-month diesel power and equipment program, and a 27-month automotive technology program,” said Jerry Eckert, Program Training Director. “These programs deliver a level of training that is tailored to meet the needs of technicians at various levels as they progress through the program and simultaneously gain experience in the field.”

Local 701’s success is occurring at a crucial time in the IAM. The union recently announced plans to increase training programs and apprenticeships for a new generation of eager workers around the country. Anyone interested in learning more about the Mechanics’ Local 701 Training Fund should email jeckert@local701training.org.

“We’ve developed a unique educational avenue that’s giving this young generation a path to goods jobs and a solid future,” said IAM Local 701 District Business Representative Mark Grasseschi. “Four-year college isn’t a path for everyone, but we’re proud to provide an accredited alternative that fosters lucrative careers in automotive, trucking and other various mechanics’ industries.”

The post IAM Local 701Training Program Gives Hope to Chicagoland’s Next Generation of Workers appeared first on IAM Union.

IAM District W24 members have overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year labor agreement with Weyerhaeuser, securing major economic gains for 1,160 union members across Washington and Oregon while marking a historic milestone for the bargaining unit.

The agreement represents the first time contracts between the union and the company have been negotiated, presented to members, and ratified before the expiration of the previous agreement, which was set to expire on June 1, 2026.

The settlement covers 14 individual contracts involving members from IAM Locals W130, W246, W261, and W536 working across sawmills, trucking operations, export yards and logging camps throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Union leaders credited member solidarity, strategic bargaining pressure, and lessons learned from a historic strike four years ago for helping secure the agreement. That strike — the first work stoppage for these locals in more than three decades — established leverage that carried into the current negotiations.

“This agreement shows what can happen when members stay united and engaged throughout the bargaining process,” said Brandon Bryant, District W24 President and Directing Business Representative, following ratification.

The contract includes an 11% total wage increase over the life of the agreement, along with a $3,000 signing bonus for members upon ratification. The deal also locks in healthcare costs with only minimal increases while strengthening pension and retirement benefits.

Additional improvements include increased flexibility in vacation scheduling and expanded bereavement leave language that now covers sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, while allowing members more time to utilize leave benefits.

“Weyerhaeuser IAM members wanted key family and financial issues addressed in the contract,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “With a clear voice they achieved those goals with help from District W24, the Western Territory and the International. We’re proud of our entire Weyerhaeuser membership at District W24.

Negotiators also reached agreements on attendance policies, overtime regulations, and shift differential issues as part of the final package.

“Strength and power were with this negotiating committee during the whole process,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “The Committee told the company they needed to listen to the membership, and the ratified contract speaks clearly that those issues were heard.”

The bargaining process unfolded against the backdrop of improving lumber market conditions after several difficult years in the industry. IAM Union negotiators said a recent market rebound, combined with a credible strike threat from the membership, helped push the company toward an agreement months ahead of the contract deadline.

A key component of the successful ratification effort was the union’s use of modern communication tools to keep members informed throughout negotiations. District W24 utilized a dedicated negotiations website, email and text blast updates, and the W24 Website to provide near real-time bargaining updates to the membership.

“The negotiations were tough but the committee did a great job at the table,” said IAM Wood Pulp and Paper Director Bob Walls. “The company knew it had to move on several issues in order to come to an agreement.”The negotiations team planned for a communication strategy that ensured members had the information needed to make informed decisions at the ballot box while maintaining solidarity throughout the process.

IAM District W24 negotiating committee describes the agreement as a major step forward for members and emphasized that the contract reflects the essential role union workers play in Weyerhaeuser’s operations.

“This contract is an important victory,” said Brandon Bryant, “but it is also part of the ongoing effort to continue building worker power and improving the lives of IAM members throughout the industry.”

The post IAM District W24 Members Ratify Historic Four-Year Agreement with Weyerhaeuser appeared first on IAM Union.

IAM Union members joined by Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Baltimore Metro AFL-CIO President Courtney Jenkins, Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO Federation Secretary-Treasurer Samuel Epps, and Baltimore County NAACP President Roland Patterson rally against outrageous decision from Apple to close its Maryland store, the first unionized Apple retail location in the United States

TOWSON, Md. — Chants erupted today at Patriot Plaza in Towson, Maryland, where protesters accused the Fortune 500 tech giant of discriminatory treatment toward its employees. 

Apple Store employees, Members of Congress, labor leaders, civil rights leaders, and local elected officials are outraged by Apple’s decision to close its Towson store – the first unionized Apple retail location in the United States – rather than guarantee pay equity and safe working conditions for its nearly 100 area employees, who are now facing job loss. 

“My oldest daughter starts college in the fall. My youngest daughter turns 3 this year. And my newborn son is sleeping at home right now while I’m trying to figure out what comes next. My coworkers are in similar positions, carrying families, mortgages, medical bills, and the quiet fear of watching a stable job disappear,” said Eric Brown, a Sales Lead at the Apple Store at Towson Town Center and a member of IAM Local 4538. “We’re not asking for charity. We’re asking Apple to do right by us and offer us the same transfer opportunities it extended to workers at its other closing stores.”

See the rally photos here

The IAM Union, which represents the Towson Apple Store workers, has filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), citing discriminatory treatment against unionized Apple workers at the Towson store. Unlike workers at two other closing stores, Apple will not allow its unionized Towson employees to transfer to other stores. 

“Apple wants every worker watching right now to know what happens when you organize. They want to send a message. That is not a business decision. That is retaliation. Plain and simple,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “We are going to fight this in every arena we have. We will not stop. We will not be quiet. We will not back down, not until our members get the fair treatment, the straight answers, and the respect they have earned. The respect that every working person in this country deserves.”

The Towson Apple store is also the only Apple Store in the entire Baltimore area that can be reached by bus. Students from Towson, Goucher, Stevenson, CCBC, Loyola, John Hopkins, University of Baltimore, Morgan State University, and Coppin State University all frequent the location, along with working people without cars across the city.

The Maryland congressional delegation, led by U.S. Rep Johnny Olszewski and joined by U.S. Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, as well as U.S. Reps. Steny Hoyer, Jamie Raskin, Glenn Ivey, Kweisi Mfume, Sarah Elfreth, and April McClain Delaney wrote a letter to Apple demanding accountability following Apple’s decision to close its unionized retail store at Towson Town Center in Towson, Md., effective June 20, 2026. 

Read the Maryland congressional delegation’s letter to Apple here.

“We know what it looks like when a corporation tries to make an example out of workers who dared to ask for a seat at the table. We have seen that playbook. We have faced it down before. And we have beaten it before,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “Apple is not the first powerful employer to try to break the spirit of organized workers. They will not be the last. But they will hear from us. They will hear from us today. They will hear from us at the National Labor Relations Board. And they will keep hearing from us every single day until justice is done for the workers of this store.”

On the ground, IAM Local 4538 members including Apple Store workers at the Towson Center were joined by IAM International President Brian Bryant, IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan, IAM District 4 Representative Bonna McCarthy, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Samuel Epps, Baltimore Metro AFL-CIO President Courtney Jenkins, and Baltimore County NAACP President Roland Patterson.

“We have been working on this for a while now, and we will not stop,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07). “This is a fight for workers’ rights. Collective bargaining has to be respected. Labor laws have to be respected. The right for individual men and women to speak and to organize themselves must be respected.” 

The post Community Protests Discriminatory Treatment of IAM Local 4538 Members at Apple’s Towson Store appeared first on IAM Union.

IAM Union political activists from across North America gathered this week at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center for the IAM Political Education Seminar, a weeklong training focused on strengthening political action, legislative advocacy, member mobilization and worker power.

Throughout the week, participants received hands-on training on lobbying elected officials, organizing political campaigns, using data and research in advocacy efforts, rapid response communications, digital activism, and preparing union members to run for public office.

The seminar also emphasized the connection between organizing and political engagement, equipping activists with tools to better advocate for working families and pro-worker legislation at the local, state, and federal levels.

Facilitators and speakers included staff from IAM Political and Legislative, Organizing, Communications, Rapid Response and Mobilization, Strategic Resources, and allied organizations like the AFL-CIO and Alliance for Retired Americans. 

The seminar concluded with participants receiving certificates of completion after a week dedicated to strengthening the IAM’s political and legislative activism nationwide.

The post IAM Activists Build Political Power at Weeklong Training Seminar appeared first on IAM Union.

IAM Union International President Brian Bryant has appointed Osmel “Oz” Toledo as Education Representative at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center, effective June 8, 2026.

Toledo has been an active IAM member since 2007, beginning his union journey with IAM Local 1000 in Bloomington, Ill. His career in public service started in the government sector with the City of Bloomington before transitioning into a full-time union leadership role.

In October 2018, Toledo joined IAM District 8 as an Organizer and later served as Business Representative and Assistant Directing Business Representative. In 2025, he was appointed to IAM Local 701, continuing his work representing and advocating for IAM members across multiple industries.

Throughout his union career, Toledo has held numerous leadership positions, including President and Vice President of Local 1000. He also served as Recording Secretary and Vice President of the Bloomington-Normal Trades and Labor Assembly and remains an active delegate. In addition, Toledo serves on the IAM Spanish Leadership Working Group and is a member of LCLAA Chicago Metro.

Toledo has extensive experience negotiating contracts in government, municipal, industrial, machine shop, and automotive sectors while leading successful organizing campaigns across the region.

A dedicated labor educator, Toledo has also completed a wide range of courses at the Winpisinger Center, including Foundational Skills, Collective Bargaining, Arbitration, Advanced Arbitration, Negotiation Preparation, Negotiating Healthcare, Organizing, Service Contract Act, EAP/CIRT Training, Adult Mental Health First Aid USA, Political Training, and Spanish Leadership programs.

Fluent in Spanish, Toledo brings valuable multilingual communication skills and a strong commitment to leadership development and member education to his new role at the Winpisinger Center.

“Oz has dedicated his career to empowering workers, building solidarity, and developing strong union leaders,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “His experience in organizing, bargaining, and member education makes him a tremendous asset to the Winpisinger Center.”

In his position as Education Representative, Toledo will help train and empower IAM members across North America through labor education, leadership development, and strategic organizing programs.

The post Osmel ‘Oz’ Toledo Appointed Education Representative at Winpisinger Center appeared first on IAM Union.

The IAM is pleased to announce the 2026 Scholarship winners. An impartial committee of educators selected 16 recipients for this year’s awards. We congratulate the winners and thank all those who participated in the competition.

Jacob Heim, Local 1903Michelle Sullivan, Member, Local 2198Hannah Hensley, Local 696Amelie, Local 1125Nadia Bollinger, Local 751Ellie Johnson, Local 1969, Roman Mayfield WinnerNohealani Garcia Nunez, Local 776Aubrie Lucka, Local 701Andrea Schneier, Local 837AElena Styrczula, Local 126Bishop Parker, Local 1751Boren Zou, Local 764Sharon Vong, Member, Local 1295Djamila Chabane, Local 1751Nicholas Fusco, Local 264Lilyana Thornton, Local 2671Honorable Mentions

Jacob Heim
College: North Carolina State University
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Parent: Mark Heim
Local: 1903   Company: American Airlines
Territory: Air Transport

Michelle Sullivan, Member
Local: 2198
Company: United Airlines
College: Universal Technical Institute – Houston
Major: Aviation Mechanics
Territory: Air Transport

Hannah Hensley
College: Eastern Mennonite University
Major: Education
Parent: James Hensley
Local: 696 Company: CSX
Territory: Rail Division

 

Amelie Carmona
College: University of California Berkley
Major: Civil Engineerin
Parent: Geovanni Carmona
Local: 1125 Company: LB&B Associates NAS North Island
Territory: Western

Nadia Bollinger
College: Scripps College
Major: Film & Media Studies
Parent: Derek Bollinger
Local: 751 Company: Boeing
Territory: Western

Ellie Johnson, Roman Mayfield Winner
College: Eastern Kentucky University
Major: Pre-Occupational Science
Parent: Timothy Johnso
Local: 1969 Company: Arkema
Territory: Southern

Nohealani Garcia Nunez
College: University of Texas at Austin
Major: Astronomy & Astrophysics
Parent: Raul Nunez Jr.
Local: 776 Company: Lockheed Martin
Territory: Southern

Aubrie Lucka, Vo-Tech
College: Ivy Tech Community College
Major: Nursing
Parent: Daniel Lucka
Local: 701 Company: Altorfer Caterpillar
Territory: Midwest

Andrea Schneier
College: University of Missouri – Kansas City
Major: Psychology
Parent: Angela Schneier
Local: 837A Company: Boeing
Territory: Midwest

Elena Styrczula
College: Lake Forest College
Major: Biology & Music
Parent: Richard Styrczula
Local: 126 Company: City of Chicago, O’hare AMC Building
Territory: Midwest

Bishop Parker
College: John Abbott College
Major: Sciences
Parent: Sean Parker
Local: 1751 Company: Air Canada, Ville St-Laurent QC
Territory: Canadian

Boren Zou
College: University of British Columbia
Major: Sciences
Parent: Wentao Zou
Local: 764 Company: Air Canada, Vancouver
Territory: Canadian

Sharon Vong, Member
Local: 1295
Company: Bellwood Health Systems
College: Centennial College
Major: Nursing
Territory: Canadian

Djamila Chabane, Member
Local: 1751
Company: Air Canada
College: CEGEP of Old Montreal
Major: Nursing
Territory: Canadian

Nicholas Fusco
College: Purdue University
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Parent: Michael Fusco
Local: 264 Company: MBTA
Territory: Eastern

Lilyana Thornton
College: Eckerd College
Major: Marine Sciences
Parent: Justin Thornton
Local: 2671 Company: Owens – Brockway Glass Container Inc.
Territory: Eastern

Dylan Mercado
Parent: Aleli Mercado
Local: 1726    Company: Southwest Airlines
Territory: Air Transport

Kaleb Diaz
Parent: Edgar Diaz
Local: 1487   Company: United Airlines
Territory: Air Transport

Eva Brooks, Member
Local: 2198
Company: United Airlines
Territory: Air Transport  

Abigail Thomas
Parent: Ajit Thomas
Local: 982    Company: MAT IT
Territory: Rail Division

Priscilla Rendon
Parent: Raul Rendon
Local: 938   Company: Union Pacific Railroad
Territory: Rail Division

Melissa Seng
Parent: Vanarith Ly
Local: 751    Company: Boeing
Territory: Western

Sydney Wagoner
Parent: Douglas Wagoner
Local: 1186  Company: UPS
Territory: Western 

Montana Franke
Parent: Aaron Franke
Local: 2916    Company: Amentu
Territory: Southern 

Ashlee Czaplewski
Parent: Stephen Czaplewski
Local: 1862    Company: ATI Materials
Territory: Midwest 

Lily Gilchrist
Parent: Greg Gilchrist
Local: 692    Company: Finning
Territory: Canadian

The post 2026 IAM Scholarship Winners appeared first on IAM Union.