Three decades after founding, IAM Union women return to city where their department was born

CHICAGO – Today, the IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of its historic Women’s Department in the city where it was originally founded, Chicago.

“Three decades ago, IAM Union leaders became one of the first North American trade unions to found an International Union department centered fully on the advancement of justice and opportunity for its female membership,” said Dee Colbert, Director of IAM Union’s Women’s and Young Workers Department. “This week, as our union convenes for a Women’s and Young Workers conference in Chicago, the birthplace of our union’s Women’s Department, we celebrate the professional excellence, advocacy, and leadership of tens of thousands of IAM women whose contributions have shaped our union, and the hundreds of industries we represent.” 

“I stood in Chicago as a delegate 30 years ago and voted for the addition of a Women’s Department then,” said Dora Cervantes, IAM Union General Secretary-Treasurer and the first woman to ever hold the No. 2 position in the International Union. “To see it come to fruition, and to go on to become the highest-ranking female leader ever in our union, speaks volumes about who our union is and what we believe in. When I think back to the 1996 Convention and this resolution, I am overcome with emotion. I was a young worker before we were acknowledged, and a woman fighting for recognition before we had it.  My own trajectory, and the rising leadership of so many other IAM women, is direct proof of how amazing the IAM is. We have come a long way, and we are not stopping. 

“The reality is that women build this union every day,” continued Cervantes. “IAM Union women break glass ceilings every day in our workplaces, smashing the narrative about what women can achieve in traditionally male-dominated industries like aerospace, airlines, defense and manufacturing. We are proud to advance inclusivity and gender equity in every workplace we represent, and 30 years after the founding of our Women’s Department, our message to women everywhere remains the same: Your place is in your union.” 

Collective bargaining agreements are one of the most effective tools available to eliminate the gender pay gap in the workplace and safeguard against gender based discrimination. 

Over the past 30 years, one of the most consequential initiatives led by IAM Union’s Women’s Department has been the founding of its groundbreaking Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters mentorship program, or LEADS. The LEADS project intentionally recruits and trains women members for leadership positions within the union and has served as a transformative pipeline into greater activism and elected union office for generations of IAM Union women. The marquee program pairs established female leaders with new and emerging activists, providing gender-specific mentorship within a formal education and development curriculum that has paid dividends in changing the face of leadership within the union. 

Speakers in Chicago this week celebrating the 30th anniversary of the IAM Union Women’s Department in addition to Secretary-Treasurer Cervantes and Director Colbert include Allison Beck, IAM Union’s first woman General Counsel; Diane Babineaux, IAM Union’s first woman General Vice President; Lorie Wilson, IAM Union’s first woman Chief of Staff in the Eastern Territory; and other trailblazing visionaries whose leadership has forever changed IAM. 

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WICHITA, Kan., Sept. 15, 2026 —  Following Boeing’s reacquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, IAM Union Local 839 (IAM District 70) members voted Sept. 12, 2026 to pursue coverage under the IAM Union/Boeing Master Agreement as opposed to renegotiating the existing Spirit AeroSystems independent contract with Boeing, in January.

The vote was held to determine how IAM-represented workers in Wichita wish to proceed with their collective bargaining agreement as the two companies become one, again.

Spirit AeroSystems was part of Boeing until it was spun off in 2005. Before the spin-off, the Wichita location was covered under the IAM/Boeing Master Agreement alongside IAM-represented Boeing workers in the Pacific Northwest. After the spin-off, IAM members negotiated an independent contract between IAM District 70 and Spirit Aerosystems. Boeing reacquired Spirit in December 2025.

Today, more than 30,000 IAM-represented Boeing workers in Washington state, California, and Oregon are covered under the IAM/Boeing Master Agreement through IAM District 751 and District W24.

IAM District 70, District 751, District W24 and IAM Union leadership believe Wichita members have a right to pursue coverage under that Master Agreement. At the same time, IAM leadership believes the decision about the best path forward belongs to the membership.

“We have one goal in this process: to make sure our members have the information and the power to determine their own future,” said IAM District 70 Directing Business Representative Lisa Whitley. “This vote gave IAM Local 839 members the opportunity to make that decision. They chose to pursue their entitlement to the IAM’s Master Agreement with Boeing, and the full strength and resources of the IAM Union stand behind them.”

IAM representatives have conducted 10 town hall meetings to answer members’ questions and explain the differences between the current IAM District 70/Spirit agreement and the IAM District 751 and District W24/Boeing Master Agreement. 

The current Spirit agreement expires in June 2027, and negotiations were scheduled to begin in January 2027. Now, the IAM will seek for IAM District 70 (Local 839) members to be included in the existing Master Agreement the union has with Boeing. Boeing has indicated that it does not consider District 70 to be part of the Master Agreement between IAM Union Districts 751 and W24 and Boeing, despite the IAM’s position that specific language in the collective bargaining agreement supports Wichita workers’ claim to inclusion. 

With the results of this vote, if the company refuses, the union will proceed through the grievance process and possibly to binding arbitration.

An arbitration could take from six months to two years. If a decision is not reached before the current Spirit agreement expires, the IAM Union will engage with Boeing to protect the membership until it is resolved.

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2026 – The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) has filed an application with the National Mediation Board (NMB) seeking a union representation election for more than 120 JSX inflight crew members.

The filing marks an important step in the workers’ campaign to gain a stronger voice on the job and a seat at the table. JSX inflight crew members are seeking union representation to address concerns, including below-industry-standard wages and benefits, inadequate staffing and scheduling, and a lack of clearly defined job duties, among other workplace issues.

“JSX Inflight crew members know what needs to change in their workplace, and they are coming together to make it happen,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “They work hard, take care of passengers and play a critical role in keeping the airline running. The IAM is ready to stand with them and help them win the improvements they deserve.”

Earlier this year, JSX ramp workers also filed for a union representation election as part of their efforts to improve working conditions and secure a voice on the job.

“This organizing push also demonstrates the growing momentum among JSX workers who are coming together to shape a better future,” continued Johnsen. 

The NMB oversees union representation elections in the airline and railroad industries under the Railway Labor Act.

The IAM Union is the largest airline union in North America, representing tens of thousands of workers at every major U.S. airline.

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SAN DIEGO, Aug. 20, 2026 – IAM Union members at General Dynamics NASSCO rallied Wednesday alongside labor, elected, and community allies to demonstrate their growing unity and strength as more than 800 shipbuilders prepare for upcoming contract negotiations with the San Diego shipbuilder.

The solidarity rally was hosted by IAM Local 389 and IAM District 947, bringing NASSCO workers together with IAM leaders, the San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council, elected officials and community supporters to call for a strong contract that recognizes workers’ contributions with fair wages, strong benefits, safe working conditions and respect on the job.

See photos here

The rally follows a successful seven-month internal organizing campaign that has increased IAM membership within the NASSCO bargaining unit from approximately 21% to more than 67%. More than 560 workers have joined the IAM during the campaign, significantly strengthening workers’ collective voice heading into negotiations.

“This turnout sends a powerful message: NASSCO workers are united, organized and ready to stand together for the contract they deserve,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “These highly skilled shipbuilders perform critical work for our Navy and our national security. The hardworking people who build and maintain these ships deserve wages, benefits and working conditions that reflect the value of their skills and the importance of the work they perform every day.”

Watch video of the rally here.

“For months, our members have been talking with their coworkers one-on-one about what we can accomplish when we stand together,” said IAM District 947 Business Representative William “Billy” Corona. “Growing from roughly 21% membership to more than 67% didn’t happen by accident. Workers decided to join together because they understand that the more united we are, the stronger our voice is at the bargaining table. Today’s rally is another step in showing NASSCO that we are ready to fight for a fair contract.”

The rally included U.S. Rep. Mike Levin (D-Calif.), IAM Western Territory leadership, and other labor and community allies.

“We take a lot of pride in the ships we build and the work we do for our country,” said Adrian Contreras, an IAM member at NASSCO. “We show up every day, work hard, and use our skills to build ships that are essential to our national security. We are standing together because we want a contract that respects that work and gives us the wages, benefits, safety, and future our families deserve.”

“Our strength at the bargaining table comes directly from the workers on the shop floor,” said IAM Western Territory Special Representative Luis Silvas. “Every worker who joins, gets involved and stands with their coworkers makes us stronger. We are going into these negotiations together, and our goal is to come out with a contract that moves NASSCO workers and their families forward.”

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Company benefits from federal contracts and pays CEO 241 times the median worker while denying annual raises and delaying a first contract to workers

AURORA, Ohio, July 30, 2026 – The 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is calling on Ohio’s congressional delegation to intervene as GE HealthCare continues to delay a first contract for approximately 130 IAM-represented workers at its Aurora, Ohio manufacturing facility after more than 18 months of contentious negotiations and repeated alleged violations of federal labor law.

The IAM has sent letters to U.S. Sens. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and Jon Husted (R-Ohio), along with U.S. Rep. David Joyce (R-Ohio), urging them to press GE HealthCare to bargain in good faith with IAM Local 1363 members. The outreach comes as Congress considers the Faster Labor Contracts Act, legislation designed to impose stricter penalties on employers that refuse to negotiate first contracts in good faith.

Workers at this facility, an important player in the global medical technology industry, create coils for MRI machines that transmit critical imaging signals.

“These workers have fought for over 18 months to secure a first contract, despite the company continuously engaging in egregious unlawful conduct in violation of the National Labor Relations Act,” writes IAM Union International President Brian Bryant in letters to Moreno, Husted and Joyce. “Despite consistent efforts by the workers and their bargaining committee, GE HealthCare refuses to meet to bargain on a regular schedule. It refused to provide any economic proposals until just two weeks ago—and those proposals were regressive, lowering wages below the employees’ current rates of pay, slashing PTO and increasing healthcare costs for the workers and their families.”

The IAM Union has filed two unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board alleging that GE HealthCare has engaged in unlawful surface bargaining and failed to bargain in good faith. The charges include allegations that the company canceled bargaining sessions, made regressive proposals, and unlawfully refused to maintain the status quo by withholding previously scheduled wage increases after workers chose union representation.

Despite reporting more than $2 billion in annual net income and benefiting from substantial federal research, development and procurement partnerships, GE HealthCare did not present its first comprehensive economic proposal until July 2026. 

“Every day, my coworkers and I take pride in building products that help doctors diagnose and treat patients around the world. We care about the quality of our work because we know it makes a real difference in people’s lives,” said Montana Hayes, a Production Associate at GE HealthCare and member of the IAM Local 1363 Negotiations Committee. “We’re not asking for anything extraordinary. We just want GE HealthCare to respect our rights, bargain fairly, and recognize the value of the workers who make this company successful. After more than 18 months, it’s time for the company to stop delaying and negotiate the fair first contract we’ve earned.”

The company’s proposal cuts wages below employees’ current pay rates, slashes paid time off, and increases healthcare costs for workers and their families.

“GE HealthCare has chosen to drag out negotiations instead of respecting its employees’ decision to form a union and negotiate a fair first contract,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “Our members have shown up prepared to bargain every step of the way. They deserve a company that negotiates in good faith—not delay tactics, regressive proposals and unlawful conduct. We will continue standing shoulder to shoulder with Local 1363 until GE HealthCare does the right thing and these workers secure the contract they’ve earned.”

The approximately 130 IAM Local 1363 members at GE HealthCare’s Aurora facility voted to join the IAM Union in January 2025 and have been negotiating their first collective bargaining agreement ever since. 

GE Healthcare, which employs over 60,000 people worldwide, has more than 20,000 union-represented workers across the U.S. The IAM Union also represents GE HealthCare workers in Waukesha, Wis., and Warrensville Heights, Ohio.

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PORTLAND, July 30, 2026 — IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) District W24 and Local 1005 released the following statement on Daimler’s decision to discontinue its manufacturing operations in the Portland, Oregon, area:

“We are saddened by the loss of IAM Union jobs at the facility, which have provided security, competitive wages, solid retirement benefits, health care, and careers for hundreds of members over the decades. 

“The IAM’s contract with Daimler covers key issues related to a closure, including severance, retiree health care, and benefit extensions, which the union said it will enforce. The IAM and Daimler are also set to begin bargaining next week over the effects of the company’s decision to close.

“IAM District W24 and Local 1005 still have our members’ best interests in mind and will continue to fight for them, even in these difficult circumstances. 

“The IAM said it will communicate with members through its website and text messages and will hold an in-person meeting to answer questions on Aug. 15.

“Our employer’s decision to leave the Portland area does not remove the heart and soul that our members have put into their work at Daimler. And the IAM will support and fight for our members regardless of any decision their employer makes.”

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.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RICHMOND, Va., July 29, 2026 — Members of LGBG Workers United, represented by the IAM Union, launched their second one-day Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike today in protest of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s continued refusal to bargain in good faith over wages in first-contract negotiations.

The IAM Union filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board on April 30, 2026, citing regressive bargaining in wage proposals from Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden during negotiations.

The workers’ strike received a major show of solidarity from Grammy-nominated musician Jesse Welles, who was scheduled to perform at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden on Wednesday evening. After learning of the strike, Welles announced he would not cross the workers’ picket line and had a message for Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: “Pay a living wage or get lost.”

In an Instagram post to his 2.2 million followers, Welles wrote:

“In solidarity with the workers on strike at the botanical garden we are rescheduling our show this evening in Richmond.

“To the fans: we would not want to put you in a position to cross the picket line, we are sorry.
To the Garden: pay a living wage or get lost.
To the workers: never back down.

“We’ve rescheduled the show for Friday, September 25th at The National. Your tickets from tonight will remain valid for the rescheduled date. For those who cannot make this date, refunds will be available at your original point of purchase.”

“We’re incredibly grateful to Jesse Welles for standing with working people,” said IAM Union Organizer Bridget Fitzgerald. “His decision sends a powerful message that workers fighting for fair wages deserve the community’s support. We hope garden leadership hears his message.”

The workers are also calling on the public to boycott Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden until a fair agreement is reached. They are asking supporters to refrain from purchasing admission tickets or buying or renewing annual memberships until the garden bargains a contract that provides employees with living wages and the respect they have earned.

This all comes more than a year after workers began negotiating their first union contract following a decisive vote to join the IAM Union in November 2024. Wages remain the primary obstacle to reaching an agreement, with the average bargaining unit employee earning just $17.52 per hour—well below the estimated $25-per-hour living wage for the Richmond area.

More than 50 community members publicly backed workers during the organizing drive, and a recent petition supporting the employees has collected nearly 1,000 signatures from Garden members, volunteers, and local residents, many of whom have pledged to support the workers if the dispute escalated.

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NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., July 25, 2026 – Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller addressed delegates of the IAM Union’s (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) Maryland and D.C. State Council on Saturday, where she accepted the union’s endorsement on behalf of the Moore-Miller reelection campaign.

“The Moore-Miller administration is proud to stand with the men and women of the IAM Union who build, maintain, repair and keep our economy moving every day,” said Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller. “Gov. Moore and I believe that when unions are strong, Maryland is strong. We are honored to receive the endorsement of the IAM Union’s Maryland and D.C. State Council, and we look forward to continuing our work together to create more opportunity, protect workers’ rights and ensure every Maryland family has a fair shot at success.”

The endorsement recognizes Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Miller’s record of supporting collective bargaining, protecting workers’ rights and partnering with organized labor to create more opportunity for working families across Maryland.

“It was an honor to welcome Lt. Gov. Miller to our State Council and present our endorsement of the Moore-Miller ticket,” said IAM Union Maryland and D.C. State Council President Rick Compher. “Our members know this administration has been a true partner for working people. We’re proud to stand with Gov. Moore and Lt. Gov. Miller because they’ve consistently stood with us.”

“Gov. Moore and Lt. Gov. Miller have demonstrated that they don’t just talk about supporting workers—they show up when it matters,” said IAM Union Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “When Apple closed its first unionized retail store and denied transfer opportunities to our IAM Local 4538 members in Towson, Gov. Moore publicly stood with those workers and made it clear they deserved the same rights as every other Apple employee. That kind of leadership, combined with this administration’s commitment to collective bargaining and good union jobs, is why the IAM Union is proud to endorse the Moore-Miller ticket.”

The IAM Union represents tens of thousands of workers throughout Maryland in the aerospace, defense, transportation, manufacturing and federal sectors. The Maryland and D.C. State Council of Machinists will mobilize IAM Union members, retirees and their families in support of the Moore-Miller ticket ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

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.

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SAN JUAN, P.R., July 22, 2026 — The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is raising serious concerns about ongoing staffing shortages affecting Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) personnel at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, warning that prolonged vacancies are placing increasing demands on firefighters responsible for protecting one of the Caribbean’s busiest airports.

According to IAM-represented firefighters, vacant positions often remain unfilled because the hiring process is lengthy and requires nearly a year of specialized training and certification before new recruits are qualified to respond to emergencies. Until that certification is complete, new hires cannot perform operational firefighting duties—which means that current certified firefighters are frequently required to extend their shifts to as many as 18 hours to ensure continuous emergency coverage for airport operations. The union warns that these extended shifts increase the risk of physical fatigue and burnout, which can affect firefighters’ ability to perform at the highest level while protecting the airport, its workers, airlines, and the traveling public. 

The IAM Union believes airport management has not treated chronic understaffing with the urgency it deserves. Filling vacancies and maintaining appropriate staffing levels should be a top operational priority, and the union is calling on management to take immediate action before conditions worsen.

“Every time we report for duty, we know people are counting on us,” said IAM Airport Rescue Firefighter Yamil Rodríguez. “We do not hesitate to answer the call, no matter the hour. But working repeated extended shifts because there aren’t enough certified firefighters wears on you over time. We love what we do, and we simply want the staffing needed to do our jobs safely and effectively.”

“Airport Rescue Firefighters are the last line of defense when an emergency occurs on the airfield,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “These professionals protect thousands of passengers, airline crews, airport workers, and visitors every day. Chronic understaffing should never become the norm. Management must recognize that maintaining adequate staffing is not simply an operational issue – it is a public safety responsibility. The firefighters have done their part. Now it’s time for management to make filling these vacancies a priority.”

Airport Rescue Firefighters play a critical role in maintaining the safety and security of Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. These highly trained professionals respond to aircraft emergencies, structural fires, hazardous materials incidents, rescue operations, and medical emergencies. They also ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety regulations and maintain operational readiness for all commercial flight activity

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recognizes that Airport Rescue and Firefighting staffing should be based on a task resource analysis that reflects the operational needs of each airport and establishes minimum staffing levels necessary to safely and effectively perform emergency response operations. Maintaining sufficient personnel is essential to carrying out critical firefighting and rescue tasks during an aircraft emergency 

In addition, Puerto Rico’s Occupational Safety and Health Act (PR OSHA) requires employers to provide employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm. The IAM Union believes chronic understaffing and the resulting reliance on extended shifts warrant immediate attention to protect both firefighter safety and the airport’s emergency preparedness.

“When these firefighters chose to join the IAM Union, they did so because they wanted a voice in improving safety and working conditions,” said IAM Southern Territory Special Representative John Vigueras. “Addressing chronic understaffing is essential – not only for the health and well-being of these dedicated firefighters, but also for maintaining the highest level of emergency preparedness for everyone who travels through Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.”

The IAM Union is calling on airport management to expedite hiring efforts, improve workforce planning, and ensure staffing levels meet the operational demands of Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport while protecting the health and safety of the firefighters entrusted with safeguarding the traveling public.

In 2023, Airport Rescue Firefighters at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport made history by joining the IAM Union in Puerto Rico to strengthen their voice in advocating for safer working conditions and workplace improvements. 

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WASHINGTON, July 6, 2026– Today, the IAM Union’s (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) Maryland and D.C. State Council of Machinists announced its endorsement of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller for reelection, citing their record on growing the state’s labor movement, workplace protections, and collective bargaining rights for the thousands of IAM members who live and work across the state and the District.

“Gov. Moore and Lt. Gov. Miller have shown they understand that a strong Maryland economy starts with workers who can bargain for fair wages and safe jobs,” said Maryland and D.C. State Council of Machinists President Rick Compher. “When Apple punished our members at IAM Local 4538 in Towson, Gov. Moore didn’t stay silent. He spoke out about how our members deserved the same transfer rights as every other Apple employee. From IAM members at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River (PAX) to those keeping air travel moving at Baltimore’s Thurgood Marshall International Airport to those working in the federal and defense sector across the region, IAM families have a stake in who leads this state. Gov. Moore and Lt. Gov. Miller have proven they support working families.”

Moore and Miller’s strong record of protecting workers’ right to organize and ensuring they have a seat at the table was crucial to the decision to endorse. The Moore-Miller administration has given the IAM a seat at the table and a voice in the policies that shape our jobs and livelihoods, from collective bargaining rights to workplace safety standards. Moore has helped make this state better for workers. 

The IAM Union represents thousands of workers across Maryland and the District of Columbia in the aerospace, shipbuilding, transportation, and federal sectors. The state council will engage IAM members, their families, and allies across the labor movement to mobilize support for Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

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