The IAM Union is mourning the loss of Ron Fontaine, a respected IAM Union Canada leader, mentor, organizer and friend whose more than five decades of service helped strengthen our union and improve the lives of working people.

Fontaine passed away on Aug. 18, 2026. A proud 55+ year IAM member, he served as a full-time union representative for more than 38 years, dedicating his career to standing up for IAM members and working families. 

From 1981 through 1998, Fontaine served as General Chairperson for District 148 (now District 140). In 1998, he was elected Directing General Chairperson, a position he held until 2002. In 2003, he was appointed Special Representative and later International Representative, serving in that role until his retirement in 2020.

An activist at every level of the union, Fontaine mentored countless IAM members throughout his distinguished career. Whether fighting for members at the bargaining table or bringing his energy and determination to organizing campaigns, Fontaine was a powerful advocate and a leader who inspired those around him.

“Ron wasn’t just a great union representative, he was also a mentor who took the time to develop the next generation of IAM activists and leaders,” said IAM Union Canadian General Vice President David Chartrand. “He brought passion, knowledge, and determination to everything he did. So many of us are better unionists because of Ron’s guidance and friendship. His impact on the IAM will live on through the people he mentored and the members he fought for.”

“Ron represented the very best of the IAM,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “He understood that our union is about people standing together, fighting together, and making sure every member has a voice. His commitment to the IAM and to working people never wavered. We owe Ron our gratitude for a lifetime of service, and his example will continue to inspire generations of members”

The IAM extends its deepest condolences to his wife, Louise, the entire Fontaine family, and all those who knew and loved Ron.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Riverside Grand Ballroom, 1231 Burdette St., Richmond, BC V6V 2Z2, Canada.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to KidSport BC.

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IAM District 19 recently concluded its 10th Quadrennial Convention in Chicago, bringing together approximately 100 delegates and Executive Board members, headed by President and Directing General Chair Reece Murtagh, to chart the district’s direction for the next four years.

The convention focused on key issues facing railroad workers, including legislative advocacy, political engagement and the continued challenges posed by subcontracting. IAM Assistant Legislative and Political Director David Arouca provided updates on developments affecting the railroad industry.

Delegates also worked through seven committees to review proposals, develop recommendations and address changes to the district’s bylaws. Proposed revisions submitted by Locals and the Executive Board were debated and approved by the delegates.

IAM International President Brian Bryant, Assistant Secretary to the General Secretary-Treasurer Paul Kendall, General Vice Presidents Richie Johnsen, Jody Bennett and Sam Cicinelli, and other IAM leaders addressed the convention and discussed broader issues affecting the union and its members.

The convention also selected Nashville, Tenn., as the site of District 19’s next quadrennial convention in 2030. The gathering concluded with a renewed commitment to protecting members, strengthening the district and addressing the challenges facing railroad workers.

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Thursday, union leadership from IAM headquarters visited the Ozark region of the state and spoke with Missouri State Council delegates. They discussed bipartisan labor politics on a local, state and national level.

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Join IAM members, allies and community leaders on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT online or at IAM International Headquarters in Upper Marlboro, Md., as we kick off Labor Day week!

Can’t join us in person? Watch live on the IAM Union Facebook page!

IAM International President Brian Bryant will join members and allies at the rally to reflect on what Labor Day means to the IAM Union and the generations of workers who have carried the labor movement forward.

If you can join us at IAM Headquarters, please RSVP here!

Elected officials from across Maryland, IAM members from the surrounding area and community allies have also been invited to join us as we officially launch Labor Day Week.

Now is the time to celebrate our history, and recommit ourselves to the fight for working people.

“Labor Day is a reminder that everything working people have won, from safer workplaces to better wages and a voice on the job, all came because workers stood together and refused to back down,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “The IAM carries that legacy forward every day. We honor the Machinists who came before us by continuing the fight for dignity, respect and a better future for every working family.”

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The IAM Union proudly celebrates the distinguished career and retirement of Midwest Territory Chief of Staff Terry Kimmel, effective Oct. 1, 2026, and announces IAM International President Brian Bryant’s appointment of Ryan Haehnlein as his successor, effective Sept. 1, 2026.

Kimmel has dedicated decades of service to the IAM and its members, earning the respect of members, representatives and leaders throughout the union. A proud member of IAM Local 701, Kimmel spent 22 years working at UPS before becoming a Business Representative in 2012. He later joined the IAM Midwest Territory staff and was appointed Chief of Staff in January 2025.

“Throughout his career, Brother Kimmel has been a steadfast advocate for IAM members, bringing experience in contract negotiations, grievance handling, organizing and union leadership to every role he has held,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Terry has always put our membership first, and we are incredibly grateful for his many years of dedicated service to our union and the Midwest Territory. We wish Terry, his wife Lynn and their beloved dog Clarice nothing but the very best in their well-earned retirement.”

Kimmel’s service has also included extensive involvement with Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines and numerous IAM education and training programs.

Effective Sept. 1, IAM International President Brian Bryant has appointed Ryan Haehnlein to serve as Midwest Territory Chief of Staff.

Haehnlein, a proud member of IAM Local 701 since 2011, brings extensive experience representing IAM members and a strong record of service to the union. He began his union career in the heavy-duty trucking industry at M&K Truck Centers, where he served as a Shop Steward and successfully handled grievances and labor disputes. He became an Organizer in 2021, a Business Representative later that year, and was appointed Local 701 Assistant Directing Business Representative in June 2022.

In January 2026, Haehnlein joined the IAM Midwest Territory staff as a Special Representative. In his roles at Local 701 and in the Midwest Territory, Haehnlein has represented members across freight, heavy-duty, trucking, automotive, machine shops, equipment, manufacturing and other sectors.

Haehnlein has also served in broader labor leadership positions, including as a delegate and COPE representative to the Chicago Federation of Labor and Secretary-Treasurer of the IAM Illinois State Council. He was appointed by International President Bryant to the IAM Law Committee in 2024.

“Ryan has already demonstrated the leadership, experience and commitment needed to serve IAM members across the Midwest,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “He understands our membership, knows the industries we represent and has a proven record of fighting for working families. I’m excited to have Ryan take on this important role and look forward to working alongside him as we continue strengthening the IAM throughout the Midwest Territory.”

The IAM Midwest Territory extends its deepest gratitude to Kimmel for his decades of dedicated service to IAM members and congratulates Haehnlein on his appointment.

“Terry and Ryan represent what the IAM is all about — dedicated leaders who put our membership first,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Brother Kimmel has given decades of his life to serving IAM members, and our entire union owes him a tremendous debt of gratitude for his leadership, commitment and friendship. We wish Terry and his family a long, happy and well-earned retirement. At the same time, we’re proud to appoint Brother Haehnlein as Midwest Territory Chief of Staff. Ryan has earned this opportunity through years of hard work and service to our membership, and I have every confidence that he will continue building on Terry’s legacy and helping grow the strength of the IAM throughout the Midwest.”

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The IAM mourns the loss of Don Kennedy, retired Director of the IAM’s High Performance Work Organization Department (HPWO), who passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the age of 81.

In 1986, Kennedy joined the IAM Union in Maryland. Ten years later, he was promoted to IAM Special Representative in the High Performance Work Organization (HPWO) Partnerships Department. Dedicated to saving and creating jobs while growing IAM-represented businesses, Kennedy retired as the department’s Director in 2018.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Don’s family and loved ones,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “The IAM appreciates the dedication and leadership Don provided to IAM members in his 32 years with our union. We will celebrate his long and fulfilling life and are thankful for the time we had with him.” 

Don’s career with the IAM allowed him to travel the world, visit every Major League Baseball stadium, and nearly every Minor League ballpark — he was an avid baseball fan.

Don was born in Jersey Shore, Pa., one of six children born to Lewis and Dorothy Kennedy. He graduated from Watkins Glen High School in 1963, earned his bachelor’s degree from SUNY Brockport in 1967, and completed his master’s degree at Penn State University in 1969. He and his wife, Cathy, then moved to the University of Michigan, where he pursued his Ph.D. In 1974, Penn State Berks offered him the opportunity to become an instructor in Labor and Industrial Relations. In 1979, the family moved to State College, where he became an associate professor.

Don is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Cathy; his daughter, Sara; his son, Sean; and his grandchildren, Sadie and Seth Yoder.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in his honor to the Willie Mays Scholars program, which provides academic scholarships to underrepresented youth in San Francisco. This program creates a special opportunity for students facing obstacles to succeed in high school, college and beyond.

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BATH, Maine, Aug. 23, 2026 – Nearly 4,500 IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) Local S6 members at Bath Iron Works (BIW) in Bath, Maine, have voted to ratify a historic five-year collective bargaining agreement that delivers significant wage increases, stronger workplace protections and no concessions.

The agreement, unanimously recommended by the IAM Local S6 Negotiating Committee, delivers a 17% general wage increase in the first year, followed by 4% increases in each of the remaining four years.

Contract highlights include:

• Zero concessions from the IAM Local S6 membership.
• General wage increases of 17% in the first year, followed by 4% in each of the remaining four years.
• Increased shift premiums to $2.50 per hour for second- and third-shift employees.
• Locked-in healthcare costs for the duration of the agreement.
• Improved 401(k) contributions.
• Stronger seniority and job protections, including safeguards addressing outsourcing.
• Greater flexibility for time off and improvements to attendance provisions.
• Stronger protections involving new technology, artificial intelligence and robotics.
• Additional protections for bargaining-unit work and increased union involvement in workplace decisions.

The agreement holds special significance for IAM International President Brian Bryant and IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan, both of whom began their IAM careers as shipbuilders at Bath Iron Works and members of IAM Local S6.

“As a proud member of Local S6 and a former Bath Iron Works shipbuilder, I know firsthand the skill, determination and solidarity of this membership,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “This historic agreement recognizes the tremendous value our members bring to Bath Iron Works, the state of Maine and our nation’s defense. I congratulate the negotiating committee and every Local S6 member who stood together to secure a stronger future for themselves and their families.”

“This agreement is a testament to the strength and solidarity of our members here in Maine and the hard work of their negotiating committee,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “Our members made their priorities clear, and this committee went to the table determined to deliver. Securing major economic gains and stronger contract protections without giving up hard-fought language is something every Local S6 member can be proud of.”

The agreement follows months of preparation and negotiations driven by priorities identified directly by IAM Local S6 members through bargaining surveys. The final agreement addresses the majority of the priorities members identified as most important heading into negotiations.

“This committee went to the table with one mission: fight for what our members told us they deserved, and that’s exactly what we did,” said IAM District 4 Business Representative Chris Wiers. “We brought home historic wage increases, stronger job protections and improvements across this agreement without giving up the hard-fought language our members have defended for generations. This committee stood its ground, our membership stood behind us, and the result is a contract that raises the bar for Local S6 members and their families.”

“This agreement is about our members and the value of the work they do every single day at Bath Iron Works,” said IAM Local S6 President Tim Suitter. “Our members told us what mattered to them, they stood together throughout this process, and we fought to deliver those priorities at the bargaining table. I’m incredibly proud of our negotiating committee and our entire Local S6 membership.”

The ratification marks an important moment for IAM Local S6 members, who have a long history of standing together to protect good union jobs and shipbuilding work in Maine. In 2020, Local S6 members demonstrated that solidarity during a 63-day strike at Bath Iron Works over subcontracting, seniority and other issues affecting the future of their work.

The new five-year agreement takes effect Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, and runs through Aug. 24, 2031.

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

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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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The IAM’s Advanced Financial Officer seminar at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Md., is equipping Local and District financial officers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage union finances and serve their memberships.

The advanced training brought together approximately 20 officers from across the IAM, representing a wide range of experience—from newer financial officers to veterans with decades of service. Through open discussion and peer-to-peer learning, participants share practical solutions to challenges faced in their local lodges and districts.

Watch video here.

The curriculum builds on fundamental financial practices while providing in-depth instruction on legal compliance, tax obligations, district-level operations and other complex financial responsibilities. Particular attention is given to the transition from Local management to the responsibilities of a District Secretary-Treasurer.

Participants are encouraged to take what they learn back to their Locals, helping members better understand financial matters, including dues and organizational responsibilities. The training also incorporates initiatives coming out of the IAM International Convention, including work surrounding dues education.

The seminar also recognizes the dedication of IAM members who have devoted years of service to the organization. Service awards honoring 15 and 25 years of commitment highlighted the important contributions of officers who continue to give their time and expertise.

With strong leadership engagement and a focus on practical knowledge, the Advanced Financial Officer seminar demonstrates the IAM’s commitment to developing skilled financial stewards and strengthening the organization at every level.

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The Eastern States Conference of Machinists recently wrapped up a two-day conference in Atlantic City, N.J., bringing together union leaders and delegates from across the Eastern Territory to discuss the challenges facing working families and the upcoming midterm elections.

Watch the video report.

Hosted by Eastern States Conference President Mike Vartabedian, the conference featured remarks from IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan, Eastern Territory Chief of Staff Lorie Wilson, Deputy Political and Legislative Director Loren Almeroth, and other labor and political leaders.

A major focus was on the upcoming midterm elections, which GVP Sullivan described as “the election of our lifetime.” Almeroth outlined the Eastern Territory’s critical role in efforts to regain control of the U.S. House and Senate with pro-labor candidates, while leaders stressed the importance of educating and mobilizing union members.

Throughout the conference, speakers called on local and district leaders to take the message directly to the membership, increase participation, and ensure working families understand the legislative issues affecting their lives.

The conference concluded with a strong call for member involvement and grassroots action as the Eastern Territory prepares for a critical election cycle, working to get people registered and motivated to go vote.

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