The IAM Union’s William W. Winpisinger Education Center is more than a training facility—it’s an investment in the future of working people.

From leadership development and contract negotiations to financial education, technology training, and graphic arts, the IAM Union’s Winpisinger Center equips IAM members with the skills and knowledge needed to lead on the job and within their union. With on-site lodging, modern classrooms, and a rich collection of labor history, the center preserves the IAM’s proud legacy while preparing members for tomorrow’s challenges.

Take the video tour. 

This world-class educational facility is one of the many benefits of IAM membership, empowering workers to build stronger workplaces, stronger contracts, and a stronger union.

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As record-breaking temperatures continue to put working people at risk across the country, the Trump Administration is pulling back protections for workers from one of the fastest-growing workplace hazards: extreme heat.

Recent reports say the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has reduced the heat-focused inspections and enforcement efforts that were previously expanded under the Biden administration. Now, the Congress Republicans are blocking the first-ever federal workplace heat standard proposed by the Biden administration in 2024, which would establish dire nationwide protections for workers.

For the IAM Union, this isn’t politics; it’s about workers’ lives. The Trump administration and Congress Republicans are shamefully putting workers at higher risk and choosing corporate interests over workers’ safety.

“The job of government is to protect working people—not make it easier for employers to cut corners at workers’ expense,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “When temperatures reach dangerous levels, employers have a responsibility to provide the protections workers need to stay safe while doing their jobs. Rolling back heat safety efforts puts lives at risk, and the IAM Union will continue fighting for enforceable standards that ensure every worker makes it home safely.”

The Biden administration’s proposal of the nation’s first comprehensive federal heat standard entails simple but necessary requirements for employers: develop a heat illness prevention plan, provide workers with access to drinking water and shaded/cooled recovery areas, allow paid rest breaks during periods of extreme heat, educate workers and supervisors on the signs of heat illness, and have a procedure for when workers show symptoms of heat stress. The proposal was expected to protect tens of millions of both indoor and outdoor workers.

“Whether you’re on the tarmac, in a hangar, or on the factory floor, extreme heat is a real hazard,” said IAM Union Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “Every worker deserves common-sense protections that keep them safe on the job

Now, while heat is already the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States, Congressional Republicans have advanced the Heat Workforce Standards Act to block implementation of the Biden-era rule, arguing that those basic federal standards impose a burden on businesses.

No worker should have to choose between earning a paycheck and risking their life in dangerous heat, and worker safety should never depend on the political climate.

The IAM Union will continue standing with labor allies across the country to demand enforceable, national heat standards and stronger OSHA enforcement to ensure employers protect workers from preventable illness and death.

The post IAM Union: Workers Deserve Protection from Deadly Heat — Not Political Rollbacks appeared first on IAM Union.

The IAM Safety and Health Department is accepting registrations for the 2026 IAM Safety & Health Conference, taking place Sept. 27 to Oct. 2, 2026, at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Md.

This annual conference provides IAM members with the knowledge and tools needed to address today’s workplace safety and health challenges. The curriculum features timely topics that reflect the evolving issues members face on the job, helping participants strengthen their ability to advocate for safer workplaces and protect their fellow workers.

Districts and Locals in the United States and Canada are encouraged to register members for this valuable educational opportunity.

Registration Deadline: Friday, Aug. 7, 2026

Members can register using the Departmental Program Registration Form.

For questions about the conference, please contact the IAM Safety and Health Department at 301-967-4704.

Investing in safety education strengthens our union and helps ensure every IAM member returns home safely at the end of each workday.

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The spirit of solidarity was on full display as IAM members, families, retirees, and supporters from across North America gathered in Washington state for the 2026 Kourpias K-9 Classic Motorcycle Ride, raising over $100,000 for Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines (GDA | TLC).

Hosted by the IAM Western Territory, the three-day event covered 561 miles of breathtaking scenery with an even greater purpose—helping provide life-changing service dogs to individuals who are blind or visually impaired, veterans, and children with autism.

Named in memory of former IAM International President George Kourpias, the annual ride has become one of the IAM’s signature fundraising events, bringing together union members who share a passion for giving back while supporting the union’s favorite charity.

Riders traveled hundreds of miles through Washington state, stopping in communities along the way while strengthening friendships and demonstrating the generosity that defines the IAM. Behind the scenes, countless volunteers worked to ensure every detail of the event ran smoothly—from registration and route planning to meals, logistics and fundraising.

“Hosting this ride is something we take great pride in because every mile traveled and every dollar raised helps change someone’s life,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “The generosity shown by our members and their supporters proves once again that when the IAM comes together, we can accomplish extraordinary things.”

One of the highlights each day was the hospitality provided by volunteers from IAM District 751’s Machinists Volunteer Program (MVP) Committee, who prepared meals that brought riders together before and after long days on the road.

“I want to extend my sincere appreciation to every member of the MVP Committee who dedicated their time and energy to preparing meals throughout the weekend,” said IAM District 751 President Jason Chan. “Their hard work allowed our riders to focus on the mission while enjoying great food and fellowship at the end of each day. Volunteers like these are the backbone of events like this, and we couldn’t do it without them.”

Months of preparation went into organizing this year’s ride, led by IAM Western Territory International Representative Melissa Morgan ,IAM District 751 Business Representative Shane Van Pelt and Western Territory Chief of Staff James Watson , whose coordination helped make the event another successful chapter in the Kourpias K-9 Classic’s history.

“Watching riders come together from across the IAM to support this cause is incredibly rewarding,” said Morgan. “The success of this event belongs to every volunteer, sponsor, donor, and rider who believed in this mission. The funds we raise don’t just support an organization—they help provide highly trained service dogs that give people greater independence, renewed confidence and opportunities to live fuller lives. Knowing we play even a small part in making that possible is what makes all of the hard work worthwhile.”

“What makes the Kourpias K-9 Ride so special is that it brings out the very best in our union,” said Van Pelt. “Every mile ridden and every dollar raised represents our commitment to changing lives. We’re proud to support a mission that the IAM has proudly supported for generations.”

Since its inception, the Kourpias K-9 Classic has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support GDA | TLC and its mission of providing expertly trained service dogs at no cost to recipients. Every donation helps expand opportunities for individuals seeking greater independence and improves the quality of life for countless families.

As another successful ride ends, participants leave with more than memories of scenic highways and winding mountain roads. They leave knowing their commitment and generosity will have a lasting impact on the lives of those who depend on the life-changing services each dog provides.

View photos from the 2026 Western Territory Kourpias K-9 Classic Charity Ride.

The post Western Territory’s 2026 Kourpias K-9 Classic Raises More Than $100,000 for GDA | TLC appeared first on IAM Union.

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.

The post GE HealthCare Accused of Bad-Faith Bargaining as IAM Union Seeks Congressional Intervention appeared first on IAM Union.

The Pharmacy Guild/IAM wins 5th union election in Evergreen State as momentum surges with pharmacy professionals 

On Tuesday, July 28, 2026, clinical pharmacists at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett (PRMCE) won their union 5th election in Washington State, joining The Pharmacy Guild/IAM. The bargaining unit includes more than 70 inpatient, ambulatory care, and retail pharmacists. Pharmacists say they are seeking safe staffing levels, increased corporate accountability, and protections to ensure quality patient care. 

“Every day, pharmacists advocate for our patients. In voting for The Pharmacy Guild/IAM, pharmacists chose to advocate for our profession, so we can continue delivering the safe, high-quality care our community deserves,” said Dr. Matt Chen, a PRMCE Senior Clinical Pharmacist in the Inpatient Department. 

PRMCE is the flagship hospital for the Northwest Region of Providence Health and Services, a division of Providence St. Joseph Health, one of the largest Catholic health systems in the U.S. As the only Level II trauma center in Snohomish County, PRMCE serves as a major regional hub for inpatient and outpatient pharmacy services, as well as residency programs. Pharmacists at PRMCE deliver life-saving medication to acute care patients, help manage chronic conditions in outpatient settings, provide retail pharmacy services, and work closely with other healthcare professionals to create individualized treatment plans. 

“We became pharmacists so that we could help people,” said Dr. Leslie LaPlante, a Senior Clinical Pharmacist in the Ambulatory Care Department. “Our patients are our top priority and organizing a union allows us to negotiate for the resources we need to provide them world-class care.”

Despite generating $29 billion in revenue and significantly increasing its cash flow (EBIDA) in 2025, Providence St. Joseph Health has faced public criticism for understaffing, inadequate compensation of healthcare professionals, and billing practices that targeted low-income patients who qualify for charity care. Pharmacists have also raised concerns that the company’s metrics do not accurately reflect the data that the hospital should be tracking to determine appropriate and safe staffing levels daily. 

“Over time, we’ve watched benefits, resources, and support for pharmacists gradually erode while expectations have continued to grow. We organized because pharmacists deserve a voice in decisions that shape our profession and the conditions under which we care for our patients,” said Dr. Gabrielle Gentile, a Senior Clinical Pharmacist in the Inpatient Department. 

Like many unionizing pharmacy workplaces nationwide, pharmacy professionals in Everett hope to secure safe staffing measures and improve patient care. An estimated 1.5 million Americans are harmed each year by medication errors, often linked to overworked pharmacy staff. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) has gone as far as to estimate that 7,000-9,000 Americans die every year as a result of medication errors. 

Founded in 2023 by and for front-line pharmacy professionals, The Pharmacy Guild/IAM is a rapidly growing affiliate of the 600,000-strong IAM Union. The Pharmacy Guild/IAM has become one of America’s driving forces for transforming the pharmacy field. Across all types of employers and practice settings, pharmacy professionals nationwide are coming together to advocate for their patients and demand a voice in decisions that affect their work and patient care standards.

The post Hospital Pharmacists at Providence Win Election to Join The Pharmacy Guild/IAM in Washington State appeared first on IAM Union.

This latest session brought together organizers and representatives from the Printing Packaging & Production Workers Union (PPPWU), the IAM Midwest and Western Territories, and the IAM Organizing Department, creating an opportunity to share experiences, strengthen organizing skills, and build solidarity across the union.

“Every successful organizing campaign begins with well-trained organizers who know how to build trust, communicate effectively, and empower workers to stand together,” said IAM Organizing Director Mike Evans. “The Organizing Department’s BTO program helps strengthen those skills while ensuring our organizers have the confidence and knowledge to guide workers through every step of the organizing process.”

Since its launch, the BTO program has trained hundreds of organizers throughout the IAM, reinforcing the union’s commitment to developing the resources and leadership needed to organize workers across a wide range of industries.

“As we continue expanding this program, we are investing in the future of our union,” said IAM Assistant Organizing Director Juan Eldridge. “Every organizer we train strengthens the IAM’s ability to reach more workers, win more organizing campaigns, and build the collective power that improves lives for working people. Growing this program means growing a stronger IAM.”

As one of the fastest-growing unions in the labor movement, the IAM continues to expand its reach in healthcare, professional services, retail, manufacturing, and emerging industries, while also securing victories through strategic internal organizing efforts.

The IAM Organizing Department plans to offer additional BTO sessions at events across North America in the coming months. 

Members interested in participating should contact their Territory Organizing Lead or the IAM Organizing Department at IAM Headquarters for more information.

The post IAM Organizing Department Continues Building Organizing Strength Through Basic Training Program appeared first on IAM Union.

The IAM Union helped usher in a historic partnership aimed at raising labor standards for working in the Dominican Republican. The agreement, facilitated by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), is focused on strengthening international solidarity and growing opportunities for workers throughout the Americas.

The landmark Memorandum of Understanding between the ITF, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism and Dominican labor unions commits the parties to work together to strengthen labor standards, improve transportation systems and support sustainable tourism throughout the country.

Representing the IAM Union were:

• Richie Johnsen, Air Transport Territory General Vice President
• David Sullivan, Eastern Territory General Vice President
• Edison Fraser, Air Transport Territory Chief of Staff
• Lorie Wilson, Eastern Territory Chief of Staff
• Tom Regan, Special Assistant to the International President
• James Carlson, Air Transport Territory Coordinator
• Zach Coker, District 142 Secretary-Treasurer
• Lorraine Fraser, District 142 General Chair
• Troy Rivera, District 141 Assistant General Chair

Watch a video message from GVP Johnsen here.

Throughout the meetings, delegates discussed many of the issues shaping the future of work and transportation, including artificial intelligence, engaging young workers, fisheries, civil aviation, tourism, organizing and strengthening international solidarity.

The Memorandum of Understanding marks a first-of-its-kind collaboration aligning the Dominican Republic’s government, the ITF and Dominican labor unions around a shared commitment to improving labor standards and ensuring the country’s tourism industry grows in a way that benefits working people.

“This agreement is about making sure economic growth benefits workers,” said Johnsen, a member of the ITF’s Executive Board. “When workers in the Dominican Republic have stronger rights, better wages and safer workplaces, it helps raise standards across our industry. Our members service flights that bring millions of travelers to the Dominican Republic every year. Stronger labor standards and a stronger transportation system there help support good union jobs and create a level playing field for workers throughout North America and the Caribbean.”

Tourism is one of the Dominican Republic’s largest industries, with millions of visitors traveling to the country each year aboard airlines serviced by IAM Union members. The partnership recognizes that sustainable tourism depends on the workers who safely move travelers every day.

“The IAM Union has always believed that solidarity doesn’t stop at the border,” said Sullivan, who serves as North American Chair for Fisheries in the ITF. “When workers in the Dominican Republic win stronger rights and better working conditions, it helps lift standards for workers everywhere.”

The post IAM Union Helps Advance Historic Dominican Republic Partnership to Raise Standards for Workers appeared first on IAM Union.

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.

The post IAM District W24, Local 1005 Respond to Daimler’s Decision to Close Portland-Area Manufacturing Operations appeared first on IAM Union.

IAM Union benefits should help support your future, and that includes your educational goals. 

Through the IAM College Benefit powered by EBS, IAM Union members and their family members can access exclusive tuition discounts from a network of regionally accredited colleges and universities.

If you are looking to: 

• Finish a degree you started years ago 
• Earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree 
• Advance your career 
• Change career paths 
• Support your family’s educational future

The IAM College Benefit has the tools to help you! 

Highlights Include: 

• Flexible online programs
• Multiple degree levels available
• Transfer-friendly pathways
• Programs designed for busy schedules
• Dedicated support from inquiry through graduation 

Featured Opportunities: 

• Franklin University U-Learn Unlimited offers associate and bachelor’s courses for just $5,250 per calendar year. 
• Albright College Unlimited coursework in select bachelor’s and master’s programs for $5,250 per calendar year. 

Take the next step today.

IAM Union wants you to be aware that these benefits exist and that they may be helpful to you. IAM Union, however, is not a party to any agreement entered into by you and EBS or the school and is not responsible in any way for the operation or administration of any program.

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