More than 300 delegates attended the IAM Retirees Conference, where leaders and longtime members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) gathered to discuss strategies for protecting benefits and supporting the labor movement. The event provided an opportunity for participants to share experiences, pass on lessons learned, and reconnect with colleagues.
“In the IAM you may retire, but you never quit,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Our great grandparents fought to make our way of life possible, and we are here to continue that fight. We’re not going to let the billionaires and oligarchs tell us that our earned benefits are over. Hell no!”
The conference addressed current challenges facing retirees, particularly efforts in Congress to reduce funding for programs such as Medicaid. The “One Big Beautiful Bill” proposes $415 billion in cuts to Medicaid in 2026 from a program that currently costs $880 billion annually. This has raised concerns about the sustainability of programs that have been supported by organized labor since the Great Depression.
Critics of Medicaid argue there is widespread abuse within the system; however, evidence indicates that much of the improper spending results from fraudulent claims submitted by medical corporations and providers rather than a significant increase in ineligible recipients. Many IAM retirees also receive additional support through the EBS/TLC Medicare Retiree Program.
“I was raised in a union household, and I didn’t understand what that meant at the time,” said James “Stretch” Little, IAM Retirees and Membership Services Director. “I watched my dad leave in the evening and go to union meetings. That’s the work it takes. That’s the fight that we all need to keep going. You know how to fight these fights, you have shown that over many years – and we need you now more than ever.”
Retired members remain active advocates for workers’ rights, organizing campaigns, communicating with policymakers, rallying supporters, and voting at high rates. The conference included breakout sessions focused on organizing strategies and mentorship initiatives designed to engage both new and current members across all levels of IAM.
Attendees also visited vendor booths offering information about union benefits available to members. Some recorded messages aimed at encouraging younger workers to value solidarity during times of change within both labor organizations and broader society.
Other speakers at the event included Dora Cervantes (IAM General Secretary-Treasurer), David Sullivan (IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President), Richie Johnsen (IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President), Robert “Bobby” Martinez (IAM West Territory General Vice President), Reggie Dixon (IAM Southern Territory Chief of Staff), Mike Evans (IAM Organizing Director), Hasan Solomon (IAM National Political and Legislative Director), Tony Blevins (Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines President & Director), Joe Gruber (Winpingsinger Center Assistant Director), IIana Boivie (IAM Strategic Resources Assistant Director), Vincent Ceraso (IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Assistant Director), Sean Marcil (IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Assistant Coordinator), Traci Drummond (IAM William W. Winpingsinger Education & Technology Center Research Librarian), David Lehive (IAM Communications Representative), Kevin DiMeco (IAM District 166 Directing Business Representative and Organizer), Robert Roach Jr. (Alliance for Retired Americans President), Yolanda D. Montgomery & Damian Anderson (IAM National Benefit Funds), Andrea MonteCalvo (EBS Retiree Coordinator Licensed Insurance Agent).
Conference participants agreed on actions needed moving forward, emphasizing ongoing involvement even after retirement.
