More than 300 delegates gathered at the IAM Retirees Conference to share their experiences and knowledge with fellow members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). The event aimed to encourage ongoing involvement from retirees in union activities, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and activism even after retirement.
“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!”
A central issue discussed at the conference was recent legislative efforts targeting programs such as Medicaid. Delegates expressed concern about proposed $415 billion cuts in 2026 to a program costing $880 billion annually, which could affect benefits for many Americans who rely on them. Critics of Medicaid argue that abuse is widespread; however, data indicate that most fraud is committed by medical corporations and providers rather than recipients, resulting in an estimated $60–87 billion in improper claims each year. Many IAM retirees also receive additional support through the EBS/TLC Medicare Retiree Program.
James “Stretch” Little, Director of IAM Retirees and Membership Services, addressed attendees: “I was raised in a union household, and I didn’t understand what that meant at the time,” he said. “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.”
Retirees were recognized as a significant force for working-class advocacy due to their high level of organization and political participation, including strong voter turnout rates. The conference included breakout sessions focused on organizing strategies and mentorship opportunities for new members within the union structure.
Attendees also had access to vendor booths providing information about member benefits available through IAM membership.
Several guest speakers contributed remarks during the event, including 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) and Andrea MonteCalvo (EBS Retiree Coordinator Licensed Insurance Agent).
Conference participants were encouraged to return home with renewed motivation to organize locally while mentoring newer members about solidarity during times of change within both labor movements and broader society.
The conference concluded with a consensus among leaders that continued action is necessary even after retirement.
