Ryan Haehnlein has been appointed as Special Representative for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Midwest Territory, effective January 1, 2026. The appointment was made by IAM Union International President Brian Bryant.
Haehnlein has been a member of IAM Local 701 since 2011. He started his union involvement in the heavy-duty trucking industry at M&K Truck Centers, where he worked as a Shop Steward. In this role, he won several grievance cases and resolved labor disputes for his colleagues. He became an Organizer in early 2021 and later that year was promoted to Business Representative. By June 2022, Haehnlein was serving as Assistant Directing Business Representative for Local 701.
“IAM members across the Midwest will benefit from Ryan’s deep experience, steady leadership, and unwavering dedication to working families,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Ryan has proven time and again that he is a fighter for our members—at the bargaining table, on the shop floor, and in every role he has taken on. We are proud to welcome him to the Midwest Territory staff.”
Haehnlein currently supports members in freight, heavy-duty trucking, automotive dealerships, machine shops, equipment sectors, manufacturing, and other independent industries. He also enhanced Local 701’s communications by editing its newsletter and helping develop its website and mobile app.
His broader labor roles include serving as a delegate and COPE representative to the Chicago Federation of Labor and as Secretary-Treasurer of the IAM Illinois State Council. In January 2024, Haehnlein was appointed by International President Bryant to serve on the IAM Law Committee.
Additionally, Haehnlein has trustee experience with the Local 701 Training Fund and its retirement plans.
