More than 300 delegates attended the IAM Retirees Conference, where leaders and long-time members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) gathered to discuss ongoing challenges facing retirees and the labor movement. The event focused on sharing experiences, strategies, and lessons learned across generations.
Brian Bryant, International President of IAM, addressed attendees with a message about continued activism. “In the IAM you may retire, but you never quit,” Bryant said. “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 major topic at the conference was concern over proposed cuts to Medicaid by Congress. The “One Big Beautiful Bill” proposes $415 billion in reductions for 2026 from a program with annual costs of $880 billion. Some lawmakers have argued that these programs face widespread abuse; however, data shows that most improper payments stem from fraudulent claims by medical corporations and providers rather than from ineligible recipients. Improper or fraudulent claims are estimated between $60 billion and $87 billion each year.
Many IAM retirees qualify for additional benefits through the EBS/TLC Medicare Retiree Program.
James “Stretch” Little, Director of IAM Retirees and Membership Services, spoke about his personal connection to union values: “I was raised in a union household, and I didn’t understand what that meant at the time,” he told members. “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 were recognized as an important force in advocating for working-class interests due to their organizing skills, communication networks, political engagement, and high voter turnout rates.
Throughout the conference, participants joined breakout sessions designed to help them organize locally upon returning home. There was an emphasis on mentorship—using experienced retirees as resources for new members—and expanding retiree committees within all levels of IAM.
Attendees also visited vendor booths offering information about member benefits available through union membership.
Guest speakers 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) ,and Andrea MonteCalvo (EBS Retiree Coordinator Licensed Insurance Agent).
The conference concluded with a call for continued action among retired members: even after retirement there remains important work ahead.
