IAM Union members and leaders participated in the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement’s (LCLAA) 25th National Membership Convention, which took place this week in Atlanta. The event gathered delegates from across the United States for workshops, panel discussions, and plenary sessions centered on empowering Latino and Latina union members and encouraging collective action.
The convention’s theme was “United We Stand: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers and Protecting Our Legacy” (“Construyendo Puentes, Rompiendo Barreras y Protegiendo Nuestro Legado”). Attendees discussed challenges facing Latino communities and the broader labor movement, including immigration, economic equity, leadership development, and workplace justice.
One of the highlighted events was a panel discussion titled “Breaking Barriers and Leading with Purpose: Honoring the Leadership of Latinas in Today’s Labor Movement.” IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes participated alongside SEIU Secretary-Treasurer RocĂo Sáenz and Manassas City Council Member Sonia Vásquez Luna. Panelists shared their personal experiences with perseverance and leadership.
“Hardships are what make you strong – there’s no such thing as going back,” said Cervantes during her remarks to encourage young Latinas to remain resilient in their pursuit of leadership within the labor movement.
Workshops at the convention covered topics such as organizing strategies, immigration reform, career opportunities in building trades, and social justice advocacy. Nicole Fears, IAM Human Rights Director, spoke about a partnership between IAM and Aviation High School in Queens, New York. This program offers students hands-on aviation training, career guidance, and scholarships that connect them to union jobs in skilled trades.
LCLAA continues its role within the AFL-CIO by uniting Latino labor leaders and allies to advocate for justice and inclusion.
Other speakers included AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond, AFGE President Everett Kelley, and AFT President Randi Weingarten. They emphasized solidarity as some policies increasingly affect specific groups.
“We have to protect our people and this is not just about Latinos,” said LCLAA National President Evelyn DeJesus. “An injury to one is an injury to all.”
IAM remains committed to supporting working people through organizing efforts and education.
“The labor movement must reflect the strength of all its members – regardless of background, status, or where they come from,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Equity and fairness aren’t just values; they’re commitments that shape everything we fight for. At the IAM, we believe in building a union where every worker has a seat at the table, a voice in the room, and the power to shape their future.”
More information about LCLAA can be found at lclaa.org.
