The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has continued its efforts to reach a diverse workforce by expanding its Spanish-language organizing training. Fifteen IAM members from the United States and Puerto Rico recently completed the Spanish Organizing I Class at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center.
During the session, IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes and Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen addressed participants about the need for effective communication with Spanish-speaking workers. Cervantes and Johnsen stressed that preparing members to connect in multiple languages is key to building collective power within workplaces.
“This training helps develop stronger organizers, stewards, and leaders who can connect with workers in their own language, remove barriers to participation, and ensure every worker has a real voice on the job. As organizing campaigns increasingly involve multilingual workplaces, this type of training is essential to winning elections, securing strong contracts, and growing our union,” according to the IAM.
The course provides practical skills for organizing workers through proven strategies such as one-on-one conversations and planning successful campaigns. Real-life case studies from previous IAM organizing drives are used as part of the curriculum.
The next Spanish Organizing I Class is scheduled for December 13–18, 2026. It is open to all IAM members and staff assigned by a General Vice President. While fluency in Spanish is not required, some understanding of spoken Spanish is considered helpful.
IAM locals or districts interested in enrolling members or staff should contact their General Vice President for assignment. For further information, inquiries can be directed to the Winpisinger Center at 301-373-8820 or w3leadership@iamaw.org.
