More than 300 delegates gathered at the IAM Retirees Conference to discuss the ongoing challenges facing retirees and the labor movement. The event focused on sharing experiences, passing down lessons, and organizing for future advocacy efforts.
Brian Bryant, International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), addressed attendees by emphasizing the continued importance of activism after retirement. “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 central topic at the conference was concern over proposed cuts to Medicaid. Congress is considering reductions totaling $415 billion in 2026 as part of a broader legislative package, which would significantly impact a program with annual costs of $880 billion. This has raised questions about the sustainability of popular social programs long supported by labor organizations since the Great Depression.
Some critics argue that Medicaid is plagued by abuse, but available data indicates that most improper or fraudulent claims—estimated between $60 billion and $87 billion each year—are linked to medical corporations and providers rather than ineligible recipients. Many IAM retirees receive extra support through the EBS/TLC Medicare Retiree Program.
James “Stretch” Little, Director of IAM Retirees and Membership Services, spoke about his personal connection to union work: “I was raised in a union household, and I didn’t understand what that meant at the time,” Little 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.”
Retired members were recognized for their significant influence in advocating for workers’ rights. They remain active in organizing, communication efforts, and political engagement—including high voter turnout rates—making them a key constituency in ongoing campaigns for economic fairness.
Throughout the conference, delegates participated in breakout sessions designed to help them organize locally upon returning home. These sessions aimed to encourage mentorship within IAM ranks and expand retiree committees at every level of the union.
Attendees also had opportunities to consult with vendors about benefits available through union membership and recorded messages intended to inspire younger members about solidarity during periods of change.
Other 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), Andrea MonteCalvo (EBS Retiree Coordinator Licensed Insurance Agent).
The conference concluded with a consensus among participants that advocacy remains necessary even after retirement.
