Ryan Haehnlein has been appointed as the new Special Representative for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Midwest Territory, effective January 1, 2026. The appointment was made by IAM International President Brian Bryant.
Haehnlein has been a member of IAM Local 701 since 2011, starting his career in the heavy-duty trucking industry at M&K Truck Centers. He served as a Shop Steward where he won several grievance cases and resolved labor disputes for his colleagues. In early 2021, he became an Organizer and later that year was promoted to Business Representative. By June 2022, he took on the role of 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.”
In his current role, Haehnlein represents workers from various sectors including freight, heavy-duty equipment, automotive dealerships, machine shops, manufacturing, and independent sectors. He also led improvements in communication within Local 701 by editing its newsletter and helping develop its website and mobile app.
Beyond his work with Local 701, Haehnlein serves as a delegate and COPE representative to the Chicago Federation of Labor and acts as Secretary-Treasurer of the IAM Illinois State Council. In January 2024, International President Bryant appointed him to the IAM Law Committee.
Haehnlein also holds trustee positions on several funds related to training and benefits for union members.
