The IAM New Jersey State Council (NJSC) convened its annual meeting with over 100 union leaders, political advocates, and members from across the state to discuss pro-worker legislation and preparations for the 2025 gubernatorial election. The council represents more than 20,000 workers in New Jersey.
Cristino Vilorio, President of the NJSC and Area Director for IAM District 15, led the event. Delegates heard from several members of the IAM Union Executive Council, including International President Brian Bryant, Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen, Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan, and Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett.
“Our union’s strength lies in our ability to organize, mobilize, and legislate,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “The work being done here in New Jersey is a model for building power at the state level and fighting for legislation like fair wages for IAM auto technicians.”
Richie Johnsen spoke to delegates about new contracts in the airline industry. Jody Bennett highlighted the importance of supporting the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) PAC to maintain legislative efforts nationwide.
David Sullivan opened the second day with a message on unity. Lorie Wilson, Eastern Territory Chief of Staff, discussed the Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (IAM LEADS), which aims to strengthen union leadership.
“We can’t let hate in politics divide our nation,” said Sullivan. “We must stay focused on fighting for a stronger labor movement, and that fight starts here in New Jersey.”
IAM National Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon stressed political engagement’s role within unions. He reminded attendees that elections have consequences: “In 2025, your voice can be heard LOUD and CLEAR by getting out the vote for IAM endorsed candidates.”
The Frank Darcy Award was presented by TCU/IAM National President Artie Maratea to retired TCU/IAM National Vice President Billy DeCarlo. The award recognizes leadership among IAM members advancing the union’s mission.
Several elected officials addressed delegates during the meeting, including Rep. Bonnie Coleman (D-NJ), Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Rep. Herb Conaway (D-NJ), Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., and Katie Brennan, candidate for New Jersey Congressional District 32.
A key topic was celebrating passage of the Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act (A4380/S3309). This law guarantees fair wages for automotive dealership mechanics throughout New Jersey after passing both legislative chambers unanimously—a result attributed to lobbying by NJSCM delegates. More information about this legislative development can be found at https://x.com/iamairtransport/status/1952436439930560949.
IAM continues representing hundreds of skilled automotive technicians statewide while working toward policies that support working families.
“With a critical election season ahead, the IAM New Jersey State Council is laser-focused on supporting candidates who fight for working families,” said Vilorio. “We are ready to work to make Mikie Sherrill our next governor and elect pro-labor candidates across the state. I want to thank everyone for helping make this year’s state council meeting a success and it was exciting to celebrate the passage of legislation for our members working at automobile dealerships across New Jersey.”
The NJSCM Executive Board includes Cristino Vilorio as president; Michael Buonpastore as secretary-treasurer; Antony Stevens as executive vice president; Ira Stern as education director; Larry Reeves as vice president of airline coordination; Rich Howell as trustee; Mark Perez as vice president railroad; Robert Trapanese as vice president north; Elizabeth Groner-Rosario as vice president airlines; Bobby Stewart as vice president east; Dave Snead as sergeant-at-arms; Marianne DeSantis as trustee/outreach coordinator; C.A. “Obie” O’Brian as trustee; Ross DeConte as trustee; Carmelo Benedicto as auditor; Andre Robinson as auditor/PA airline coordinator; Bill Imbenba as auditor; Will Josey and Hector Perez as COPE committee persons; and Craig Livingston as council attorney.
