More than 300 delegates attended the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Retirees Conference, where leaders and longtime members gathered to discuss the future of the labor movement and share their experiences. The event focused on preparing for ongoing challenges facing retirees and workers, especially regarding earned benefits.
“In the IAM you may retire, but you never quit,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “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!”
The conference addressed concerns about proposed cuts to Medicaid in Congress’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which would reduce funding by $415 billion in 2026 from a program with an annual cost of $880 billion. These proposed reductions have raised fears about the sustainability of programs that support many Americans, including union retirees.
While critics argue that Medicaid is subject to abuse by recipients, data indicates that most improper or fraudulent claims—estimated at $60 to $87 billion annually—are attributed to medical corporations and providers rather than ineligible individuals. Many IAM retirees also receive additional coverage through the EBS/TLC Medicare Retiree Program.
James “Stretch” Little, IAM Retirees and Membership Services Director, told attendees: “I was raised in a union household, and I didn’t understand what that meant at the time. 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 play an active role in organizing efforts within politics by voting in high numbers and mobilizing others around issues affecting working people. The conference encouraged delegates to use their experience as mentors for current members and increase participation through new retiree committees at all levels of the union.
Breakout sessions provided opportunities for organizing strategies, education on available benefits, and discussions about supporting younger members through recorded messages emphasizing solidarity during periods of change.
Guest 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 event concluded with calls for continued activism among retirees who remain committed to advancing fairness for working people even after leaving full-time employment.
