In order to more strategically and effectively grow the union, the IAM Union Executive Council has unanimously voted to centralize the union’s U.S. organizing efforts.

The decision builds on IAM Union organizing successes in both traditional and emerging industries for the union, such as healthcare and non-profits. The IAM Union was recently recognized as the second-largest union in terms of membership percentage growth among the top 20 largest U.S. unions.

Part of the plan involves a more central organizing structure built out of the IAM Union Organizing Department, which will allow for more sharing of knowledge and coordination in campaigns. Six Assistant Organizing Coordinators will manage organizing efforts, under the leadership of IAM Organizing Director Mike Evans and Assistant Organizing Director Juan Eldridge.

IAM Assistant Organizing Coordinators
Eastern: Brent Coleman
Western: Joe Solis
Southern: Bridget Fitzgerald
Midwest: Ali Rhodes
NFFE-IAM: Jerry McCarty
IAM Headquarters and Rail Division: Jason Woodward

“In recent years, the IAM Union has opened our doors to an even more diverse array of members, rebranded our union for the future, and now we are taking the next logical step toward becoming a true organizing union,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “This new structure will further our commitment to growth, as well as improve service to our current members by allowing more representatives to focus on negotiating, servicing and more.”

International President Bryant, as well as Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett, recently met with the Organizing Department to strategize for the future. Representatives from IAM Departments also spoke with organizers about growing collaboration efforts.

“Our IAM Executive Council is more committed than ever to giving our organizers every resource necessary to grow and strengthen our union,” said IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett. “We know that this is the right team at the right time to deliver for working people who need and deserve strong IAM representation.”

Learn more about the IAM Organizing Department and its recent victories here.

“This is an exciting time to organize in the IAM Union, and myself and Juan are honored to be on this journey with such a talented group of organizers,” said IAM Organizing Director Mike Evans. “We thank our Executive Council for taking this bold step to further prioritize the Organizing Department and the work we do to grow our union.”