The New Jersey State Council of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) recently convened its annual meeting, gathering more than 100 union leaders, political advocates, and members from across the state. The event focused on advancing pro-worker legislation and preparing for the upcoming 2025 gubernatorial election.
The council represents over 20,000 IAM members in New Jersey. Cristino Vilorio, President of the IAM New Jersey State Council and District 15 Area Director, led the meeting. Delegates heard from several IAM Executive Council members, 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 shared positive news about new contracts in the airline industry with delegates during the meeting (https://x.com/iamairtransport/status/1952436439930560949).
Jody Bennett spoke about the importance of supporting the union’s Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) PAC to continue legislative efforts nationwide.
David Sullivan opened Day 2 with a call for unity among delegates. Lorie Wilson, Eastern Territory Chief of Staff, discussed how initiatives like Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (IAM LEADS) help strengthen the union.
“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.”
Hasan Solomon, National Legislative and Political Director for IAM, addressed delegates on political engagement. He emphasized that elections have significant consequences: “In 2025, your voice can be heard LOUD and CLEAR by getting out the vote for IAM endorsed candidates.”
During the meeting, TCU/IAM National President Artie Maratea presented retired TCU/IAM National Vice President Billy DeCarlo with the Frank Darcy Award for Leadership. This annual award honors outstanding leadership among IAM members in furthering union goals.
Several elected officials and candidates also spoke to attendees. These included 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 Congressional District 32.
Delegates celebrated passage of the Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act (A4380/S3309). The law guarantees fair wages for automotive dealership mechanics statewide after receiving unanimous bipartisan support in both legislative chambers—a result attributed to NJSCM lobbying efforts.
The IAM continues to represent hundreds of skilled automotive technicians throughout New Jersey while advocating policies intended to benefit working families across sectors.
“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.”
