The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) will hold its 53rd Annual International Convention from May 21 to 26, 2024 at the Marriott Marquis Houston (1777 Walker St., Houston, TX 77010).

Register today.

The theme for this year is “Never Back, Always Forward: Hate Cannot Erase Us.”

This year’s convention will feature topics and speakers addressing the victories of 2023 and discuss the organizing we need to do in 2024. CBTU Convention guests will include national and international leaders of this great labor movement.

CBTU consists of many IAM members, including IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon, who serves on the CBTU Executive Council. 

“CBTU continues to be a beacon of solidarity and progress in the labor movement,” said IAM Human Rights Director Nicole L. Fears. “The IAM’s presence at this year’s convention signifies our commitment to advancing equality and justice for all workers.” 

Visit the CBTU conference website to register and review all convention-related material.

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WASHINGTON, March 1, 2024 — The IAM Executive Council released the following statement on the situation in Israel and Gaza:

“The IAM has a rich and respected history of promoting peace and fighting against the oppression of all people. We have helped lead civil rights movements, aided freedom fighters to defeat South African apartheid, and joined human rights efforts at home and across the globe. We call out injustice wherever and whenever we see it.

“Our union is as diverse as any organization in the world. While we come from an array of backgrounds and hold differing beliefs, we are united in our desire for all families and communities to live in dignity, freedom and safety. The killing of innocent civilians, and the explosion of antisemitism, Islamophobia and racism, goes against everything we stand for as a union and a labor movement.

“The people of Palestine and Israel need our solidarity and they deserve peace. Thousands of innocent civilians have been killed and injured, while millions are displaced and sheltering in the Gaza Strip. This senseless conflict, and the hateful rhetoric spawning from it, must end now.”

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries. 

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During Black History Month, the IAM is remembering the life and legacy of IAM trailblazers like Roman Mayfield, a World War II veteran, and one of the first African Americans to join the union. Mayfield, who passed away in 2002 at the age of 81, was hired at Boeing in Seattle as a production worker in 1946. 

Back then, he was not allowed to join the union. But Mayfield, undeterred, still attended union meetings. In 1950, the union finally recognized minorities after accepting his membership, 14 years before the passage of the Civil Rights Act. That bold move would change the IAM and pave the way for new African-American members who would join the ranks.

The progressive move by the IAM was inevitable. Six years before Mayfield’s membership in 1950, the union was already breaking away from racial segregation by openly discussing the possibility of welcoming African Americans into the ranks. IAM District 727, which represented 35,000 workers at Lockheed in southern California, sent an open letter in 1944 to lodges throughout the country. 

“Our membership believes,” the letter read, “that the [all-white] clause in our ritual is unworthy of our great democratic association and opposed to the principles of democracy in the Constitution of the United States.”   

A boom in defense hiring at Boeing brought an influx of African Americans to the Seattle area during the 1950s, as many, mostly from the Deep South, migrated west for new job opportunities. Mayfield’s story served as a beacon of hope for them, a catalyst for change. Boeing would go on to hire thousands of Black workers over several decades, many of whom would become IAM members.

“That first wave of Black Machinists were courageous visionaries,” said IAM Human Rights Director Nicole Fears. “Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to civil rights has ultimately enabled an African American woman, like me, to ascend from the shop floor to the top of this union as a director.” 

Mayfield served as a shop steward for 35 years. He was also the only active member to walk the line in all five of the union’s strikes against Boeing in 1948, 1965, 1977, 1989 and 1995. During the 2000 IAM Grand Lodge Convention in San Francisco, Roman was recognized for his service as a trailblazer, when a resolution was passed in his honor.

“Roman’s story is important to remember and share with young Machinists,” said Fears. “Our union is fully integrated now and the IAM is at the forefront of worker and civil rights. But there is still work to be done. Roman’s story inspires all of us, as IAM members, to continue to the fight for racial equality and justice on the job.”

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The IAM Human Rights Department has taken on its own identity within the IAM, with the sole purpose of advancing equality and justice. 

This February, the IAM Human Rights Department is featuring accomplished IAM members of the Black community in celebration of Black History Month. 

IAM members being honored for Black History Month are among the many trailblazers in our union.

Geny Ulloa
Nominated by: IAM Midwest Territory

IAM Midwest Territory Grand Lodge Representative Geny Ulloa brings tenacity to the IAM by always speaking his mind. One of his cornerstones in life is his perspective to continuously do the right thing and he teaches others to follow that same path.  

Ulloa mentors and teaches organizers on the tools of growing our IAM membership throughout the Midwest Territory. He continues to personally grow and learn by earning his bachelor’s degree from SUNY Empire State University. He has a coveted talent for bringing unique viewpoints into any conversation that we all can benefit from. 

Ulloa came to the IAM in 2000 to Local 623 in St. Cloud, Minn. He currently serves the IAM as a Grand Lodge Representative and is the Midwest Territory Organizing Leader.

The post Celebrating Black History: IAM Spotlights Geny Ulloa appeared first on IAMAW.

The IAM Human Rights Department has taken on its own identity within the IAM, with the sole purpose of advancing equality and justice. 

This February, the IAM Human Rights Department is featuring accomplished IAM members of the Black community in celebration of Black History Month. 

IAM members being honored for Black History Month are among the many trailblazers in our union.

Donte’ L. Vickers
Nominated by: IAM Western Territory

Between my uncle, son and grandfather, Floyd M. Jones, they both taught me how to work on cars, houses and cement work. I started working on cars at the age of 9 with my uncle Son. He taught me how to do oil changes, brakes and tune ups. My Uncle James retired from being a long shoreman back in 1983. 

My grandfather also had a great influence on me. He also worked as a long shoreman, super cargo. His supervisor would call him at 6 p.m. and ask him if he would come to Benicia waterfront and work. When his check came in, he would show me how much he made, which varied from $1,800 to $2,500 a week. I would always say “Grandfather, you only worked four hours in two days, not including driving.” He would say, “Yes, and say all I picked up was a clipboard.”

As a young person, I always stayed in the presence of either mechanics or general contractors that I worked with. As a result, I was well rounded with knowledge of working as a mechanic, iron worker, plumber, carpenter, roofer, electrician and cement mason. 

In 1991, I started working with Lee Latimore (Castle Construction Co.), a general contractor that had $10,000,000 worth of equipment. I did everything from building forums to pouring cement, plumbing, excavating raw ground to building homes. On the side, I would build VW motors as a hobby and also worked on cars.

In 1997, I worked for as an iron worker for Salinas Rebar. It was my first union job. I liked it, but having to punk iron all day got to me, so I ended up working for U-Haul two years later in 1999. 

Working at U-Haul gave me opportunity to understand what working for a non-union job really felt like. I came in as a mechanic and within two years became Forman. In 2005, the company moved me up to shop supervisor. The day I became shop supervisor, I gave everyone a raise between $5 and $13. I had a problem with people being treated like second class citizens. The mechanics were not being treated fair and I had a problem with that. I felt everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. I did the best I possibly could for my employees, so with that said, because it wasn’t a union job, I was demoted three times for nothing, but still kept the same pay.

In 2014 I came to the City and County of San Francisco as a transit operator for SFMTA. A year later, in 2015, I was hired as a mechanic at Central Shops in San Francisco working on fire trucks. I really enjoyed this and always stepped up to the director with any issues the mechanics had that the supervisor wouldn’t address.

In 2021, I was on the negotiation team as an observer for the Automotive Machinist. This is when I felt like I could help make a difference with the process of bargaining. In April 2022, I transferred to SFMTA Woods Division and started working at the machine shop. It was a very great decision. I actually was able to meet new people and look at the process – a lot of different things pertaining to politics in the work force. In November 2022, I put in for Business Representative for Local 1414 and my first day was Jan. 3, 2023.

I work closely with my church and am presently the President of the Men’s Ministry.

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The IAM Human Rights Department has taken on its own identity within the IAM, with the sole purpose of advancing equality and justice. 

This February, the IAM Human Rights Department is featuring accomplished IAM members of the Black community in celebration of Black History Month. 

IAM members being honored for Black History Month are among the many trailblazers in our union.

Aubria Hopes-Walker
Nominated by: IAM Western Territory

Aubria Hopes-Walker has 30 years of experience with Daimler Trucks North America, where she currently works as the TOS coordinator. She collaborates with floor staff to ensure they are not overworked, and in cases where they are, she conducts time studies and provides recommendations to management for equitable work distribution.

Hopes-Walker holds the position of President for District W24 in Local 1005. Additionally, she is now serving as the interim Chief Shop Steward. Hopes-Walker has organized Local 1005’s Volunteer Organizing Community (VOC). They have actively and consistently shown support by participating in picket lines for every union that seeks our assistance.

Hopes-Walker became involved with the union after witnessing instances of injustice within the workplace. She refrained from expressing dissatisfaction and instead aimed to actively contribute to resolving the issue. Consequently, she assumed the role of shop steward. Recognizing her determination, Dwayne Panion invited her to join the executive board as the communicator. Upon attending her inaugural leadership course at the Winpisinger Center, Hopes-Walker had a revelatory experience on the potential for transformative change in which she could actively participate. She encountered some exceptional individuals at the W3 Center with whom she could discuss and seek advice on various circumstances and problems.  

Hopes-Walker has diligently pursued leadership education, successfully completing several leadership courses as well as specialized departmental and staff courses. She felt privileged upon receiving an invitation to the IAM Diversity Initiative, where she had the opportunity to engage with numerous accomplished individuals in deliberating the future of our esteemed union. 

Last year, thanks to District W24 Organizer Jessica Denning, Hopes-Walker had the opportunity to collaborate with her on the Volvo mechanics campaign, as well as the Weyerhaeuser campaign. Local 1005 engaged in regular weekend walks until Weyerhaeuser resumed operations. She had the privilege of participating in the Adidas red card campaign, where members of the Local 1005 VOC, along with several others, attended the power breakfast to advocate for the workers’ rightful salaries.

Through her membership in constituency groups such as the Coalition of Labor Union Women and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Hopes-Walker has had the opportunity to connect with individuals from different unions. Engaging in this activity has provided her with the chance to disseminate her knowledge to other labor organizations and to recognize the value of the IAM and its benefits for its members. She says she has not encountered any other educational facility comparable to the IAM’s W3 Center. She is highly appreciative of the progressive development of W3 and the noticeable transformation that has occurred since her initial enrollment in 2016.

Hopes-Walker has always been an advocate for change, and the IAM is where she firmly believes she has discovered her true vocation. During her brief tenure as interim Chief Shop Steward, Hopes-Walker observed a transformation in the individuals who approached her with grievances. This has assisted every employee in understanding that their union values their opinions. If she had to redo the entire process, Hopes-Walker says she would become involved much sooner, because she has received numerous accolades for her effective demonstration of valuing employees’ perspectives with their grievances and advocating for them on the work floor, while also helping them recognize our collective identity as a union.

The post Celebrating Black History: IAM Spotlights Aubria Hopes-Walker appeared first on IAMAW.

The IAM Human Rights Department has taken on its own identity within the IAM, with the sole purpose of advancing equality and justice. 

This February, the IAM Human Rights Department is featuring accomplished IAM members of the Black community in celebration of Black History Month. 

IAM members being honored for Black History Month are among the many trailblazers in our union.

Olu Ajetomobi
Nominated by: IAM Air Transport Territory

Olu Ajetomobi began his airline career at United Airlines. He has served our union in many capacities such as Shop Steward, Auditor, Ramp Committeeperson, Vice President and currently an Assistant General Chairperson for District 141 to name a few. For many years, Ajetomobi has been advocating for the rights of our members. Determined to make a difference, Ajetomobi has proven to be a leader and a strong advocate when upholding our IAM contract at United Airlines. 

The post Celebrating Black History: IAM Spotlights Olu Ajetomobi appeared first on IAMAW.

The post Celebrating Black History: IAM Spotlights Nina Caldwell appeared first on IAMAW.

The IAM Human Rights Department has taken on its own identity within the IAM, with the sole purpose of advancing equality and justice. 

This February, the IAM Human Rights Department is featuring accomplished IAM members of the Black community in celebration of Black History Month. 

IAM members being honored for Black History Month are among the many trailblazers in our union.

Kiona Davis
Nominated by: IAM Rail Division

Kiona Davis is a 15-year member who currently serves as Local 498’s newly elected Local Chairperson at Canadian National’s (CN) largest locomotive repair facility across the United States in Homewood, Ill. 

Davis began her railroad career at Amtrak’s Locomotive Service Center in Chicago and immediately joined Local 2600 as the Representative for Amtrak’s “Safe To Safer” program. After her tenure at Amtrak, Davis joined CN two years ago, continuing her involvement with her new local helping members however she could. 

Davis takes pride in being a mentor to new members and engages with them as soon as they enter the shop. Davis ensures our members feel welcomed and provides them with the proper education regarding our union. The Rail Division commends Davis for always taking the initiative, being such a great mentor to fellow members and a prime example of what solidarity really means.

The post Celebrating Black History: IAM Spotlights Kiona Davis appeared first on IAMAW.

The IAM Human Rights Department has taken on its own identity within the IAM, with the sole purpose of advancing equality and justice. 

This February, the IAM Human Rights Department is featuring accomplished IAM members of the Black community in celebration of Black History Month. 

IAM members being honored for Black History Month are among the many trailblazers in our union.

Richard “Richie” Roberts
Nominated by: IAM Air Transport Territory

Richie Roberts currently serves as the President of Local 914 in Newark, N.J., one of the Air Transport Territory’s more prominent locals. He has held several positions since becoming a member of the IAM, such as a GSAP Trainer, Grievance Committee Person, and Shop Steward, to name a few. After quickly learning that many of his members didn’t know the union was more than just grievances, he committed his leadership to educating and mentoring his membership. Roberts is steadfast in his leadership and is the first African American to hold the office of President at his local. 

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