The 2015 IAM Transportation Conference, the largest ever, kicked-off this week in Hollywood, Florida with 600 delegates, including delegates from the Transportation Communications Union (TCU) and the Canadian Territory.
Delegates charted the course for the next two years of the world’s largest air and rail union and heard from a wide array of speakers, including Conference Chair General Vice President (GVP) Sito Pantoja; International President Tom Buffenbarger, who gave the keynote address; Dave Ritchie, GVP Canada; TCU/IAM National President Bob Scardelletti and Congressman Alan Grayson (D-FL), who spoke of the IAM’s importance in expanding the middle-class.
International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) General Secretary Treasurer Steven Cotton also addressed the delegation and stressed the importance of all ITF affiliate unions to act in concert to defend transportation workers’ rights across the globe.
Afternoons were set aside for delegate committee meetings, such as collective-bargaining, organizing, railroad health and welfare, among others. A Q & A was also held for all District Lodge 19, 141 and 142 delegates to answer any questions they may have.
A high point of the 2015 Transportation Conference was reached when Delta Flight Attendant, Spencer Hayes, electrified the delegates as he spoke of great progress being made in the country’s largest organizing campaign.
“I’m extremely proud of the continued dedication and determination of every delegate to this year’s conference in serving IAM members,” said General Vice President Sito Pantoja. “With the kind of members we have, it is truly our time to ensure IAM members receive the dignity on the job they deserve.”
The conference adjourns on Friday after all committees submit their reports for adoption by the delegation.
Please click here to view conference videos and photos.
