Javier Almazan Sr. was born in Denver, Colorado, in 1967 to migrant farmworker parents and raised in the Glades region of Palm Beach County along the banks of Lake Okeechobee. He began his career at Okeelanta Corporation/Florida Crystals in December 1987 and quickly became an active and committed union member. In 2003, Javier was appointed District 166 Educator, and he was later elected President of Local 2152.
In October 2005, Javier was appointed Organizer for District 166, a role he held until December 2013 when he was promoted to the IAM’s International staff as a Special Representative. In 2006, he was selected as one of the founding members of the Spanish Leadership Working Group, tasked with translating IAM leadership curriculum into Spanish, recruiting participants, and teaching classes. His contributions were formally recognized in 2015.
Javier has been honored numerous times for his commitment to organizing. In 2007, he received the Southern Territory Organizing Award for Excellence. In 2023, he received the Distinguished Southern Territory Organizer of the Year Award.
In 2009, Javier earned his bachelor’s degree from the National Labor College, specializing in Union Leadership and Administration. That same year, he helped found the Palm Beach/Space Coast Labor Council of Latin American Advancement (LCLAA). He was elected chapter president and served in that role until January 2025, leading the chapter in organizing social and community events in support of workers’ and citizens’ rights.
Over the course of his IAM career, Javier has participated in numerous organizing campaigns across a wide range of industries—including manufacturing, automotive, healthcare, service contract work, and aerospace. He has overseen campaigns under multiple jurisdictions, including the NLRB, NMB, and PERB. In addition to his organizing experience, Javier has extensive background in servicing, including negotiations, arbitrations, and internal affairs, gained over twelve years as an International Representative in the field.
Javier is a second generation IAM member as both of his parents were IAM members. Javier remains deeply committed to the labor movement and is driven by his passion for organizing and strengthening the union for future generations.
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