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IAM Union members, retirees, and staff gathered with women and allies of fellow labor unions in San Diego, California, for the 2025 Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) Convention to build women’s power in the labor movement, local unions, communities, and workplaces.
This CLUW Convention was pivotal for the IAM delegation as the current Women and Young Workers Director, Julie Frietchen, turned over the reins as the elected Vice President of CLUW for the IAM to Demetress Colbert, who will assume the IAM Women and Young Workers Director role Jan. 1, 2026.
“I want the IAM to build our presence and activism in CLUW,” said Colbert. “I’m excited to take on this role and recruit more sisters to become active in CLUW, to carry what they learn back to their unions, to build the courage to take on leadership positions, and to lift up fellow women.”
WATCH: The Future of CLUW
Delegates to the Convention voted in new vice presidents, one for each participating union, including Demetress Colbert, who ran unopposed and with the endorsement of IAM International President Brian Bryant.
Sylvia J. Ramos of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) was elected as CLUW National President.
Prior to the Convention opening, attendees participated in pre-Convention workshops like “Women Workers Rights,” “International Garment Workers Fight for Justice,” “Your Well Being: Improving Your Physical and Mental Health,” “Women In Labor History,” and “CLUW Organizing 101.”
“The workshops were not only interesting and educational, but they also cultivated camaraderie,” said Alana Kirkpatrick, IAM Local 850 Secretary-Treasurer and Oklahoma State Council President. “In addition to tending to the business of the Convention, passing resolutions and constitutional amendments, we were able to discuss challenges in the workplace specific to women and how we can support ourselves and each other.”
IAM Union General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes, who has been active in CLUW for many years, delivered a video message to the Convention this year, as IAM Union business kept her from attending.
“First, let me say how truly sorry I am that I can’t be there with you in person,“ said Cervantes in her video message. “There’s nothing like being in a room full of powerful union women, sharing stories, strength, and strategy.”
WATCH: IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes Addresses CLUW Convention
Cervantes gave special recognition to Women and Young Workers Director Julie Frietchen, who has served as a CLUW Vice President for the last three years.
“Thank you for your friendship, your fire, and your lifelong dedication to lifting women in this movement,” said Cervantes to Frietchen. “You make all of us at the IAM so proud.”
Delegates voted on resolutions that will set the path and mission for the entire Coalition for the next 2 years.
“It’s very important for women to come together in a space like this where we can connect with each other, share experiences, and support one another in the challenges we face as working women, especially as workers’ and women’s rights are under attack,” said Frietchen. “It’s how we build strength in our workplaces and community in our lives.”
Approximately 400 delegates, guests, and staff from the largest unions across North America attended CLUW’s Convention.
