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IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway has announced his retirement, effective Jan. 1, 2024.
Galloway began his membership in IAM Local 459 (District 77) in 1986 as a brewer at the Stroh Brewery Company in St. Paul, Minn. During his 11 years at Stroh’s, Galloway served as Union Steward, Bargaining Committeeperson, and Bargaining Committee Chairperson. He also served as an Executive Board Member of IAM Local 459 and as District 77 President.
In 1998, Galloway was elected District 77 Business Representative. In 2007, he was elected as District 77 Directing Business Representative.
Galloway also served the membership of District 77 as Chairman of the Machinists, Tool and Die Apprenticeship Committee, Trustee on the St. Paul Auto Dealers Trust Fund, Chairman of the District 77 Health and Welfare Trust Fund, Organizing Director, and Vice President of the Minnesota State Council of Machinists.
Galloway was appointed to the IAM Midwest Territory staff as a Special Representative in 2008. He became a Grand Lodge Representative for the IAM Midwest Territory in 2009 and was appointed Chief of Staff to General Vice President Philip J. Gruber in December 2016. As Chief of Staff, he implemented the IAM Honoring, Engaging, Lifting, Providing, and Servicing (H.E.L.P.S.) program. Galloway became IAM Midwest General Vice President in 2019. Just two months into his tenure, he mandated mental health training for all Grand Lodge Representatives, Business Representatives, District and Local Lodge leadership, and Stewards. Galloway is leading the IAM’s efforts to find new ways to grow our union and develop the next generation of union leaders and activists.
“It’s been an honor to serve alongside each and every IAM member in the Midwest Territory and throughout our union,” said Galloway. “I have so much respect for the men and women on the frontlines in the fight for respect and dignity for working families. Retirement is a stage of one’s career that many individuals strive for and what we fight for every day. During my term as Chief of Staff and GVP, we’ve secured a number of strong contracts over the years. I want to thank all of the DBRs and Business Reps for their hard work, support, and working with my staff as a team to accomplish all that we’ve been able to accomplish these last seven years in this territory. I want to thank my fellow members of the Executive Council for their support in my efforts toward creative ideas and re-setting the trajectory of our union. We are well on our way towards a new chapter for the IAM.”
Sam Cicinelli, IAM Midwest Territory Special Assistant to the General Vice President, will take over as IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President, effective Jan 1, 2024.
Before being appointed IAM Midwest Territory Special Assistant to the General Vice President, he previously served as Directing Business Representative of IAM Local 701, the nation’s largest mechanics local, representing over 5,600 workers in the Chicagoland area. He has been an IAM member for more than 34 years.
Cicinelli was initiated into Local 701 as a Cadillac Technician in 1988 where he served as Shop Steward and Vice President. Cicinelli was then appointed as an Organizer in 2000 and a Business Representative in 2001, where he serviced the trailer and body industry, automotive and body shop technicians, forklift industry, United Parcel Service, and General Trucking (ABF, Roadway, USF Holland and Yellow Transportation). He was selected as Assistant Directing Business Representative in 2010 and appointed by the Executive Board as Directing Business Representative in 2012.
As Directing Business Representative, Cicinelli led two successful, highly-publicized strikes, which resulted in the complete dismantling of Chicago’s new car dealer association. He’s also successfully managed and expanded one of the IAM’s premiere apprenticeship training programs, the Mechanics Local 701 Training Center. He also spearheaded a legislative change for automotive and trucking technicians being paid on the incentive system in Illinois changing the Industry on a fairer compensation method.
“I am humbled and honored by the trust placed in me by our membership,” said Cicinelli. “This opportunity is a testament to the collective strength of our union and the shared belief in a brighter future for our union and the Midwest Territory. With profound gratitude and an unwavering commitment, I look forward to championing our values, advancing our interests, continuing to grow our union in strength and numbers and ensuring that the voices of IAM members resound powerfully across the Midwest and beyond.”
Cicinelli’s additional experience includes being Chairman and Trustee of the Local 701 Health and Welfare and Pension Funds, Chairman of the Local 701 Apprenticeship Training Fund, and Chairman of the Local 701 401(k) Defined Contribution Plan.
