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The IAM’s New Jersey State Council (NJSC) held its annual meeting bringing together over 100 IAM Union leaders, political advocates, and members from across the Garden State to strategize around pro-worker legislation and prepare for the critical 2025 gubernatorial election.
View photos from the New Jersey State Council.
The NJSC is a diverse IAM state council representing over 20,000 New Jerseyans.
The meeting was led by IAM New Jersey State Council President and IAM District 15 Area Director Cristino Vilorio. The delegates heard from IAM Union Executive Council members, including IAM International President Brian Bryant, IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen, IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan, and IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett.
“Our union’s strength lies in our ability to organize, mobilize, and legislate,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “The work being done here in New Jersey is a model for building power at the state level and fighting for legislation like fair wages for IAM auto technicians.”
IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen also pumped up the NJSCM delegates with great news about airline industry-leading contracts.
https://x.com/iamairtransport/status/1952436439930560949
IAM General Vice President Jody Bennett emphasized the importance of contributing to the union’s Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) PAC to ensure the IAM can continue its legislative efforts nationwide.
IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan kicked off Day 2 of the meeting with a call to unity. Eastern Territory Chief of Staff Lorie Wilson also gave a powerful testimony on the importance of the Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters, or IAM LEADS and how it helps strengthen our great Union.
“We can’t let hate in politics divide our nation,” said Sullivan. “We must stay focused on fighting for a stronger labor movement, and that fight starts here in New Jersey.”
🔥 IAM Eastern Territory GVP David Sullivan kicked off Day 2️⃣ of the NJ State Council with a strong message about not letting hate in politics divide our nation.
We must focus on fighting for a better labor movement! #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/AbV1HU8uNk
— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) August 5, 2025
IAM National Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon reminded delegates that political engagement is essential.
IAM Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon explained to the NJSC delegates that elections have consequences.
📣 “In 2025, your voice can be heard LOUD and CLEAR by getting out the vote for IAM endorsed candidates.” #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/0o8cx4QIVh
— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) August 5, 2025
The IAM New Jersey State Council gives out the Frank Darcy Award every year. This award recognizes outstanding leadership among IAM Members in furthering the mission of the union and of working people. It is presented each year in honor of lifelong trade unionist, Frank Darcy, an IAM Activist from the New Jersey area.
TCU/IAM National President Artie Maratea presented the Frank Darcy Award for Leadership to retired TCU/IAM National Vice President and Legislative Director Billy DeCarlo. This annual award recognizes a delegate’s service and commitment to legislative advocacy.
A large selection of elected officials and candidates from New Jersey spoke to the NJSC delegates, including:
Honorable Marty Small Sr., Atlantic City Mayor
Katie Brennan, candidate for New Jersey Congressional District 32
The NJSC delegates also celebrated a significant legislative victory, the passage of the Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act (A4380/S3309), which ensures fair wages for automotive dealership mechanics across New Jersey. The legislation passed both the Senate and Assembly with unanimous bipartisan support, due in large part to NJSCM’s lobbying efforts.
The IAM represents hundreds of skilled automotive technicians across New Jersey and continues to fight for policies that lift up working families and strengthen the labor movement.
With a critical election season ahead, the IAM New Jersey State Council is laser-focused on supporting candidates who fight for working families,” said Vilorio. “We are ready to work to make Mikie Sherrill our next governor and elect pro-labor candidates across the state. I want to thank everyone for helping make this year’s state council meeting a success and it was exciting to celebrate the passage of legislation for our members working at automobile dealerships across New Jersey.”
Members of the NJSCM Executive Board:
