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The IAM New Mexico State Council gathered in Ruidoso, N.M., for a weekend of solidarity, strategy, and action, uniting IAM Union members from across the state to strengthen organizing efforts, political engagement, and communication among locals. Delegates focused on organizing, legislative engagement, and communication to strengthen the Union’s voice in workplaces and communities throughout New Mexico.
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IAM New Mexico State Council President John Dyrcz (Local 794) kicked off the meeting with energy and purpose, setting a tone of unity that carried throughout the weekend. He also welcomed delegates with remarks that stressed the importance of collaboration and commitment to the labor movement.
Following the opening session, IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes delivered a “State of Our Union” update, highlighting the IAM’s continued growth, recent contract victories, and national campaigns advancing the rights of working people. GST Cervantes inspired NMSC delegates to continue building on IAM’s long legacy of advocacy and strength.
IAM GST Dora Cervantes is kicking off the IAM New Mexico State Council meeting in Ruidoso, N.M., with an update on the state of our Union. 💪🏽 #Unionstrong pic.twitter.com/MwkEUY9bQ4
— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) October 9, 2025
IAM Union Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez energized the delegates around the fight for federal employees and IAM federal contract workers, and highlighting the IAM’s critical role in defending fair pay, benefits, and workplace protections.
IAM Western Territory GVP Robert “Bobby” Martinez is speaking to the N.M. delegates on the issues facing federal workers/contractors in the territory and how they are fighting back! pic.twitter.com/XEazvdni3a
— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) October 9, 2025
Throughout the weekend, delegates engaged in discussions on organizing, leadership development, and political advocacy, with a focus on strengthening the IAM’s presence in New Mexico and building deeper alliances with labor-friendly elected officials.
IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen encouraged members to reinforce the union’s air transport campaigns, underscoring how victories in one division benefit the entire organization.
Day 2 at the IAM New Mexico State Council kicked off with @iamairtransport GVP Richie Johnsen providing an update on the territory, including negotiation updates with airline carriers. pic.twitter.com/Ni1f2Af27x
— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) October 10, 2025
Josh Hartford, Special Assistant to the IAM Union International President, celebrated IAM Union Local 331’s first time participating in the NMSC meeting. Hartford also gave a detailed breakdown of the issues facing the rail industry.
Josh Hartford, IAM Asst. to the International President for the Rail Division, gave the NM delegates a report about what is going on in the rail industry.
The IAM Rail Division continues to give members a strong voice in the rail industry. 🚆 pic.twitter.com/nmzTaeRage
— IAM Union (@IAM_Union) October 10, 2025
Other speakers included
IAM Assistant Legislative and Political Director Loren Almeroth and IAM Assistant Communications Director DeLane Adams.
“Our state council meeting went great,” said NMSC President John Dyrcz. “Over the past two days, we laid down a strong foundation for the 2026 election cycle and updated our bylaws to make sure we have solid ground for picking labor-friendly candidates and next year’s elections. I want to see continued participation, and I hope some new individuals will volunteer to give their time and talents to state council leadership. My message for our delegates is to stay engaged, activate, agitate, and organize.”
The NMSC delegates left Ruidoso with a renewed determination to build union power across New Mexico through solidarity, communication, and action.
NMSC Officers are:
Affiliated locals included:
