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IAM International President Brian Bryant has appointed Richard Suarez as IAM Western Territory Coordinator, bringing decades of union experience, education, and dedication to an increased role serving IAM members. The appointment is effective Sept. 1, 2025.
Throughout his career, Suarez has gained extensive collective bargaining and organizing experience in both the private and public sectors. Suarez, who is bilingual in Spanish and English, has played key roles in multiple organizing campaigns, political rallies, and has been a featured lecturer and presenter at IAM Human Rights Conferences.
“A lifetime of service and leadership has prepared Richard for this important role,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez. “His experience, education, and compassion for working people will help strengthen our union and grow the IAM Western Territory.”
Suarez began his IAM career in 1987 as a Reservation Agent for Northwest Airlines and a proud member of Local 1932 in Los Angeles. He quickly earned the trust of his fellow members, later transferring to Los Angeles International Airport where he was elected Grievance Committee Chairman. His leadership and advocacy for airline workers propelled him to new roles within the union.
Suarez went on to be elected Air Transport District 143 General Chairman, before being appointed an Educational Representative at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in 2011, where he trained and mentored IAM members from across North America. In 2013, he joined the IAM Western Territory Staff as a Special Representative, and just two years later, was promoted to International Representative for the IAM Western Territory.
Suarez’s academic background matches his professional expertise. He holds a master of science degree with a double major in labor studies – union leadership and administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, as well as a bachelor’s of arts degree from the National Labor College in Silver Spring, Maryland.
