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IAM Union International President Brian Bryant has appointed IAM Local 701 Assistant Directing Business Representative Ryan Haehnlein to serve as a Special Representative for the IAM Midwest Territory, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Haehnlein, a proud member of IAM Local 701 since 2011, began his union career in the heavy-duty trucking industry at M&K Truck Centers. As a Shop Steward, he secured multiple grievance victories and successfully resolved labor disputes on behalf of his coworkers. He was appointed as an Organizer in early 2021 and later that year became a Business Representative. In June 2022, he was appointed Local 701 Assistant Directing Business Representative.
“IAM members across the Midwest will benefit from Ryan’s deep experience, steady leadership, and unwavering dedication to working families,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Ryan has proven time and again that he is a fighter for our members—at the bargaining table, on the shop floor, and in every role he has taken on. We are proud to welcome him to the Midwest Territory staff.”
Haehnlein currently services members across freight, heavy-duty, automotive dealership, machine shop, equipment, and various manufacturing and independent sectors. He has also strengthened Local 701’s communications program as editor of the Local 701 newsletter and by contributing to the development of the Local’s website and mobile app.
His service extends into broader labor leadership roles, including serving as a delegate and COPE representative to the Chicago Federation of Labor and as Secretary-Treasurer of the IAM Illinois State Council. In January 2024, he was appointed by International President Bryant to the IAM Law Committee.
Haehnlein also brings extensive trustee experience, serving on the Local 701 Training Fund and the 401(k) Defined Contribution Plan, and as a Trustee-in-Training for the Local 701 Health, Welfare, and Pension Fund.
He has completed wide-ranging training at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center—covering collective bargaining, arbitration, negotiations, health care, local history, mental health, and more—and has attended several International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans programs.
