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IAM Union leaders, staff and special guests recently gathered in Hazelwood, Mo. for the Midwest Territory Staff Conference, a multi-day meeting focused on strengthening education and collaboration to better serve IAM members.
Hosted at IAM District 837, the conference brought together the Business Representatives, Directing Business Representatives, and International Representatives of the Midwest Territory for sessions covering leadership, organizing, legal and constitutional protocol, apprenticeships, member and veterans’ services, retirement resources and more.
The conference opened with remarks from IAM International President Brian Bryant, General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes, and Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. Their messages set the tone for a conference centered on preparing IAM staff to meet the challenges facing working people.
“Each year, I look forward to this opportunity because it allows each of us to step away from our daily responsibilities, come together as one team, share ideas, learn from one another, and return home better equipped to serve our members,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli.
“Our union appreciates all of you,” said IAM International Brian Bryant. “We promise to provide you with the support and resources you need to best represent our members. It doesn’t matter if it’s a 5,000-person unit or a 50-person unit. It’s just as important to me.”
“When companies sit across from us, they’re looking at strong resources, united leadership, and financial strength,” said IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes. “We have the power to strike, the power to organize, the power to win strong contracts, and the power to grow.”
One key session, “Be More Than a Bystander,” led by IAM Director of Women’s & Young Workers Dee Colbert, focused on creating safer, more inclusive workplaces and empowering staff to act when they witness harassment and bullying.
The Midwest Territory H.E.L.P.S. Awards recognized outstanding service to the community led by staff, officers and engaged members.
Organizing and membership growth were a central theme throughout the conference. Special Representative Ryan Haehnlein provided an update on Midwest Territory membership trends and organizing opportunities, while International Representatives Geny Ulloa and Chris Tucker led an interactive organizing module designed to strengthen skills and share strategies for building membership.
IAM Training and Apprenticeships General Vice President Jon Holden and Director Shana Peschek held a conversation about building on the IAM’s existing apprenticeship programs in industries like aerospace and automotive and expanding into other industries. IAM Automotive Director Craig Hughes provided an update on the automotive industry, where the IAM represents thousands of mechanics in the Midwest.
IAM General Counsel Carla Siegel led an in-depth legal session addressing artificial intelligence, including potential contract language and protections for workers, as well as FMLA issues and legal responsibilities in representing members.
Additional sessions explored online elections and voting, bylaws, organizing, servicing and constitutional procedures. International Representative for the Midwest Territory Kevin Murch led a panel discussion with General Counsel Siegel, Special Assistant to the International President Jeff McLeod, Midwest Territory Coordinator Bill LePinske, and Midwest Territory International Representative Geny Ulloa, about legal protocols and constitutional laws, providing staff with an opportunity to discuss challenges that arise in their day-to-day work.
IAM Membership Assistance Director James Little and Assistant Director Richard Evans delivered a presentation on resources available to IAM members and their families, highlighting support through IAM Veterans Services.
A high point of the conference was a live episode recording of Shift Change: The IAM Union Podcast, hosted by International President Brian Bryant and joined by Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli, giving attendees an opportunity to hear directly from the IAM’s top elected leader and engage in discussion about the issues affecting the union.
The conference concluded with an open-mic session featuring General Vice President Cicinelli, service awards, and the Remarkable Raffle benefiting Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines.
The Midwest Territory Staff Conference underscored the importance of continuing to invest in IAM staff, strengthen organizing and servicing skills, and share knowledge across the Territory to ensure members receive the representation they deserve.
IAM Midwest Territory 2026 Staff Conference Photos
