The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has expanded its efforts to train union organizers who can better serve the needs of an increasingly multilingual workforce. Fifteen IAM members from across the United States and Puerto Rico recently completed the Spanish Organizing I Class at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center.
During the course, IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes and Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen met with participants to discuss the importance of preparing members to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking workers. Cervantes and Johnsen both emphasized strengthening organizing capacity by removing language barriers and building collective power on shop floors.
“This training helps develop stronger organizers, stewards, and leaders who can connect with workers in their own language, remove barriers to participation, and ensure every worker has a real voice on the job. As organizing campaigns increasingly involve multilingual workplaces, this type of training is essential to winning elections, securing strong contracts, and growing our union,” according to a statement from IAM leadership.
The Spanish Organizing I program provides practical skills for running successful organizing campaigns. The curriculum uses real case studies from previous IAM efforts and focuses on effective messaging, one-on-one communication strategies, and planning for successful organizing initiatives.
The next session of Spanish Organizing I is scheduled for December 13–18, 2026. It is open to all IAM members and staff through assignment by a General Vice President. Fluency in Spanish is not required; however, a basic understanding of spoken Spanish is helpful for participants.
Local chapters or districts interested in enrolling members should contact their General Vice President for more information or assignment.
For further details about enrollment or future classes at the Winpisinger Center, inquiries can be made via phone at 301-373-8820 or email at w3leadership@iamaw.org.
