The IAM New Jersey State Council (NJSC) recently held its annual meeting, bringing together more than 100 union leaders, political advocates, and members from across New Jersey. The focus of the gathering was on advancing pro-worker legislation and preparing for the 2025 gubernatorial election.
The NJSC represents over 20,000 workers in the state. The meeting was led by Cristino Vilorio, President of the NJSC and Area Director for IAM District 15. Attendees heard from several members of the IAM Union Executive Council, including International President Brian Bryant, Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen, Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan, and Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett.
“Our union’s strength lies in our ability to organize, mobilize, and legislate,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “The work being done here in New Jersey is a model for building power at the state level and fighting for legislation like fair wages for IAM auto technicians.”
IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen addressed delegates with updates about leading contracts in the airline industry. Jody Bennett highlighted the importance of supporting the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) PAC to maintain legislative efforts nationwide.
David Sullivan opened the second day of the meeting by calling for unity among members. Lorie Wilson, Eastern Territory Chief of Staff, spoke about how programs like Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (IAM LEADS) help strengthen the union.
“We can’t let hate in politics divide our nation,” said Sullivan. “We must stay focused on fighting for a stronger labor movement, and that fight starts here in New Jersey.”
Hasan Solomon, National Legislative and Political Director for IAM, emphasized that political engagement is crucial. He told delegates: “In 2025, your voice can be heard LOUD and CLEAR by getting out the vote for IAM endorsed candidates.”
During the event, TCU/IAM National President Artie Maratea presented the Frank Darcy Award for Leadership to retired TCU/IAM National Vice President and Legislative Director Billy DeCarlo. This award honors outstanding leadership among IAM members.
Several elected officials and candidates addressed attendees during the meeting. Speakers included Rep. Bonnie Coleman (D-NJ), Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Rep. Herb Conaway (D-NJ), Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., and Katie Brennan, candidate for Congressional District 32.
Delegates celebrated a recent legislative win: passage of the Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act (A4380/S3309). This law ensures fair wages for automotive dealership mechanics statewide after receiving unanimous bipartisan support in both chambers of New Jersey’s legislature—a result attributed to lobbying efforts by NJSCM.
The IAM continues to represent hundreds of skilled automotive technicians throughout New Jersey while advocating policies aimed at supporting working families.
“With a critical election season ahead, the IAM New Jersey State Council is laser-focused on supporting candidates who fight for working families,” said Vilorio. “We are ready to work to make Mikie Sherrill our next governor and elect pro-labor candidates across the state. I want to thank everyone for helping make this year’s state council meeting a success and it was exciting to celebrate the passage of legislation for our members working at automobile dealerships across New Jersey.”
The NJSCM Executive Board includes Cristino Vilorio as president; Michael Buonpastore as secretary-treasurer; Antony Stevens as executive vice president; Ira Stern as education director; Larry Reeves as PA vice president of airline coordination; Rich Howell as trustee; Mark Perez as vice president railroad; Robert Trapanese as vice president north; Elizabeth Groner-Rosario as vice president airlines; Bobby Stewart as vice president east; Dave Snead as sergeant-at-arms; Marianne DeSantis as trustee/outreach coordinator; C.A. “Obie” O’Brian as trustee; Ross DeConte as trustee; Carmelo Benedicto as auditor; Andre Robinson as auditor/PA airline coordinator; Bill Imbenba as auditor; Will Josey and Hector Perez on COPE committee; Craig Livingston serves as council attorney.
