Ryan Haehnlein has been appointed as the Special Representative for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Midwest Territory, with his term beginning on January 1, 2026. The appointment was made by IAM International President Brian Bryant.
Haehnlein has been a member of IAM Local 701 since 2011. He started his union involvement in the heavy-duty trucking industry at M&K Truck Centers, where he served as a Shop Steward. During this time, he achieved several grievance victories and resolved labor disputes for his colleagues. In early 2021, Haehnlein became an Organizer and later that year advanced to Business Representative. By June 2022, he was appointed Assistant Directing Business Representative of Local 701.
IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli commented on the appointment: “IAM members across the Midwest will benefit from Ryan’s deep experience, steady leadership, and unwavering dedication to working families. 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’s responsibilities include serving members in sectors such as freight, heavy-duty vehicles, automotive dealerships, machine shops, equipment manufacturing, and other independent industries. He has also contributed to Local 701’s communications by editing its newsletter and helping develop its website and mobile app.
Beyond his roles within Local 701, Haehnlein serves as a delegate and COPE representative to the Chicago Federation of Labor and acts as Secretary-Treasurer of the IAM Illinois State Council. In January 2024, International President Bryant appointed him to the IAM Law Committee.
Additionally, Haehnlein brings trustee experience from his work with the Local 701 Training Fund and the 401(k) Defined Contribution Plan. He is also a Trustee-in-Training for the Local 701 Health, Welfare, and Pension Fund.
