The TCU/IAM Executive Council has unanimously elected National Vice President Matt Hollis as National President-Elect. This decision follows the resignation of Artie Maratea, who stepped down due to health concerns.
In a statement, Hollis said, “I am deeply honored by the confidence and unanimous support shown by the Executive Council in selecting me to lead this Union. I have spent my entire career grounded in the belief that strong unions are built on respect, fairness, and decency in the workplace. I remain fully committed to serving our membership with integrity, standing shoulder to shoulder with them at the bargaining table, and upholding TCU/IAM’s proud legacy of strong contracts, fierce representation, and unwavering solidarity.”
Hollis began his railroad career in 2004 as a yard clerk for CSXT Railroad in Birmingham, Alabama. He joined TCU Lodge 691 soon after and was appointed protective committeeman in 2005. Over the following years, he held various leadership positions within the union including Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Gate City Lodge 1295 in Atlanta and Local Chairman of Lodge 1295. In 2010, then-National President Scardelletti appointed him Assistant National Representative for Unit 96 in Jacksonville. By 2014 he had become National Representative for that unit.
He was elected TCU National Vice President by the Executive Council in 2016 and re-elected by acclamation at both the 2018 and 2022 Conventions. In 2020 he became Special Assistant to the President where he participated extensively in contract negotiations and served as spokesperson during multi-union coalitions.
The Executive Council issued a statement expressing its support: “The Executive Council has the utmost confidence in Matt Hollis and his ability to lead this Union with integrity, strength, and a deep commitment to our membership. Matt is widely respected throughout the railroad industry and the labor movement, and he has earned a reputation for honesty, fairness, and principled leadership.”
“Throughout his career,” continued their statement, “Matt has consistently demonstrated a resolute dedication to protecting workers’ rights, strengthening collective bargaining, and upholding the values upon which this Union was built. The Executive Council has full faith in his judgment, experience, and proven leadership, and we are confident he will continue to serve the membership with distinction and steadfast resolve.”
