The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is increasing its efforts to train organizers who can communicate with a multilingual workforce. Fifteen IAM members from the United States and Puerto Rico recently completed the Spanish Organizing I Class at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center.
Dora Cervantes, IAM General Secretary-Treasurer, and Richie Johnsen, IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President, visited the class to address participants. They stressed the need for preparing union members to connect with Spanish-speaking workers. “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,” they said.
As more organizing campaigns involve multilingual workplaces, IAM officials say this training is important for winning elections and securing contracts. The course uses case studies from past IAM organizing efforts and covers effective messaging, one-on-one conversations, and planning strategies.
The next Spanish Organizing I Class is scheduled for December 13–18, 2026. It will be open to all IAM members and staff by assignment from a General Vice President. While fluency in Spanish is not required for enrollment, a basic understanding of spoken Spanish is recommended.
IAM locals or districts interested in enrolling members should contact their General Vice President for assignment. For additional information about the program or future classes at the Winpisinger Center, individuals can call 301-373-8820 or email w3leadership@iamaw.org.
