The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) New Jersey State Council (NJSC) recently convened its annual meeting, gathering more than 100 union leaders, political advocates, and members from across the state. The focus was on advancing pro-worker legislation and preparing for the upcoming 2025 gubernatorial election.
The NJSC represents over 20,000 IAM members in New Jersey. The meeting was led by Cristino Vilorio, President of the NJSC and Area Director for IAM District 15. Attendees heard from several IAM Executive Council members, 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 shared updates about recent contracts achieved in the airline industry. Jody Bennett emphasized the importance of supporting the union’s Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) PAC to maintain legislative efforts nationwide.
David Sullivan opened the second day of the meeting with a call for unity within the labor movement. Lorie Wilson, Eastern Territory Chief of Staff, spoke about the Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (IAM LEADS), highlighting its role in strengthening 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, IAM National Legislative and Political Director, stressed that political participation is crucial for achieving legislative goals. 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 furthering the mission of working people.
Elected officials who addressed attendees 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 New Jersey Congressional District 32.
A major topic at this year’s council was celebrating passage of the Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act (A4380/S3309). This law ensures fair wages for automotive dealership mechanics statewide and received unanimous bipartisan support in both legislative chambers after significant lobbying by NJSCM delegates.
IAM represents hundreds of skilled automotive technicians throughout New Jersey and continues 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/legislative director; Michael Buonpastore as secretary-treasurer; Antony Stevens as executive vice president/COPE; Ira Stern as education director/COPE 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/COPE; 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 as COPE committee person; Hector Perez as COPE committee person; Craig Livingston as council attorney.
