IAM union members, retirees, and staff joined women and allies from other labor unions in San Diego, California, for the 2025 Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) Convention. The event focused on strengthening women’s roles within the labor movement, local unions, communities, and workplaces.
A significant development for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) delegation was the transition in leadership as Julie Frietchen handed over her responsibilities as the elected Vice President of CLUW for IAM to Demetress Colbert. Colbert will officially take on the role of IAM Women and Young Workers Director starting January 1, 2026.
“I want the IAM to build our presence and activism in CLUW,” said Colbert. “I’m excited to take on this role and recruit more sisters to become active in CLUW, to carry what they learn back to their unions, to build the courage to take on leadership positions, and to lift up fellow women.”
Delegates at the convention elected new vice presidents representing each participating union. Demetress Colbert was elected unopposed as Vice President for IAM with support from IAM International President Brian Bryant. Sylvia J. Ramos from the Communications Workers of America (CWA) was chosen as CLUW National President.
Before the official start of the convention, attendees took part in workshops covering topics such as women workers’ rights, international garment workers’ justice efforts, health improvement strategies, labor history focusing on women, and organizing basics within CLUW.
Alana Kirkpatrick, Secretary-Treasurer of IAM Local 850 and Oklahoma State Council President commented on these sessions: “The workshops were not only interesting and educational, but they also cultivated camaraderie. In addition to tending to the business of the Convention, passing resolutions and constitutional amendments, we were able to discuss challenges in the workplace specific to women and how we can support ourselves and each other.”
IAM Union General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes addressed attendees via video message due to scheduling conflicts that prevented her from attending in person. “First, let me say how truly sorry I am that I can’t be there with you in person,“ Cervantes stated. “There’s nothing like being in a room full of powerful union women, sharing stories, strength, and strategy.”
Cervantes acknowledged Julie Frietchen’s contributions during her three-year tenure as a CLUW Vice President: “Thank you for your friendship, your fire, and your lifelong dedication to lifting women in this movement,” she said. “You make all of us at the IAM so proud.”
Convention delegates voted on resolutions that will guide CLUW’s mission for the next two years.
Julie Frietchen emphasized the importance of these gatherings: “It’s very important for women to come together in a space like this where we can connect with each other, share experiences, and support one another in the challenges we face as working women, especially as workers’ and women’s rights are under attack,” she said. “It’s how we build strength in our workplaces and community in our lives.”
About 400 delegates attended this year’s convention from major unions across North America.
