The IAM New Jersey State Council (NJSC) recently held its annual meeting, bringing together more than 100 union leaders, political advocates, and members from across New Jersey. The focus of the gathering was on advancing pro-worker legislation and preparing for the upcoming 2025 gubernatorial election.
The NJSC represents over 20,000 workers in the state. Cristino Vilorio, President of the NJSC and Area Director for IAM District 15, led the meeting. Delegates heard from several members of the IAM Executive Council, 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.”
Richie Johnsen addressed delegates about new contracts in the airline industry that set standards for workers. Jody Bennett highlighted the importance of supporting the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) PAC to help continue legislative advocacy efforts.
David Sullivan opened the second day of the meeting by emphasizing unity within the labor movement. Lorie Wilson, Eastern Territory Chief of Staff, spoke about how programs like Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (IAM LEADS) are helping strengthen union leadership.
“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, National Legislative and Political Director for IAM, reminded attendees about the significance of political participation.
“In 2025, your voice can be heard LOUD and CLEAR by getting out the vote for IAM endorsed candidates.”
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Frank Darcy Award for Leadership by TCU/IAM National President Artie Maratea to retired TCU/IAM National Vice President and Legislative Director Billy DeCarlo. The award honors significant contributions to legislative advocacy within the union.
Several elected officials and candidates addressed delegates during the meeting. These 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, a candidate for New Jersey’s Congressional District 32.
Delegates also marked a recent legislative achievement: passage of the Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act (A4380/S3309). This law ensures fair pay for automotive dealership mechanics throughout New Jersey and passed both chambers with bipartisan support after extensive lobbying by NJSCM members.
The IAM continues to represent hundreds of skilled automotive technicians across New Jersey while working toward policies that benefit working families statewide.
“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 current NJSCM Executive Board includes Cristino Vilorio as president; Michael Buonpastore as secretary-treasurer; Antony Stevens as executive vice president; Ira Stern as education director; Larry Reeves as vice president of airline coordination; Rich Howell as trustee; Mark Perez as vice president representing railroads; Robert Trapanese as vice president north; Elizabeth Groner-Rosario as vice president airlines; 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 and Hector Perez on COPE committee; and Craig Livingston serving as council attorney.
