The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has continued its focus on organizing within a multilingual workforce by conducting the Spanish Organizing I Class at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center. Fifteen IAM members from the United States and Puerto Rico took part in this recent training.
IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes and Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen addressed the participants during their visit to the class. Cervantes and Johnsen highlighted the need for organizers who can communicate with Spanish-speaking workers, emphasizing that effective communication helps build collective power in workplaces.
“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. As organizing campaigns increasingly involve multilingual workplaces, this type of training is essential to winning elections, securing strong contracts, and growing our union,” according to the IAM statement.
The Spanish Organizing I course uses real case studies from IAM’s organizing history to teach practical skills for running successful campaigns. The curriculum covers messaging strategies, one-on-one conversations, and planning for organizing efforts.
The next session of Spanish Organizing I is scheduled for December 13–18, 2026. It is open to all IAM members and staff by assignment from a General Vice President. While fluency in Spanish is not mandatory for participation, a basic understanding of spoken Spanish is considered helpful.
IAM locals or districts interested in enrolling members or staff are advised to contact their General Vice President for assignment. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Winpisinger Center at 301-373-8820 or via email at w3leadership@iamaw.org.
