The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is expanding its efforts to organize a more diverse workforce by offering specialized training in Spanish at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center. Fifteen IAM members from across the United States and Puerto Rico recently completed the Spanish Organizing I Class, designed to help organizers communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking workers.
IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes and IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen attended the class to address participants. “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,” they stated.
The program focuses on practical skills such as effective messaging, one-on-one conversations, and strategies for building successful organizing campaigns using real-life case studies from previous IAM efforts. The goal is to prepare union members to better support Spanish-speaking workers and foster collective power in the workplace.
The next session of Spanish Organizing I will be held from December 13 to 18, 2026. The course is open to all IAM members and staff by assignment from a General Vice President. While fluency in Spanish is not required, a basic understanding of the language is recommended.
Locals or districts interested in enrolling members or staff should contact their General Vice President for further information. Additional details are available through the Winpisinger Center by phone or email.
