Matt Hollis has been elected as the National President-Elect of TCU/IAM following the resignation of Artie Maratea, who stepped down due to health concerns. The decision was made unanimously by the TCU/IAM Executive Council.
Hollis expressed gratitude for the support from the council. “I am deeply honored by the confidence and unanimous support shown by the Executive Council in selecting me to lead this Union. I have spent my entire career grounded in the belief that strong unions are built on respect, fairness, and decency in the workplace. I remain fully committed to serving our membership with integrity, standing shoulder to shoulder with them at the bargaining table, and upholding TCU/IAM’s proud legacy of strong contracts, fierce representation, and unwavering solidarity.”
Hollis began his railroad career in 2004 as a yard clerk at CSXT Railroad in Birmingham, Alabama. He joined TCU Lodge 691 and was appointed protective committeeman in 2005. Over subsequent years, he held various leadership roles including Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Gate City Lodge 1295 in Atlanta and Local Chairman of Lodge 1295. In 2010, he became Assistant National Representative for TCU/IAM Unit 96 in Jacksonville, Florida, later advancing to National Representative.
In 2016, Hollis was elected TCU National Vice President by the Executive Council and was re-elected by acclamation at both the 2018 and 2022 conventions. Since 2020, he has served as Special Assistant to the President where he played a key role in contract negotiations and acted as spokesperson in multi-union coalitions.
The Executive Council released a statement regarding their decision: “The Executive Council has the utmost confidence in Matt Hollis and his ability to lead this Union with integrity, strength, and a deep commitment to our membership. Matt is widely respected throughout the railroad industry and the labor movement, and he has earned a reputation for honesty, fairness, and principled leadership.
Throughout his career, Matt has consistently demonstrated a resolute dedication to protecting workers’ rights, strengthening collective bargaining, and upholding the values upon which this Union was built. The Executive Council has full faith in his judgment, experience, and proven leadership, and we are confident he will continue to serve the membership with distinction and steadfast resolve.”
