IAM Union members, retirees, and staff recently joined women and allies from various labor unions at the 2025 Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) Convention in San Diego, California. The event aimed to strengthen women’s roles within the labor movement, local unions, communities, and workplaces.
A significant moment for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) delegation was the transition of leadership within CLUW. Julie Frietchen, who currently serves as IAM’s Women and Young Workers Director, handed over her position as elected Vice President of CLUW for IAM to Demetress Colbert. Colbert is set to take on the IAM Women and Young Workers Director role beginning 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.”
During the convention, delegates elected new vice presidents representing each participating union. Demetress Colbert ran unopposed for IAM’s seat 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 participated in workshops addressing topics such as workers’ rights for women, international garment workers’ justice campaigns, health and well-being strategies, women’s history in labor movements, and organizing basics.
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 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 also acknowledged Julie Frietchen’s contributions during her tenure as a CLUW Vice President: “Thank you for your friendship, your fire, and your lifelong dedication to lifting women in this movement,” Cervantes said. “You make all of us at the IAM so proud.”
Delegates voted on resolutions intended to guide CLUW’s direction over the next two years.
Julie Frietchen highlighted the importance of such 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.”
Approximately 400 delegates representing major unions across North America attended this year’s convention.
