IAM union members, retirees, and staff participated in the 2025 Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) Convention in San Diego, California. The event brought together women and allies from various labor unions to focus on increasing women’s influence within the labor movement, local unions, communities, and workplaces.
The convention marked a transition for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) delegation. Julie Frietchen, the current Women and Young Workers Director, passed her position as elected Vice President of CLUW for IAM to Demetress Colbert. Colbert will take over as IAM Women and Young Workers Director starting 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.”
Delegates at the convention elected new vice presidents representing each participating union. Demetress Colbert was chosen unopposed for IAM with support from IAM International President Brian Bryant. Sylvia J. Ramos from the Communications Workers of America (CWA) was elected as CLUW National President.
Before the official start of the convention, attendees joined workshops addressing topics such as women workers’ rights, international garment workers’ justice efforts, physical and mental health improvement, women’s roles in labor history, and organizing basics for CLUW.
Alana Kirkpatrick, Secretary-Treasurer of IAM Local 850 and Oklahoma State Council President, commented on the value of 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 through a 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,“ said Cervantes. “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 three-year tenure as CLUW Vice President: “Thank you for your friendship, your fire, and your lifelong dedication to lifting women in this movement,” said Cervantes. “You make all of us at the IAM so proud.”
During the convention proceedings, delegates voted on resolutions that will guide CLUW’s mission over the next two years.
Frietchen emphasized the importance of gatherings like this: “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 attended this year’s event from major unions across North America.
