The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) New Jersey State Council (NJSC) recently held its annual meeting, gathering more than 100 union leaders, political advocates, and members from across the state. The event focused on advancing pro-worker legislation and preparing for the upcoming 2025 gubernatorial election.
The NJSC represents over 20,000 IAM members in New Jersey. Cristino Vilorio, President of the NJSC and Area Director for IAM District 15, led the meeting. Attendees heard from several IAM Executive Council members including International President Brian Bryant, Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen, Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan, and Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett.
“Our union’s strength lies in our ability to organize, mobilize, and legislate,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “The work being done here in New Jersey is a model for building power at the state level and fighting for legislation like fair wages for IAM auto technicians.”
Richie Johnsen updated delegates about recent contract gains in the airline industry. Jody Bennett highlighted the importance of supporting the Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) PAC to maintain legislative advocacy efforts nationwide.
David Sullivan opened the second day with a message calling for unity within the labor movement. Lorie Wilson, Eastern Territory Chief of Staff, spoke about the Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (IAM LEADS), emphasizing its role in strengthening union leadership.
“We can’t let hate in politics divide our nation,” said Sullivan. “We must stay focused on fighting for a stronger labor movement, and that fight starts here in New Jersey.”
Hasan Solomon, National Legislative and Political Director for IAM, stressed to delegates that active political participation is crucial. He stated: “In 2025, your voice can be heard LOUD and CLEAR by getting out the vote for IAM endorsed candidates.”
Each year at this meeting, NJSC presents the Frank Darcy Award to recognize outstanding leadership among its members. This year’s award was given by TCU/IAM National President Artie Maratea to retired TCU/IAM National Vice President Billy DeCarlo for his service and commitment to legislative advocacy.
A number of elected officials addressed attendees during the meeting including Rep. Bonnie Coleman (D-NJ), Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Rep. Herb Conaway (D-NJ), Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., and Katie Brennan—candidate for Congressional District 32.
Delegates celebrated a legislative win with passage of the Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act (A4380/S3309). The law ensures fair wages for automotive dealership mechanics throughout New Jersey after receiving unanimous bipartisan support in both chambers—a result attributed largely to lobbying efforts by NJSCM delegates.
The IAM continues to represent hundreds of skilled automotive technicians statewide while advocating policies that benefit working families.
“With a critical election season ahead, the IAM New Jersey State Council is laser-focused on supporting candidates who fight for working families,” said Vilorio. “We are ready to work to make Mikie Sherrill our next governor and elect pro-labor candidates across the state. I want to thank everyone for helping make this year’s state council meeting a success and it was exciting to celebrate the passage of legislation for our members working at automobile dealerships across New Jersey.”
The current NJSCM Executive Board includes Cristino Vilorio as president; Michael Buonpastore as secretary-treasurer; Antony Stevens as executive vice president; Ira Stern as education director; Larry Reeves as PA vice president of airline coordination; Rich Howell as trustee; Mark Perez as vice president—railroad; Robert Trapanese as vice president—north; Elizabeth Groner-Rosario as vice president—airlines; Bobby Stewart as vice president—east; Dave Snead as sergeant-at-arms; Marianne DeSantis as trustee/outreach coordinator; C.A.“Obie” O’Brian as trustee; Ross DeConte as trustee; Carmelo Benedicto as auditor; Andre Robinson as auditor/PA airline coordinator; Bill Imbenba as auditor; Will Josey and Hector Perez on COPE committee person roles respectively; Craig Livingston serves as council attorney.
