www.tcu6760.com
Steven L Pequignot Heartland Lodge 6760
August 8, 2026
37th TCU/IAM Grand Lodge Convention
Monday, August 3, 2026, LAS VEGAS – The Transportation Communications Union/IAM officially opened its 37th Regular Convention this week in Las Vegas, bringing together delegates from across the United States under the theme “Celebrating Our Firsts, Committing to Our Future.”
The week began on Monday with the Brotherhood Railway Carmen Division Convention, where delegates reelected Brotherhood Railway Carmen General President Don Grissom. Under the TCU/IAM Constitution, Grissom also serves as a TCU National Vice President and Special Assistant to the President. Delegates also welcomed the election of the Carmen Executive Board, including Assistant General President Greg Burnett, General Vice President Dan Chancellor, Executive Board Chair Ricky Reilly, and Executive Board Members Jason Cox and Izaak Campos.
Carmen Division Officers and Carmen Executive Board
Tuesday, August 4, 2026, marked the official opening of the TCU/IAM Convention. National Secretary-Treasurer Greg Kocialski called the Convention to order as Temporary Chair before presenting the convention gavel to National President Matt Hollis.
In his keynote address, Hollis reflected on the milestones that have defined TCU’s history while challenging delegates to continue building an even stronger future. His remarks highlighted recent organizing victories, groundbreaking collective bargaining successes, and the union’s commitment to protecting members as automation and artificial intelligence reshape the transportation industry.
“Our greatest strength has always been, and always will be, our solidarity,” Hollis told delegates.
Throughout the day, delegates heard from an impressive lineup of labor leaders and allies, including IAM International President Brian Bryant, National Vice President Nick Peluso, IAM Rail Division head Josh Hartford, Railroad Retirement Board Labor Member John Bragg, and IAM Assistant Secretary to the General Secretary-Treasurer Paul Kendall.
Bryant challenged delegates to continue expanding the labor movement through organizing and political action, while Peluso recounted the solidarity that carried Long Island Rail Road members through the historic 2026 strike and contract victory. Hartford discussed the continued growth of the IAM Rail Division, Bragg provided an update on Railroad Retirement, and Kendall outlined the IAM’s strong financial position and long-term stability.
As delegates continue their work throughout the week, the Convention’s central theme remains clear: honoring the firsts that strengthened TCU/IAM while preparing the union for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
TCU/IAM National Secretary-Treasurer Greg Kocialski
TCU/IAM National President Matt Hollis
IAM Union International President Brian Bryant
Wednesday, August 5, 2026, the 37th TCU/IAM Regular Convention continued with a full agenda highlighting the strength of our union and our partnerships across the labor movement.
Delegates heard remarks from Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen President and Rail Labor Division Chair Mike Baldwin, American Train Dispatchers Association President and Conference of Railway Labor Organizations Chair Ed Dowell, UNITE HERE Local 362 President Eric Clinton, TCU/IAM National Vice President and Brotherhood Railway Carmen General President Don Grissom, IAM General Counsel Carla Siegel, TCU/IAM Training Services Executive Director Megan O'Day, TCU/IAM National Vice President Katrina Coleman, IAM William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center Director Julie Frietchen, and Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines President Tony Blevins.
The day reflected the shared commitment of labor leaders, educators, advocates, and partners working together to strengthen our union and advance the interests of working families.
Thursday, August 6, 2026, – The Transportation Communications Union/IAM concluded its 37th Regular Convention Thursday on one message: the future of the union will be built on the same solidarity that has defined its past.
Delegates overwhelmingly reelected the TCU/IAM Executive Council to another four-year term, returning National President Matt Hollis, National Secretary-Treasurer Greg Kocialski, National Vice Presidents Nick Peluso, Brian Soderstrom, and Katrina Coleman to office. Earlier in the week, Brotherhood Railway Carmen General President Don Grissom was also reelected and will continue serving as a National Vice President under the TCU/IAM Constitution.
Following the election, the Executive Council pledged to continue serving as one team united by purpose, committed to meeting tomorrow’s challenges while never losing sight of the members who place their trust in the union.
Convention business continued with presentations from an outstanding group of labor leaders and partners. Delegates heard from Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen President and Rail Labor Division Chair Mike Baldwin; Air Traffic Controllers Association President and Conference of Railway Labor Organizations Chair Ed Dowell; UNITE HERE Local 362 President Eric Clinton; Brotherhood Railway Carmen General President Don Grissom; TCU/IAM General Counsel Carla Siegel; IAM Training Services Executive Director Megan O’Day; National Vice President Katrina Coleman; William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center Director Julie Frietchen; and Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines President Tony Blevins.
Their presentations reinforced the importance of organizing, education, legal advocacy, coalition building, leadership development, and charitable service in strengthening the labor movement.
The Convention concluded with a forward-looking legislative session featuring IAM Assistant National Legislative and Political Director Dave Arouca, former Surface Transportation Board Chairman Robert Primus, Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO President Greg Regan, and Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV). Their remarks emphasized the importance of political engagement, protecting transportation workers through legislation, supporting passenger and freight rail, and ensuring artificial intelligence is implemented responsibly with strong safeguards for workers.
One of the Convention’s most significant recurring themes was the need for labor to lead the conversation on artificial intelligence. Delegates reaffirmed TCU/IAM’s commitment to protecting members from the misuse of emerging technologies while ensuring innovation enhances, rather than replaces, the skilled workforce that keeps the nation’s transportation system moving.
President Emeritus Robert Scardelletti closed the Convention by presiding over the installation of the newly elected Executive Council, administering the oath of office.
As delegates departed Las Vegas, they carried home more than reports and resolutions. They left with a renewed commitment to the Convention’s theme: celebrating the firsts that strengthened TCU/IAM while working together to forge its future. The Convention may have concluded, but the work of representing, organizing, bargaining, and protecting working families continues in every local lodge across the country.
