District 19 IAMAW

09/06/2026

This weekend, District 19 PDGC Reece Murtagh, General Chairmen Shaun O’Connor and Mike Lemon, and IAM Rail Division representative Josh Hartford attended Local 498’s 10th Annual Family Picnic in the Chicago area.

It was great connecting with members, families, and retirees who remain active in the Local. Thank you to Local 498 for the invitation and hospitality!

09/05/2026

Every right we enjoy in the workplace today, from the eight-hour workday to safe working conditions was earned by workers standing shoulder-to-shoulder. Progress is never won alone; it is built through collective courage and shared commitment. To everyone working hard to build a better future for their families and communities: your labor has dignity, and your voice matters. Today and every day, we stand in unwavering solidarity with working people everywhere.

This Labor Day weekend, and everyday, remember your roots and honor those that sacrificed everything so that future generations would have working conditions better than what they had:

The dramatic origin story behind a favorite end-of-summer long weekend.

09/03/2026

There are five remaining online trainings for 2026, open to any member in good standing. Participants may register themselves and the trainings are typically 1-2 hours. Scan the QR code and register yourself today!

09/02/2026

09/02/2026

Railroad workers have seen what consolidation brings: fewer jobs, closed facilities, increased contracting out and work moved away from the communities that depend on it.

That’s why IAM District 19 and TCU/IAM have joined the Stop the Rail Merger Coalition. We are standing with others across the industry to oppose the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger and demand binding, enforceable protections for railroad workers, their jobs and their communities.

TCU/IAM and IAM District 19 Join Stop the Rail Merger Coalition Sep 2, 2026 | General, News WASHINGTON, Sept. 2, 2026 – The Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) and IAM District 19 have joined the Stop the Rail Merger Coalition, strengthening a growing alliance of rail labor organizations...

08/28/2026

That’s a wrap!!! The 2026 Advanced Local Chairman Program has concluded. District 19 had a wonderful week with all of the students and teachers. Safe travels back home. Solidarity!!!✊

08/27/2026

Another day of mock investigations, appeal writing, LECMPA job insurance presentation, discussions, and strategizing. The 2026 District 19 Advanced Local Chairman Development program is going full steam ahead!!!🚂Machinists Union

08/26/2026

Day 3 is one of the most important days of Advanced Local Chairman Class. The Local Chairman and upcoming Local Chairman get to use the education they have received and apply it to a live mock investigation ran by the general chairman performing the roles of the Carrier. After the mock hearings we have discussions and provide feedback. We were also visited by a representative from United Healthcare. Guide Dogs of America and Tender Loving canines stopped by to say hi, thank us all for our excellent continued partnership and to share heartfelt stories about guide dogs and their owners.

08/25/2026

The second day of the ALC Class was packed full of important information, GC Jason Gibbs and GC Nate Tinsley taught classes on investigation prep, procedures. and objections, IAM legal Council gave a class on the history of the Railway Labor Act, International Reps from the Veterans, Health, and CREST Departments provided information on all of the benefits that the IAM has to offer to members. All of this while the participants are actively preparing for Mock hearings tomorrow and an appeal writing assignment due on Thursday.

08/24/2026

Mike Lemon Appointed District 19 General Chairman

In accordance with the District 19 Bylaws, the Executive Board has approved the appointment of Brother Mike Lemon as General Chairman, replacing recently retired General Chairman Danny Tavares.

Mike began his railroad career with Union Pacific in 2006 and has two decades of experience in the railroad industry and labor movement.

A member of Local 478, he has served as President, Local Chairman, Vice President, Assistant Local Chairman, Auditor and Trustee. He has also served on the District 19 Executive Board.

For the past six months, Mike has served as District 19 Assistant General Chairman and has done an excellent job representing our members.

Please join us in congratulating Mike on his new position!