IAM District 751 President Jon Holden has been appointed as a General Vice President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), effective April 1, following a unanimous vote by the IAM Executive Council on March 26. In his new role, Holden will focus on expanding the union’s apprenticeship and training programs as General Vice President of Training and Apprenticeships.
Holden’s appointment comes at a time when unions are emphasizing workforce development to prepare for industry changes. His experience is expected to support efforts in equipping members with skills needed for evolving sectors.
Holden has been an IAM member for 28 years, joining Local 751F in 1997 while working at Boeing’s Everett facility. He has served in various roles within the union, including steward, committee chair, and local officer positions. Since becoming District 751 President in March 2014, he has represented more than 32,000 aerospace and manufacturing workers at Boeing and other employers across Puget Sound.
During his tenure as president, Holden led members through a significant strike at Boeing in 2024 that resulted in wage increases, improved job security protections, and greater worker involvement in production processes. He also serves as president of the Machinists Institute’s Board of Directors—a group focused on expanding education and workforce development initiatives.
“I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve on the IAM Executive Council and to continue fighting for our members,” said Holden. “Expanding apprenticeship programs and investing in cutting-edge training must be at the center of our union’s future.”
IAM International President Brian Bryant said: “Jon Holden is a proven leader who has spent his entire IAM career fighting for working people and delivering real results for our members… Now we have the opportunity to take that model [the Machinists Institute] and replicate it across the IAM.”
The appointment signals an increased commitment by IAM leadership toward creating more opportunities through apprenticeships while ensuring that union members remain prepared for future industry demands.
