Ryan Haehnlein has been appointed as Special Representative for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Midwest Territory, effective January 1, 2026. The appointment was made by IAM International President Brian Bryant.
Haehnlein has been a member of IAM Local 701 since 2011. He started his union involvement in the heavy-duty trucking industry at M&K Truck Centers, where he served as Shop Steward and achieved several grievance victories for his coworkers. In early 2021, he became an Organizer and later that year was named Business Representative. By June 2022, Haehnlein was appointed Assistant Directing Business Representative for Local 701.
“IAM members across the Midwest will benefit from Ryan’s deep experience, steady leadership, and unwavering dedication to working families,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “Ryan has proven time and again that he is a fighter for our members—at the bargaining table, on the shop floor, and in every role he has taken on. We are proud to welcome him to the Midwest Territory staff.”
Haehnlein’s current responsibilities include servicing members in sectors such as freight, heavy-duty trucking, automotive dealerships, machine shops, equipment manufacturing, and other independent industries. He has contributed to Local 701’s communications by editing its newsletter and helping develop its website and mobile app.
In addition to his work within Local 701, Haehnlein serves as a delegate and COPE representative to the Chicago Federation of Labor and holds the position of Secretary-Treasurer of the IAM Illinois State Council. In January 2024, International President Bryant appointed him to the IAM Law Committee.
Haehnlein also brings trustee experience from serving on the Local 701 Training Fund board and overseeing the local’s retirement plans as a Trustee-in-Training for health, welfare, pension funds, and a defined contribution plan.
