MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - Jami Meyer

IAM District 142 is proud to shine our latest Member Spotlight on Sister Jami Meyer, a dedicated and passionate leader from Local 2909 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

A Customer Service employee at Southwest Airlines and a 14-year member of the IAM, Jami has built an impressive record of service and advocacy. She currently serves in multiple leadership roles, including Local 2909 President, Shop Steward, AFL-CIO Delegate, CLUW Delegate, and Vice President of the Machinists Council of Oklahoma. Her commitment to both her fellow members and the broader labor movement is evident in everything she does.

Jami’s journey into union activism began with a difficult lesson. Prior to joining Southwest Airlines, she worked for Frontier Airlines during a time of transition when the company was acquired. Without union protections, she experienced a pay cut, which left a lasting impression and ultimately shaped her outlook on the importance of union representation.

“When I came to Southwest, I found my passion for the union and the protection it affords,” Jami shared.

Mentored by former Local President and Shop Steward Carol Johnson, Jami found her voice and stepped into a leadership role. Since then, she has become a strong advocate not only within her Local but also at the state level, working to advance worker protections and reinforce the importance of organized labor in her community.

For Jami, being part of IAM District 142 is about growth, support, and opportunity.
“I’ve seen the changes over the years and the support the District provides to ensure our members’ concerns are heard,” she said. “The education, the resources, and the encouragement to get involved, those things have helped shape who I am today.”

She encourages new members to take that same step forward.

“Get involved. Attend meetings, join committees, your voice is your strongest tool,” Jami said. “The strength of our union comes from our membership standing together in solidarity.”

In her role as both President and Shop Steward, Jami takes pride in facing new challenges each day and supporting her fellow members through them. What once felt intimidating, speaking up and advocating, has become one of her greatest strengths.

“Being able to help members through challenges fills my heart with joy,” she said.

Her motivation is simple but powerful: making a difference.

“I come to work each day knowing I can help create change and provide information that supports our members and the future of unions.”

Looking ahead, Jami hopes to continue growing within the labor movement, her Local, and the District. She is also focused on preparing for the future, particularly the impact of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) on union contracts.

Outside of work, Jami has a creative side that might surprise some. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she discovered a passion for building LEGO sets, amassing a collection that ranges from Star Wars to classic cars. She also enjoys music and attending concerts, calling it something that “drives her soul.”

If given the chance to sit down with a historical figure, Jami would choose legendary labor organizer Mary Harris “Mother” Jones, citing her role in advancing worker rights and building solidarity across the labor movement.

“The opportunity to learn what she went through to secure those rights would be incredible,” Jami said.

IAM District 142 is proud to recognize Sister Jami Meyer for her leadership, passion, and unwavering commitment to her fellow members. Her story is a powerful reminder of the difference one voice can make, and the strength we build when we stand together.