The International Labor Communications Association (ILCA) has recognized the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Communications Department in its 2025 Labor Media Contest. The contest is known as a leading competition for labor communication professionals.
“The IAM Union Communications Department continues to lead the way,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Their dedication and commitment to sharing the stories of our members shines through in every piece they produce. This well-deserved recognition from ILCA solidifies their place as a leading voice in the labor movement.”
The ILCA Labor Media Awards Contest is one of the most prominent and long-standing competitions for labor communications, highlighting high standards in journalism within the field.
IAM Communications staff received several awards:
– Third Place, Writing: Best Feature Story Of An Issue, for the Summer 2024 IAM Journal feature “Our Future, Our Fight: Seizing Momentum for IAM/ Boeing Contract Negotiations” by Elias Flamenco Rivera.
– Third Place, Social Media: Best Organic/Owned Social Media Live Event Coverage for “Nevada Get Out The Vote, 2024” by Bill Harkum.
– First Place, Political Action/Social Justice/Campaign: For the “Union Swag, Union Drip” design created by District 751 Communications Director Deirdre Kaniewski as part of the “Our Future, Our Fight” graphics package.
“We’re not just telling stories, we are amplifying the voices of our members and fighting for the issues that affect their lives,” said IAM Communications Director Jonathan Battaglia. “I am extremely proud of our entire department. The communications paradigm is shifting quickly in the labor movement and our team continues to adapt to the challenges and generate award-winning content year after year.”
DeLane Adams, Assistant Communications Director at IAM and outgoing ILCA Secretary-Treasurer, reflected on efforts to stabilize ILCA’s finances. “When I first took on the role of Secretary-Treasurer, the ILCA was in a financially challenging position,” Adams said. “It wasn’t easy, but we made some difficult decisions about our team and really tried to think creatively to get us back on track. We worked hard to demonstrate the real value of the ILCA, especially with our biennial convention. I am confident that the ILCA will continue to thrive and inspire the next generation of labor communicators.”
The ILCA also honored Lisa Martin, former president emeritus and Strategic Communications Director at Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), who passed away this year. Martin became president in 2018 and was credited with bringing new energy to ILCA’s mission.
“She believed in ILCA’s shared mission and committed her time and energy to help grow the association. It was through her inspiring leadership that Lisa helped bring a diverse and talented group of communicators into our fold, guiding the ILCA in the right direction,” according to statements from colleagues.
