The International Labor Communications Association (ILCA) has recognized the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) in its 2025 Labor Media Contest. The contest is regarded as a leading event for labor communication professionals, highlighting excellence in journalism within the labor movement.
Brian Bryant, IAM International President, commented on the achievement: “The IAM Union Communications Department continues to lead the way. 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.”
Among this year’s honors, IAM Communications Representative Elias Flamenco Rivera received third place for Best Feature Story of an Issue for the Summer 2024 IAM Journal article titled “Our Future, Our Fight: Seizing Momentum for IAM/ Boeing Contract Negotiations.” Bill Harkum was awarded third place in Social Media for Best Organic/Owned Social Media Live Event Coverage with his work on Nevada Get Out The Vote, 2024. Deirdre Kaniewski, IAM Union District 751 Communications Director, won first place for Political Action/Social Justice/Campaign with her design work on the “Our Future, Our Fight” graphics package.
Jonathan Battaglia, IAM Communications Director, said: “We’re not just telling stories, we are amplifying the voices of our members and fighting for the issues that affect their lives. 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, IAM Union Assistant Communications Director and outgoing ILCA Secretary-Treasurer, reflected on recent changes at ILCA: “When I first took on the role of Secretary-Treasurer, the ILCA was in a financially challenging position. 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.”
This year’s ceremony also honored Lisa Martin, former ILCA President Emeritus and Strategic Communications Director at Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), who passed away earlier this year. According to those who worked with her, Martin brought renewed energy when she became president in 2018 and played a significant role in expanding ILCA’s membership by encouraging diversity among communicators.
The annual contest remains one of the largest events recognizing journalistic achievements across labor organizations.
