The International Labor Communications Association (ILCA) has recognized the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) in its 2025 Labor Media Contest. The IAM Communications Department received several awards, continuing a trend of recognition in recent years.
“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 known as one of the largest and longest-running competitions for labor communications. It highlights excellence in journalism within the labor sector.
In this year’s contest, Elias Flamenco Rivera, an IAM Communications Representative, won third place for Best Feature Story of an Issue for his work in the Summer 2024 IAM Journal titled “Our Future, Our Fight: Seizing Momentum for IAM/Boeing Contract Negotiations.” Bill Harkum, another representative, also earned third place for Best Organic/Owned Social Media Live Event Coverage with coverage of Nevada Get Out The Vote 2024. Deirdre Kaniewski, Communications Director for IAM Union District 751, received first place for Political Action/Social Justice/Campaign with her design work on 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.”
The department’s focus on producing timely and relevant stories about workers’ experiences contributed to their success.
“When I first took on the role of Secretary-Treasurer, the ILCA was in a financially challenging position,” said IAM Union Assistant Communications Director and Outgoing ILCA Secretary-Treasurer DeLane Adams. “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.”
During this year’s awards event, ILCA also paid tribute to Lisa Martin, its former president and Strategic Communications Director at LIUNA, who passed away this year. Martin was noted for her leadership since taking over as president in 2018 and her efforts in strengthening ILCA by encouraging diversity among communicators.
