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, known for highlighting top achievements in labor communications, saw the IAM Communications Department continue its record of consecutive wins.
“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 considered the largest and longest-running competition focused on labor communications. Winners are selected for setting high standards in journalism and motivating others in the field.
Among this year’s honors, IAM Communications Representative Elias Flamenco Rivera received third place for Best Feature Story with his article “Our Future, Our Fight: Seizing Momentum for IAM/Boeing Contract Negotiations” published in the Summer 2024 IAM Journal. Bill Harkum, also from IAM, earned third place for Best Organic/Owned Social Media Live Event Coverage for work on Nevada Get Out The Vote 2024. Deirdre Kaniewski, Communications Director at IAM Union District 751, won first place for Political Action/Social Justice/Campaign with her design for 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 was noted for producing content that connects with members by focusing on workers’ challenges and successes.
“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, ILCA also honored Lisa Martin, its former president and Strategic Communications Director at LIUNA, who died earlier this year. Martin was credited with bringing new energy to ILCA since taking office in 2018 by encouraging diversity among communicators and helping guide the organization forward.
