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The International Labor Communications Association (ILCA) recently recognized the IAM as one of the best in the labor movement in the 2025 Labor Media Contest. This prestigious competition is like the Oscars for labor communication professionals, and the IAM Communications team continued to bring home awards in consecutive 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 the biggest and longest-running competition of its kind, showcasing the best of the best in labor communications. The 2025 ILCA winners represent the highest standards of journalism and inspire communicators across the field.
IAM Union District 751 Communications Director Deirdre Kaniewski took home the First Place award for Political Action/ Social Justice/ Campaign: Union Swag, Union Drip 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 IAM Communications Department’s dedication to delivering powerful and timely stories that resonate with our members was a key factor in their success. From highlighting the struggles faced by workers on the front lines to celebrating their hard-won victories, the IAM Communications Department has consistently delivered impactful stories that inform and inspire.
“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.”
The ILCA honored the memory of Lisa Martin, ILCA President Emeritus, and the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Strategic Communications Director, who tragically passed away this year.
Lisa’s spirit and vision brought a new energy to the ILCA when she assumed the presidency in 2018. 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.
