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IAM District 751 Chief of Staff Jason Chan, a leader and advocate for the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) at local and national levels and Washington state and county labor councils, has received the APALA Art Takei Leadership Award. The award is given to individuals who have contributed significantly to the Asian-Pacific American labor movement.
Chan has been a member of Local 751A in Seattle, WA, for more than 15 years, serving the membership in many representative roles, including Local 751A President and District 751 Business Representative. Chan currently serves as Chief of Staff to District President Jon Holden. Chan also serves as a board member on the APALA National Executive Board.
In his work with APALA, Chan has focused on organizing and mobilizing Asian-Pacific American workers. He has helped lead successful union organizing campaigns and built coalitions with other community and AFL-CIO constituency groups. Chan is also a strong advocate for workers’ rights and has fought for better wages, benefits, and working conditions for members of IAM District 751.
“I am so proud of Jason for receiving the APALA Art Takei Leadership Award,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “The IAM is proud of Jason being recognized for servicing the community and lending his voice for justice. He is one of the shining lights in our union and the entire labor movement. He is a tireless champion for IAM members and has made a real difference in the lives of so many people.”
In addition to his work with APALA, Chan is active in his community. He spends many weekends building wheelchair ramps for area residents and helping with other community service projects. He also raises funds for Guide Dogs of America and works on organizing drives to expand rights for all workers.
“Jason is the symbol of a true fighting Machinist,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “He is a dedicated advocate for working people. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have enriched the labor movement with their hard work, dedication, and commitment to social justice. I am proud to stand with Jason and the AAPI community in fighting for a better future. The APALA Art Takei Leadership Award is a well-deserved honor.”
The Art Takei Leadership Award is inspired by the life of Art Takei, a founder of APALA and the Los Angeles APALA Chapter. Art Takei began his union career at United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 770 in Los Angeles in 1954. He served UFCW for over 36 years and held many essential union posts, including Director of Organizing and Assistant to the President.
“I am so proud of Jason for being honored with the Art Takei Leadership Award,” said IAM District 751 President and Directing Business Representative Jon Holden. “Jason continues to be on the frontlines to help make a difference in the lives of working people across Washington state. His advocacy with the AAPI community and APALA inspires members throughout our union and the labor movement. I am proud to call him a friend and a colleague.”
