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IAM members recently came together for the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance’s (APALA) 17th Biennial Convention in Seattle. The convention brought together workers, community activists, and allies to engage in lively and uplifting conversations and develop skills to build power for workers. The convention focused on APALA’s work to uplift Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) workers in the labor movement by creating a strong political voice for worker rights, immigrant rights, global solidarity, and racial justice.
“I am proud of APALA’s commitment to organizing and mobilizing workers from every community,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Diversity is the fundamental value of the labor movement. APALA is doing its part to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to succeed.”
IAM District 751 Chief of Staff Jason Chan, a leader and advocate for APALA at local and national levels and Washington state and county labor councils, received the APALA Art Takei Leadership Award. The award is given to individuals who have contributed significantly to the Asian-Pacific American labor movement.
READ: District 751’s Jason Chan Receives APALA Art Takei Leadership Award
IAM members participated in workshops, plenaries, and town halls on various topics to strengthen local chapters, unions, worker centers, and community organizations to win good jobs, protect communities, and fight for a more fair and just future for working people.
“The APALA Convention was a great opportunity for our members to focus our efforts on building a stronger AAPI community,” said IAM Women’s and Human Rights Director Julie Frietchen. “The IAM has a long history of fighting for the rights of AAPI workers, and our union is proud to be a part of APALA’s work to build a more just and equitable society for all.”
Photo credit: Deirdre Kaniewski, IAM District 751 Communications Director
