Calling Irish labor leaders across the nation: nominations are now open for the 16th annual Irish Labor Awards which honor exceptional leaders in the union movement.
Earmarked for the Edison Ballroom in New York on Friday 18 September, the awards uniquely salute the immense contribution of the Irish to the American labor movement.
"The American labor movement would not exist at all in its current form without the efforts of the standout Irish men and women through the years," says Irish Echo editor Ray O'Hanlon.
"Our celebration in September will salute a new generation of Irish American Labor Leaders who are flying the flag for today’s labor movement across America."
Every prominent union in the U.S. has featured at the Echo awards with the honorees' listing reading like a who's-who of the Irish American labor movement. Former Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams will address the gathering via video — his 2023 address can be seen below.
Readers can nominate standout Irish American labor leaders online now.
Among those honored previously are:
Terry O'Sullivan, former President Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA), Washington D.C.
James Coyne Business Manager, Plumbers Local Union 130 UA, Chicago
Mary Kay Henry International President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Washington D.C.
Eddie McWilliams, New York City District Council of Carpenters, NYC
Donald Sheehan, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 103, Boston, MA
Lynn O'Donnell, retired Yonkers teacher; Consultant for the Retiree Council's 14, 15 and 16 for NYSUT, Yonkers, NY
David O'Brien-Suetholz, General Counsel, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Louisville, KY
For more details about the Irish Labor Awards, call the Irish Echo on 1-212-482-4818 or email Tracey.
All proceeds of the Irish Labor Awards go to fund the public service journalism of the Irish Echo which has been serving Irish America for almost 100 years.
The first Irish Labor Awards took place on Wall Street - where James Connolly once organised - in 2012; video report below.
