The Irish Echo is proud to announce the first five honorees for the 2026 Labor Awards .They are an outstanding group of union leaders whose dedication to working people, organized labor, and their communities has earned them a place among this year's distinguished class of Labor Ambassadors.
Click on the individual pictures for their profiles.
Thomas Kelly, President Passaic County Central Labor Council, IBEW Local 827
John Gardiner, President/Business Manager, Ironworkers Local #1 Chicago, IL
Joseph Reilly, President of Local 45 Carpenters Union of NYC; business agent for NYCDCC and elected Delegate from Local 45 to the NYCDCC.
Maura Drumm, International Brotherhood of Teamsters Media Coordinator & Communications Project Manager.
Michael Regan,Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Director of Organizing.
These five honorees are the first to be announced ahead of the 2026 Irish Echo Labor Awards, with additional Labor Ambassadors to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
