Deadline Friday for 2011 labor award nominations

The Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, the largest labor organization in the state representing approximately 500 union organizations with 400,000 rank-and-file union members,  is accepting nominations for its annual awards honoring exceptional organizational and individual advocacy on behalf of working men and women, plus awards for promoting apprenticeship and workforce training, and women in labor union leadership.

All WSLC-affiliated unions are urged to submit nominations — which are due by Friday, July 1 — for the following awards:

MOTHER JONES AWARD — For more than 14 years, this has been the state labor movement’s award recognizing members in their struggle for dignity and respect and work. Two awards are given: for a deserving organization and a deserving individual. The WSLC is looking for candidates who best exemplify the tradition of Mother Jones’ immortal statement: “Mourn for the dead, but fight like hell for the living!” This award is presented by the WSLC Economic Development, Job Retention and Transportation Committee. For more information, contact Bill Messenger or Chelsea Orvella at 360-943-0608. Download the nomination form.

BRUCE BRENNAN AWARD — Since 1999, the WSLC has honored the lifetime achievements of Bruce Brennan by presenting an award each year to the individual who has contributed the most to further the cause of apprenticeship, education and training in Washington state. This award is presented by the WSLC Education, Training and Apprenticeship Committee. For more information, contact Lori Province at 206-281-8901 or Kairie Pierce at 360-943-0608. Download the nomination form.

ELSIE SCHRADER AWARD — Since 1996, the WSLC Women’s Committee has presented this award recognizing advocacy for the advancement of women in leadership roles at their union and/or for activism on behalf of women within the labor movement. Click here to learn more about the criteria for nominations. For more information, contact Bernice Vance at 206-281-8901. Download the nomination form.

All of these awards will be presented at the Washington State Labor Council’s 2011 Convention, which is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 4 through Saturday, Aug. 6 at the SeaTac DoubleTree Hotel.