Al Yamada: A Legacy of Leadership and Dedication at SEA

Al Yamada: A Legacy of Leadership and Dedication at SEA

IAM141.org

SEATTLE — Ask anyone at Local 1351 in Seattle, and they will struggle to remember a time when Al Yamada wasn’t President. Al has served as President of Local 1351 for so long, in fact, that only the most senior IAM Members at Seattle’s Sea-Tac airport can remember anyone else in the role.

After over three decades of service to Members of the Machinists Union, Al Yamada is set to retire at the end of January. His tenure as a union member and steward spans more than 30 years, a period marked by unwavering dedication and hard-won contributions to the rights of unified airline workers. For the past two decades, he has served the members of Local 1351 as Local Lodge President, gavelling in hundreds of Union Business Meetings and Events over the years.

Al will not need to give up the gavel of Local 1351, even in retirement. In recognition of his years of service, union members presented Al with a commemorative plaque mounted with the gavel he has used for the past 20 years as President. The plaque was presented to Al by Seattle Ramp Chairman Duke Higgins. Assistant General Chairwoman Terry Stansbury also attended the ceremony.

Al Yamada, known for his easygoing and friendly nature, often deflects praise to shine a spotlight on Local 1351 and the city he loves, Seattle. This local, steeped in history as one of the original District 141 lodges founded in 1945, is a source of great pride for him.

As a native of Seattle, Al’s deep connection to the city is evident. He enthusiastically shared this love for his hometown during the District 141 Safety Conference in December 2018, where he not only welcomed attendees but also offered insights into navigating the city’s public transportation.

What truly stands out about Al is his genuine rapport with the members of Local 1351. He is not humble when discussing his fellow union members. To him, these individuals are more than just colleagues; they are friends whose well-being and interests he deeply cares for.

Al’s departure will leave a proud legacy for Local 1351 and the broader union community. His role transcended that of a Local Lodge President; he has been a mentor, a staunch advocate for workers’ rights, and, most importantly, a valued and cherished friend to all who know him.

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Al Yamada: A Legacy of Leadership and Dedication at SEA

16 January 2024

SEATTLE  — Ask anyone at Local 1351 in Seattle, and they will struggle to remember a time when Al Yamada wasn’t President. Al has served as President of Local 1351 for so long, in fact, that only the most senior IAM Members at Seattle’s Sea-Tac airport can remember anyone else in the role.

After over three decades of service to Members of the Machinists Union, Al Yamada is set to retire at the end of January. His tenure as a union member and steward spans more than 30 years, a period marked by unwavering dedication and hard-won contributions to the rights of unified airline workers. For the past two decades, he has served the members of Local 1351 as Local Lodge President, gavelling in hundreds of Union Business Meetings and Events over the years.

Al will not need to give up the gavel of Local 1351, even in retirement. In recognition of his years of service, union members presented Al with a commemorative plaque mounted with the gavel he has used for the past 20 years as President. The plaque was presented to Al by Seattle Ramp Chairman Duke Higgins. Assistant General Chairwoman Terry Stansbury also attended the ceremony.

Al Yamada, known for his easygoing and friendly nature, often deflects praise to shine a spotlight on Local 1351 and the city he loves, Seattle. This local, steeped in history as one of the original District 141 lodges founded in 1945, is a source of great pride for him.

As a native of Seattle, Al’s deep connection to the city is evident. He enthusiastically shared this love for his hometown during the District 141 Safety Conference in December 2018, where he not only welcomed attendees but also offered insights into navigating the city’s public transportation.

What truly stands out about Al is his genuine rapport with the members of Local 1351. He is not humble when discussing his fellow union members. To him, these individuals are more than just colleagues; they are friends whose well-being and interests he deeply cares for.

Al’s departure will leave a proud legacy for Local 1351 and the broader union community. His role transcended that of a Local Lodge President; he has been a mentor, a staunch advocate for workers’ rights, and, most importantly, a valued and cherished friend to all who know him.

Related

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October EAP Helping Hands Newsletter: Isolation

EAP Peer Coordinators, As the covid virus continues to affect all of us, we are starting to see the effects of isolation. Mental Health and substance abuse issues are beginning to surface in numbers we have not seen before. There are resources to help - and we can...

Video Report: Obie and Rich, the Spirit of 1776

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This week’s 141 Video Report features C.A. “Obie” O’Brien, President of the Pennsylvania State Council of Machinists, and VP Rich HowellBrother O’Brien is a legendary figure in the Machinists Union, whose activism during his 56-year career has inspired countless...

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