Al Yamada: A Legacy of Leadership and Dedication at SEA
Al Yamada: A Legacy of Leadership and Dedication at SEA
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 News
Union Members (And Only Union Members) Have Merger Protections
Union Members (And Only Union Members) Have Legally-Binding Merger ProtectionsJustice at JetBlue21 April 2022The benefits of a Union Contract: legal protections in the event of a merger.JetBlue’s bid to acquire and merge with Spirit Airlines comes with many questions...
2022 Officer Nomination Results
2022 Officer Nominations In accordance with District 141 ByLaws and all other governing rules, District 141 held nomination votes at each constituent Local Lodge for eligible District officers. The list below contains the results of that nomination process. Listed are...
The End of Airline Mask Mandates
The End of Airline Mask Mandates COVID-1919 April 2022 Mask mandates have been an inescapable part of air travel for more than two years. A recent study of Machinist Union members in commercial aviation suggests that most airline workers are ready for them to end. A...
Stay up to date with all the latest news and information from the District 141 of the Machinists Union
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
Union Members (And Only Union Members) Have Merger Protections
Union Members (And Only Union Members) Have Legally-Binding Merger ProtectionsJustice at JetBlue21 April 2022The benefits of a Union Contract: legal protections in the event of a merger.JetBlue’s bid to acquire and merge with Spirit Airlines comes with many questions...
2022 Officer Nomination Results
2022 Officer Nominations In accordance with District 141 ByLaws and all other governing rules, District 141 held nomination votes at each constituent Local Lodge for eligible District officers. The list below contains the results of that nomination process. Listed are...
The End of Airline Mask Mandates
The End of Airline Mask Mandates COVID-1919 April 2022 Mask mandates have been an inescapable part of air travel for more than two years. A recent study of Machinist Union members in commercial aviation suggests that most airline workers are ready for them to end. A...