Labor & Employment Law

ALPA?s Prater Honored by American Labor Museum

By Mike Hall

ALPA President Capt. John Prater

Air Line Pilots (ALPA) Capt. John Prater was honored last night as an outstanding labor leader at the annual Sol Stetin Awards Gala. The awards are presented every year by the American Labor Museum, located at the historic Botto House in Haldeon, N.J.

The awards?named in honor of late Textile Workers President Sol Stetin?have been presented annually since 1982, and honor outstanding individuals for their contributions to working people. Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) President Michael Goodwin, who also serves as museum president, said Prater has:

exemplified himself in the airline industry, representing commercial airline pilots, negotiating and servicing ALPA members and is recognized by his peers and colleagues for his great work.

Prater, who is stepping down as ALPA president in January, took office in January 2007. He comes from a family background of strong union supporters, has served in positions ranging from strike committee chairman to chairman of the Continental pilots? Master Executive Council, as well as vice chairman of the international Wings Alliance (now part of SkyTeam). He helped to lead union fights against such notorious airline management figures as Frank Lorenzo, Carl Icahn and Dick Ferris.

Also honored last night were Alex Bores, president of the United Students Against Sweatshops, and James D. Sinegal, president and CEO of Costco. Said Goodwin:

Alex Bores has led student campaigns that take on corporate titans and win, protecting service workers on campuses throughout the country. Mr. Sinegal has distinguished himself as one of the rare business leaders who respects his employees and considers their needs a top priority. We’re proud to honor them all for their tremendous dedication to improving the lives of working people.

The American Labor Museum is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to perpetuating the history of the union movement, as well as the culture and ethnicity of working people in the United States.

Full post as published by AFL-CIO NOW BLOG on November 19, 2010 (boomark / email).