AFL-CIO Virginia President Doris Crouse-Mays presents IP Newton Jones with NoVA’s 2017 Excellence in Leadership Award.
Record-breaking crowd attends ceremony
THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA Labor Federation (NoVA) presented Boilermakers International President Newton B. Jones with its 2017 Excellence in Leadership Award June 2 at its annual dinner and award ceremony held in Vienna, Virginia. The award is NoVA’s premiere recognition of achievement, acknowledging life-long commitment to the pursuit of justice for working men and women.
Virginia AFL-CIO President Doris Crouse-Mays presented the award.
More than 300 unionists, state politicians and other guests attended the event, the most ever to attend the ceremony.
In announcing the leadership award selection, NoVA wrote, “Your belief in the power and strength of America’s workers has been at the core of a 46-year career encompassing skilled construction work, organizing and the highest elected leadership position. As International President, you oversee the essential platforms that make member service the first priority.” NoVA added that Jones’ contributions help “distinguish the Boilermakers as a proud, admired organization and serve as earmarks of your leadership and achievement.”
In his address to the NoVA gathering, Jones said, “The achievements and reputation of labor in Virginia make me especially proud to be here tonight to receive the Excellence in Leadership Award.” He also acknowledged the work of leaders across the Labor Movement, “women and men at all levels who get up every morning and fight for what is right and just in their daily working lives.” Jones added, “I will never forget, as I move through life, those who carry on our struggle, who take a stand against the fundamental injustices heaped upon our working-class families even still in this 21st Century.”
