OIP Seal of Solidarity Award

The Seal of Solidarity Award was presented by the OIP for the first time in 2004 at the 3rd Annual Labor Law Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. The distinguished award pays tribute to outstanding and/or innovative work to individuals in the field of union organizing.

2004 Recipients:

2004 OIP Seal of Solidarity Award Recipient - Jeff Lohman

Mr. Joseph Lohman

Joseph Lohman's extraordinary leadership abilities have been significant in the recent successes of the Division of the Labor Studies program. He currently serves on the State-Wide Advisory Committee for the Division and has been instrumental in the development of the Organize Indiana Program.

Joseph, or Jeff to his friends, is an International Representative for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Sixth District. A post he has held since 1988. Born and raised in Indiana, Jeff's life long commitment to the working people of Indiana is exemplary. From his abundant service activities in the community to his various positions within the Indiana labor movement, Jeff has been a strong voice in improving the lives of Indiana workers. In his distinguished service to this community, Jeff has served as a member of the Mayor's Labor Advisory Board, the Indianapolis Catholic Social Services, the Indianapolis Human Rights Commission, Indiana State Building Commission, and the Indianapolis Board of Electrical Examiners. Jeff received the Sagamore of the Wabash from Governor O'Bannon in 2003.

In his professional life, Jeff has served his organization, the IBEW, with equal distinction. Through his commitment to education and training, Jeff has influenced the direction of the IBEW, including the IBEW's extremely successful Comet program. Jeff is an asset not only to the IBEW, but workers everywhere. Jeff has 5 children and 10 grandchildren.

2004 OIP Seal of Solidarity Award Recipient - Michael Van Gordon

Mr.Michael Van Gordon

Michael completed his Sheet Metal Apprenticeship attaining Journeyman status in 1968. In 1969 he began working for the Chrysler Corporation where he was an active UAW Skilled Trades member and full-time in-plant UAW Representative responsible for grievance administration, arbitrations, and contract negotiations. Michael has been an active student in two labor studies programs: the Division of Labor Studies at Indiana University and the George Meany Center. He also served as a lecturer for the Division of Labor Studies. Michael has been a strong supporter and advocate for the Division of Labor Studies and has been instrumental in the development of the Organize Indiana Project.

Michael has been an active participant in Production and Building Trades local contract negotiations and in 1990 began directing the Youth-to-Youth program for SMW, Local 20. The Youth-to-Youth program is a unique program in which every third year apprentice is required to take a six-month leave of absence from their apprenticeship and organize for the local. Since 1990, until his retirement in 2003, Michael has been responsible for training and developing over 1000 organizer participants. As the Organizing Director for the Youth-to-Youth program Michael oversaw all litigation relating to the program, developed the strategic implementation of the local's organizing efforts, developed the education component of the overall organizing program, and negotiated first contracts with newly organized employers.

2004 Photos:

2004 press release