by Mike Hall, Mar 23, 2008

Malcolm Amado Uno was named new executive director of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), an AFL-CIO constituency group. APALA’s board of directors last week selected Uno, who previously served as the group’s deputy executive director.

Luisa Blue, APALA first vice president, says Uno

…comes from a strong line of labor organizers but represents a new face and perspective to the labor movement. Equally important, [he] has effectively engaged our base and displayed a willingness to fight for the rights of all working people.

Uno helped develop APALA’s Every Vote Counts national political program and headed the APALA Organizing Institute, which identifies and recruits the next generation of Asian Pacific American organizers. In addition, he worked closely with the group’s local chapters to build strength and membership.

Prior to joining APALA, Uno worked with several Asian Pacific Islander activist groups in community organizing and political and youth projects.

Uno replaces Gloria T. Caoile, who is also a founding APALA Executive Board member. She will continue with APALA as emeritus board member. Says APALA President Maria Somma:

We are all indebted to Gloria for the commitment, vision and leadership she has provided APALA for so many years. Fortunately for APALA, she has agreed to assist in our leadership transition by serving as a senior adviser to the organization.

Founded in 1992, APALA is the first and only national organization of Asian Pacific American union members.

Print This Article | E-Mail This Article | Comments (0)