Pride Month Profiles: Ashley Deschenes

For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Ashley Deschenes of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART).

Ashley Deschenes has been a strong advocate for LGBTQIA+ members through community outreach, volunteer efforts and her involvement with SMART Local 2. She has helped create greater awareness, build meaningful connections and support a more welcoming environment for all members. Her commitment to visibility, education and solidarity has positively affected both the membership and the broader community.

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/08/2026 - 09:25

Tags: Pride

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Smart City Networks Workers at the San Diego Convention Center Vote to Join IATSE

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Information technology technicians and event coordinators who work at the San Diego Convention Center have voted to join the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 122, creating a fully union strong convention center floor.

These staff are employed by Smart City Networks, which provides internet and event technology to trade shows and exhibitions. In the lead-up to the vote, Smart City Networks retained the union-busting law firm Littler Mendelson, spending an estimated $58,000 to pressure workers to stop organizing. But staff held strong and secured a decisive union election victory.

“At the end of the day, everyone deserves to have a union,” said Greg Sowizdrzal, president of IATSE Local 122. “We’re proud that the workers at Smart City took their first step in having a voice on the job and having representation.”

“To us, having a union means having a voice,” crew members said in a statement. “It means being united and being able to stand on equal footing with the company. It has shown us the importance of solidarity, and we look forward to taking an active role in the decisions that will impact our future.”

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/08/2026 - 09:14

Tags: Organizing