Member Spotlight - Jacqui Elton

Meet Jacqui Elton, a Lead CSA at Alaska’s Anchorage Cargo operation and a proud member of IAM District 142 Local 601. With nine years in the IAM, Jacqui has embraced the union as a community built on education, solidarity, and the belief that coworkers are stronger when they support one another.

When Jacqui first got involved, she saw a need in her shop for someone who understood the contract rules and was willing to speak up. That need became a calling. Today, she serves as a Steward and committee person, continuing to advocate for her coworkers and help improve their workplace.

“To me it means community,” Jacqui says of being part of IAM District 142. “In life things are always changing and growing, and that is what we do at the IAM, but we always move forward together as a team, trying to support each other as much as possible.”

Her advice to newer members is simple: learn as much as you can. Jacqui encourages members to take advantage of the many educational opportunities offered by District 142 and the IAM so they can bring that knowledge back to their locals and shops.

As a Lead CSA, Jacqui enjoys making sure shipments reach their destinations safely and on time. Just as important, she enjoys supporting what she calls her “amazing coworkers.” She is motivated by knowing her team works together to make each day better than the last while helping one another and their customers.

One of her proudest moments as a union member came when she stood up to management over the condition of the warehouse. Jacqui filed a grievance to push for professional cleaning of the facility. While the issue remains a work in progress, she is proud that the grievance continues to hold management accountable for maintaining a workplace where employees can stay healthy and safe.

“Just keeping my job and the job of others a happy, healthy working environment and helping to improve where and when I can” is how Jacqui describes what she hopes to accomplish through her work and union involvement.

There is much more to Jacqui than her work and union involvement. One thing many people may not know about her is that she loves cosplay. Outside of work, she is also deeply invested in her local community. She serves as chair of the Special Education Advisory Council for the Anchorage School District and volunteers with several nonprofit organizations.

When she has time for fun, Jacqui enjoys attending balls and visiting Disney parks. Her favorite travel destination is Japan; she cheers for the Baltimore Ravens, and her favorite food is sticky toffee pudding.

If Jacqui could sit down for dinner with any historical figure, her choice would be Madame C. J. Walker. Jacqui admires Walker not only as an entrepreneur, but as an advocate who overcame societal barriers and bias within her own community.

That choice feels fitting. Jacqui’s own story reflects a similar commitment to advocacy: learning the rules, speaking up when something is not right, supporting others and working to leave her workplace and community better than she found them.

Thank you, Jacqui, for your dedication to your coworkers, your community and IAM District 142. Your willingness to learn, lead and speak up is exactly what union solidarity looks like in action.

See our complete list of Member Spotlight features here: https://atd142.org/district-142-member-spotlight/.