Revised Logo Aimed at Capturing ‘Energy and Spirit’ of the PPPWU

July 15, 2023 • The Communicator July-Aug-Sept 2023 • by Dawn Hobbs

The former GCC/IBT is poised for success with a new name – Printing Packaging & Production Workers Union of North America – and vibrant logo that symbolizes strength and solidarity.

“Our thought behind the logo was to capture the energy and spirit of the new PPPWU and represent the strength and determination of our newly named labor organization,” said Kurt Freeman, union president. “The design incorporates elements that convey drive and solidarity.”

The new union name – focusing on the primary sectors represented by the union – is artistically highlighted on the logo with three inter-working gears – to illustrate a common goal of achieving dignity and respect in the workplace, union leaders said.

“We have the unifying element of the gears, which ties us all together,” said Israel Castro, secretary-treasurer of District Council 3. “And it still has blue, yellow and red, the traditional GCIU colors.”

When the executive board asked Castro to assist in finding a firm to design the new emblem, he recommended Appletree MediaWorks, a four-person shop in Kalamazoo, Michigan, covered by DC-3.

It symbolizes us moving forward with a focus on the core of who we represent. It’s a new start for a union that’s been in existence more than 100 years. We are going to maintain our autonomy and continue to move forward together.’
Israel Castro, Secretary-Treasurer, District Council 3

Printing Packaging Production Workers Union of America

“We are humbled, absolutely honored that they reached out to us, and appreciate that they chose our company,” said Katie Schneider, Principal Web Executive at Appletree MediaWorks who designed the logo and is also working on the union’s new website. “I am a fourth-generation union member and a lot of union pride went into this.”

Schneider said elements of strength and solidarity were essential to her design.

“The three cogs in the middle are the three main areas of the union working together,” she said. And then we integrated five star in there because the work of our brothers and sisters is five-star work and that’s what you can expect from a union worker. Then we integrated the colors and came up with a brand-new look.”

Castro and other leaders said they are delighted with the results.

“It symbolizes us moving forward with a focus on the core of who we represent,” Castro said. “It’s a new start for a union that’s been in existence more than 100 years. We are going to maintain our autonomy and continue to move forward together.”