Official Publication of the Rochester Regional Joint Board Volume 32

Number 134

Fall, 2014

Chatman Scholarships worth $2,000 each go to 9 winners Nine children of Joint Board

members have won Chatman Scholarships worth $2,000 each, Board manager Gary Bonadonna Sr. announced. “I congratulate all of these winners. They have not only shown outstanding academic achievement, but their essays show they understand the vital importance of unions,” Bonadonna emphasized. There were two firsts this year, he noted. “We had the first threetime winner, Jenna DeForte, and the first winner for a Hickey Freeman employee, Crystal Lee.” Bonadonna Sr.

A panel of experts from the Rochester Area Community Foundation (RACF) reviews the applications and essays to determine the winners. The essays are focused on the importance of unions. Bonadonna revamped the scholarship program in 2011 to make it available to more members’ children, a change that has consistently resulted in substantially more applicants.

Anthony, Nyla and Tonya Council

Here are this year’s winners, along with comments from the union member: • Nyla Council, the daughter of Local 14-A member Anthony Council and his wife Tonya. Nyla, a Rush Henrietta High School graduate, will attend Clark Atlanta University this Fall, where she will study fashion merchandising.

Anthony’s comments: “Tonya and I are very excited for our daughter. We’re extremely proud of the research she did to write her essay on the

importance of unions. It also meant a lot to me as a Local 14-A member that our union gives back to members in this way.” • Jenna DeForte, a threetime winner, is the daughter of Elaine DeForte, an administrative assistant at the Joint Board headquarters, and her husband, Stephen. Jenna will be a junior this Fall at St. John Fisher majoring in student education. Elaine’s comments: We are so grateful to Gary Bonadonna and the union for providing the Abe Chatman Scholarship. Winning the last three years has helped so much with (Continued on next page)

Elaine, Jenna and Stephen DeForte

Chatman Scholarship winners announced (Continued from Page 1)

Jenna’s tuition for college and also supported her study abroad last semester in London, as well as summer classes at MCC. “She works really hard to keep her grades up while also working at the St. John Fisher’s day care center. When she graduates she plans on being a teacher, so she will forever be a union girl! • Danielle Gugino, the daughter of Penny and John Gugino. John is a Local 14-A member working at Xerox. Danielle, a graduate of Wayne Central High School, will attend SUNY Potsdam this Fall.

University of Rochester, where she will study to become a neuroscientist. Melissa’s comments: “This scholarship will help a lot, and it definitely is special because it comes from my union. I’m very proud of Crystal because of the research she did on unions before writing her essay.” • Shannon Lloyd, the daughter of Local 14-A member Betty Davis-Lloyd and her husband, Jackson. Shannon graduated from the Wilson Magnet School and will attend Hampton University, where she is interested in pursuing

John’s comments: “I was very excited about Danielle winning this scholarship. It is a wonderful program for our kids and for the union members. It means a lot to me since I work for the union, and so did my father.” • Crystal Lee — the first winner of a parent from Hickey Freeman, is the daughter of Melissa Ok Lee. Crystal graduated this Summer from Spencerport High School. She will attend the TWO

Melissa and Crystal Lee

Danielle and John Gugino

studies in either pre-law or pharmacy. Betty’s comments: “We’re very excited for Shannon, and my husband and I are very proud of the essay she wrote. She really showed that she understands what the union has meant to our family. The scholarship is another example of how the union helps members.” • Ashlee and Matt Loos – two-time winners — are the twins of Terri Loos, an administrative assistant at the Buffalo District office, and her husband, Mike. Matt is going to D’Youville College and is majoring in International Business and Accounting, and Ashlee is going to Brockport College and is double majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology, with a minor in Forensics. Terri’s comments: “To say Mike and I are so proud of them is an understatement. They have both worked so very hard towards their college education, and it shows with their good grades and making the dean’s list. Even with them both working during school

Jackson, Shannon and Betty Davis-Lloyd

and working two jobs each over the Summer, they still manage to keep their education their top priority. “They know how expensive college is and with their tuitions both going up, the scholarship will really help out. We are so thankful for the scholarship program and the importance of the union in our family. A special thank you to Gary Bonadonna, the Joint Board. and the Rochester Area Community Foundation for offering this scholarship.” • Nicole Secor, the daughter of Local 14-A member Michael Secor. Nicole graduated from Wayne Central High School this Spring and

Mike, Terri, Ashlee and Matt Loos

will enter Cazenovia College this Fall, where she will study sports management.

Local 14-A member Raymond Straight and his wife, Cindy.

Michael’s comments: “Nichole winning the scholarship was a plus in every regard. It will certainly help with the financial burden of college. It was also special to me that this was a union scholarship — I’m thankful for being part of a union that helps members this way.”

Erin is attending the University of Rochester, where she is carrying a double major — International Relations and Spanish.

• Erin Straight, a two-time winner, is the daughter of

Raymond’s comments: “I was blown away that Nichole won this scholarship for the second time. It is definitely a big help to us financially, and I am especially appreciative that our union does something like this.” !

Cindy, Erin and Raymond Straight

Michael and Nicole Secor

THREE

Hillman, Union phone numbers, hours Here is a list of the phone

numbers and department hours for both the union and for the Sidney Hillman Health Center:

David Carroll

Local 49 members win wage hikes Local 49 members working at Flexo Transparent in Buffalo have ratified a new five-year contract after rejecting the first tentative agreement, Buffalo District director David Carroll announced.

The new pact will bring wage hikes totaling $2.35 an hour over term and other improvements, Carroll said. “These were very tough negotiations, with the major sticking point centered on health benefits,” he noted. The new contract leaves those benefits unchanged. Other contract highlights include: • An increase in sick and personal leave time for those with two or more years of service • An improvement to bereavement time • An enhancement to the safety shoe allowance • The right for members to choose for vacation purposes whether they want to use their anniversary hire date or to have vacation time based on a June 1 to May 31 calendar. FOUR

In Rochester: Toll-free for both union and Hillman Center when calling outside the 585 area code: (800) 383-3797. Other phone numbers listed below: Union Office, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (585) 473-3280 Financial, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (585) 473-3280 Hillman Center: Health Services 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (585) 473-2000 (585) 473-3309 (Fax) Optical Weekdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. by appointment (noontime appointments accepted) Saturdays, by appointment only, 8 a.m.-noon (585) 271-1911 (585) 442-7216 (Fax) Pharmacy Weekdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon (585) 473-2555 (585) 242-7580 (Fax) Albany District: 2124 Doubleday Avenue Ballston Spa 12020 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (except Friday to 4 p.m.) (518) 363-0800 (888) 628-4373 (Toll Free) (518) 363-0804 (Fax) Local 471 Insurance Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (888) 771-9075 Nurse 24 hr. help line(888) 771-9075 In addition to Carroll, those on the negotiating team included chief shop steward Vince Gembolys, first shift rep Cliff

DELTA Dental Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.8 p.m. (800) 932-0783 Pension Fund Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.4:45 p.m. (800) 452-4155 Buffalo District: Buffalo District Office 4429 Union Road, Cheektowaga, 14225 (Note: The space is in the office building located at the rear of 4427 Union Road.) 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (716) 932-7701 (716) 932-7702 (Fax) Local 4–BUFFALO Local 4 business rep, servicing, negotiations, union membership and dues: (716) 932-7701 (716) 932-7702 (Fax) Local 4 Insurance Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–9 p.m; Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (866) 975-4515 (914) 367-4108 (Fax) Local 4 Pension Funds Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.4:45 p.m (800) 452-4155 Syracuse Union Office: Victorian Square–Bldg. 1, Suite 4, 526 Old Liverpool Rd, Liverpool 13088. (See toll-free number below.) 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (877) 453-3990 (315) 453-3990 (after hours, leave message on answering machine) (315) 453-3668 (Fax) ! Reuter, second shift rep Patrick McCarthy, and Dan Weaver. !

Local 14-A members at Xerox ratify ‘difficult’ pact in 2nd vote After rejecting an initial

tentative agreement, Local 14A members working at Xerox have approved a new, fouryear contract. Union leaders Gary Bonadonna Sr. and Roger LaDue characterized the talks as some of “the most difficult in Local 14A’s history.” Bonadonna, the chief negotiator, is Joint Board manager, and LaDue is the 14A business rep. Both said the most contentious issue was loss of a job guarantee clause, which had been a feature of contracts for decades. Bonadonna said the loss “was gut-wrenching, but there was absolutely no give by the company on this issue.” LaDue concurred with Bonadonna’s sentiments. Because of the job guarantee loss, recall rights after layoffs became a major issue, the two men said. The initial tentative agreement provided for recall rights for six months at the same rate of pay as before the layoff.

After the initial tentative agreement’s rejection, negotiators were able to secure a change that increased layoff rights for one year. After that change, the pact passed on the second vote. Despite the “gut-wrenching” loss of a job guarantee clause, negotiators were able to nail down several other very important achievements for 14-A members regarding wages; health care; retirement and the 401 k plan; and vacations. Here are those details: • HEALTH CARE — Incumbent employees will keep

Gary Bonadonna Sr.

the same medical, dental and vision plans. Pre-65 age retirees will have the option of selecting a new “Xerox RightOpt” private health care exchange, or the Affordable Health Care (Obamacare) option Those picking the Xerox plan will maintain the same benefits’ allowance they had before. Those who pick Obamacare will waive their benefits allowance since they will receive a government subsidy based on yearly earnings. There is no change for post-65 age retirees • RETIREMENT and 401k — Incumbents retain their current retirement and 401k plans with no changes • VACATIONS — There is no change to the total vacation allotment for incumbent employees. However, there were two important changes regarding how employees can take their vacation time: " Local 14-A members in the manufacturing seniority unit can now take up to three weeks of vacation in singleday increments " Members can now take single-day usage in one-hour increments; they previously had to

Roger LaDue

take such time in twohour increments • WAGES — Active employees will get a $1,000 lump-sum payment in the last paycheck this year, and a $600 lump sum in the first paycheck of July, 2016. The lump-sum disbursements apply to union members with a minimum of 1,400 hours of work over the 12 months prior to the payments In addition, there were some wage adjustments, most notably in the EA Toner manufacturing operations. Wages were adjusted upward, LaDue noted, because they were not competitive with area labor rates, causing a high turnover rate. Other provisions in the new contract include: • OVERTIME and PREMIUM PAY — Members are now required to work 40 hours or more in a workweek before overtime kicks in. • PROMOTIONS, TRANSFERS, CUTBACKS and DOWNGRADES — The union will now administer manufacturing and distribution job moves; it has already been administering the job moves for the maintenance and supplies areas. ! FIVE

Wonder Woman spotted in the Albany District? No, just Emily Vick There’s a rumor floating

far less than forthcoming about health care options that might be available. He had implied to Vick that the only option was to move the union members to part-time status and force them onto Obamacare or Medicaid.

around the Albany District that Wonder Woman has been spotted there. Just to set the record straight, there’s no truth to the rumor. What union members have seen is Albany District director Emily Vick fighting for justice that would do Wonder Woman proud. One of the clearest examples came recently when Vick took on food service giant Sodexo, with help from Joint Board manager Gary Bonadonna Sr. and other leaders at Workers United and SEIU. Late last year, the Frenchbased company sought to move Vick’s Local 471 members at SUNY Binghamton from full-time status to parttime through a quirk in provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) — better known as Obamacare.

The Binghamton workers had long been considered “fulltime” employees because they worked more than 30-hours a week for the nine-month school year. Now Sodexo sought to reclassify the Binghamton workers as 12-month employees but using the hours they worked during the nine-month academic year. That maneuver would re-classify the Local 471 members as part-time workers. As Vick notes, “That would have forced our union members onto Obamacare exchanges or Medicaid — at taxpayer expense. It also meant that Binghamton SIX

That, Vick found out, was simply not true.

Emily Vick

members would face a loss of vacation, holidays, and pensions.” Vick’s response to Harold Taegle, Sodexo’s senior labor relations executive, when he outlined the company’s scheme? “There is no way I’m going back to the membership and tell them that they have to go on Medicaid or the ACA. You should be ashamed that some of your employees qualify for Medicaid when Sodexo is a multi-billion dollar corporation.” About the same time, Vick also learned from her negotiating committee that Sodexo had already implemented the same policy for the non-union workers at Binghamton. As Vick noted, “This made it quite clear that this was not just an idle threat toward us.” During approximately this same period, Vick also learned that this threat was not isolated to Binghamton — Sodexo planned to take the same action at all of its K-12 and university accounts nationwide. By this time, Vick had also learned that Taegle had been

Another and certainly more viable option would be to have the Local 471 members go into a Taft-Hartley Act plan, such as the Amalgamated Plan, which the majority of members were already a part of. It turned out that Vick was the first to make the Workers United international union and SEIU aware of Sodexo’s plan for its U.S. accounts. Once Vick learned of Sodexo’s plan, she immediately contacted Bonadonna. “We knew we had a big obstacle in figuring out how to fight back on this,” she pointed out. “That’s because an agreement between the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and Sodexo severely limits our ability to do a public campaign.” The Rochester Regional Joint Board is part of Workers United, which in turn is affiliated with SEIU. “A public campaign,” Vick pointed out, “would be a powerful move, because it would allow us to rally the public, the media, and our political allies to our cause.” To bring such a campaign against Sodexo required gaining approval of an oversight committee — something rarely given. Nevertheless, Bonadonna charged Vick with pursuing that option. As part of that process, Vick

immediately brought the Local 471 negotiating committee up-to-date. In addition, she asked the committee and Joint Board organizer Shirley “Fran” Sobczak to begin putting together contact information for all pertinent media, student groups, social justice organizations, and other unions in the area. “I wanted us to be able to immediately roll out a public campaign if we got the green light to do so,” Vick said. There was an important related development: Workers United began seriously exploring a national campaign against Sodexo’s actions. Clearly word of all these plans

was filtering back to Sodexo, because it wasn’t long before Sodexo’s Taegle sent back a proposed agreement with a totally different approach. For starters, the new proposal had nothing in it about reclassifying the Binghamton workers as parttime employees. In the new proposal, Sodexo was willing to pay 100% of the premiums for its current Emblem plan. Even that didn’t cut it with Vick and her negotiating committee, however — because there were significant problems for members getting coverage from doctors in the area. As Vick puts it: “I knew we could not stay in Emblem.” Instead, after conferring with her negotiating team, Vick

Free flu shots will be offered again this year to Sidney Hillman Health Center patrons

Trippy said Hillman patrons will be mailed information about the details of the annual program when plans are completed.

Vick and her Binghamton negotiating team were the only Local in Workers United or SEIU to successfully fight off the challenge Sodexo made to try to move workers to part-time status. Sodexo’s scheme proved successful in a number of healthcare agreements it hammered out — but not at Binghamton because of the pushback it got there from Vick, the negotiating team, and Joint Board manager Bonadonna.

While Sodexo refuses to concede that all the public uproar was a factor, this June it totally backed off its scheme to move workers to part-time status in pending contracts.

She reminded retirees to bring all their health insurance cards Lorraine Trippy

Hillman medical director Dr. Joseph Nicholas notes that the “Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends

Sodexo accepted those terms, and Local 471 members in Binghamton moved back to Amalgamated this January — and retained their full-time status.

By early this year, Sodexo was under a barrage of negative publicity because of its attempt to move workers to part-time status and force them onto Obamacare or taxpayer-funded Medicaid.

The Hillman Health Center will once again offer free flu shots to its members, Lorraine Trippy, manager of the Center’s health services department, announced.

with them to get the shots — and any time they come to the Health Center for services.

countered with a proposal asking Sodexo to pay the same dollar amount toward an Amalgamated plan, with the union members picking up the remaining 12%.

that adults and children six months and older receive the flu vaccine every year.” Hillman patrons who have questions can call the Health Center. The number for those in Rochester is (585) 4732000; those outside Rochester can use the toll-free number, (800) 383-3797. !

And now a number of major unions, including Workers United and SEIU, are working to eliminate the loophole that gave Sodexo the opening to implement its part-time gambit. Sobczak, the Joint Board organizer, summarizes Vick’s role in all of this in one short comment: “This goes to show that one person can make a big difference — and in this case, that person is Emily Vick!” ! S E V E N

Bernice Wilson, left, Jon Eason, Anna Santiago

Dominick Arroyo, left, Ralph Balsamo, Tony teRiele, Bernice Wilson and Fran Sobczak

Albany District’s volunteer organizer training called ‘smashing success’ A recent program in Albany to train volunteer organizers was a smashing success — and will likely lead to more programs like it. That’s the assessment of Albany District director Emily Vick, who pulled the program together.

“I was incredibly pleased with the great turnout, how engaged the participants were, and how committed they’ve become to helping our organizing efforts. I couldn’t have been more pleased — it was a fantastic day,” Vick said. The participants, she added, “all said how much they enjoyed the program. They also were pleased and impressed that Frannie, Gary Jr. and Richard made the time to take part,” she said, referring to Joint Board organizer Shirley “Fran” Sobczak, Board assistant manager Gary Bonadonna Tracey Cobbs Steven Carr Jr. and Board organizing consultant Richard Bensinger. “Richard did a great job of laying out the information the volunteers needed to know,” Vick said. She noted that one of the most powerful parts of the program was role plays that closely simulated realworld situations the volunteer organizers may well encounter. Members taking part in the training were: • Tony teReile, Sealy Mattress; chief shop steward, RRJB delegate, and Local 1714-T president • Ralph Balsamo, Angelo’s 677 Prime; Local 471 executive board member

Bottom row (l-r): Steven Carr, Tracey Cobbs, Ralph Balsamo and Tony teRiele; top row, Cynthia Van Alstyne, Gary Bonadonna Jr., Jon Eason, Anna Santiago, Andrea DelVecchio, Dominick Arroyo, Bernice Wilson, Richard Bensinger, Emily Vick and David Concepcion

EIGHT

(Continued on next page)

A Special Request to Members from ‘Fired Up, Ready to Win’ In every issue of Reflections, we ask you to help us with organizing efforts by using some of your time to become a Volunteer Organizer. We again do that in this issue, but we also need your help in gathering information on a new drive we’re beginning to organize food service workers at three Rochester-area schools — Rochester Institute of Technology, St. John Fisher College, and Roberts Wesleyan College. Please contact us with the names of relatives, friends, and aquaintences who either have or are working at these colleges. This information can make a vital difference in putting together a successful organizing campaign. If you have information, please contact Joint Board organizer Shirley “Fran” Sobczak at (315) 558-4843 or at the toll-free number, (800) 383-3797. And — please volunteer your time to help with this and other organizing efforts. Here’s why your help is so important: union members bargain for improvements like raises and pensions, and we demand respect and dignity on the job, but 93% of the American private sector workers are without any voice at all. This makes it harder for all of us to move forward. We need to speak to these unorganized, unprotected workers and help them form unions and bargain contracts. They need to hear from you about your experiences and your hopes for the future. Volunteering is simple: • The union will negotiate time off from work for you • The union will reimburse your wages and expenses while you do union work • When the union work is done, you can go back to your normal work schedule You need to: • Be willing to talk to people, ask questions, listen, and help educate about the union • Be willing to work different hours, sometimes nights and weekends • Be willing to travel to campaigns and stay overnight • Want to help people change their lives for the better It’s not a problem: • A car helps, but we can work out transportation • No experience is necessary; you will work directly with a union organizer • Being a shop steward is good, but if you’re not, this is a good way to get involved in building the union • Union work can be for 3 months or 1 day. We know your time is important to you, your family and your employer.

Volunteer organizer training (Continued from previous page)

• Tracey Cobbs, University at Albany–SUNY; shop steward, RRJB delegate, Local 471 executive board member • Steven Carr, Local 471, University at Albany-SUNY • David Concepcion, University at Albany-SUNY; Local 471 shop steward • Bernice Wilson, University at Albany-SUNY; shop steward, Local 471 trustee • Dominick Arroyo, University at Albany-SUNY; Local 471 shop steward • Anna Santiago, Local 471, College of Saint Rose • Jon Eason, College of St. Rose; Local 471 shop steward • Brett Anspach, Bard College; Local 471 vice president and RRJB delegate • Rochelle Leach, Hampton Inn; Local 471 shop steward, RRJB delegate, and Local 471 trustee. ! NINE

Local 471 holds event for members, families Local 471 members who work at SUNY Binghamton and their guests in the area turned out in large numbers to enjoy the Local’s second annual Summer event.The festivities were held at the Binghamton Mets stadium, where union members and their guests were treated to food, beverages, an Elvis impersonator, a Mets game, and fireworks. Additionally, a fruit basket was raffled off to help pay the burial expenses for Local 471 member Rene Snedeker’s daughter, who died recently. A fund raiser was also held recently to raise additional money. Here is a look at some of those who turned out for the event. Additional photos are posted on the Joint Board’s web site, www.rrjb.org. !

More photos on next page

TEN

Photos courtesy of Paul Iachetta

Labor Day parade photos An annual Labor Day parade is a long tradition in Rochester — and so is the Joint Board’s significant role in it, as these photos clearly show. !

Photos by Corey Wood

ELEVEN

Election endorsements of worker-friendly candidates announced by Joint Board “All elections are important

Normal pharmacy hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Monday through Friday, and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon, except for holiday closings. The optical department hours are the same, except Saturday hours are by appointment only. To speed pharmacy service, you can phone prescription refills in 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That automated number is (585) 4732555.

to our members, and the one this Fall is no less so,” Joint Board assistant manager and political director Gary Bonadonna Jr. stressed. He noted that local, state and Congressional races are on the ballot, emphasizing that at “every level decisions will be made that affect all of our lives. Because of that, it’s vital that we elect candidates who understand the needs and concerns of working people.” Once again, he said, the Joint Board has made a thorough review of the candidates’ positions on key issues. “We

have endorsed those who are committed to our causes. I urge our members to register — and to vote for those we know will be our allies.” Those who have received the Joint Board’s endorsements are: Statewide Races • Governor, Andrew Cuomo (D) • Attorney General, Eric Schneiderman (D) • Comptroller, Tom DiNapoli (D)

Rochester PAC sets meeting in October The Rochester PAC’s final meeting of the year will be held on October 14, Joint Board political director and business rep Gary Bonadonna Jr. announced. The meeting will start at 5 p.m. at the union hall. !

TWELVE

Pharmacy, optical schedule

Gary Bonadonna Jr.

U.S. Representatives by Congressional District • Paul Tonko (D), 20th District • Dan Maffei (D), 24th • Louise Slaughter (D), 25th • Brian Higgins (D), 26th State Assembly by District • Bill Magnarelli (D), 129th District [Syracuse] • Joe Morelle (D), 136th [Rochester] • Harry Bronson (D), 138th [Rochester] State Senate by District • Neil Breslin (D), 44th District [Albany] • David Valesky (D), 53rd [Syracuse] • Mike Nozzolio (R), 54th [Rochester] • Ted O’Brien (D), 55th [Rochester] • Joe Robach (R), 56th [Rochester] Monroe County Legislature • Leslie Rivera (D), 29th Legislative District [Rochester] Rochester City Council • Michael Patterson (D), Northeast District NOTE: For late-breaking endorsements, go to the Joint Board web site at www.rrjb.org. !

Please note: prescriptions must include the person’s date of birth. For dependents’ prescriptions, the pharmacy needs the dependents’ dates of birth. Members should always bring their Blue Cross/ Blue Shield, Preferred Care or other health insurance cards with them. The pharmacy is extremely busy just before and just after holidays. Because of that, the pharmacy urges you to avoid getting your prescriptions filled on those days. The pharmacy’s holiday closing schedule is: • Nov. 27, Thanksgiving • Nov. 28, Day After Thanksgiving • Dec. 25, Christmas • Dec. 26, Christmas Floating Holiday The pharmacy is also closed on these Saturdays: November 29 and December 27. All other health care, union and insurance departments are also CLOSED on ALL of these dates. !

Hickey Freeman announces deal to make apparel for Dillards In the second major deal

ing what is widely regarded as some of the finest men’s tailored apparel in the world.

within months, Hickey Freeman has signed an agreement to produce a new line of clothing for the upscale Dillard’s department store chain.

Grano Retail Holdings bought Hickey’s last year and embarked on a plan to revitalize the Rochester manufacturer. Grano CEO Stephen Granovsky has said that he expects to announce more deals in the future like the one with Dillard’s and Ralph Lauren. !

Business rep Greg Laskowski hailed the deal as “very significant and another important step in revitalizing Hickeys. I am especially pleased,” Laskowski said, “because this new work will help bring our members closer to full-time employment.” Under terms of the agreement, Hickey’s will make Dillard’s “Daniel Cremieux Signature Collection” of men’s suits and jackets. The line had been made in Italy. Laskowski said the collection will begin shipping this Fall and is expected to add 10% to 15% to Hickey’s work volume. Dillard’s, headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, has stores in

Greg Laskowski

29 states across the East Coast, Midwest, South, and West. Just last May, Hickey’s inked a deal to produce Polo Ralph Lauren’s “Blue Label” line of suits and sport jackets. Some 400 Joint Board union members work at Hickey’s, produc-

While prices are rising across U.S., optical department wins 6% price cut on lens In a time when prices on

virtually everything across the country are rising, Hillman optical department manager Mike Kather has pulled off a major feat — a price decrease on lens that is being passed directly on to members. “It feels great being able to accomplish this for our patrons — I’m very pleased that I was able to negotiate a price reduction at a time when the lens manufacturer was seeking to raise prices,” Kather emphasized.

That manufacturer had sought price increases on lens ranging from 2% to 4%. Instead,

Tioga Downs union rep Wayne Leonard dies Wayne Leonard, a union steward at the Tioga Downs Racino, died recently after battling cancer. Leonard, 57, was also a Joint Board delegate and was a member of the union negotiating committee for the last contract. Leonard was an electrician at the Racino. He is survived by his wife, Debbie; children, Calista, Caleb, Abrianna and Bradley; mother, Jean Leonard; sister and brother-in-law, Deb and John Northrup; mother-inlaw, Elise Travis; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lori and Andy Watkins; brother-in-law, John Johnson; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1948 East Third Street, Williamsport, PA 17701. ! Gary Bonadonna Jr. photo

Mike Kather

Kather actually won a price decrease of 6% which will be directly applied to the price members pay for lens. The bottom line? Those great prices at the optical department that Reflections has talked about for years are now even better. !

Wayne Leonard

THIRTEEN

Nu Lam Wanda Zauala

Sintreata Griffin

And you think your home has laundry!

You may think your home does a lot of laundry, especially if you have a big family.

But, no matter what, your laundry pales in comparison to that done by our Local 2541 members who work at Aid to Hospitals in Rochester. For starters, EVERY day there is laundry day — a BIG laundry day. Members wash, dry, fold, and package TONS of laundry for area hospitals, including bedding, towels, washcloths and garments, business rep Steve George notes. “Our members there are pretty amazing,” George says. “Because of the nature of the work, it’s always warm, humid and fast-paced, but almost all the members have smiles on their faces and get along really well. There is a real family atmosphere here.” Here is a look at some of dedicated Local 2541 members who work at the Aid to Hospitals laundry; we’ll show you many more of them in the next issue. !

Ramon Vega Kim Hua

FOURTEEN

Huons Le

Truyen Tran

Francisco Baerga

Oun Tep

More photos on next page Aida Morales

Nhung Hoang

Brenda Bullard

Ariane Ginel

FIFTEEN

Ha Ho

Christian Cabrera

Jorge Thaureaux

Story, more photos on previous 2 pages & next page

Chief shop steward Keith Pendleton, left, and business rep Steve George

Jose (Manny) Echevarria

SIXTEEN

‘Income Inequality’ — we all pay for it Our country has been systematically devastated by ever-growing income inequality. After WW II until

40 years ago in the 1970’s, working people’s incomes were rising faster than the upper income level group. That all changed, starting in the late 1970’s. At that point in time, all the wealth was starting to be concentrated at the top among fewer and fewer Americans. The nation’s workers were more productive but didn’t see it reflected in their pay checks. The divide between the haves and have-nots is now getting worse — really, really fast. In 1980, the top 1% controlled about 8% of U.S. national income. The bottom 50% shared about 18%. Today, the top 1% share about 20%, while the bottom 50% share just 12%. There are a number of factors that have caused this dramatic shift. U.S. trade policies have allowed our good-paying union manufacturing jobs to be moved out of our country. Middle class workers were displaced and their standard of living was lowered. Our tax policies have made it possible for upper level earners to get out of paying their fair share of taxes and have let large corporations pay little or no taxes at all. The result has been devastating. It has made properly funding our basic social safety net almost impossible. In addition, there has been completely inadequate funding for America’s deteriorating roads, bridges, buildings, railways and other parts of our infrastructure system. The list of negative outcomes from income inequality includes other significant problems. There isn’t enough money to provide education and job retraining for our unemployed workers who need to compete in the world market. Workers also face a federal government that does not listen to — or address — their problems. The super wealthy and big business leaders, like the infamous Koch brothers, have attacked unions at every turn, and gained more and more control of the political process. Much of both traditional and social media constantly seek to demonize unions — one of the last defenders of working people.

Fran Sobczak

The indisputable facts are that income inequality is at an all-time high and getting worse. Our country is rapidly becoming less a capitalist society and more like a feudal society. Unless we quickly and drastically change our policies, the middle class will continue to shrink. We can’t continue to simply wring our hands and decry about what is happening in this country. We have to stop the fighting between the right and the left — and other factions fighting among themselves while the wealthy go their merry way. We need to search for creative new ways to bring the vast majority of Americans together — for the sake of the vast majority of Americans. Obviously we don’t have, and never will have, the money to win this fight. But, there is one rule that still applies in this country — the majority rules. If there were ever a time to build that majority, it is NOW. Never give in, never give up. !

Kelly Emerson

Le Tran

Juanita Glenn

SEVENTEEN

Our Local 4 members provide hungry Buffalo Airport passengers food, beverages —and friendly service When the thousands and thousands of passengers who pass through the Buffalo-Niagara International

Airport annually get hungry and thirsty, our Local 4 members are there to serve them. Those members work for Delaware North at the drink and food service outlets — and the gift shops — notes business rep Greg Laskowski. Delaware North holds the concession contracts at the airport. Laskowski has a lot of praise for our members working there. “They are hard-working and very dedicated to serving the passengers. They not only know how to quickly prepare and serve food and beverages for passengers who are often on tight schedules. But, they also have a lot of patience and good skills for dealing with the public. ”Those ‘people skills’ are important,” Laskowski emphasizes, “because the hassles of air travel often leave many passengers frazzled and on edge. “Our airport workers not only make an effort to quickly get passengers their food and drinks, but to do it with a smile and a friendly manner. They do a great job.” Most of our 125 members work as bartenders, servers, cooks and in other related food and beverage service jobs. Here is a photographic look at some of those members; we’ll show you more in the next Reflections. !

Renee Martin

Maurice Reeves

Debra King

EIGHTEEN

Carla Pudlewski

Emma Foster

Saw Yee Kham

Jada Yelder

Cheryl Statler

Charles Borden

More photos on next page

Lisa Leidenfrost

Jackie Metzger

Brian Hawkins

NINETEEN

Business rep Greg Laskowski, Revay Slaughter, and manager Rob Sobczyk Penny Stevens Cristal Fitts

Story, more photos on previous 2 pages

Lance Mallory, Katrina Deperto

Westley Weatherspoon

TWENTY

Jean Michel

Front row, l-r: Tammy Balliet, Sue Mangus, Sherie Hurdley; back row: Anthony Thomas, Dave Marsala, Paco Bennett, Bernie Montabello Jr., Kevin Dustin

Special thanks to Xerox supervisor Don Miller for supplying the information and gathering these photos. Patti Pasquarella

Local 14-A members take part in annual ‘Day of Caring’ projects Scores of Local 14-A members took part in this year’s United Way Day of Caring program in Monroe County. The union members joined other Xerox employees in volunteering their help at several locations.

Joanne Thornton

Those included putting on a carnival for patients at Monroe Community Hospital; work at the Fairport location of the ARC of Monroe County; landscaping at the Veterans Administration’s gardens in Rochester; and help at Community Residences in the county. Here is a look at some of our 14-A union members in action. !

Lynda Sylvester

Front row, l-r: Todd Persuitte, Jeff Hobbs; back row: Frank Collisma, Dave Mann, Lori Dzielski, Ted Kokkoris

Tony Dioguardi, left, Dennis Lobello, Scott Ellis

TWENTY-ONE

Retired Local 221 member Frank Palmesano dies Frank T. Palmesano III, 63, who had worked at Stern & Stern in Hornell, died recently. He was a retired Local 221 member who had 42 years of service at the specialty textile Palmesano manufacturer. He served many years as Local 221’s vice president, and also attended a number of union conventions and Joint Board Leadership Conferences.

Franci Pollizi

Retired Local 221 member Francis Pollizi dies Francis Pollizi, whose career as a Local 221 member at Stern & Stern in Hornell spanned 52 years, died recently. He was 77.

Pollizi went to work at Stern & Stern in Hornell in 1956 as a temporary worker. It quickly became more than that — he retired in 2008 after a career spanning 52 years at the company. During all those years, Pollizi did a variety of jobs, including warp mounter, cloth dauber, smash fixer, side machine helper, and, finally, weaver — the job he retired from. He was dedicated to Local 221, having served as chief shop steward for 35 years — a post he held until retirement. In an interview with Reflections at his retirement, Pollizi made clear how he felt about TWENTY-TWO

Palmesano was a life-long motorcycle enthusiast and an avid collector of Boy Scout memorabilia. Palmesano’s survivors include his brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Karen Palmesano; and many aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. Contributions in his memory can be made to Meals-OnWheels, in care of Pro Action, Attn: Fiscal Dept., 117 E. Steuben St., Bath, N.Y. 14810 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. ! that union post: “I always liked being shop steward, because I like solving problems. There was a certain kind of excitement in that job. “I always understood that sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose. But, no matter what, I always tried to represent the people the very best I could.” He recalled that REFLECTIONS Published by the Rochester Regional Joint Board, Workers United, for its affiliated membership. Offices located at 750 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607.

Check out Joint Board’s new, improved web site The Joint Board recently launched a newly redesigned and revamped web site featuring information updates, new bold graphics, and a crisp contemporary look. The Joint Board’s information technology (IT) manager, Dana Keaton, emphasized: “I wanted our website to reflect the dynamic nature of the Joint Board itself.”

Keaton

Keaton added, “I would love to have feedback from our members about the site, suggestions about what they would

like to see — and contributions of photos that we can post.” Members can send information and photos directly to Keaton at [email protected]. Check out the new web site at www.rrjb.org. !

during those years, he helped negotiate “more contracts than I can remember.” Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Barbara; three sons, Michael (Kelley) Pollizi, Thomas (Margaret) Pollizi, and Timothy (Becki) Pollizi; four daughters, Deborah Stauffer, Rose (Richard) Bartlett, Mary Houghtaling, and Lori (Mark) Corso; one sister, Carol (Mike) Terrigino; 19 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions in his name be made to Care First Hospice, 11751 E. Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830. !

Business rep Greg Laskowski’s wife, Bernadette, dies Business rep Greg Laskowski’s wife, Bernadette, died recently. She was 53. In addition to Greg, she is survived by daughters, Lisa Marie (Joshua Bracken) and Sara (Alex) Mintonye; her sister, Frances Todaro; and several nieces and nephews. Contributions in her name can be made to the Strong Memorial Hospital Foundation, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester 14642. ! Center (TUC) as a Local 471 member working concessions, so he got a lot of experience about the union side of things. He was very good at his job and a dedicated worker. Emily Vick

Emily Vick: experience in union jobs helps make people better if they become managers People are often better managers if they have first worked in union jobs, Albany District director Emily Vick believes. “Those people have a much better understanding of what the union workers do, the stresses of the jobs, and how

Sean Fallen

management decisions affect those doing the work,” Vick emphasizes. A case in point, she says, is Sean Fallen. “Sean started his career at the Times Union

“So, I wasn’t surprised when he was named the Center’s warehouse supervisor, and more recently, the general manager for all of TUC’s operations. I think his experience in the union has made him much better equipped to work with our members,” Vick stresses. Fallen, who now

oversees many employees, readily agrees. “My experience in the union has definitely helped me in the management jobs, because I’m able to see and understand the union members’ point of view. I’ve been where they are, and that helps me make better decisions that work for them and for the company. “Having that experience as a union member has been invaluable to me.” !

POLICY ON THE FEE OBJECTIONS Workers United, in conformance with the requirements of law, has adopted a policy and procedure with respect to dues and fees paid by non-members covered by collective bargaining agreements containing a union security clause. Under this policy, an employee who is subject to a union security clause and who, therefore, as a condition of employment, must pay regular and periodic dues or fees to our union may perfect an objection with regard to the amount of dues or fees which he or she is being required to pay. An existing Workers United member who chooses to object to the payment of full periodic dues uniformly required as a condition of acquiring or retaining membership in our union must resign from membership. A newly-represented employee who chooses to object to the full payment of dues may refuse to join the union and will be treated as a fee payer. To the extent permitted by law, nonmembers cannot participate in union elections as a voter or a candidate, attend union meetings, serve as delegates to the Joint Board or as a delegate to the Workers United convention, or participate in the process by which collective bargaining agreements are reached and ratified. Any Rochester Regional Joint Board-represented employee may resign from membership and file an objection with regard to the amount of dues or fees he or she is required to pay by following the procedure set out in the annual report of Workers United. Every member is mailed a copy of this annual report and you may obtain a copy from the Workers United Communications Department at 31 West 15th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY, 10011. You may also request a copy from the Secretary-Treasurer of the Rochester Regional Joint Board, 750 East Ave., Rochester, N.Y., 14607. The Rochester Regional Joint Board expects very few employees it represents will avail themselves of this option since it firmly believes that those it represents recognize the importance of all expenditures which the union incurs and the many ways in which these expenditures benefit our members. !

TWENTY-THREE

Reflexiones ofrece los puntos principales de las noticias en español. Para todos nuestros miem-

bros de habla-hispana, Reflexiones (en inglés: Reflections) ofrece un resumen de las noticias centrales de esta edición. Aquí están esos puntos principales: Página 1 —Nueve niños de miembros de la Junta unida han ganado la Beca Chatman de $2,000 para cada niño, anunció Gary Bonadonna Sr. gerente de la Junta. Hubo dos cosas nuevas este año, notó Bonadonna. “Por primera vez Jenna DeForte ha ganado la Beca por una tercera ves y por primera vez la Beca irá a un miembro de una familia de Hickey Freeman, Crystal Lee.” Expertos de la Fund-ación de la Comunidad de Rochester revisaron las solicitudes y los ensayos para determinar los gana-dores. El enfoque de los ensayos era sobre la importancia de las uniones. Aquí están los ganadores de este año: • Nyla Council, la hija de Anthony Council y su esposa, Tanya. Anthony es miembro de la Local 14-A. Nyla, la graduada de la escuela superior de Rush Henrietta, atenderá la Universidad de Clark Atlanta University este otoño, donde estudiara mercancía de modas. • Jenna DeForte, ganadora por tercera vez, es la hija de Elaine DeForte, una asistente administrativa en las oficinas centrales de la Junta Unida, y su esposo, Stephen. Jenna empezara su tercer año este otoño en St. John Fisher concentrándose en educación. • Danielle Gugino, la hija de Penny y John Gugino. John es un miembro de la Local 14-A trabajando en Xerox. Danielle, una graduada de la escuela superior de Wayne Central High School, atenderá SUNY Potsdam este otoño. • Crystal Lee — la primera ganadora de un padre de Hickey Freeman, es la hija de Melissa Ok Lee. Crystal se graduó este verano de la escuela superior de Spencerport. Ella atenderá la

TWENTY-FOUR

Universidad de Rochester, donde estudiara para ser una científica de neurología. • Shannon Lloyd, la hija de Betty Davis-Lloyd, miembra de la Local 14-A, y su esposo Jackson. Shannon se graduó de la escuela especializada de Wilson y atenderá la Universidad Hampton, donde ella está interesada en estudia farmacéutica o pre-leyes. • Ashlee y Matt Loos – son ganadores por segunda vez— ellos son los gemelos de Terri Loos, un asistente administrativo en la oficina del distrito de Buffalo, y su esposo, Mike. Matt va ha ir a D’Youville College y se va a concentrar en Negocios Internacionales y Finanzas. Ashlee va a Brockport College y tiene una doble concentración en justicia criminal y Psicología, con una sub-concentración en ciencias forenses. • Nicole Secor, la hija de Michael Secor, miembra de la Local 14A. Nicole se graduó de la escuela central de Wayne esta primavera y entrará a Cazenovia College este otoño, donde ella estudiara administración de deportes. • Erin Straight, una ganadora por segunda vez, es la hija de Raymond Straight y su esposa, Cindy. Raymon es un miembro de la Local 14. Erin está atendiendo la Universidad de Rochester, donde ella está trabajando en dos concentraciones — Relaciones Internacionales y Español. Página 4 — Aquí hay una lista de los números de teléfono y los horarios para las oficinas del Sindicato y el Centro de Salud Hillman. Página 4 — Miembros de la Local 49 trabajando en Flexo Transparent en Buffalo han ratificado un nuevo contrato después de negar el primero acuerdo tentativo, anuncio David Carroll, director del Distrito de Buffalo. El nuevo acuerdo traerá aumentos salariales de $2.35 la hora atreves de la vida del acuerdo y otras mejoras, dijo Carroll. “Estas fueron negociaciones muy fuerte, con el conflicto central sobre beneficios de planes medicos,” el notó. El Nuevo contrato deja esos beneficios sin cambios. Página 5 — Miembros de la Local 14-A trabajando para Xerox han ratificado un nuevo contrato de cuatro años, después de negar la primera oferta sugerida. Líderes de la unión caracterizaros las negociaciones como “duras.” Uno de los puntos de conflicto ha

sido los derechos de los trabajadores cuando son llamados de regreso después de ser dejado ir. Bajo el contrato ratificado, empleados llamados de regreso ante de los primero 12 meses serán regresado a la paga que habían recibido antes de ser dejado ir. Los empleados más activos recibirán una suma total de $1,000 en su último cheque de este año y $600 en el primer cheque en julio de 2016. Página 6 — Emily Vick, la directora del Distrito de Albany tuvo un papel central en confrontando a Sodexo, una compañía gigantesca de servicios de comida. Vick hizo que Sodexo reconociera que los empleados unidos como empleados de tiempo completo. Esta aceptación restauró los planes médicos a los empleados. En SUNY Binghamton, Sodexo trató de reclasificar miembros de la Local 471 que estaban trabajando a tiempo completo durante los nueve meses del año académico. Sodexo trato de calcular el tiempo como el promedio entre 12 meses, reclamando que los emple-ados estaban trabajando a tiempo parcial. Esa calculación era un truco que querían utilizar atreves de la nación. Ese cambio hubiese significado que los miembros en Binghamton y atreves de América hubiesen perdido sus planes médicos. Vick no permitiría que nada como eso tomase lugar y logro reclutar el apoyo de la Junta Unida de Rochester, Trabajadores Unidos y Service Employees International Union. Al fin, Sodexo se arrepintió y se hecho para atrás. Página 7 — Lorraine Trippy anunció que el Centro de Salud Hillman ofrecerá de Nuevo vacunas contra la gripe a sus patrocinadores. Trippy, la gerente del departamento de servicios del Centro, dijo que los miembros de Hillman recibirán información por correo con detalles cuando los planes sean finalizados. Página 8 — Once miembros de la Junta Unida del Distrito de Albany recibieron entrenamiento extensivo para ser organizadores voluntarios para la Junta Unida. Emily Vick, Director del Distrito de Albany; Shirley “Fran” Sobczak, Organizadora de la Junta Unida; Gary Bonadonna Jr., asistente al Gerente de la Junta; y Richard Bensinger, un consultante de la unión corrieron el entrenamiento. Los participantes fueron Tony teReile, Local 1714-T; y Ralph Balsamo, Tracey Cobbs, Steven Carr, David Concepcion, Bernice Wilson, Dominick Arroyo, Anna Santiago, Jon Eason, Brett

Anspach, y Rochelle Leach, miembros de la Local 471. Página 9 — Si quieres ayudar a la unión en sus esfuerzos por organizar trabajadores, contacta el departamento de campañas para organizar en Rochester al teléfono (315) 558-4843 o el teléfono gratis, (800) 383-3797. Página 10 — El desfile del Día del Trabajador es una tradición muy profunda en Rochester y el papel significante que toma la Junta Unida también tiene una tradición muy profunda, como estas fotos enseñan claramente. Página 11 — Miembros de la Local 471 y sus invitados en la área de Binghamton estuvieron presente en grandes números para disfrutar el segundo evento de verano de la Local. Las festividades tomaron lugar en el estadio de Binghamton Mets donde miembros de uniones y sus invitados fueron recibidos con comida, bebidas, un juego de los Mets, y fuegos artificiales. Aquí encontrara fotos de algunos de los fueron al evento. Página 12 — La Junta Unida ha estudiado las posiciones y entrevistado a los candidatos políticos que están corriendo en las elecciones de este Noviembre para determinar donde están en términos de trabajadores y sus familias. Les pedimos que vote por los candidatos en esta lista, quienes apoyan nuestra causa. Página 12 — La farmacia del Centro de Salud Normal Hillman está abierta de 9 a.m. a 5 p.m. de lunes a viernes y sábados de 8 a.m. hasta las 12 de la tarde, con excepción de los días feriados mencionados aquí. Página 12— Éstas son las fechas para las reuniones del PAC (Comité de Acción Política) de Rochester para 2014. Las reuniones empiezan a las 5 p.m. en la sala de la unión. Página 13 — Wayne Leonard, un represente de la Local en Tioga Downs Racino, murió recientemente después de una batalla con el cáncer. Leonard, 57, era un delegado de la Junta Unida y era un miembro del comité negociador para el último contrato. Leonard era un electricista en el Racino. Página 13 — En el segundo contrato principal en varios meses, Hickey Freeman en Rochester han firmado un acuerdo para producir una nueva línea de vestimenta para la cadena de departamentos de de ropa Dillard. Bajo los términos del contrato, Hickey hará la línea de trajes de vestir de hombres y

chaquetas llamada: “Daniel Cremieux Signature Collection”. La línea había sido producida previamente en Italia. Dillard es una cadena de tiendas en 29 estados atreves de la costa Este. Se espera que esta nueva línea aumentara el volumen de trabajo de Hickey por 10% a 15%. En mayo, Hickey firmo un contrato para producir la marca de trajes de hombres y chaquetas “Blue Label” de Polo Ralph Lauren. Más o Menos de 400 miembros de la unión trabajan en Hickey, produciendo alguno de los trajes de hombres más finos del mundo Página 13 — Mientras todos los precios siguen subiendo atreves del país, el gerente del departamento óptico de Hillman ha logrado una gran Victoria – una reducción en los precios que era pasada directamente a otros miembros. Winchester Optical, la compañía que provee los lentes al departamento de óptica de Hillman, estaba buscando aumentar los precios por 2% a 4%. En vez de eso, Mike Kather, el gerente del centro óptico, ganó una reducción de alrededor de 6% a 8% — lo cual será directamente aplicados a los precios que los miembros pagan por los lentes. Página 14 — Tu creerás que en tu casa se lava mucha ropa, especialmente si tienes una familia grande. Pero no importa que tu montaña de ropa sucia no se compara con las que son limpiadas por los miembros de la Local 2541 quienes trabajan en Aid to Hospitals en Rochester. Primero que nada, CADA día es día de lavar ropa- MUCHA ropa. Los miembros lavan, secan, doblan, y empacan TONELADAS de ropa diariamente para los hospitales en el área, que incluyen ropa de cama, toallas, paños, y ropa. Aquí hay fotografías de mucho de nuestros miembros haciendo este trabajo. Página 17 — La organizadora de la Junta Unida, Shirley “Fran” Sobczak, escribe sobre la separación económica que continua aumentándose entre la gente rica y todos los demás – y el efecto devastador de esa separación. Página 18 — Cada año, cuando miles y miles de pasajeros pasan por el aeropuerto internacional de Buffalo-Niágara tienen hambre y sed miembros de la Local 4 están ahí para servirles. Esos miembros trabajan para Delaware North en los kioscos de comida y bebida – además de las tiendas de regalos. Delaware North maneja los contratos de concesiones en el aeropuerto. La mayoría de los 125 miembros son meseros, cocineros y en otros trabajos de servicios

relacionados con comida. Aquí hay fotografías de algunos de esos miembros. Página 21 — Muchos de los miembros de la Local 14-A tomaron parte en el programa del Día de Cuido del United Way en el Condado de Monroe. Los miembros de la unión trabajaron en varias operaciones en Xerox. Aquí se pueden ver algunos de los miembros dando su tiempo. Página 22 — Francis Pollizi murrio recientemente. Él quien tuvo una carrera de negocios como miembro de la Local 221 en Stern & Stern en Hornell que duro 52 años. El era 77 años. Pollizi fue a trabajar en Stern & Stern en Hornell en el 1956 como un trabajo temporero. Rápidamente se hizo más que eso. El se retiro en el 2008. El se dedico a la Local 221, sirviendo como representante de la unión por 35 años — una posición que mantuvo hasta su retiro. Página 22 — Frank T. Palmesano III, 63, quien trabajó en Stern & Stern en Hornell, murió recientemente. El era un retirado de la Local 221 quien había dado 42 años de servicio en la manifactura de textiles especializados. Página 22 — Para mantenerte informado de las ultimas noticias, revisa frecuentemente la página electrónica de la Junta Unida. Ahí es donde encontrarás las nuevas noticias, además la Galería Fotográfica y los archivos de Reflections. Lleva tu cursor a www.rrjb.org. Página 23 — La esposa de Greg Laskowski, Bernadette, murió recientemente. Ella era 53. Además de Greg, ella fue sobrevivida por sus hijas, Lisa Marie (Joshua Bracken) y Sara (Alex) Mintonye; su hermana, Frances Todaro; y varios sobrinos y sobrinas. Greg Laskowski es un Representante de Negocios Sindicales. Página 26 — Aquí están las fechas para las reuniones de las uniones locales para del año 2014. Página 27 — Aquí honoramos a los miembros de la Junta Unida que celebran un largo tiempo de servicio durante este cuarto del año. Página 28 — El grupo de retirados, Workers United Retirement Organization (WRO), se reúne el segundo martes del mes a las 10 a.m. en el Salón de la Unión en Rochester Página 28 — Aquí hay un perfil biográfico de Rose Riefer, miembro por largo tiempo del grupo de retirados. !

TWENTY-FIVE

Recognizing Long Service Members recognized here are those with 20, 25, 30, and 35 or more years of union service, based on their union seniority dates — not their company hire dates. Those recognized in this issue have anniversary dates occurring during the third quarter of this year. Local 4 49 Leo Ignatowski 40 Annie Sherman 38 Larry Hall 37 Randy Ritz 36 Salvatore DePasquale 35 Stanley Tryninewski 20 Dorrain Roundtree, John Marks Hickey-Freeman Locals 41 Marianne VanOrden 36 Kenneth Lichwiarz

36 Daniel Bezwerchyj, Craig Hofmann, Betty Schreiber 35 Souly Ketavongsa, Sukhdevo Purewal 30 Gail Abbott, Tina Ashby, Zera Sue Deskins 25 Kurt Bethmann Local 14-B 35 Curwin Smith 30 William Spry, Victor Stirpe 25 James Leuci Local 49 36 Timothy Kessel, Daniel Weaver 20 Anthony Wisnowski Local 168-39 39 Lindy Koepp 30 Wayne Legg Local 193 25 Bryon Barrett

25 Luz Cruz

Local 221 40 Alice Mosher

20 J. C. Moody

37 Barry Snyder

Local 14-A 46 David Pedersen

Local 381 20 Sheryl Hoyt, Tammy Miller

44 Raymond Yorkey, Patrick Gallo

Local 388 35 Dawn Cerretto

43 Ronald Toeper, Patricia VanScott, Francis Colosimo, Bruce Cermak

30 Sharlene Dunton

41 James Allen, Daniel Almekinder, David Boise, Rosemarie Fava, James Grant, Jack Halstead, Louis Malec, David McNett, Walter Miller, Thomas Resue, Kenneth Walker, Ronald Williamson

25 Wayne Warney

40 Linda Sylvester

Local 471 39 Bonnie Skelly

37 Clifton Ashbaugh, James Backus, Alan Bloss, Ross Clark, John Cordeiro, William Dennis, Roger Dunning, Thomas Docteur, Gregory Ellsworth, John Gallo, Thomas Gurnett, Kevin Krug, Timothy Nippon, John Panek, Peter Pasicznyk, Willie Patterson, Larry Pearson, Donald Rossi, Kimberly Sofia, Steven Soregi, Michael Steffler, Michael Stolt

Local 388-G 43 Leona Conrad

37 Robert Gagliardi 30 Valerie Evanitsky, Carolyn Hinkey, Earl Luedecke, Carl Tiffany, Barbara Gilmore 25 Margaret McManus

20 Jan Yakey Local 646-T 30 Alton Vogle 25 Duane Phelps, Kim Phelps Local 701T 42 Frank West, Robert West 41 Michael Koes, Jr. 20 Tammy Elkin Local 1067-T 45 Raymond Bogdan 40 Kerry Malecki, Bradley Brown 37 Claude Jones Local 1095 40 Dennis Fiegl 36 Judith Lauer Local 1126 41 Gloria Kasprzak, Robert Scott 25 Katherine Rogers, Jacqueline Lewis Local 1712 Correction: Local 1712 member Robert Carter was listed in the Long Service list in the last paper as having 45 years of service. He actually has 50 years of service. 25 Mark Pettit Local 1714 25 Tomasz Metrak 20 Gerald Ritson, Anthony Tocco Local 1947 35 Henry Perone 30 Stephen Delelys 20 Heath Blandford Local 2486 36 Cathleen Bellinger, Sarah Lea Hayes 20 Agnes Valachovic Local 2541 42 Ramon Vega (Continued on next page)

TWENTY-SIX

Locals’ meeting dates set

meetings begin at 7 p.m. at the Union headquarters on these dates:

Joint Board business reps have set meeting dates for their Locals for the rest of this year. Those dates are:

—Nov. 11 (Thanksgiving raffle)

—Oct. 10 —Dec. 12

*Please note: Shop rep elections will be held in the plant in October; dates and locations will be posted in the plants.

Local 646-T, Fownes—All meetings will be held at American Legion Post 701, Amsterdam, NY at 7 p.m.

Local 14-B, International Paper Co.— Check union bulletin boards for any the meeting schedule. All meetings will be in the LTC Room at the Boxart Street plant.

—Oct. 15

Local 3-T, Schlegel’s—Dates will be posted in the plant. Local 4—Please Note: For members convenience, the Local offers two dates, times and locations each meeting cycle. —Nov. 4, 6 p.m., general membership meeting, Buffalo District office. —Nov. 5, 4:30 p.m., Sheraton at the Falls, 300 3rd Street, Niagara Falls.

Local 49, Flexo Transparent—All meetings held at 3:45 p.m. at the Buffalo District office.* —Nov. 3

Locals 14, 204, 205, 227, and 230, Hickey-Freeman—All meetings begin at 4:45 p.m. at the Union headquarters, 750 East Avenue, Rochester.

Local 51, Atlas Health Care Linen Service—Meeting time and place to be determined; members will be notified in advance.

—Nov. 20

Local 168-39, Angelica Textiles —All meetings will be held at the Days Inn, 200 Oak St., Batavia, at 1:30 p.m.

Local 14-A, Xerox—The executive board will meet at 6 p.m. at the Union headquarters, 750 East Avenue, Rochester, Oct. 14, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9. All regular membership

Long Service (Continued from previous page) 30 Eugene Ragland 20 Kim Dung Nguyen, Le M. Tran, Mayra Bermudez Local 2607 59 Janet Clute 44 Bonnie Hutchinson 37 Brenda Howe 30 Lisa Booth 25 Maria Justo 20 Maria Curral Local 2714 45 Patricia Rate 44 Mary McKelvey 42 Linda Schaefer 40 Colleen Cahill 38 Sharon Muir 35 Janet Curry

—Dec. 9 Local 168-39, Coyne Textiles, Buffalo— Meetings will be held as needed. Members will be notified in advance. Local 191, Finger Lakes Casino—Meeting schedule will be posted at the Casino. Local 193, Corning Radisson and Horseheads Holiday Inn—Meetings scheduled as needed. Local 194 & 234, Vernon Downs, Vernon—Meetings will be held as needed. Members will be notified in advance. Local 195, Tioga Downs, Tioga—Meetings will be held as needed. Members will be notified in advance. Local 221, Stern & Stern Industries—All meetings held at 12:30 p.m. at the Association, 66 Broadway, Hornell * —Nov. 2 Local 231, ARAMARK Cafeterias—Meeting schedule will be posted in the cafeteria kitchens. Local 231, ARAMARK Laundry—Meeting schedule will be posted in the laundry’s break room and in the plant. Local 231, JMc Promotions—Meetings To Be Announced Local 368, Robison & Smith—All meetings will be held at American Legion, 200 North Main Street, Gloversville at 5:30 p.m. —Nov. 25 Local 388-G, Alleson Athletic Wear (Geneva)—All meetings will be held at 3:45 p.m. in the plant cafeteria. —Nov. 18 Local 388-R, Alleson Athletic Wear (Rochester)—All meetings will be held at 11 a.m. in the plant. —Nov. 20

25 Wendy Elliott, Kevin Truax

Local 471—All meetings held as needed and members will be notified in advance.

20 Kathleen Cooper !

Local 482, D & F Pallet—All meetings at 4:15 p.m. at the at Liberty Café, 21

Prospect, Fredonia*

Local 701-T, Interface Solutions—All meetings will be held at 3 p.m. on the second Wednesdays of each month at the Moose Lodge in Fulton. Local 976-T, UltrePET—All meetings held at Park across from plant —October dates TBA Local 1067-T, Habasit Belting—All meetings held at 12:30 p.m. at the Buffalo District office.* —Nov. 8 Local 1095-T, Buffalo Batt & Felt—All meetings held at 12:30 p.m. at the Buffalo District office.* —Oct. 4 —Dec. 6 Local 1126-T, Sellmore Industries—All meetings held at 4:30 p.m. at Lunch Room at Sellmore.* —Oct. 14 —Dec. 9 Local 1712, Colonial, Wood & Hyde, Milligan & Higgins, and Simco—All meetings will be held at American Legion, 200 North Main Street, Gloversville at 5:30 p.m. —Dec. 18 Local 1714-T, Sealy Mattress—All meetings will be held at American Legion Post, Green Island at noon. —Nov. 17 Local 1827, Redmond Plastics—All meetings will be held as needed at Finn’s Restaurant in Marion. Times and dates will be announced. Local 1947, Babbitt Bearings—All meetings held at the General Pulaski American Legion Post on Burnet Street in Syracuse. Meetings will be held on the third Wednesdays of every month at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. (to accommodate first and second shifts). Local 2541, Aid To Hospitals—Meeting schedule will be posted in break room and in the plant. Local 2541, Associated Textiles—Meeting schedule will be posted in the laundry’s break room and in the plant. Local 2607, Coyne Textiles, AmeriPride Linen & Textile, and Atlas Health Care Services, Syracuse—Meeting schedule will be posted in plants. Local 2714, Frontier—All meetings held at 5 p.m. at the union headquarters, 750 East Avenue, Rochester —Nov. 13 *Check postings in plant/ building since meeting dates and locations must sometimes be changed. !

TWENTY-SEVEN

Rochester Regional Joint Board 750 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607

CHANGE OF ADDRESS PLEASE: if your name or address has changed, let us know. Simply complete the form below with the new information AND enclose the old mailing label used for sending you this issue of REFLECTIONS. New mailing infor-

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Rochester N.Y. Permit No. 4395

Name Address

City State

Zip Code

‘People person’ Rose Riefer stays active ester Visitors and Convention Center, where she shares information about things to do in the Flower City.

If there was ever a “people person,” it certainly has to be Rose Riefer. She’s the whirlwind currently serving as president of the Workers United Retiree Organization (WRO). Riefer joined the club in 2001, shortly after retiring from Xerox. True to her nature, she soon became active in the organization. She’s been on the executive board at least 10 years and was elected club president a couple of years ago. In addition, Riefer handles setting up the club’s various trips and “helps out wherever I’m needed. “I like the WRO so much because I get to see a lot of the people I know from Xerox, but I’ve also had the opportunity to make wonderful new friends among the retired clothing workers and others.” As you might expect, Riefer is busy with a number of other activities outside of WRO. She works part-time for the Roch-

TWENTY-EIGHT

Riefer is active in the Xerox Pioneers’ Club, where she sets up the club’s dinners, and she also is a member of the Annunciation Servers Club. She cites traveling as another of the things she loves to do.

Rose Riefer

WRO meeting dates set Rose Riefer, president of the Workers United Retirement Organization (WRO), has announced the club’s meeting schedule for the rest of this year. The club meets at 10 a.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at the Union Hall in Rochester on these dates: • Oct. 14 • Nov. 11 • Dec. 9. !

Riefer was a Local 14-A member who worked at Xerox from 1971 to 2001. During her last dozen years there, she was a tour coordinator. In that capacity, she oversaw tours through the company’s Webster manufacturing facility. She’s particularly proud that many Local 14-A members were trained to explain during the tours the work they were doing at their stations. Riefer has four daughters, Renee, Kathleen, Patricia and Vickie. The latter two work in management at Xerox, but Riefer proudly notes that they “started out in union jobs, so they know what that means.” !