Official Publication of the Rochester Regional Joint Board Volume 31 Number 129 Summer, 2013 Benefits improved for Sidney Hillman Health Center patrons

Significant new improvements have been announced to the already great Sidney Hillman Health Center (SHHC) benefits.

SHHC president Gary Bona- donna said the improvements come in three major areas —

prescription drug co-pays, expansion of benefits for older children, and more convenient blood screenings and urine testings. Gary Bonadonna Dr. Brian Heppard “I am extremely pleased about For the first time, all children parents. (See details in the these improvements to the under age 26 now have full first bullet above.) It also benefits of our Hillman pa- pharmacy and optical means that those same trons,” Bonadonna emphasized. benefits if they are covered dependents are now entitled “I am confident that our mem- under their parents’ health to free eye glasses every two bers will definitely be pleased insurance. years, the same as eligible also,” he added. members and spouses. In addition, no proof of Here is a look at the improve- college status will required • The blood screening and ments: for those older than 19. urine testing process has been streamlined. • A zero co-pay for all pre- Under the old program, scriptions costing less than dependents were not eligible SHHC patrons will now have $4 — meaning those medi- for free eye glasses every those tests done at a lab that cines will be totally free. two years and were only is convenient for them and Other prescriptions costing covered for Hillman benefits their doctor — they no $4 or more will continue to until age 22 if they were longer have to come to the be deeply discounted at the enrolled in college. Hillman Center. Hillman $4, $10 and $20 rate, de- benefits will continue to pending on the medicine This means that eligible cover the co-pays for most children’s prescription drugs diagnostic testing not fully • Two improvements have are now covered at exactly been made in coverage for the same rate as their (Continued on next page) eligible dependent children. Sheraton workers win hikes totaling $1.10 Local 4 members working at that classification rises to $8.90 the Sheraton at the Falls hotel an hour. Laskowski also noted in Niagara Falls have ratified a that Local 4 members who are new contract that will boost red circled will get all of the wages by $1.10 over the life of raises other employees are getting now and over the next five years.

The chief negotiator said business rep Peter DeSabio played a key role throughout the pact, business rep and chief the talks, as did the Local 4 negotiator Greg Laskow-ski negotiating committee. Those Lorraine Trippy announced. committee members were Rose Bondanella, Debbie The five-year agreement will bring an immediate 20¢ an Dennis, Rick Mameli, Me- Health Center linda Martin, Stanley T. hour increase, Laskowski Tryninewski and Tammi reported. That will be followed benefits improved by identical hikes in 2014 and Walaszek. „ (Continued from Page 1) 2015; in 2016 and 2017, the hikes jump to 25¢ an hour, the covered by primary insur- business rep said. ance. Check out “Overall, this is a good agree- Hillman medical director Dr. ment for our members because Joint Board’s Brian Heppard noted that the it guarantees steady wage changes are the result of a increases every year over the web site year-long, comprehensive, top- life of the pact — and because To keep informed about to-bottom review of the Health there were no the latest news, check Center and its programs. changes to medical benefits at the Joint Board’s web a time when most companies The director said, “We wanted are demanding that employees site frequently. That’s to look at every thing to ensure contribute more,” Laskow-ski where you will find we are meeting the real-world stressed. breaking news posted, needs of our patrons and to see as well as Photo Gal- if there were financially viable He cited two other examples of leries and Reflections’ ways we could improve benefits why the contract is positive for archives. even further. I think we’ve members. One is that the succeeded on both counts.” starting pay for new room Point your browser to attendants is going up to $8.65 www.rrjb.org. „ Lorraine Trippy, manager of the an hour and the top rate for health, patient services and registration departments, agrees. “I personally know many of our patrons. I can say for certain that the improve- ments we’re making to the benefits will definitely help large numbers of them. They will be very pleased at what we’ve been able to do for them,” she stressed.

Trippy added that patrons with questions should feel free to call the Hillman Center for answers. That number is (585) 473-2000. „

Greg Laskowski

T W O current undocumented work Joint Board ers, including a path to citi zenship continues focus • Improvement, not expansion, of temporary worker programs on activisim that are limited to temporary or seasonal jobs — not perma- Activism continues to be an nent jobs. important focus for the Joint Board and its allies, Board Sweatfree Campaign organizer and activist Shirley “Fran” Sobczak reports. The Board is actively support- ing the Sweatfree New York A measure of success from that Campaign. That campaign is focus came recently when the asking Governor Cuomo to state minimum wage was create standards that would increased from $7.25 an hour ban the state’s purchase of to $9. Sobczak calls it a “mini- apparel, textiles and footwear mal victory.” made in sweatshops.

She notes, “In the first place, Sobzcak notes that sweatshops even $9 an hour is too low for are often the scene of numer- workers to really have a decent Shirley “Fran” Sobczak ous labor, health and safety wage — and reaching that $9 conditions that include child an hour will take three years to labor, intimidation of union That approach is important, become law. supporters, unpaid overtime, she said, to make sure immi- and dangerous work situations. “There are other problems, too. gration doesn’t depress wages and working conditions or The increase is not indexed to Social Security encourage marginal, low-wage inflation, and it does not in- clude ‘tipped’ employees. The industries that depend heavily The Joint Board continues to on substandard wages, benefits new law also will give compa- work with fellow activists and and working conditions. nies tax credits for hiring 16- to political allies to protect Social Security, the bedrock of most The organizer pointed out that American workers’ retirement. this approach to immigration Proposals being floated in Con- reform requires five major, gress include raising the Social interconnected pieces: Security retirement age and curbing cost of living raises. 19-year-olds. This will definite- • An independent commission to Sobczak is emphatic: “We should assess and manage future im- ly adversely affect older work- be expanding Social Security, not migration flow and needs, ers who are applying for mini- cutting it! Social Security bene- mum wage jobs, because based on actual labor market fits are earned, and are not shortages companies will tend to hire the entitlements!” younger workers to get the tax credit. • A secure and effective worker Campaign Finance Reform authorization process “Yes, I’m happy they raised the The Joint Board is endorsing minimum wage but not happy • Rational and realistic border the campaign for Fair Elections control workers got stiffed!” Sobczak for New York. That campaign said. seeks to establish a system of • Adjustment of status for public funding of elections. The Here are other issues the Joint goal is to thwart today’s situa- Board and other activist groups tion where special interests are also focused on: have almost free reign to elect and influence politicians. REFLECTIONS Immigration Reform Published by the Rochester Sobczak notes, “When politi- Regional Joint Board, Sobczak stresses that compre- cians ‘owe’ corporations and Workers United, for its hensive immigration reform “is lobbyists who finance their a must. We need reform that affiliated membership. campaigns, they are no longer Offices located at 750 East includes strong, new labor accountable to the people of Avenue, Rochester, NY standards and their effective the state.” „ enforcement of workers’ rights 14607. and workplace protections.”

T H R E E Maribel Mercado — “It’s great and so wonderful the union was able to save our jobs. I like working here, and it would have been hard to go try to find a job somewhere else.”

Roberto Perez — “I feel really grateful for all the efforts the union made to save our jobs. If I had lost this job, I would have had to go on unem- ployment and it would have been very hard for me.”

Hickey Freeman workers grateful for union’s efforts to save their jobs

Late last year, the jobs of some 400 union members working at Hickey Freeman were saved through a major effort by the Joint Board and Workers United.

That victory came because of the unions’ efforts and through the Joint Board enlisting the aid of two of its powerful politi- cal friends and staunch allies — Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Louise Slaughter. The unified efforts of the Joint Board, Schumer and Slaughter paid off in a big way.

An acquisition deal saved Hickey and its parent company, Sevinç Ozturk — “I am so Hart-Marx — and the jobs of our Hickey union members. happy, very, very happy be- cause this is like a second It marked the second time in three years that the union home to me — and I need the helped save the plant. The Joint Board, Schumer and Slaugh- insurance so much for my 14- ter made a similar effort in 2009 that also succeeded in year-old son and his illness. saving the plant. “The union went to bat for me It’s certainly not rocket science to figure out the very positive with the Amalgamated Insur- feelings the Hickey workers have toward the Joint Board and its efforts. ance, and they worked out a plan to cover his medicines and Those feelings are clear in the comments on these pages specialized equipment. They from the Hickey workers. „ cover virtually everything — about $250,000 annually! Without that, I’d have to quit my job and go on welfare.”

F O U R Julia Hernandez — “I’m very grateful for what the union did because I enjoy work- ing here. I didn’t want to go somewhere else to work. Many people who work here would have had a difficult time finding other work, including me.”

Eva Phillips — “I think the union is great. They do so much that is helpful to us. If the plant had closed it would have been difficult for me to find another job here, and I would probably have had to move to Georgia.”

Edna Mendez — “This is my first time in a union, and I feel so good about it, and what it did to help us. It would have been very hard for me if this plant had closed.”

Rochelle Dunmore — “I have a Harrison Oseni — “The union very good job and the very came through — as they important Hillman Health Care always do! They did a very benefits. That would all have good job saving our plant. And, been gone if the plant closed. A the union has always been lot of people like me need these helpful to me personally, as jobs, and it would have been well.” difficult to find other work.”

F I V E Local 14-A member Ed DiPonzio earns Xerox ‘black belt’

A unique achievement.

That describes what Local 14-A member Ed DiPonzio has at- tained with his certification as a top tier “black belt” in Xerox’ program of constant improvement known as Lean Six Sigma.

There are only a handful of black belts in the company — and DiPonzio is the first 14-A member to attain that status. Frank Rivera As business rep Roger LaDue points out, “This is a remarkable Frank Rivera achievement — a very big accomplishment. Because of the nature of our union work, the black belt is even more difficult named Local for one of our members to earn than for those in management. 388-R shop rep “I am very proud of Ed. But, I’m not the only one. He received numerous Frank Rivera has been named a accolades from black belt manage- Local 388-R shop rep to replace ment members at a recent awards Tammy Guilian, who has taken ceremony.” a salaried position with Alleson Athletic Wear in Henrietta. LaDue added, “Ed has always been a Rivera will complete Guilian’s go-getter and passionate about term, which expires in Decem- everything related to employee in- ber. volvement, and this is yet another example of that.” Rivera began working for Allesons in 2004 during sum- DiPonzio, who spent 16 years as mers when he was 16 years anEd DiPonzio organizational effectiveness special- old. During his summer work ist (OES), stressed, “I’m very proud to have earned the black he did inventory in the ware- belt and especially to represent the union as the first one. It house. He subsequently joined took a lot of effort, but it has all been worth it.” He had been a the company full-time in 2007 “green belt,” the next level down from black belt, since 2003. after graduating from MCC with associates’ degrees in liberal Earning the black belt requires passing numerous Lean Six arts and business. Sigma courses and successfully leading several major projects designed to improve the workplace. (A story on the next page He works in customer service, describes DiPonzio’s third, and latest, project that led to his a position he has held since black belt certification.) joining the company full-time. Rivera said he decided to take The Lean Six Sigma program at Xerox makes use of numerous on the shop rep responsibilities analytical tools and a disciplined process to identify problems “because I wanted to become and viable solutions. more involved in the union, to feel more a part of everything, As DiPonzio notes, “It can be utilized by every employee to and to be able to help more.” simply improve their everyday work process or by a team to He stressed, “I definitely like improve the overall business process as well. It is essential in being a shop rep, because I’ve today’s competitive business environment, where success always enjoyed taking care of depends on constantly finding ways to work smarter, safer, and people’s problems.” quicker.” „ Away from work, Rivera enjoys fishing in the Sodus area, watching football, “hanging out with friends.” „

S I X Local 14-A members play central role in Xerox project

Three Local 14-A members played central roles in improv- ing the way certain parts’ kits are created and shipped at Xerox, and a fourth played a key role in an important aspect of the project.

The lead on the project was Ed DiPonzio, who was assisted by fellow union members Debbie Cook and Dave Silipini. As a result of their work, DiPonzio became a certified “black belt” — the first union member to do so — and Cook and Silipini earned “green belts” using Photo courtesy of Ed DiPonzio Xerox’ Lean Six Sigma process- Local 14-A members Debbie Cook, left, Ed DiPonzio, and Dave Silipini es. happens with new work, stores them. That new system That program makes use of DiPonzio notes, there seemed then allows El Segundo to order numerous analytical tools and little time to formally plan how to the kits as required. a disciplined process to identify handle it and integrate it with problems and viable solutions. processes Webster was already Considering the complexity of the (See previous page, for a story using to create and ship parts’ project, there were amazingly about the black belt, DiPonzio’s kits. In short, the work was few stumbles. One came late in achievement and Lean Six being handled, but not in any the effort when some Webster Sigma.) efficient, systematic way consis- managers raised an objection to tent with other kit work. the use of an automated infor- Cook works in building, testing mation system. and shipping a major compo- DiPonzio credits Cook for changing all that. “Debbie was DiPonzio noted that some of working in the area handling the managers for various the El Segundo work and reasons had not attended wanted to improve her work communication and briefing space. She was the trigger for meetings about the project. this. Once I started to explore Once those managers were nent of Xerox’ IGen products, this with her, and later with brought up to speed, their which print at extremely high Dave, I realized because of my objections went away, he speed. Silipini works in the so- training that this was actually a emphasized. called “Super Shop,” the com- larger project that encom- pany’s Webster model shop and passed more areas.” The project is now in a pilot tool room. He essentially acts phase and so far is working as a project manager. All three That’s when DiPonzio proposed well. Once any bugs are worked Local 14-A members have 25 to management a project that out in the pilot phase, the new years of service. essentially looked at all areas approach will be permanently affected by the new work and launched. Di-Ponzio is obvious- In addition, Sam Avallone, a how to bring an orderly process ly pleased with the outcome, fourth union member and also to it that would be compatible and so are Cook and Silipini. a 25-year veteran, was instru- with other kit work done in Cook said, “Everything flowed mental in helping to develop Webster. very well. It was very satisfying documented work processes to work with such a good group where none had previously Once approved, the yearlong of people and to see all the existed. He is a process me- project got underway in March, cooperation. There was a lot of chanic. 2012. It entailed working rapport.” closely with personnel both in The genesis for the project El Segundo and Webster to Silipini echoes that: “Everyone started two years ago when identify the needs of both was great to work with, and it work on certain specialized groups. That ultimately led to was a good experience. It was parts’ kits were brought into creation of a systematic pro- also one of those projects that the company’s Webster manu- cess that ensures Webster really benefits everyone.” „ facturing facility from its opera- builds parts for the kits as tion in El Segundo. As often needed, creates the kits, and

S E V E N time at Xerox must have rubbed off on several of his At 100, Leonard children. His son, Leo, was an engineer there 40 years; son Farnand is still a Robert was a pipefitter with 37 years; and daughter Diane was a secretary for 13 years; and character, with a son Gerry as an electrician for a short time. In addition to keen sense of humor those children, Farnand has a daughter, Sheila, with whom he Leonard Farnand is a character lives, 11 grandchildren, and 6 — in the best sense of the word great-grandchildren. A de- — and his memory and sense ceased son, Daniel, worked at of humor belie the fact that Photo courtesy of the Farnand family Rochester Products. Leonard Farnand he’s 100 years old. world’s first xerographic duplica- Farnand has a quick and firm answer for his longevity: “Faith Farnand was born on a farm in tors, capable of creating copies in God!” It also probably Canada but came to the United at high speeds — for the 3600, States in 1944, subsequently at a copy per second. doesn’t hurt that every day he becoming a citizen. His first job does physical exercises and reads large print books. in America was working as a Farnand was involved in another tool and die maker at Kodak’s first as well — the LDX. The LDX, And, many might say that his sense of humor has also con- Navy Ordinance Program. He short for Long Distance Xerogra- tributed to his long life. stayed at Kodak 14 years. phy, was used by a major rail carrier to transmit messages During the interview with a But, in 1958, he moved to the from one copier device to anoth- Reflections reporter, Farnand Hollenbeck Street plant of er via phone lines. The LDX was Haloid, a photographic paper essentially the world’s first fax recounted one of the funniest things that ever happened to manufacturer and the forerun- machine. ner of today’s Xerox Corpora- him when he was on the family tion. Throughout his career at Because of Farnand’s involve- farm in Canada. “One day during the height of winter, Xerox, he was a model maker, ment with so many of the first there was lots of snow on the but not just any model maker. Xerox products, he had the The highly skilled Farnand opportunity to meet many of ground. My brother and I decided we wanted to go worked in the company’s pilot the company’s early leaders, sledding without all of the programs where new product including the CEO Joe Wilson; prototypes were created. As a and John Dessauer, head of normal work involved. model maker there, Farnand research, as well as Chester “Well, we had a bull on the farm, created parts for the experi- Carlson, the inventor of xerog- mental prototypes. raphy. and I tied a rope around it like reins. Then I tied a piece of barbed wire on the bull’s tail. My Those exceptional skills directly Farnand recalls Wilson as involved him in helping to “beautiful guy,” who always brother and I jumped on the sled, and I grabbed the reins.” create the world’s first true came to the Christmas parties With a big grin and a devilish copier, the Xerox 914. Farnand to shake hands with employees not only helped create the and thank them. “Joe knew twinkle in his eyes, Farnand went on: “That bull took off like hell. It parts for the 914 prototype, but every employee’s name,” and, raced around the barn and raced management actively solicited he adds that Dessauer was just his input and ideas. “I thought “as nice as Joe Wilson, a very round the barn, and at one of the turns, it slammed its tail against the 914 was a wonderful nice guy for sure.” product, and I was very proud the barn so hard the barbed wire to have worked on it,” he Farnand clearly relishes his cut off his tail!! Needless to say, my father was quite upset when recalls. career at Xerox. “It was a very he found out what had hap- good place to work, and I The 914 was but the first of certainly had no complaints. pened.” many early Xerox products he The union was very good, too, Just as the Reflections reporter helped create through his work especially the Sidney Hillman in experimental pilot programs. services,” he emphasizes. In closed out the interview and was ready to leave, Farnand In 1960, he was part of an fact, Farnand still uses the free called him back and said: “Oh, early contingent of employees eye exams, free glasses, pod- who moved to the company’s iatry service, and medicines by the way, I just made up that story about the bull!” „ new site in Webster. Once there, today, some 36 years after his he had a hand in developing retirement. the 813 copier, the 2400 and the 3600. The latter two were the Farnand’s enjoyment of his

E I G H T Bonadonna Jr. gives rave reviews to prestigious leadership program of sadness at the program’s “This program exceeded every close “because I made a num- expectation I had. It’s the best ber of lasting friendships, but training imaginable, very won’t be able to see those intense, but very rewarding.” friends as frequently.”

That is business rep Gary The year-long program is a Bonadonna Jr.’s glowing assess- joint partnership of the New ment of one of the country’s York State AFL-CIO and the most important and prestigious Cornell Union Leadership union leadership training Institute — part of Cornell’s programs — the Cornell Union Industrial and Labor Relations Leadership Institute. The School. business rep is wrapping up his participation in the program He hopes funding for the pro- this month (June). gram will continue so others can experience the exceptional “I can say quite honestly that training. this program has reinvigorated me,” he stressed. “Any of us To that end, Bonadonna Jr. has can easily get trapped in the written NY Senator Joseph day-to-day work, lose sight of Roback encouraging him to perhaps better ways of doing continue backing the state things — and not even realize funding that enables the pro- it. gram. Gary Bonadonna Jr. “The program presents a The training program is aimed grander vision of what the Bonadonna Jr. also noted that squarely at growing future union can be and what the he has come away with imme- union leaders. The Institute leaders within the union can diate and practical benefits, as prepares labor leaders, it achieve. It covered all aspects well — he is relishing using notes, “to effectively and new negotiation skills at con- strategically tackle the tough tract talks that are coming up challenges and new opportuni- later this year. “I can’t wait to ties now facing the labor use them, because I’m confi- movement . . . . Our goal is to dent they will be of significant develop knowledgeable leaders help.” who have the highest profes- of labor, and the staff chosen to sional standards, and who lead the training was outstand- He noted that he felt a twinge think and act boldly — advanc- ing. It is quite an experience, ing the interests of their unions and one I wish everyone could . . . the broader labor move- have.” Rochester PAC sets ment, and all working people.” Bonadonna Jr. went on to say, The program had three princi- “The course moves you out of meeting schedule pal components — seminars, your day-to-day routines, and individual projects, and elective takes you out of your comfort The meeting dates for the courses. zone. The program starkly Rochester PAC’s meetings underscored the tremendous for the rest of 2013 have The seminars covered a wide need to reinvent our unions, been set, Joint Board range of topics, including and I definitely agree with that. political director and critical challenges in union business rep Gary leadership, internal organizing, “One of those challenges is Bonadonna Jr. announced. focusing on growth, building finding ways to strengthen our solidarity across differences, unions, especially at a Local The meetings will be held understanding the global level. How can we involve more at 5 p.m. at the union hall. economy, and advanced union members in the union and Here are those dates: leadership in power, politics encourage more of them to and organizational change. „ become activists? The course • Aug. 13 provided a lot of tools to • Oct. 8 achieve those changes.” • Nov. 12 „

N I N E At 103, Michelina Valle has had an amazing life Michelina Valle has had a truly Valle recalls that her mother amazing life – and not just had to fight hard to be able to because she’s managed to live practice her trade, even though to be 103 years old. she had official documents entitling her to do that work. Valle’s story starts when she was born in 1910 and for her “My mother had to fight for her first three years she lived in the rights, but she wasn’t afraid to United States. Then, her par- do that,” Valle emphasized. ents went back to their native Because her mother was busy so Italy. She stayed there until much of the time, Valle essen- age 19, when she returned to tially began running the house in the United States. Italy at age 7.

Back in America, she went to “My mother taught me to make work at Michael Stern, where macaroni and homemade sauce she worked for about six years at that age and everything else as a buttonhole maker. She involved in running the house. subsequently moved to Bond’s After that I was pretty much on Clothing Company, where she my own — I didn’t have any worked for a relatively short choice in the matter,” Valle time as a buttonhole maker. remembers. Her job included much more than just fixing Then, in a third move, she meals and keeping the house Michelina Valle went to work at Hickey Free- up, much more. man for about 10 years, where at the former McCurdy’s de- she once again made button She also was essentially re- partment store, where she was holes before she and her sponsible for raising the other employed in gift-wrapping. husband, Nick, opened the children in the house. “I pretty grocery store. The couple ran much did everything around But, Valle’s work experience the store for almost 15 years the house,” she notes. started much earlier than at until Nick died. Michael Stern. Her mother, When Valle turned 11, she left Angela Rosa, was a midwife Following her husband’s death, home to study to be a Carme- when the family was in Italy. Valle returned to Hickey’s as a lite nun and lived with the buttonhole maker and worked nun’s for seven years. “It was there than approximately 16 hard work, but we did eat well,” years before retiring. 14-A, Xerox agree she said. She has fond memories of her Today, she still walks everyday, work at Hickey’s. One of those to extend contract albeit with the aid of a walker highlights, she recalls, was — and is the oldest person in Local 14-A and Xerox have doing work on suits for celebri- her nursing home. Valle has agreed to a one-year contract ties that included Frank Sinatra two daughters, Genevieve and Joey Bishop. extension, chief union negotia- Rotoli and Angelarsa Cater- tor and Joint Board manager nolo, four grandchildren, and Gary Bonadonna announced. She notes that Sinatra and seven great grandchildren. others would be spirited into He noted that while the exten- Hickey’s for fittings settings, Valle has a very strong belief sion will freeze wages at cur-rent with most employees unaware about why she’s been able to that they had been in the levels, it also means that Local live so long. 14-A members’ job guarantee building. remains in place and contribu- “I’ve always believed in God, Valle emphasizes that she tions to their health care will and I pray every day, do the remain unchanged. enjoyed the work at Hickey’s rosary, and I also pray for my and that she also liked the kids, grandkids, and great union and what was able to do The current contract was grandkids. My faith in God is negotiated in May, 2010, and for her and the other employ- why I have had such a long covers nearly 1,000 union ees. life.” „ members working in Webster and other Monroe County In addition to her work in locations. „ clothing, Valle also worked seasonally for about six years

T E N Local 193 members honored for service to Radisson hotel The Radisson Hotel Corning has honored seven Local 193 mem- bers for their exceptional service, according to business rep Gary Bonadonna Jr.

The business rep announced that Charlie Felker from the kitchen department has been selected Renata Caulkins as the hotel’s 2012 employee of the year. Bonadonna Jr. emphasized that the honor “is Renata Caulkins especially meaningful because it was voted by Charlie’s co-workers.” Felker, who has worked at retires after the hotel since 1983, was also named the kitchen Felker department’s employee of the year. 50-year- career Others picked as departmental employees of the year are: Renata Caulkins is retiring • Housekeeping, Helen Wilson after a 50-year career.

• Laundry and maintenance, Fred Neally Her career began in embroidery and decorating at Holly • Front Desk, Steven Daniels Messmer, a screen printer located in downtown Rochester • Grill, Su Carpenter at the time. It subsequently moved to Henrietta in the same • Bar, Terry Paluch facility that housed Alleson Athletic Wear. • Banquet, Darryl Hill. Caulkins worked at Holly The Radisson also recognized other employees for various contribu- Messmer until it closed in the tions, including Irene Nadia and Larry Morris for 15 years of late 1980s. She subsequently service, and Bonnie Hamilton for 10 years. went to work at Allesons, where she worked picking Union members receiving “MVP” awards for “going above and orders in the warehouse. She beyond in providing outstanding service” included for August, continued to do that work until Peter Quattrini – Kitchen; September, Darryl Hill - Banquet; her recent retirement. October, Kenny Comstock – Banquet; December, Kim Beiling – Housekeeping; January, Erica Gleason, Front Desk; February, Caulkins emphasized, “I liked Yvonne Leonard – Housekeeping; March, Shannon Sawyer - working here, especially since Housekeeping; and April, Thadeus Mixon - Front Desk. it was like a family.” She add- ed, “The union was good for Bonadonna Jr. noted that the “outstanding contributions of our me also.” Caulkins recalls that Local 193 members also played a key role” in the Corning hotel Holly Messmer was not initially receiving the 2012 President’s Award and Yes I Can! Customer unionized, but the union did Service Award from the international Radisson Hotel chain. „ succeed later in bringing representation to the workers there. She notes that Alleson’s Neally was already organized and represented Local 388-R work- ers there. Daniels Wilson Caulkins has no particular retirement plans other than keeping her house up and doing yard work. Caulkins does like to read “almost anything that is interesting” and intends to Carpenter Hill continue with that now she has Paluch more leisure time. „

E L E V E N Pecola Raysor Local 471 members work in food service at SUNY Binghamton Mike Kulik Our Local 471 members are involved in virtually every aspect of food preparation and serving at SUNY Binghamton’s campus complex. Julie Kilts

Our members work in a wide spectrum of jobs, including washing and cleaning pots, pans and utensils; preparing and cooking, grilling and baking food; serving food and beverages; and cashiering. All of them are employed by Sodexo, which holds the food service contract at the universi- ty. In the last issue, we brought you a look at many of our members at SUNY Bing- hamton; here are photos of more of them at work. „

Tim Beam

Ann Testani

Carol Rosebaum

T W E L V E Amy Clarke, left, and Joany Bunzey Shop rep Dana Howard

More photos on next four pages

Carol Hinkey

Mike Sutter

Donovan Preston

T H I R T E E N Dottie Carr

Sabnns Mastronardi Alex Wixsom

Jackie Rifenberg

Tanya Orcutt Tom Cady

F O U R T E E N Marcia Frost Dori Kahabka

More photos on Mark Pringle

next two pages Beverly Hornak

Sue Bennett

Norman Weaver

Anthony Minard Sonya Williams

F I F T E E N Renee Snedeker

Billy Ward

Roxanne Ridgeway Kim Harvey Steven Chukolosky

S I X T E E N Ryan Randall

Ben Bunnell (incorrectly identified in last issue as Ben Jason)

Heather Anderson

Jessica Smith

Vinnie Mastronardi

Howard Johnson Krista O'brien

S E V E N T E E N Almekinder, Kathy Miles, Bryan Whiting, Patrick Walsh, Darryl Recognizing Scherberger, Dennis Staly, Mike Wicks, Linda Wilson, Steph- Ninevski, David Dinoto, Tho- anie Wooten, Gregory Ranieri, Long Service mas Kuhn, James Cariola, Scott Randolph, Thomas Steve Cushman, John Minehan, Randolph, Ronald Poles, Barry Members recognized for long Steven Hamilton, Lawrence Peets, Douglas Northrup, Julie service are those with 20, 25, Albone, Mark Nye, Brenda Martin, Edward DiPonzio, Peter 30, and 35 or more years of Mastrodonato, Susan Mangus, DeMarree, Travis Echevarria, service. Those recognized in Nicolette Mattice, Joseph Richard Ewing, Michael Leck- this issue have anniversary Pezzulo, Ronald Dul-mage, inger, Krystyna Dioguardi, dates occurring during the Susan Beyea, Thomas Eldred, second quarter of this year. Barry Kramberg, Timothy Michael Enos, Dawn LeBerth, Bonin, Bertha Jackson, Mearllean Local 4 Jackson, Deester Jackson, Ethel 47 Gary Countryman, Eddie Mims, Jackson, William Laird, Edmund Rosemary Ferraro, Jane Kosicki Willard Green, John Gorman, Leisenring, Michael Thurley, Douglas Roemer, Steven Put- Michael Faggiano, James 41 man, Prentiss Jackson, Carmen Frederick, Anthony Ferreri, Jay Patricia Curran Platino, Donald Rossi, Karen VanCuyck, Charles Vanhorn, Spoor, David Sweet, Thomas Laurie Vanhorn, 38 Gurnett, Larry Pearson, Thomas Calvin W. Robinson Docteur, Willie Patterson, Bruce David Vanderlinde, James Cermak, Steven Soregi, Michael Vanderlinde, Yop Kim Chea, Ted 30 Stankovski, Rosemarie Fava Kokkoris, Erin Kearns, Willie Dawn Viscuso Dinkins, Josette Crews-hendrix, 35 William Ciminello, Terence 25 Dennis Ras, Judith Dorsey, Milne, Brenda Merritt-Sherrod, Helen McNamee William Bush, Marta Dippel, Marilyn Adams, James Brad Hillebrant, Timothy Jones, Simmons, Todd Skeddle, James 20 Thomas Colling, Boh-dan Warner, Sandra Wick-man, Penny Grace, Emma Jean Myyga, Willie Jackson, Maria Shawn Wilson, Foster Lazarevski, Gary Cooper, Steven Murray, Gary Salamone Michael Weisbond, Cheryl Hickey-Freeman Whiting, Carl Roberts, Kelly Locals 25 Spangan-berg, Carol Cody, 25 Christopher Miller, Robert Hall, Saly Philabounkhoun, Betty Pranay Shah, Irina Selever Teresa Hall, Joseph Ruffino, Davis-Lloyd, Richard Delor- Andrew Bennage, Benjamin enzo, Deborah Dennis, Vernon 20 Ansuini, Ronald Schenk, Paul Lane, Michael Trayer, Patrick Michael McCauley, Arkadiy Siciliano, Russell Bentzoni, Fazi, Tammy Balliet, Steven Paykin Gayla Ellison, Lisa Cathey, Gary Viggiani, Raymond Barnhart, Bostian, Randy Bonfer-raro, Theresa Bracken, Gaye Brito, Local 14-A Robert Bennett, Keith Caine, George Bonham, Rhonda 53 Darlene Bullock, Burch-Arlline, Thomas Welderly Charles Cochran, Robert Robert Scott, Charlene Garnier, 43 Conaway, Olga colon, Robert John White, Johnny Wilburn, Douglas Riker, Herman Cum- Curry, Michael Clark, Tod Timothy Jones, Cory Lane, mings, Sharon Avoli, Raymond Clemens, Kevin Maylin, Pat- Deanna Miller, Clifford Yorkey ricia Madison, Zora Milevski, VanCamp, Brett Bargerstock, Felice Dorsey, Curtis Morgan, Cheryl Bargerstock, Debra 42 Agustin Montanez, Jason Haas, Cook, Ilia Stechna, James Peter Pankiw, Francis Colo- Sharon Hargrove, Suzanne Henning, Kelly Liszka, Prin-celli simo, Richard Galek Lawson, Marco Madio, Richard Soto, Michael Romano, Laurie Agosto, Michelle Hamza, An- Snyder, Rex Pentycofe, Eric 41 drew Saxe, Neely, Scott damon, Brian Thomas Conaway Dumbleton, Carl Johns, Edward Shortino, James 40 Swartwood, Gayla Sims, Anthony Thomas, Paul Vanneil, Elwin Allen, Louis Malec, Robert Ronald Sedore, Andrew Gams, Shelly Koester, Nicole Brito, Vice Gamuel Gaziano, Tammy Elizabeth Ayala, Thoma Ghysel, Green, Mary Gibson, Susan Stacy Riznik, Tierney Echols, 36 Fischer, Stephen Goeller, David Robert Butterworth, Daniel (Continued on next page)

E I G H T E E N 20 Long Service John Dumary, William Harold, (Continued from Page 18) James Przybylowicz Pharmacy,

Linda Edelmann, Iris Burgos, Local 1802 optical schedule David Michael, Timothy Haley, 40 Dale Hillegeer, Angel Agosto, Debra Luthart Normal pharmacy hours are 9 Dawn Single, a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Monday David Austin, Carlisa Moore, 37 through Friday, and Saturday 8 Nancy Fidanza, Charlene Keihl a.m. to noon, except for Roberto Sotomayor, Leonard holiday closings. The optical Ward, Timothy Relyea, Ray 25 department hours are the D’Elia, Helena Urbanowicz, Ronald Owen same, except Saturday hours Kevin Fernaays, James Ver- are by appointment only. To plank, Gray Jennifer, Kendall Local 1947 speed pharmacy service, you can phone prescription Brown, Willie Chandler, Patrick 25 refills in 24 hours a day, Cahill, Marcy Manktelow, Mark William Galla Romano seven days a week. That automated number is (585) Local 2486 473-2555. Local 168-39 36 37 Edith Reeves Please note: prescriptions must Terry Fulmer include the person’s date of Local 2541 birth. For dependents’ Local 193 41 prescriptions, the pharmacy 30 Judith Johns needs the dependents’ dates of Charles Felker birth. Members should 30 always bring their Blue Local 221 Florence Gregory Cross/Blue Shield, Preferred 42 Care or other health Larry Burdick 25 insurance cards with them. Santia Colon, Leslie Hall, Myrna The pharmacy is extremely 39 Simerson, Pauline Fostano, Carol O’Dell busy just before and just Maria Maldonado, Sounthanh after holidays. Because of Sisomphou, NH Songvilay 25 that, the pharmacy urges Mary Woodworth you to avoid getting your Local 2607 prescriptions filled on those 45 days. The pharmacy’s holiday Local 388 Bonnie Hutchinson closing schedule is: 36 Donna Markel, Diane Dear 39 • July 4, Independence Day Marlene Paul 30 • July 5, Independence Day Floating Holiday Ralph Shaw Local 2714 39 • Sept. 2, Labor Day Local 1067-T Judith Brankline, John Koziark, 45 Mary Myers • Nov. 28, Thanksgiving Gary Wanat • Nov. 29, Thanksgiving 37 Floating Holiday 39 Diane Carpenter Gerald Kokotajio, Krystyna • Dec. 24, Christmas Kubera 25 Floating Holiday Patricia Gessin, David Martell Local 1712 • Dec 25, Christmas 44 Rochester Regional Joint Robert Carter The pharmacy is also closed Board on these Saturdays: July 6, 42 August 31 and November 30. 39 Roger LaDue Carl Insognia All other health care, union and insurance departments 40 are also CLOSED on ALL of 25 Gary Bonadonna. „ these dates. „ Patrick Davison

Local 1714-T

N I N E T E E N Reflexiones ofrece los miembros y sus parejas. Athletic Wear en Henrietta. • Los exámenes de sangre y Página 7 — Miembros de la puntos principales de las orina han sido coordinados Local 14-A jugaron un papel para que los clientes del principal en mejorar el proceso noticias en español. Centro de Salud Hillman de cómo las partes de las pueden tener esos exámen- machinas de Xeros son Para todos nuestros miembros es en los laboratorios mas enviadas y entregadas a de habla-hispana, Reflexiones conveniente para ellos y sus tiempo á todos los clientes (en inglés: Reflections) ofrece un doctores. Clientes del Centro atreves del mundo. Ed DiPonzio resumen de las noticias centrales no tienen que venir al Centro fue el líder en la Local 14-A. de esta edición. Aquí están esos de Salud de Hillman. Los Ed conoce como mantener puntos principales: beneficios del Centro de cualidad en el proceso como un Salud Hillman continuara “maestro de karate con Página 1 — El presidente del cubriendo las contribuciones cinturón negro”— el nivel mas Centro de Salud de Sidney para la mayor parte de los alto de la compañía. Debbie Hillman, Gary Bonadonna, ha exámenes diagnósticos que Cook y Dave Silipini, miembros anunciado mejoras al Centro. no son cubierto por los de la unión, también fueron Estas mejoras incluyen: planes de salud primarios. parte del proceso.

• Ningún copago para prescrip- Página 2 — Para mantenerte Página 8 — Leonard Farnand es ciones que cuestan menos informado de las ultimas un carácter — de la mayor de $4 — lo que quiere decir noticias, revisa frecuentemente manera posible— y su mem- que esas medicinas serán la página electrónica de la oria y sentido del humor totalmente gratis. Otras Junta Unida. Ahí es donde sobresalta sus 100 años. prescripciones que cuestan encontrarás las nuevas Farnand nació en una finca en $4 ó mas continuaran siendo noticias, además la Galería Canada, pero vino a los Estados profundamente rebajadas a Fotográfica y los archivos de Unidos en el 1944, y luego se las tarifas de $4, $10 y $20, Refections. Lleva tu cursor a hizo un ciudadano. Su primer dependiendo en las clases de www.rrjb.org. trabajo en los Estados Unidos medicinas. era construyendo herramien- Página 2 — Los miembros de la tas y tintes en el programa de • La cobertura de niños Local 4, quienes trabajan en el Navy Ordinance en Kodak. El dependientes ha sido hotel Sheraton en Niagara continuó trabajando en Kodak mejorada en dos maneras. Falls, han ratificado un Nuevo por 14 años. Pero el paso la Por la primera ves, todos los contrato que aumentara la mayor parte de su carrera en niños menos de 26 años paga por $1.10 atreves de la Xerox como creador de estarán completamente vida del contrato, anunció Greg modelos en la Local 14-A. cubiertos para recibir los Laskowski representante de beneficios farmacéuticos y negocios sindicales y Página 9 — “Este programa ópticos, si están cubiertos negociador principal. excedió toda mis expectativa. bajo el plan de los padres. Es el mejor entrenamiento que Además, los niños mayores Página 3 — La Junta Unida yo puedo imaginar, muy inten- de 19 años, no tienen que continua su trabajo a favor de la sivo, y con muchas recompen- proveer prueba que están justicia social de acuerdo con la sas.” Esa es la reacción del matriculados en la univers- organizadora Shirley “Fran” representante de negocios, idad. Sobczak. Ella reporta que la Gary Bonadonna Jr., sobre unos Junta ha estado envuelta a favor de los programas de Previamente, dependientes del aumento de la paga mínima entrenamientos de liderazgo no cualificaban para de Nueva York, igualdad en el sindical del Instituto de espejuelos gratis cada dos lugar de trabajo para las Liderazgo Cindical de Cornell. años y los beneficios de mujeres, reforma de inmigra- El esta terminando este mes de Hillman los cubrían hasta los ción justa, y leyes contra la Junio su participación por un 22 años solamente si compra de ropa echa en fabricas año. estaban registrados en la internacionales donde se universidad. explotan a los obreros. Página 9 — Éstas son las fechas para las reuniones del Esto quiere decir que las Página 4 — Los trabajadores de PAC (Comité de Acción Política) prescripciones de niños Hickey Freeman han reconocido de Rochester para el resto del elegibles ahora están los esfuerzos de la Junta Unida año. Las reuniones empiezan a cubiertas de la misma que ayudaron a que la fabrica las 5 p.m. en la sala de la manera que sus padres. siguiera abierta. unión. (Hay mas detalles en el boletín que se encuentra Página 6 — Frank Rivera ha Página 10 — Esta historia arriba.) Esto también quiere sido nombrado como uno de los provee un perfil biografico de decir que estos dependientes representante la Local 388-R Michelina Valle, quien tiene 103 cualifican para espejuelos para remplazar a Tammy años. Ella paso su carrera gratis cada dos años, de la Guilian, quien ha tomado una profesional haciendo los huecos misma manera que posición salariada con Alleson para los botones en los abrigos

T W E N T Y para Bonds Clothing y luego para Hickey Freeman. Página 11 — Renata Coulkins, Help Us Find the Next miembro de la Local 388-R, se estará retirando después de Union Organizing una carrera de 50 años como un imprimador de serigrafía en Campaign Holley-Messmer y luego en Alleson Athletic Wear en Henrietta. Helping workers form a union where they work leads to a stronger voice for you and for working people in our Página 12 — Miembros de community. The more workers who join our union, the nuestra Local 471 están en- stronger we’ll be in the workplace to win better contracts. vuelto en casi todos los distin- tos aspectos de la preparar y servir la comida en el campus You can help our union find the next organizing de SUNY Binghamton. Nuestro campaign at a workplace near you by putting us in touch miembros hacen en una gran with workers who may be interested in organizing a union variedad de trabajos los cuales to improve conditions where they work. We will contact incluyen lavar ollas, sartenes y utensilios; preparar, cocinar, and provide them information about the right to organize asar a la parilla, hornear; and how to use it. We’ll keep the names confidential. servir comidas y bebidas; y cobrar. Todos ellos son em- We look for employers and industries where members pleados por Sodexo, quien tiene el contrato con la of our union already work and we have existing contracts, universidad. En la última and for workplaces where workers have problems or edición, les trajimos foto- concerns where a union might help. grafías de muchos de nuestros miembros en SUNY Bing- hamton; aquí hay mas fotos de Who do you know who could benefit from forming a ellos en su trabajo. union where they work? Where do they work?

Página 18 — Aquí honoramos a *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** los miembros de la Junta Unida Name of the person who needs a union: que celebran un largo tiempo de servicio durante este cuarto Person’s phone number: del año. Person’s Address: Página 19 — La farmacia del Centro de Salud Normal Person’s E-mail: Hillman está abierta de 9 a.m. a 5 p.m. de lunes a viernes y Person’s Workplace: sábados de 8 a.m. hasta las 12 de la tarde, con excepción de Estimated number of employees at their workplace: los días feriados mencion-ados aquí. Your Name Your Phone Página 21 — Si quieres ayudar a la unión en sus esfuerzos por Your E-mail Your Cell organizar trabajadores, con- tacta el departamento de Your Home Address campañas para organizar en Rochester al teléfono (315) Where do you work? 558-4843 o el teléfono gratis, (800) 383-3797. If you have another job, please also list that

Página 22 — Aquí están las Mail to: fechas para las reuniones de Organizing Department, Rochester Regional Joint Board, las uniones locales para del año 750 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607 2013.

Página 24 — Aquí están los retirados, Workers United Página 26 — Aquí hay una lista puntos principales de los Retirement Organization de los números de teléfono y recientes acuerdos laborales en (WRO), se reúne el segundo los horarios para las oficinas el país. martes del mes a las 10 a.m. del Sindicato y el Centro de en el Salón de la Unión en Salud Hillman. „ Página 26 — El grupo de Rochester

T W E N T Y - O N E executive board members, and Local 221, Stern & Stern Business reps AFL-CIO Labor Council dele- Industries—All meetings held gates for terms 1/1/2014-12/ at 12:30 p.m. at the Associa- schedule dates 31/2016* tion, 66 Broadway, Hornell * —Nov. 12 (Thanksgiving raffle) —Sept. 8 for Local meetings —Nov. 3 *Please note: Shop rep Joint Board business reps have elections will be held in the Local 231, ARAMARK Cafe- set meeting dates for their plant in October; dates and terias—Meeting schedule will Locals for 2013. Those dates locations will be posted. be posted in the kitchens of the are: cafeterias. Local 14-B, International Local 3-T, Schlegel’s—Dates Paper Co.—Check union Local 231, ARAMARK Laun- will be posted in the plant. bulletin boards for the meeting dry—Meeting schedule will be schedule. All meetings will be posted in the laundry’s break Local 4—Please Note: For in the LTC Room at the Boxart room and in the plant. members convenience, the Street plant. Local offers two dates, times Local 231, JMc Promotions— and locations each meeting Local 49, Flexo Transpar- Meetings To Be Announced. cycle. ent—All meetings held at 3:45 p.m. at the Buffalo District Local 368, Robison & —Sept. 10, 6:30 p.m., execu- office.* Smith—All meetings will be tive board; 7 p.m., general held at VFW, 18-20 3rd Ave., membership meeting, Buffalo —Sept. 14 Gloversville at 5:30 p.m. District office. —Nov. 9 —Sept. 11, 5 p.m., Sheraton at —Sept. 24 the Falls, 300 3rd Street, Local 51, Sodexo-Wright —Nov. 26 Niagara Falls Place Laundry—Meeting time and place to be determined; Local 381, Hillman Health —Nov. 5, 6:30 p.m., executive members will be notified in Center—All meetings begin at board; 7 p.m., general mem- advance. 5 p.m. at the Union headquar- bership meeting, Buffalo ters, 750 East Avenue, Roches- District office. Local 168-39, Angelica ter. —Nov. 6, 5 p.m., Sheraton at Textiles—All meetings will be the Falls, 300 3rd Street, held at the Days Inn, 200 Oak —Sept. 18 Niagara Falls St., Batavia, at 1:30 p.m. Local 388-G, Alleson Athlet- Locals 14, 204, 205, 227, —Sept. 17 ic Wear (Geneva)—All meet- and 230, Hickey-Freeman— —Nov. 12 ings will be held at 3:45 p.m. All meetings begin at 4:45 p.m. in the plant cafeteria. at the Union headquarters, 750 Local 168-39, Coyne Tex- East Avenue, Rochester. tiles, Buffalo—Meetings will —Sept. 17 —Sept. 12 be held as needed. Members —Nov. 19 —Nov. 21 will be notified in advance. Local 388-R, Alleson Athlet- Local 14-A, Xerox—The Local 191, Finger Lakes ic Wear (Rochester)—All executive board will meet at 6 Casino—Meeting schedule will meetings will be held at 11 p.m. at the Union headquar- be posted at the Casino. a.m. in the plant. ters, 750 East Avenue, Roches- ter, July 9, Aug. 13, Sept. 10, Local 193, Corning Radisson —Sept. 12 Oct. 8, Nov. 12 and Dec. 10. All and Horseheads Holiday —Nov. 21 regular membership meetings Inn—Meetings scheduled as begin at 7 p.m. at the Union needed. Local 471—All meetings held headquarters on these dates: as needed and members will be Local 194 & 234, Vernon notified in advance. —July 9 Downs, Vernon—Meetings —Sept. 10 (Shop rep nomi- will be held as needed. Mem- Local 482, D & F Pallet—All nations for U-Utility; Cleaning bers will be notified in advance. meetings at 4:15 p.m. at the and S-Craft & non-craft service Liberty Café, 21 Prospect, & maintenance seniority unit; Local 195, Tioga Downs, Fredonia* and EA & maintenance seniori- Tioga—Meetings will be held ty unit); also nominations for as needed. Members will be —Oct. 11 general officers, Rochester notified in advance. —Dec. 13 Regional Joint Board delegates,

T W E N T Y - T W O Local 646-T, Fownes—All meetings will be held at Ameri- (2nd shift) and 3:45 p.m. (1st can Legion Post 701, shift) Amsterdam, NY at 7 p.m. —Sept. 10 Fired Up, Ready —Oct. 16 —Dec. 10 to Win Local 701-T, Interface Local 1827, Redmond Plas- Solutions—All meetings will be tics—All meetings will be held Work to build the Union for held at 3 p.m. on the second as needed at Finn’s Restaurant Wednesdays of each month at in Marion. Times and dates will the Change We Need the Moose Lodge in Fulton. be announced. Union members bargain for improve- ments like raises and pensions, and we Local 976-T, UltrePET—All Local 1947, Babbitt Bear- demand respect and dignity on the job, meetings held at Park across ings—All meetings held at the but 93% of American private sector from plant General Pulaski American workers are without any voice at all. Legion Post on Burnet Street in This makes it harder for all of us to —October dates TBA Syracuse. Meetings will be held move forward. on the third Wednesdays of Local 1067-T, Habasit Belt- every month at 2 p.m. and 3 We need your help ing—All meetings held at p.m. (to accommodate first and 12:30 p.m. at the Buffalo second shifts). We need to speak to these workers and District office.* help them form unions and bargain Local 2486, Grandoe and contracts. They need to hear from you —Sept. 14 Swany America—All meetings about your experiences and your hopes —Nov. 9 will be held at VFW, 18-20 3rd for the future. Ave., Gloversville, 6:30 p.m. Local 1095-T, Buffalo Batt & How to do it is simple: Felt—All meetings held at —Sept. 3 • The union will negotiate time off 12:30 p.m. at the Buffalo from work for you District office.* Local 2541, Aid To Hospi- • The union will reimburse your tals—Meeting schedule will be wages and expenses while you do —Oct. 5 posted in the laundry’s break union work —Dec. 7 (Nominations will be room and in the plant. • When the union work is done you taken for officers) can go back to your normal work Local 2541, Associated schedule Local 1126-T, Sellmore Textiles—Meeting schedule Industries—All meetings held will be posted in the laundry’s You need to: at 4:30 p.m. at Lunch Room at break room and in the plant. • Be willing to talk to people, ask Sellmore.* questions, listen, and help educate Local 2607, Coyne Textiles, about the union • Be willing to work different hours, —Oct. 8 AmeriPride Linen & Textile, —Dec. 10 (Nominations will be sometimes nights and weekends and Atlas Health Care Ser- • Be willing to travel to campaigns taken for officers) vices, Syracuse—Meeting and stay over night schedule will be posted in • Want to help people change their Local 1712, Colonial, Wood plants. lives for the better & Hyde, Milligan & Higgins, Simco and Carville—All Local 2714, Citizens—All It’s not a problem: meetings will be held at VFW, meetings held at 5 p.m. at the rd • A car helps, but we can work out 18-20 3 Ave., Gloversville at union headquarters, 750 East transportation 5:30 p.m. Avenue, Rochester • No experience is necessary; you will work directly with a union —Sept. 19 —July 11 organizer —Dec. 19 —Sept. 12 • Being a steward is good, but if —Nov. 14 you’re not, this is a good way to get Local 1714-T, Sealy Mat- involved in building the union tress—Meetings will be held at *Check postings in plant/building since • Union work can be for 3 months or American Legion Post, Green meeting dates and locations must 1 day. We know your time is Island at noon. Dates and sometimes be changed. „ important to you, your family and times will be announced; check your employer. bulletin boards for To get started contact the Rochester organizing department at (315) 558- 4843 or at the toll-free number, (800) 383-3797. details.

Local 1802, BernzOmatic— All meetings will be held at the T W E N T Y - T H R E E VFW Post, Medina, at 2 p.m. retroactive to last September. Workers will get a 2.75% increase this June, followed by a 2.75% hike in June, 2014, and a 3% increase in June, 2015.

Health care coverage under four plans will stay the same under the new contracts, but Retail Employees for Philly.com workers. In will cost more. The contribution addition, the employer has the options will move from a two- Costco Wholesale workers in right to out-source work and tier level for individual cover- California and on the East the right to offer a reduced age or family coverage to a Coast will remain the “highest- four-days-a-week program. four-tier plan for employee only, paid retail employees in the Under the contract, a profit- employee and children, em- country with the best benefits,” sharing plan will begin in the ployee and spouse, or employ- the International Brotherhood second year in the event the ee and family. of Teamsters (IBT), announced. company has profits. Early AT&T Contract IBT members have ratified two, Benefits and benefit contribu- three-year contracts tions remain unchanged. The Communications Workers covering about 12,000 workers of America (CWA) and AT&T at 40 California locations and Utility Contracts have announced agreement on 3,500 workers at more than a a tentative four-year contract dozen Costco locations in New New work schedules, wage covering about 22,000 workers York, New Jersey, Maryland, increases totaling 11.25%, and in the Southwest Region just and Virginia. increased employee health care two weeks after beginning costs are called for in two early negotiations. Employees will receive across- nearly identical contracts the-board wage increases between the International By bargaining early, the CWA totaling 9% over term. In Brotherhood of Electrical said it hoped to build on AT&T’s addition to the wage increases, Workers (IBEW) and Connecti- announced plan to invest employees who have “topped cut Light and Power Company. billions of dollars in network out” after five years on the upgrades. wage scale will receive bonuses The pacts cover about 1,000 every six months of $3,750 for employees. Union members’ The agreement would increase those in California and $4,000 top priority in negotiations was wages 10.5% and pension for those on the East Coast. increased staffing and changes benefits 3% over term, and to scheduling that have forced would expand job security for Philadelphia Guild Members employees to be available for employees in AT&T’s traditional on-call work on 22 to 28 week- wireline business in Texas, Members of the Pennsylvania ends a year. Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, Newspaper Guild have ratified a and Arkansas. contract with Interstate General Although the new contracts do Media (IGM) that trims wages in not include guarantees for the The union negotiating commit- exchange for job security for staffing levels the union want- tee said the tentative pact “is a about 550 advertising employ- ed, they do address workers’ fantastic agreement,” noting ees, reporters, editors, photogra- demand for relief from frequent that it would add $11,000 per phers, designers, circulation, and weekend on-call requirements member over the life of the finance employees. by reducing the number of contract. “Getting this money workers on the second shift and job security is incredible in The two-year contract reduces and moving them to the first this labor climate,” the union wages 2.5% across the board shift. The second shift provides said. but ensures no layoffs for one emergency coverage. Now, year and guarantees that the with fewer employees regularly Workers would receive a papers will continue to be working $1,000 ratification bonus as printed daily over term. The on the second shift, workers well as wage increases of parent company owns the supposedly would be more apt 2.25% this spring, 2.5% in Philadelphia Inquirer, the to volunteer when emergencies 2014, 2.75% in 2015, and 3% Philadelphia Daily News, and arise, the company said. About in 2016. Philly.com. 400 employees will be affected by the change. Premise technicians also would Employees will continue to be receive an additional 60¢-per- required to take 10 unpaid The contracts provide a first- hour wage increase this year, furlough days per year, except year wage increase of 3% which would be the largest

T W E N T Y - F O U R receive an additional 60¢-per- C. Coverage also includes company will make a 3% hour wage increase this year, bereavement and trauma contribution each year and will which would be the largest counseling, psychological match employee contributions raise in the country for such therapy, and travel assistance, at 50 cents on the dollar, up to workers, the union said. as well as payment for injuries 6% of compensation. and/or accidents sustained on Premises technicians install the job. Employees will share in the AT&T’s bundled fiber optic cost of their medical coverage services and are “the future The agreement also insures by paying 10% this year; 15% technicians of the company that the medical center cannot the next three years; and 20% because they handle the reduce health care coverage for in 2017 and 2018. company’s new technical the life of the contract, and any products,” the union noted. increases in premiums, Deductibles will increase over deductibles, or co-payments term from $500 to $700 for Over term, AT&T would may not exceed 6% in any single coverage and from insource 2,000 customer year. $1,000 to $1,400 for family service representative po- coverage, while out-of-pocket sitions that currently are Wage hikes in the first year maximums will increase from subcontracted jobs. range from 3% to 10%, $1,500 to $2,000 for single depending on seniority and coverage and from $3,000 to The proposed agreement also current salary. Increases in the $4,000 for family coverage. would expand to additional second and third year range employees the promise that from 3% to 5%. The contract guarantees the qualified surplus employees plant will not close over term, would be guaranteed a job Wages increase of 1.5% for all and allows the company opportunity with AT&T. employees are retroactive to “greater flexibility in last fall. The pact calls implementing alternate work Employee monthly for a wage reopener to schedules and irregular work contributions to health determine the second year schedules,” Caterpillar said. insurance premiums would increase. gradually increase slightly by USW, U.S. Steel end of term. lAM, Caterpillar United Steelworkers (USW) California Nurses The International Association of have ratified a three-year Machinists (IAM) — after a master contract with United Members of the California three and a half month walkout States Steel. Nurses Association/National — have ratified a six-year Nurses United have ratified a contract with Caterpillar that The pact, covering about new contract with Centinela freezes wages for most of the 16,000 workers at 13 locations Hospital Medical Center in 800 covered employees, in seven states, brought a Inglewood, California, that increases worker contributions $2,000 signing bonus, wage includes a first of its kind to health insur- increases of 2% this provision. ance premiums, and freezes a September and 2.5% in pension plan this year. January, 2015. That provision brings the nation’s first needlestick and Under the agreement, all The agreement also continues workplace violence insurance employees received a $3,100 current health care coverage funded by an employer. signing bonus. Employees hired with no employee premium after May 2, 2005, received a contribution. The three-year contract “market-based” wage provides more than 600 adjustment or a 3% general Retiree health care was the registered nurses with an wage increase, whichever was major issue throughout enhanced accidental death and greater. negotiations, according to the dismemberment insurance union. USW said the contract policy that includes benefit The pension plan, which had includes a “modest” premium payments for felonious assaults been non-contributory, was increase for retiree health care and exposure to disease, such frozen at the start of this year and a small increase in the as hepatitis or HIV. for employees hired before May yearly cap on employee out-of- 2, 2005. pocket costs. „ The plan will pay a nurse $200,000 for a felonious Those workers will transition assault, $3,300 per month for from a tax deferred savings 60 months for occupational plan to a tax-deferred HIV, and $1,000 per month for retirement plan. For all 12 months for Hepatitis Band employees under the tax- deferred retirement plan, the

T W E N T Y - F I V E WRO sets programs Hillman, Union phone numbers, hours for rest of year

Here is a list of the phone 8 p.m. The Workers United Retirement numbers and department hours (800) 932-0783 Organization (WRO), has for both the Union and for the announced the club’s meeting Sidney Hillman Health Center: Pension Fund schedule for the rest of the Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. year. The dates are: In Rochester: - 4:45 p.m. Toll-free for both Union and (800) 452-4155 • July 9 Hillman Center when calling • Aug. 13 outside the 585 area code: Buffalo District: (800) 383-3797. Other phone Buffalo District Office • Sept. 10 numbers listed below 4429 Union Road, Cheektowaga, 14225 • Oct. 8 Union Office, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (585) 473-3280 (Note: The new space is • Nov. 12 in the office building Financial, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. located at the rear of • Dec. 10. „ (585) 473-3280 4427 Union Road.) *** *** *** *** *** 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Hillman Center: (716) 932-7701 WRO Application (716) 932-7702 (Fax) Health Services Yes, I want to join the 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Local 4 – BUFFALO Workers United Retirement (585) 473-2000 Local 4 business rep, Organi-zation (WRO) so that I (585) 473-3309 (Fax) servicing, negotiations, can be eligible for the special union membership and tours, meetings and other Optical dues: programs the club offers. I Weekdays, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. (716) 932-7701 have enclosed a check for $10 by appointment (noontime (716) 932-7702 (Fax) to cover the annual dues. appointments accepted) Saturdays, by appointment Local 4 Insurance PLEASE NOTE: IF YOUR only, 8 a.m.-noon Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 9 SPOUSE WILL ALSO BE (585) 271-1911 p.m; Saturday, 9 a.m. 2p.m. JOINING, ENCLOSE A CHECK (585) 442-7216 (Fax) (866) 975-4515* FOR $20. (914) 367-4108 (Fax)* Pharmacy * Please note new ______Weekdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. numbers Your Name Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon (585) 473-2555 Local 4 Pension Funds ______(585) 242-7580 (Fax) Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. Address/PO. Box or Street - 4:45 p.m Albany District: (800) 452-4155* ______2124 Doubleday Avenue * Please note new State Ballston Spa 12020 number City ZIP 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ______(except Friday to 4 p.m.) Syracuse Union Office: Phone No. Last Employer Victorian Square – Bldg. (518) 363-0800 1, Suite 4, If spouse is also joining, (888) 628-4373 (Toll Free) 526 Old Liverpool Rd, list name: (518) 363-0804 (Fax) Liverpool 13088. ______(See toll-free number Local 471 Insurance below). Return this form to: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. - 9 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily Workers United Retirement p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. - 2 Organization p.m. 315-453-3990 (after hours, 750 East Avenue • Rochester, NY (888) 771-9075 leave877-453-3990 message tollon answer-free 14607 Nurse 24 hr. help line - ing machine) (888) 771-9075 315-453-3668 (Fax) „ Please make checks payable to: Workers United Retirement DELTA Dental Organization Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to

T W E N T Y - S I X Summary Annual Report for Sidney Hillman Health Center

This is a summary of the annual report of the Sidney Hillman Health Center, EIN 16-0864443, a multi-employer defined benefit health and welfare plan, for the period November 1, 2011 through October 31, 2012. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Direct Benefits

The Sidney Hillman Health Center has committed itself to pay a wide array of health services including medical, prescription drug and optical programs for eligible members and retirees of the Rochester Regional Joint Board under the terms of the plan.

Basic Financial Statement

The value of the Plan’s assets, after subtracting liabilities of the Plan, was $77,846,147 as of October 31, 2012, compared to $75,036,029 as of October 31, 2011. During the year, the Plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $2,810,118.

This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of the Plan’s assets; that is, the difference between the value of the Plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the year, the Plan had total income of $6,805,693, including dividend income of $1,400,139, interest income of $533,543, realized net gains on the sale of investments of $1,412,566, net appreciation in the fair value of investments of $2,444,613, and employer contributions of $1,014,832. Plan expenses were $3,995,575. These expenses included $1,709,369 in administrative expenses and $2,286,206 in benefits paid to or on behalf of participants and beneficiaries.

Your Rights To Additional Information

You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report:

1. an accountant’s report; 2. assets held for investment; 3. transactions in excess of 5% of plan assets; 4. insurance information, including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and financial information and information on payments to service providers.

To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of the Administrator, 750 East Avenue, Rochester, New York 14607, (585) 473-3280. The charge to cover copying costs will be the lesser of $10 for the full report, or $.25 cents per page for any part thereof.

You also have the right to receive from the Administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the Plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the Plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the Administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. These portions of the report are furnished without charge.

You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the Plan (750 East Avenue, Rochester, New York 14607) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. To request a copy by phone, call (202) 693-8673.

T W E N T Y - S E V E N Rochester Regional Joint Board 750 East Avenue Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID CHANGE OF ADDRESS Rochester N.Y. Permit No. 4395 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-

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—Hillman Health Center Benefits Improved, Page 1 —H-F Workers Grateful Union Saved Jobs, Page 4 —DiPonzio Earns Xerox ‘Black Belt,’ Page 6

—14-A Members Play Central Role In Project, Page 7

—Prestigious Leadership Program Gets Rave Reviews, Page 9 —Local 193 members honored for contributions, Page 11

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