English as a Second Language at Flying Foods, JFK
The ongoing Local 1102 ESL program proudly welcomed a new group of graduates at Flying Food Group at JFK airport. This group of students were very determined and enthusiastic learners!
By graduation day, our members were able to use their newly acquired skills at work, at home and in their communities.
The ESL program has proven to be a success for countless Local 1102 members and is expected to continue to enrich the daily lives of all involved!
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Services, sponsored by
Bethpage Federal Credit Union
Josh Montealban from Jildor Shoes has his taxes
reviewed by a volunteer from VITA
As in years past, Local 1102 partnered with Bethpage Federal Credit Union's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Services to offer free tax help to our members. The volunteers were on-site at several of our employers including Whitson's, Flying Food Group, Modell's, Hofstra University and Jildor Shoes.
In addition to helping our members with basic income tax preparation, the VITA representatives also informed our members about tax credits for which they may be qualivied such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled.
"Many workers simply don't know about these benefits available to them.When every dollar counts for its workers, it's important to put money back in their pockets", said Alvin Ramnarain, Executive Vice President of Local 1102.
Paulette Fialkoff-Amodeo Scholarship
Now through May 15, 2013 applications are being accepted for the Paulette Fialkoff-Amodeo Scholarship. Click here to view the application, as well as, other scholarship opportunities.
How the LIRR Could Shape the Next Economy
The LIRR has been central to the growth of Long Island yet the reach has remained unchanged since 1910. Now, the LIRR is poised to provide new capacity and could lead a new era of economic growth for Long Island. Read More
H&M Workers Join Local 1102 for a Union Voice on the Job
Around 60 H&M workers in New York City joined RWDSU Local 1102 to have a union voice at the workplace. Workers at 11 Manhattan H&M stores are now under a master contract.
H&M members from other stores helped to organize workers by discussing the benefits of standing together in solidarity and having a voice on the job.
“As a steward, I want all my H&M co-workers to have the same benefits and protection that I have. When I spoke to the new workers, I shared how having a union voice helped me and others in my store,” said H&M steward Charlie Truitt.
H&M worker Alicia Williams-Timo said, “When it was time for me to come speak to the new workers, I was happy to share my own story and how being part of a union helped me to stay with the company and develop within my job.”
Union Plus Scholarships - Click Here
Island Harvest Turkey Drive
Each year, Local 1102 is proud to participate in Island Harvest’s Turkey Drive. Island Harvest is Long Island’s largest hunger relief organization and serves as the bridge between those who have surplus food and those who need it. This year’s Drive was especially vital since the event was expanded to support Hurricane Sandy victims and will, as always, provide services to those who continue to experience hunger in our communities. According to Island Harvest, 65,000 individuals are receiving emergency food assistance from the Island Harvest network each week. Local 1102 staff brought turkeys, side dishes, vegetables and other Thanksgiving “necessities” to help Long Island families in need enjoy the holidays. Local 1102 is committed to working with various Long Island agencies year-round to help support our members and all of our Long Island neighbors.
Robert Macaluso / Anna Hernandez / John Bembenek / David Calhoun / Marlene Espinal / Benito Martinez / Mark Spagnoli
In the days and weeks leading up to the second Presidential Debate on October 16, 2012, Local 1102 members at Hofstra University were working diligently in preparation of this historic event. Local 1102 represents over 300 members on the Hofstra Campus who wanted to ensure that spectators at the facility were just as proud to be at Hofstra as the members are to work there. John Bembenek, a Custodian at the University stated, “This event shows how nicely the University is maintained. The buildings and grounds are prime examples of how the Union workers are maintaining this institution.”
This is the second time Hofstra University was selected by the Commission of Presidential Debates to host the town-hall format debate. “It is evident that the work our members do was instrumental in the decision to have a second debate at Hofstra”, said Union President, Frank S. Bail. “The pride they felt having an incumbent President visiting the campus was apparent throughout the membership.” Marlene Espinal, a food service employee said, “It makes us feel proud that debates are held here at Hofstra University.”
Local 1102 represents workers in both Grounds and Maintenance Departments, as well as providers of Food Service to the students and staff. Having such a large-scale event on Long Island, and at the University, helps stimulate the local economy. “The debate is good for Hofstra. It helps the University to expand which, in turn, creates more jobs”, said Shop Steward, David Calhoun. In 2008, the nationally covered debate, increased student interest in the University and is sure to do the same in 2012. Hofstra is recognized for its academic excellence and, along with being chosen to, once again, host this event, its stellar reputation continues to grow. Chief Shop Steward Robert Macaluso agrees, “Hosting the debate puts us on the same plateau as the ivy league schools.”