EmblemHealth and LaborPress Honor Heroic Actions of Union Members

NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2016 -- Last night, EmblemHealth and LaborPress honored the achievements of courageous union members at the fifth annual Heroes of Labor Awards. Representing seven different New York City Labor unions, this year’s honorees included ten individuals who took action to save lives, right wrongs and make their communities better.

“Emblem is honored to shine a spotlight on these union members who have done extraordinary things. Their stories set a high bar for our community and provide important role models for our children,” said Karen Ignagni, President and CEO of EmblemHealth.

Formed in 2011, the annual Heroes of Labor Awards spotlights the contributions and courageous acts of those within the New York City labor community. This year’s honorees included Wilson Arroyo and Carlos Rosado from the Uniformed Sanitationmen’s Association. This past December, Mr. Rosado and Mr. Arroyo together ensured the wellbeing of four young children that were left alone in a car, contacting the proper authorities and safeguarding them until they could be rescued.

The event also honored Donald Nesbit, Executive Vice President at the NYC Board of Education, Local 372.  Mr. Nesbit used his skills in mentoring and collaboration to bridge divides and improve relationships within his community, including an effort to bring together union members and their children to discuss how the “Black Lives Matter” movement and law enforcement can be mutually supported. Additionally, Mr. Nesbit has been at the forefront advocating equal pay for equal work, which most recently resulted in a substantial raise for his female colleagues in Local 372.   

“Congratulations to the winners and nominees of this year’s Heroes of Labor Awards,” said Vincent Alvarez, President of the NYC Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. “This event provides an important opportunity to reflect and recognize the accomplishments of our own. I am honored to be a part of these awards, and I commend the winners for their dedication to bettering their communities.”

“I am so proud that these awards have grown to represent such a diverse cross section of New York City’s labor community,” said Neal Tepal, Publisher of LaborPress. “Each honoree exemplifies what it means to be a labor union member. These remarkable individuals have truly gone above the call of duty in the service to their communities.”

2016 “Heroes of Labor Awards” Honorees:

• Allen Wright, International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 14-14B
• Carlos Rosado, Uniformed Sanitationmen’s Association, Local 831
• Wilson Arroyo, Uniformed Sanitationmen’s Association, Local 831
• Artie Rodriguez, Ironworkers Local 580
• Lieutenant Brian J. Colleluori, Uniformed Fire Officers Association (UFOA) Local 854
• Usher Piller, Public Employees Federation (PEF)  
• Ronald Cerna, IUOE Local 94
• Joseph Modica, IUOE Local 94
• Timothy C. Mahoney, Retired Assistant Chief-Chairman of Local 94
• Donald Nesbit, NYC Board of Education Employees, Local 372

Event attendees and presenters included: Karen Ignagni of EmblemHealth; Neal Tepal of LaborPress, and; Vincent Alvarez, President of the New York City Central Labor Council. Leaders from the unions of this year’s honorees included: Harry Nespoli, Chair of the Municipal Labor Committee and President of the Uniformed Sanitationmen’s Association; James Mahoney, President of the New York State District Council of Ironworkers; James Lemonda, President of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association; Wayne Spence, President of the Public Employees Federation; Jack Redden, International Union of Operating Engineers, and; Shaun Francois, President for the NYC Board of Education. Shawn McLoughlin, Director of Sales for EmblemHealth, provided the closing remarks for the evening. The awards are presented by EmblemHealth and LaborPress.

About EmblemHealth
EmblemHealth, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health plans, serves 3.1 million people who live and work across the New York tristate area. The company offers quality, affordable health benefits to consumers, employers and government purchasers as well as coverage for prescription drugs, dental and vision care. EmblemHealth utilizes a choice of quality networks to deliver personalized, coordinated care while leading the market in value-based delivery. For more information, visit emblemhealth.com.

Media Contacts: 
Tara Schuh 
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