Honor Bertolone's Union Service

Assembly Resolution No. 582 BY: M. of A. Bronson COMMENDING James Bertolone upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 40 years of distinguished service to the American Postal Worker's Union Local 215 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend the efforts of those individuals who distinguish themselves in service to the cause of working men and women in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend James Bertolone upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 40 years of distinguished service to the American Postal Worker's Union Local

16, he joined Retail Clerks International, which later merged with United Food and Commercial Workers Union, AFL-CIO; and WHEREAS, After graduating from Jefferson High School in 1969, Jim Bertolone earned his bachelor's degree from Brockport State University in 1972; he also graduated from the Cornell University Labor Studies Program; and WHEREAS, Jim Bertolone began his illustrious career as an LSM Operator for the United States Postal Service in 1973; and WHEREAS, Quickly climbing the ranks, Jim Bertolone served as Clerk Craft Director of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), Greater Rochester Area, Local 215 from 1978 to 1983, followed by its Vice President from 1983 to 1990; and WHEREAS, For the next 27 years, Jim Bertolone held the esteemed title of President of the APWU Local 215, a position from which he officially retired on April 1, 2017; and WHEREAS, In addition to his role with the APWU Local 215, Jim Bertolone served as President of the Rochester and Vicinity Labor Council, AFL-CIO from 1998-2015; in this capacity, he represented 100 Unions and 60,000 members in Monroe County; and WHEREAS, Jim Bertolone was also the President of the Rochester and Genesee Valley Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, on behalf of 100,000 Union members and 160 Unions in 11 Counties; and WHEREAS, Jim Bertolone holds the title of Chairman of the Rochester & Genesee Valley AFL-CIO Workforce Development Center, Inc., and is an active participant of the New York State AFL-CIO Executive Council, and the New York State Workforce Development Institute Board of Directors; and WHEREAS, Since January of 2008, Jim Bertolone has enjoyed sharing his expertise with readers in a monthly labor column for the Rochester Business Journal; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, Jim Bertolone was a vital member of the Boards of Directors of both the United Way of Greater Rochester from 1998-2007, and Lifespan from 2000-2004; and WHEREAS, In his capacity as President of the APWU, Jim Bertolone served with loyalty, honor and distinction; in his official acts, he was governed by a keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems; and WHEREAS, During his tenure with the APWU, Jim Bertolone earned the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Iris; their three sons, Rafe, David and Vinnie; and their grandson, Tyler, all of whom have shown him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend James Bertolone upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 40 years of distinguished service to the American Postal Worker's Union, and to wish him continued success in all his future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to James Bertolone.