Josh Hartford, IAM Special Assistant to the International President for the Rail Division, recently attended New York IAM Local 754’s Annual Fellowship and Awards Banquet, which honored members with 15 to 50 years of service with the Machinists Union. Local Chairman Billy Hunt presented Thomas “Tommy” Cappetta with his 50-year Gold Membership Card and pin. Brother Robert Geffken was also supposed to receive his card and pin but, unfortunately, passed away just a few days prior to the banquet.
“Congratulations to Brother Cappetta for dedicating 50 years of service to our great union,” said Hartford. “Fifty years is a great accomplishment, and I applaud him for his exemplary service. My condolences go to Brother Geffken’s family. His commitment to the IAM and his union sisters and brothers will leave a proud legacy.”
Also, during the event, Hartford presented Local 754 with their 2021 Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL) Achievement Award for raising more than $17 per member.
“It’s great to see this local knows and understands the importance of having a voice in the political arena and voluntary donations from members to MNPL ensure the IAM Rail Division will continue to have a strong voice,” said Hartford.
While in New York, Hartford, accompanied by District 19 Assistant President and Directing General Chairman Andrew Sandberg and Local Chairman Billy Hunt, met with several members at many different locations across the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). The visits included stops at a diesel shop where members maintain and rebuild LIRR’s diesel locomotive fleet, the LIRR West Side Yard where members operate the new wheel true machine, and the Hillside facility where our members build and repair air brake components and train wheel sets, fabricate new parts in the machine shop, and the welding shop.
“I always look forward to meeting IAM members on the shop floor, who are the heartbeat of our union,” added Hartford. “The LIRR is the busiest commuter rail company in the U.S. and Machinists members work hard in providing an invaluable service keeping New York commuters moving.”
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