President John T. Niccollai Confers with U. S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis

UFCW Local 464A President John T. Niccollai                                  with       United States Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis

UFCW Local 464A President John T. Niccollai and Recorder Frank Hanley, Jr were invited to a breakfast meeting with United States Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis on Wednesday, April 29, 2009. The meeting was hosted by New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine at the IBEW offices in Paramus, NJ. Secretary Solis spoke in detail about a new Labor Department, which she will head under the administration of President Barack Obama. She said that her department will be dedicated to protecting workers' rights and promoting concepts of good Unionism. According to Solis, much of the bureaucratic and cumbersome reports instituted under the Bush Administration will be modified or abolished.

At the conclusion of the meeting, President Niccollai had an opportunity to confer with Secretary Solis about the comprehensive campaign our UFCW has instituted nationally to help pass the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). As we know, this legislation would significantly increase the opportunities for workers to join Unions throughout the country. Secretary Solis commended UFCW International President Joseph T. Hansen for being at the forefront of promoting this legislation. She went on to say that she has worked very closely with the UFCW through the years and that she looks forward to the continuance of our prominent role in the Labor Movement.

Niccollai congratulated the Secretary on her appointment and indicated that working men and women are excited about the changes and opportunities her leadership will bring. He wished her good luck and offered his complete support in accomplishing her goals.