John T. Niccollai
John T. Niccollai has been affiliated with United Food & Commercial Workers Union Local 464A since 1977, coming aboard as Director of Operations. He was elected President in 1982 and has continued to serve in that capacity. During his term as President, the Local Union has seen remarkable growth and has delivered outstanding contracts, which place it among the premier Local Unions within the United States.
John's industry experience commenced at age 11 when he went to work in a family member's Butcher Shop. At age 14, he obtained his working papers and began employment with Food Fair, which continued through his High School years. While attending Law School, he worked part-time as an apprentice butcher at Pathmark. Prior to coming with the Union, John was engaged in a number of businesses, including a slaughterhouse, a packinghouse, and a food processing plant.
Soon after earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania, he entered the Navy where he served on active duty in a ground/carrier based hunter/killer anti-submarine squadron. His mission was to fly off the U. S. east coast in search of Soviet submarines. At the conclusion of his active duty in 1962, he entered law school but continued service in the Naval Reserve until his Honorable Discharge in 1969.
Following graduation from Law School, he served as a Deputy Attorney General for the State of New Jersey and the First Assistant Prosecutor for the County of Passaic.
As President of the Local Union John is responsible for overall operations, including contract negotiations and the review of investments and finances. He chairs the Executive Board and General Membership Meetings and serves as Chairman of the Joint Board of Trustees that directs the Welfare, Pension, Educational and Building Funds.
On a daily basis, John oversees and directs the activities of the Local's office and field staffs. He reviews grievances, discharges, contract disputes and organizing activities. His duties also include meeting with Investment Advisors and Service Providers.
In addition to his position as President of Local 464A, John serves as the President of the New York/New Jersey District Council, which comprises 18 Local Unions with approximately 250,000 members throughout the Region. He is also an elected Vice President of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, and regularly attends meetings to help administrate the operation of the UFCW across the United States and Canada. On a local level, John serves as a Vice President of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO.
In order to maintain his knowledge and experience in Union leadership, he attends educational programs designed to keep leaders informed about changes in laws and regulations relating to the areas of organizing, dispute resolution and Pension and Health Care Plans.
John holds a degree from the University of Pennsylvania / Wharton School of Business and Finance. He earned a Bachelor of Laws and Doctorate of Jurisprudence Degree from Seton Hall School of Law. He is also a graduate of the National College of District Attorneys.
He has received many prestigious awards and honors including special recognition as an outstanding labor leader from the United States House of Representatives and the New Jersey State Senate and General Assembly. In addition, he has received the coveted Samuel L. Gompers Distinguished Labor Leader Award. He has been presented with the Studer Award for Outstanding Service to the Community from Montclair State University, the Distinguished Service to Safety Award from the National Safety Council and the International Humanitarian Award from Boys' Town of Italy.
