Italian Heritage 2015

Frank Cardinale

Maintenance Worker
Jacob Riis Houses
NYCHA
Housing Division

A member since 2003, Mr. Cardinale has recently become an official shop steward. He doesn’t like “injustices on the job” and believes that as a shop steward, he can provide a voice for other members. He describes the union as a family where members show loyalty and respect to each other and watch out for each other. A “family guy”, Frank and his wife take care of her mother, age 91. In his spare time, he enjoys boating and custom cars.

Pasquale Caldarelli

Plasterer
Department of Education
Citywide Division

Born and raised in Naples, Italy, Mr. Caldarelli came to New York in 1994. In 1998, Pasquale became a member of Local 237 when he began work as a plasterer. Five years ago, he became shop steward. He feels that an important aspect of his role is to help maintain open and good communications between union representatives and plasterers. Happily married and a proud father of two, he enjoys spending time with his family.

Thomas Coppola

Shop Foreman
Auto Mechanic Foreman
Town of Babylon
Long Island Division

Mr. Coppola has been a member of Local 237 since 1984. A longtime shop steward, he enjoys representing members and “keeping everything fair and being certain that the members get everything they deserve.” He believes that unions provide important protections to all Americans – both unionized and not. He appreciates the benefits that come with membership. Mr. Coppola enjoys spending time with his wife and sons; he also enjoys working around the house, gardening and hot rods.

Anthony Gagliardi

Taxi & Limousine Inspector
Taxi & Limousine Commission
Citywide Division

A member since 2007, Mr. Gagliardi’s currently works in the Safety and Emissions Division – performing safety inspections on city taxis. He has been a shop steward since 2012. Gagliardi feels it is important to maintain a healthy relationship with co-workers as well as management. He is pleased to have the backing of Local 237 staff in resolving issues and improving work conditions at the TLC and to have been part of efforts to achieve a fair contract for TLC members.