Remarks of Mike Mazzeo, President, Rochester Police Locust Club

(Rochester & Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation)

Workers Memorial Day:

            Management must be held accountable.  Without strong unions, history has shown over and over that given the opportunity management will exploit their workers.

            When cost-saving measures are initiated, workers are not only hurt in their wallets, but, more importantly, they are hurt in their safety and welfare while at work!

            This can be seen in both the public and private sectors.

            Recently, cost-saving measures introduced by the City Administration have taken on-duty police officers out of our neighborhoods to man traffic details at sporting events and concerts.

This action has left our neighborhoods vulnerable and leaves the officers who are still working our neighborhoods shorthanded and without adequate backups.

            In the wake of the tragic shooting of Officer Anthony DiPonzio, the City has not taken one positive action to ensure better police/ community relations.

            While politicians taking pictures with our injured and handing out awards may make some feel good, they are meaningless gestures when the safety of our citizens and our officers are at risk.

            Today I am honored to be here with my brothers and sisters in labor to truly honor those who either lost their life or were injured on the job.

            Here, standing together, we are a strong and loud voice that will be heard in our fight to ensure worker safety.

            I am humbled and proud of my brothers and sisters in labor who have come out in our support in our time of need and I assure you that the Rochester Police Locust Club is committed to being there for you - together we can only become stronger.

            Thank you and god bless the future of the labor movement.

                                                                                                Michael D. Mazzeo

                                                                                                President

                                                                                                Rochester Police Locust Club, Inc.