LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to Jim Bertolone after many years
of distinguished service to the public employees of New York State, and
congratulating him upon the occasion of his retirement as President of
the Rochester and Vicinity Labor Council, AFL-CIO

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those individuals
whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to enhance the stat-
ure of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to pay trib-
ute to Jim Bertolone after many years of distinguished service to the
public employees of New York State, and congratulate him upon the occa-
sion of his retirement as President of the Rochester and Vicinity Labor
Council, AFL-CIO; and
WHEREAS, For the past 17 years, Jim Bertolone has rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service to the Rochester and Vicinity Labor
Council, AFL-CIO; and
WHEREAS, Raised in Northwest Rochester, New York, Jim Bertolone, a
union member since the age of 16, learned of fairness and the rights of
workers from an early age; he graduated from Jefferson High School in
1969, before earning an undergraduate degree from Brockport State
University in 1972; and
WHEREAS, Jim Bertolone began his illustrious career as an LSM Operator
for the United States Postal Service in 1973; and
WHEREAS, Quickly climbing the ranks, Jim Bertolone served as Clerk
Craft Director of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), Greater
Rochester Area, Local 215 from 1978 to 1983, followed by its Vice Presi-
dent from 1983 to 1990; he went on to become President, a position he
has held for the past 25 years; and
WHEREAS, A steadfast advocate for workers' rights, Jim Bertolone has
served as President of the Rochester and Vicinity Labor Council, AFL-CIO
since 1998, and will officially retire this year; during his tenure he
was instrumental in the representation of 100 Unions and 60,000 Union
members in Monroe County; and
WHEREAS, Jim Bertolone is also the President of the Rochester and
Genesee Valley Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, representing 100,000 Union
members and 160 Unions in 11 Counties; and
WHEREAS, As President of Rochester and Genesee Valley Labor Feder-
ation, AFL-CIO, and as a staunch supporter of civil rights and workers'
rights, Jim Bertolone continues to fight to ensure fairness and non-dis-
crimination for all peoples; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, while respectful of opposing opinions, Jim
Bertolone never hesitates to join the battle by speaking up and on
behalf of those whose voices who have been silenced; and
WHEREAS, In his capacity as President of the Rochester and Vicinity
Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Jim Bertolone served with loyalty, honor and
distinction; in his official acts, he was governed by a keen sense of
duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Iris, and their three
sons, Rafe, David and Vinnie, as well as their grandson, Tyler, all of
whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure with the Rochester and Vicinity Labor Coun-
cil, AFL-CIO, Jim Bertolone earned the admiration, esteem and affection
of his colleagues; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and

sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to Jim Bertolone after many years of distinguished service to
the public employees of New York State, and congratulate him upon the
occasion of his retirement as President of the Rochester and Vicinity
Labor Council, AFL-CIO; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jim Bertolone.