Local 338’s Member Spokespeople play an important role in our union. These are members who are willing to share their experiences on the job and shed light on the value a union has had in their workplaces. Member Spokespeople come from all walks of life and across every industry our union represents. They provide an important, firsthand perspective on what it’s like to be a member of our union to news outlets across New York. 

If you’re interested in becoming a Member Spokesperson, please reach out to your Union or Funds Representative or contact Caroline Leddy at (516) 294-1338 ext. 1300 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Arlene Aviles, a member since 2006, suffered a terrible tragedy amid the pandemic. Due to an electrical malfunction, her home caught fire and burned down in June 2020. Thankfully, Arlene and her two children were safe. All of Arlene’s belongings were taken in the fire and Arlene was left homeless without anywhere to go. Without anywhere to turn, Arlene reached out to her union representatives, Rosa and Kathy. She explained her situation and local 338 was quick to act.

Local 338 member Rodolfo Mendez and his fellow workers at Pindar Vineyards in Peconic are trailblazers in the New York State labor movement. With the passage of the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act in 2019, farmworkers became eligible to organize and join a union. Rodolfo and his eleven coworkers became the first farmworkers in New York State to join a union and created a map for success for farmworkers across the state seeking to organize.

Arlene Aviles, a member since 2006, suffered a terrible tragedy amid the pandemic. Due to an electrical malfunction, her home caught fire and burned down in June 2020. Thankfully, Arlene and her two children were safe. All of Arlene’s belongings were taken in the fire and Arlene was left homeless without anywhere to go. Without anywhere to turn, Arlene reached out to her union representatives, Rosa and Kathy. She explained her situation and local 338 was quick to act.

The Member Spokesperson project has launched! We’re looking for members who are willing to serve as spokespeople for Local 338—meaning you’d* be the voices* talking to the press about the issues that affect our members*. Joel Rodriguez, a 22- year member at Foodtown in the Bronx, spoke to the New York Times about his experience as an essential worker during the pandemic.