Gussco Manufacturing Co. of Brooklyn could not escape the organizing arm of New York 447S.

Determination by Local 447S staff and volunteers, plus assistance from New York 1L in communicating with Spanish speakers, were critical to the 64 to 19 victory, according to Local 447S Pres. Mike Quaglia.

Gussco, a Local 447S shop that produces file folders, opened another plant – in Garfield, N.J. – in 1998. Local 447S attempts to organize the non-union Garfield Gussco shop met with "limited success," according to Quaglia.

From keeping up contacts with Garfield Gussco workers, it was determined in summer 2001 that another attempt should be made to organize the shop. However, Quaglia said that when the campaign began, he realized that because there were so many Spanish-speaking workers, "it was critical to have someone to assist" him who was bilingual.

When contacted by Quaglia, Local 1L Pres. Patrick LoPresti agreed for Local 1L Organizer Jose Velasquez to assist. Velasquez said he would "help in any way possible" to organize the Garfield Gussco shop.

"After many house calls, handing out union literature at the plant, and holding meetings with the employees," Quaglia said, "the majority of workers began to realize how important it was to go union – and work under a union contract."

Workers voted 64 to 19 in November for GCIU representation. After months of collective bargaining meetings with Gussco, the employees at the Garfield plant voted unanimously on March 9 to accept a 39-month first time contract. The contract covers 113 members on two shifts and includes dues check off.

Quaglia cited volunteers who greatly assisted the effort as Local 447S Organizer Russell McLaughlin, Vice Pres. John Hall, Brooklyn Gussco shop steward Luis Gonzalez, and board member Vincent Marino. "All of these GCIU brothers contributed their time and efforts in this campaign – one way or another," Quaglia said.

Quaglia said "the most credit has to go" to the Garfield Gussco workers "who stuck with the union during some difficult and trying times prior to the union election" and while negotiations were on-going for a first contract. He gave "special thanks to Luz Lombardo, who is now the shop steward; and Gilcry Mendoza, assistant shop steward who served on the Local 447S negotiating committee."

Quaglia said that "without the assistance of Brother Velasquez, who was with me from the beginning to the very end, this victory probably would not have been achieved this quickly. I can't thank Local 1L enough. Although we are two different locals, we are one GCIU – with the same goals – to organize new GCIU members."