EmblemHealth Celebrates 11th Annual Heroes of Labor Awards

Celebrating the everyday champions of New York City

10/17/2023

Contact:

EmblemHealth Public Relations Office| Emailpress@emblemhealth.com

Lauren LaChance | Email: llachance@connecticare.com

NEW YORK, NY – October 18, 2023 – Recently, EmblemHealth, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health insurers, and LaborPress, New York’s leading source for daily labor news and industry information, hosted their 11th Annual Heroes of Labor Awards. With an 80 year-legacy of serving New York communities, EmblemHealth has an unwavering dedication to caring for labor union members, working people, government, and municipal employees. This year’s celebration will honored the leadership of New York City’s unions and their invaluable contributions and sacrifices to keep our City moving, lights shining, and the vibrant culture of our metropolis alive.

 

“Union members keep our city running,” said Karen Ignagni, CEO of EmblemHealth. “Heroes of Labor is an opportunity to honor union leaders for their work every day to maintain and protect one of the most important cities in the world.”

 

EmblemHealth and LaborPress proudly honored four labor leaders this year who have contributed to the success and advancement of labor unions in New York City. They are:

  • James Shillitto, President of the Utility Workers Union of America Local 1-2
  • Dean Devita, President of the National Conference of Firemen & Oilers and Vice-President of the Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ
  • John Jovic, Business Manager of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 12
  • Tanya Hatcher, Vice President of Publicity and Community Relations SSEU Local 371

Heroes of Labor began in 2012 in response to the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

 

“All unions in New York City stand together as a force for good, united in our dedication to a thriving city. We are grateful to EmblemHealth for their unwavering support in our shared mission,” said James Shillitto, President of the Utility Workers of America, Local 1-2. “This award is a tribute to the hardworking members of Local 1-2 who work tirelessly to serve the people of New York City.”

 

“It is an honor to be recognized among these remarkable labor leaders, whose tireless efforts have contributed to the bedrock of our beloved city, even in its most challenging moments,” said Tanya Hatcher, Vice President of Publicity and Community Relations of SSEU local 371. “Thank you to EmblemHealth for the recognition and unwavering support of labor unions in New York City.”

 

EmblemHealth’s Heroes of Labor Awards is a tribute to the everyday champions of New York City. This event serves as a reminder of the unwavering resilience and dedication displayed by labor unions from diverse sectors throughout our beloved City. Their combined efforts serve as the heartbeat of New York City.

 

Watch the 2023 Heroes of Labor Awards Highlight video here.

President of the National Conference of Firemen & Oilers and Vice President of the Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ and Heroes of Labor Award recipient Dean Devita (center) joined by EmblemHealth CEO Karen Ignagni, LaborPress Editor Neal Tepel, EmblemHealth Assistant Vice-President for New York City Strategic Relationships Christine O’Connor, and President Social Service Employees International Union, Local 32BJ, Manny Pestreich

Business Manager of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 12 and Heroes of Labor Award recipient John Jovic (center) joined by EmblemHealth CEO Karen Ignagni, LaborPress Editor Neal Tepel, EmblemHealth Assistant Vice-President for New York City Strategic Relationships Christine O’Connor, and Business Agent International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers, Local 12 Chris Cook.

Business Manager of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 12 and Heroes of Labor Award recipient John Jovic (center) joined by EmblemHealth CEO Karen Ignagni, LaborPress Editor Neal Tepel, EmblemHealth Assistant Vice-President for New York City Strategic Relationships Christine O’Connor, and Business Agent International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers, Local 12 Chris Cook.

President of the National Conference of Firemen & Oilers and Vice President of the Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ and Heroes of Labor Award recipient Dean Devita (center) joined by EmblemHealth CEO Karen Ignagni, LaborPress Editor Neal Tepel, EmblemHealth Assistant Vice-President for New York City Strategic Relationships Christine O’Connor, and President Social Service Employees International Union, Local 32BJ, Manny Pestreich.

Vice President for Publicity & Public Relations Social Services Employees Union Local 371 and Heroes of Labor Award

Vice President for Publicity & Public Relations Social Services Employees Union Local 371 and Heroes of Labor Award recipient Tanya Hatcher (green dress) joined by EmblemHealth CEO Karen Ignagni, LaborPress Editor Neal Tepel,  President Social Service Employees Union Local 371 (black suit), and members of Union Local 371.

About EmblemHealth
EmblemHealth is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health insurers, with more than 3 million members and an 80-year legacy of serving New York’s communities. The company offers a full range of commercial and government-sponsored health plans to employers, individuals, and families, as well as convenient community resources. As a market leader in value-based care, EmblemHealth partners with top providers and hospitals to deliver quality, affordable care. For more information, visit  emblemhealth.com.

 

About LaborPress
LaborPress is the largest labor news network in New York, reporting daily on stories affecting working New Yorkers. Thousands view their articles online, through E-News, in print, and on video. For more information, visit www.laborpress.org.

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