UAW LU 1097 Rededication Ceremony

Rochester -- On August 4, members, family and friends of UAW Local 1097 came together to celebrate one of their own. 


Sandie Forte, Secretary General for nearly four decades, was honroed for her distinguished service career. From today forward, the union hall located at 221 Dewey Avenue will now be known as the Sandie Forte UAW Union Hall Local 1097.

The event kicked off with the presentation of colors by the UAW Color Guard, the pledge of alliegance and a moment of silence. UAW 1097 President Dan Maloney was Master of Ceremonies.

The Rev. Herman Dailey gave the Invocation while proclamations and short speeches were also delivered by the NYS Legislature, past presidents and family members. After the unveiling of the wall plaque, Sandie Forte gave thanks to those in attendance.

We had past Presidents Paul Schuh and John Huber detail personal remembrances of working with  Sandie, "go to your room!" was quoted by Schuh as how Sandie got rid of him when he pissed her off.

 Former Chairman Billy O. (Ostapiuk) gave heartfelt remarks of his years of friendship, having Sandie as a confidant to get through rough times.

 I spoke to the fact that Sandie has been much more than the office manager for nearly 40 years - those that took heed of her advice and council had successful careers, those that didn't were "one term wonders". She has been the constant through decades of change in elected and appointed Union leadership, she is the one that insures the trains run on time. Sandie is and has been a great advocate for UAW members (having been a dues paying sister, and having a daughter in the bargaining Unit) - No one is more deserving of the honor than Sandie!

 We presented her with a plaque, and unveiled the sign for the Sandie Forte Hall with her daughters and grand daughter assisting. We presented her with a Thank You card and a donated gift basket from Finger Lakes Racino (Union shop represented by Workers United). Sandie gave her closing remarks and thanked the assembled crowd for the opportunity to serve, and that working with friends  makes her job easy. It was a great celebration for a great Union woman


A picnic lunch was served after the ceremony.

Please click on photo below to view album:

UAW LU1097 Rededication Ceremony