They work at airports across the Eastern half of the country at airlines such as United. So after 41 years with the Local, Peter Capitano retired in 2006. As a union leader in Buffalo, Fino rubbed shoulders with congressmen, governors and other influential government officials. Buffalo Laborers' Pension Fund is a multi-employer defined benefit union pension based in Cheektowaga, New York. We split the check., Said Peter: It was the first time I worked on a construction site, but the contractor wouldnt believe (my Father, that his twin sons worked the same job). He just didnt believe him.. Laborers Local 210 - Mesothelioma & Personal Injury Attorneys (BUFFALO, NEW YORK) Even though Peter Capitano passed away from cancer several years ago, hes still with his twin sons, say both Peter and Sam, the Union Brothers who have and are continuing to help lead and guide Laborers Local 210 today and into the future. "Anybody who is familiar with the streets knows some of these charges are laughable," said Frank S. Falzone, brother of Leonard Falzone and his successor as administrator of the local's pension fund. Then he tells me, My ex-wife made this, shes trying to kill me. Even on his death bed, he was joking. He was always looking to crack you up.. Retired FBI Special Agent John "Jack" McDonnell said he believes the government cleanup of Local 210 and the Laborers - with Fino's help - was a major success. Visit, You have the power to Donate Life. "The trustee has gone out to work sites and thrown stewards off jobs, for no reason," Capitano said. They work at airports across the Eastern half of the country at airlines such as United. The international put a trustee in charge of Local 210 earlier this year, as part of a national effort to clear organized crime influences out of the union. There were fifty Laborers working on a job at UB (the University of Buffalo) and he was there running that job, with a lot of other Trades out there. "Later in life, he told me he really didn't want me to be part of the mob.". He always knew who was working where. Looking back, I wished I paid a little better attention, Peter said. Sam served as Business Manger through 2018, Sams appointment to the International is a big thing, said Peter, who worked out in the field for 25 years himself, which he said, Even though it seemed the odds were stacked against them because of the Locals past, the Capitano Brothers, For An Annual Commitment Of Just $5 - Become An Individual Subscriber/Supporter Of WNYLaborToday.com, The 2023 Buffalo AFL-CIO Labor Councils Workers Memorial Observance: Eight Names Added To The Memorial - Including A Buffalo Firefighter & A Victim Of A Racial Mass Shooting, Labor Leaders & Allies Call For Increased Diligence To Save Lives, New BTF Contract With The Buffalo School District Overwhelmingly Ratified By Nearly 98% - Union President Tells WNYLaborToday.com Beneficial Retroactive Pay & Reduction Of Wage Steps Only Happened During Last Couple Of Weeks Of Negotiations, 1199 SEIU-Represented Weinberg Campus Workers Demand NYS Invest In Health Care - New Polling Shows Such An Investment Is Widely Supported As Caregivers Also Demand Passage Of A Budget Thats In Tune With New Yorkers Priorities, Union Proud: After A 30-Year Wait, SMART Local 71 Hosts Region 1s Apprenticeship Competition - Local Reps Relish Opportunity To Show Off New Buffalo Training Center & Trade Workers Skills, As Well As Use The Event To Build Union Solidarity, With A Tentative Contract Being Finalized With The Buffalo Public School System, Buffalo Teachers Federation President Phil Rumore Announces His Retirement After An Amazing 41 Years Of Representing City Teachers, Caregivers At Four Southern Tier Health Care Facilities Overwhelmingly Ratify New Contract, Averting Week-Long Strike - Workers Win Increased Wages & Benefits & More, A Labor Perspective: The Eastern Atlantic State Regional Council of Carpenters Applauds The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Of The Building And Construction Trades, But Says Theres Still More To Do, A Beautiful Team - Niagara Falls IBEW 2104 Members Battle The Elements To Build The Ice Boom That Protects The Western New York Regions Power, There Are Cranes In The Sky In Franklinville! - Major Great Lakes Cheese Plant Construction Project Brings Good Economic News For Cattaraugus County, Employs Hundreds Of Union/Building Trades-Represented Workers In The Southern Tier, Its Important I Be Here - ER Nurse Takes 45-Minute Bus Trip From Niagara Falls To Buffalo To Join An Array Of Labor Reps, Hospital Administrators & Elected Officials, Calls On The Governor To Close The Medicaid Coverage Gap In State Budget, In Yet Another Example Of Union Workers Doing The Right Thing When The Need Arises, Labor Heroes Tim Martin & Mike Wilson Come To The Rescue Of Two Western New Yorkers, Starbucks Has Fired Its Buffalo Employee Who Was Responsible For Igniting The Starbucks Workers United Union Campaign That Has Raced Across The United States, NABET-CWA-Represented Workers Employed At WKBW-TV/Channel 7 In Buffalo Ratify New Contract - Union Secures Industry Competitive 10% Wage Increase Over The Next Four Years, 1199 SEIU-Represented Nursing Home Workers Picket Over Chronic Staffing Concerns In Suburban Buffalo - Some Owners Of Williamsville Comprehensive Under Investigation By NYS Attorney General For Alleged Misuse Of $18 Million In Medicaid Funding, The Western New York AFL-CIO Area Labor Federations 2023 Annual Meeting: Unionists Agree - Racial Justice IS Economic Justice, All Stand United Behind Labors Fight Against A Racist Economy. GiGi's Playhouse provides free therapeutic, educational, and career training programs for people of all ages living with Down Syndrome. My home office is in Syracuse and I have also been President of Local 210 since September 2019, but because of the (Coronavirus Pandemic), theres a lot of remote (business conducted via computer)., Sams appointment to the International is a big thing, said Peter, who worked out in the field for 25 years himself, which he said has provided him with the knowledge to talk to contractors, by understanding what it means to be a Union Member.. Embattled Local 210 ready for fresh start - Buffalo Business First Despite that, Fino insists he is not the thing that all mobsters despise. LIUNA New York He left a legacy - he was a man of the people and everyone knew it. He came out of the field and he knew the issues. He got his support from Working People, Sam said. 2 Beds. endstream endobj 1126 0 obj <>/Metadata 611 0 R/Pages 597 0 R/StructTreeRoot 613 0 R/Type/Catalog/ViewerPreferences<>>> endobj 1127 0 obj <. And many of those workers are from the lower end of the income ladder. Built inside the historic landmark Harlow C. Curtiss building in downtown Buffalo, we pair vintage . 25 Tyrol Drive Cheektowaga, NY 14227 Phone: (716) 668-9081 Fund Office: (716) 894-8061 3 . 55 Broad St, 11th Floor. The public record shows that Fino was one of the government's key sources of information in the investigation that led to a takeover of Laborers' unions all over the country in 1996. He was a quite a Rep, but he had an old school mentality - he stuck to his guns, but he was flexible. He was also reliable and he had a sense of humor that was insane. PDF BUFFALO LABORERS WELFARE FUND SUMMARY PLAN DESCRIPTION Effective Fino pointed out that, in the 1990s, Sam Capitano, the current business manager of Local 210, was an outspoken critic of efforts to remove mob influences from the Buffalo local. 2140 Grand Island Blvd. One of those jobs was at the University of Buffalo where Peter Capitano came up with the idea that he would have both his young sons work the same job - splitting the overall shift, under the same name, Peter. "As far as I could see, Ron did nothing to help Local 210. How do we do it?' Home Page [laborers210benefits.com] You have permission to edit this article. The even will also feature, food, drinks, and music. Just as Sam remembers, Peter - who became a Local 210 Member 37 years ago, grew up listening to jobsite stories during Sunday dinners at his grandparents home. The report assessed the state's expanding paid family leave program between 2018 and 2021 as the amount of time off allowed and cash benefits steadily rose as it was being phased in. Support the Roadway Excavation Quality Assurance Act. He said he moved out of Buffalo, with the FBI's help, because he learned that Buffalo mob leaders had put out a murder contract on his life. myBenefits uses NY.gov, New York State's shared login service. "I told him some agents told me to get in their car and started asking me questions," Fino said. Laborers' International Union of North America Local 210 is an union pension fund based in Cheektowaga, New York. Our members are organized into more than 24 local unions and 5 district councils. Attorney Paul J. Cambria, who has represented Local 210 and at one time Fino, has some mixed feelings. Robert Bellach, Secretary-Treasurer Union: The term "Union" will mean Local No. My Dad was very instrumental in getting a PLA (Project Labor Agreement) for the Roswell Park Cancer Institute Project in the nineties (the first time a PLA was used on a Buffalo Construction Project). The New York State Laborers' Union represents over 40,000 members employed in the construction industry and other fields throughout the state. She was hired by Fino's company and disappeared the same time he did in January. 4 0 obj When the feds took control of Local 210 in the 1990s, Fino helped the government establish trusteeships that ran the local and the Laborers International Union of North America, removing most of its leadership. "I have lived on the edge for a long time, in dangerous harm's way. Buffalo, NY 14217 Greg Schober Huber Construction 136 Taylor Drive Depew, NY 14043 . The international agreed to remove mob influences after the Justice Department threatened to take it over. What cannot be verified by public records are Fino's claims that he spent years in Russia, running an American vodka company while investigating the Russian mob for the Central Intelligence Agency, or that he also assisted the CIA by investigating terrorist groups in Africa and other locations. If I had stayed in Buffalo and not gone down this path, I think I'd be a millionaire now. endstream endobj 1141 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/Index[613 512]/Length 43/Size 1125/Type/XRef/W[1 2 1]>>stream Ron Fino lived a dangerous double life as business manager of Laborers Local 210 and a secret FBI informant. So from 1965 through 1991, Peter Capitano worked out in the field before becoming a Union Steward in the early 80s and then rising up in Local 210 to become a Business Agent in 1991. Sixteen of the 28 are accused of being members of the Buffalo Mafia family. Trustees: The term "Trustees" will mean the Board of Trustees of the Fund. Service employees in the health care, educaiton, information and legal service sectors, made up 45% of all claims. Lydia Torres, Trustee He said Fino is "well-paid by the government for his information. I helped them with cases. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. It's a witch hunt, and I'm going to fight it," said John Panczykowski, a former Lackawanna police officer who is named as a mob associate in documents filed by the international, "The people who are making these charges are still living in the Roaring Twenties. Buffalo Laborers Welfare Fund, 25 Tyrol Drive, Suite 200, Cheektowaga, NY 14227. Please. West Seneca, NY 14224 Union Trustees: Peter Capitano Laborers' Local Union 210 25 Tyrol Drive, Suite 100 Cheektowaga, NY 14227 Samuel Capitano . Buffalo's Local 210 alone has 700 Active Members and 250 Retirees. The program can assist households who have past due bills (arrears) for drinking water and/or wastewater services. Wearing a hood to conceal his face, he testified before Congress in 1996, accusing laborers union leaders of taking orders from mobsters. His former attorney, Cambria, was asked if he will read Fino's book, should it someday be published. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Photo by Derek Gee/Buffalo News. Privacy Policy.Web & eBusiness Solutions by Rare Earth Interactive, the creative drives the technology., by WNYLaborToday.com Editor-Publisher Tom Campbell, My Dad was the only one (of the Representatives at the time that he served the Local) who came out of the field, son Peter, who has been Local 210s Business Manager since 2019 and also serves as a LIUNA District Delegate, told, Peter Capitano (Pictured below on the far light with his sons/Photo Courtesy of Sam Capitanos, So from 1965 through 1991, Peter Capitano, At the age of 17, in 1983, he started his Union career mixing mortar and was caught completely off guard, Soon afterward, the Buffalo Laborers Local. Keep reading with unlimited digital access. "I believe the FBI made it clear to organized crime people that I was working with them, and if anything happened to me, there would be consequences for them.". Union welfare, benefit, and health funds. Under the union's bylaws, the men have the right to contest the charges before an impartial hearing officer, Braun said. Again, we know people in the professional artistic community, and it just kind of came from there," GiGis Playhouse Buffalos board president Will Mondschein said. The Laborers International Union of North America charged Tuesday that 28 members of Buffalo's Local 210 are either mobsters or mob associates and should be booted out of the union. you will be entitled to a benefit from the Plan at the . 960 Sq. Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Jurors acquitted Cino and Panaro of charges related to the murder, but convicted both men of felony conspiracy to commit extortion against Blitzstein. The FBI, which has investigated the union for decades, claims that construction prices traditionally have been driven up due to no-show jobs, extortion, kickbacks and other schemes involving Local 210. Dec 1979 - Dec 201233 years 1 month. I tried to get him to eat and he was getting mad, Sam said, with a smile. If you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of the following steps. Chartered in 1913, the laborers' union has jurisdiction over various types of construction, including concrete pouring; road construction; asbestos and hazardous material abatement; and job site cleanup. It also shows that Fino was paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for this work, and that in 1999, he testified as a prosecution witness in a high-profile mob murder trial in Las Vegas. Terry Pegulas ask was simple, direct and humble: The Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres owner, speaking in a recorded video message, asked fans, The national effort to shed a greater spotlight on what advocates believe is improper content available to children in school libraries has ta. "The FBI wanted to make sure I was questioned about the murder, like everyone else, so it didn't look like I was getting any kind of special treatment.". Sincerely, Board of Trustees Welfare Fund. "A lot of the men they're charging are older men who have given many years of service to Local 210. In March 1980, William "Billy the Kid" Sciolino, a 40-year-old steward for Local 210, was shot dead by a team of masked assassins in broad daylight on a construction site for the Metro Rail line in downtown Buffalo. Christopher M. Piehota, the agent who currently heads the Buffalo FBI office, wouldn't say much about Fino's claims. Life as a paid government witness and informant has been a long, lonely and uncomfortable road, said Fino, who now works as a private investigator in Virginia and is writing his autobiography. During an interview of more than three hours, Fino insisted that he had good intentions when he turned against the union and the Buffalo mob. Both described Capitano, 46, as a tough but honest labor leader. Fino said he had to cut himself off from his family for their safety. I.B.E.W. tXD+X]P+l^%MNi' RJB#\6ps4.Znvgh,euaDf{}rc7\lo9VnMw cWDY$S Dx 0NdgB In May 1999, the Las Vegas Sun reported that Fino testified as a prosecution witness in the murder conspiracy trial of two Buffalo natives, Robert Panaro and Stephen Cino. Union Concrete & Construction Corp. 435 Meyer Rd. His personality was so profound. And - he could tell a story, Sam said. "Public interest in Mr. Fino's knowledge and credibility can be best assessed by publicly available court proceedings.". But he lived every day and he was the best cook in the city, Sam said with a laugh. "As for Sam Capitano, he was a very active, very vocal union guy who did fight against the takeover. $189,000 Last Sold Price. Cino was sentenced to 15 years in prison; Panaro to seven years and six months. Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts. / / / / / / / / . I could have made a million dollars just on the snow plowing business I had, with mob connections.". Plum jobs and in some cases no-show jobs were routinely doled out to people with mob ties, Fino told the FBI. He's an old-style, combative guy, but I have no information that he is involved with the mob.". Click here for more information, https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/cwcs/aces.php, https://otda.ny.gov/programs/water-assistance/, http://otda.ny.gov/SNAP-COVID-19/Frequently-Asked-Questions.asp. hA &As |.>' d The Laborers International Union of North America charged Tuesday that 28 members of Buffalo's Local 210 are either mobsters or mob associates and should be booted out of the union. 2345 Buffalo Rd 403 Gates - Buffalo Rd. Said Peter: The vote was held from (8 a.m.) to midnight. PDF BUFFALO LABORERS SECURITY FUND SUMMARY PLAN DESCRIPTION - laborerslocal210 New York, NY 10004. He told The News he's had some scary moments, but added that there was never any attempt on his life that he is aware of. About two-thirds of all claims were filed and received by women. !4 O t8?K&%hDtdfT9H4q 41| ct}F*AsW_3sP1SW]!W6vN4Hp7HMn\'^N2O_tKN4 (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) helps low income households pay the cost of drinking water and wastewater services. I also approved a few of my own (guys), but I didnt care if they disliked me, if they brought value (to the Local) that was the main thing - that was the only thing I cared about. They knew Id gotten a lot of support (from the Membership) because my intentions were honorable, he said. 25 overall in NFL draft, Former waitress sentenced to 2 to 5 years in prison in $50,000 lottery scheme, M&T to relocate 400 employees as it sheds 12% of local office space because of remote work, The prayerful goal for Bills and Sabres owner Kim Pegula: 'Full recovery', Culture wars shift to the school library, including in Western New York, Biden addresses journalists detained abroad at Correspondents' Dinner, Sudan's rival forces vie for control, risking prolonged conflict, 5 killed in Texas shooting, sheriff expands search for suspect, Pelosi on trip to Kyiv: "We thought we could die". Adrian Merced, Vice President "I did work hard to bring minorities into Local 210, and I am proud of that," Fino said. No one should have to choose between caring for a loved one and sacrificing a paycheck.. Today, Fino maintains that the government's cleanup of the Laborers international - and of Local 210 - didn't go far enough. Even though it seemed the odds were stacked against them because of the Locals past, the Capitano Brothers always pressed on. When she was arrested on the ticket scheme, records show Danielle K. Bush was already on probation for another crime. Check the latest closings and delays for schools, business, and churches around CNY and the Mohawk Valley. The two men were accused of plotting the death of Herbert "Fat Herbie" Blitzstein, and Fino testified about their alleged ties to the Buffalo mob. I get goosebumps. And, he never held a grudge. He always wanted (the Members) to succeed. He didnt see color or race. He stood up for the Members who didnt have a voice and he changed this Union to where you wanted to be involved - and that carried into my Brothers leadership, Peter said. Prescreen for Programs you may be eligible for, A service of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), IF YOU HAVE A HOUSING, FOOD, UTILITY, OR HEATING EMERGENCY, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL. Roswell Park has paid $4.67 million to settle discrimination lawsuits These were people with connections - to Fino and the mob.". "These are people who we feel have played a part in the corruption of Local 210," said Daniel A. Braun, an attorney for the international. I spoke to groups of FBI agents about organized crime," Fino said. "It has not been an easy life," said Fino, who is now married to an artist he met in the Republic of Belarus. You know what the Members need on the job. To make sure theyre safe. That they have enough water. My Dad taught me safety. It started when I was a kid and would go hunting with him.
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