Union workers help clear RIPTA stops
By News Staff
About 40 RIPTA bus stops along
Leaders of Local 3 of the International Bricklayers and Allied Craftsworkers Union worked with the Rhode Island AFL-CIO to help RIPTA clear snow-covered bus stop shelters for the public.
The Bricklayers Union assembled two teams of apprentices who helped clear busy urban stops along
“It’s about giving back to the community,” said Richard Pacheo, vice president of the bricklayers’ Rhode Island Local. “That’s the way this profession was handed down to us and we want to pass that along to our apprentices. It’s important.”
Maureen Martin, a member of RIPTA’s Board of Directors and Secretary Treasurer of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, said the idea came about after some union leaders heard of the struggles faced by public transit commuters. Serve
“We really appreciate the community contribution that the bricklayers union is making by having some of their apprentices clear snow from some of our high-use bus stops,” Martin said. “Snow removal has been a huge challenge for most people this winter and particularly for RIPTA with thousands of stops and shelters across the state. Our main concern is always keeping our passengers, our employees and the public safe.”
“You’ve just got to dig in,” said apprentice Matthew Valliere. “It’s good to help people and I’m here with my union brothers and sisters –– we’re all one team.”
© WLNE-TV 2015
