Public Employee Press

OTB Maintainer wins upgrade and retro pay

Local 2021 member Willie Aldarondo was out of luck when he fell from a ladder and crushed his ankle in an Off-Track Betting Corp. warehouse.

An employee since 1976 and a Supervising Maintainer since 1979, Mr. Aldarondo fabricated ventilation systems and interiors for betting parlors throughout the city. He collected Workers Compensation for a year until the agency brought him back — as OTB’s newest employee.

“I wanted to quit,” said Mr. Aldarondo, who found himself being bossed by supervisors many years his junior. “Everyone made more than me, but what could I do? I had over 16 years on the job and a family to support.”

That’s because he was rehired — not reinstated. The difference cost the ex-Marine and licensed welder 15 years seniority and accrued vacation, and a cut in salary.

Mr. Aldarondo’s case eventually ended up on the desk of DC 37 head Lillian Roberts in July 2003. The DC 37 White Collar Division identified the problem and pressed the betting organization to do the right thing for its longtime employee.

OTB had come under new management, with a new attitude. The agency initially calculated that it owed Mr. Aldarondo $4,800. But Assistant Division Director Mike Riggio insisted that a lot more was at stake. He calculated that over the six years since he was rehired, Mr. Aldarondo had lost almost $30,000 in salary and retroactive pay.

Mr. Riggio fought for and won an $11,000 salary increase and $18,500 in back pay. All told, the new OTB management fully restored Mr. Aldarondo’s seniority, 86 days annual leave, four sick days and lost wages, including recurring increments, night and weekend differentials and overtime pay.

“Justice was overdue,” said Local 2021 President Leonard Allen. “I hope this helps the Aldarondo family have a very merry Christmas.”

“My union did so much for me, I knew my work and that I qualified to be a supervisor,” said Mr. Aldarondo. “I am very grateful.”

— DSW