Public Employee Press

Much loved Ron Arnero retires

Family, friends and union colleagues celebrated Ron Arnero's retirement as assistant clerical division director March 3 at a huge party. "It felt absolutely wonderful," he said. "People were so generous with their accolades."

Arnero brought passion, commitment and intelligence to every phase of his career, which began in 1974 as a 911 operator for the New York Police Dept.
After union activism as a shop steward, he became a grievance rep in 1988, a DC 37 council rep in 1991 and assistant division director in 2002.

Local 1549 President Eddie Rodriguez praised Arnero's "excellent work on behalf of our members, his commitment to people, and to the labor movement."

Clerical Division Director Ronnie Harris called Arnero "my left hand. He will be sorely missed. His contributions, especially in the NYPD reverse-out-of-title arbitration, will have a lasting effect as we pursue civilianization. Ron was the driving force in that, together with the activist stewards."

Council Rep Jestina Roberts handled arrangements for the party and Brett Koch, special assistant to the Local 1549 vice president, emceed.

"Those are some big shoes to step into. It's going to take time, patience and dedication," said new Assistant Division Director Kenneth Mulligan.