AFSCME LOCAL 1635

Tawanda Ciccone has had a distinguished career with the City of Rochester, starting in 1999 as a Telecommunicator in the Emergency Communications Department. Her leadership journey began in 2016 when she was elected as the 2nd Vice President of Local 1635, all while continuing her essential work in emergency communications. Following the retirement of the President in 2021, Tawanda stepped into the role of Grievance/Recording Secretary, showcasing her dedication and expertise. In 2022, she successfully ran for and secured the position of Grievance/Recording Secretary, further solidifying her commitment to her colleagues and the community.

Tawanda has been an integral part of the contract negotiating team for the City of Rochester on two occasions, successfully securing fair contracts for her colleagues. Additionally, she serves as the Recording Secretary on the Council 66 Executive Board, where she continues to advocate for workers' rights and strengthen union representation. Her dedication and experience make her a vital leader in the community.

With over 38 years of experience as a city employee, Christine has made significant contributions throughout her career. She served as the former secretary to the Manager of Building Services, where she provided vital administrative support and facilitated effective communication.

As an active member of the Medical Coalition and the Negotiating Team, Christine passionately advocates for employees' rights and benefits. Additionally, she holds a position on the Executive Board, serving as both Grievance Secretary and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Coordinator. In this capacity, she is dedicated to promoting employee well-being and addressing workplace concerns.

Since being elected Treasurer in 2016, Christine has overseen financial operations, ensuring transparency and accountability in all fiscal matters.

With 32 years of experience as a city employee, he began his career in Equipment Services, working in the auto body repair shop and parts stock room. Currently, he is a valued member of the Special Services team.

Throughout his tenure, he has served as a shop steward for two years, representing his colleagues and addressing workplace issues. In addition to this role, he is an Executive Board Member and participates actively on the Event Committee and Negotiating Team. He also holds the position of Member At Large for the Council 66 Executive Board, contributing his expertise to support his fellow employees.

Orlando Torres’s commitment to union labor is deeply rooted in his family’s history. Growing up, he witnessed firsthand the struggles and triumphs of his parents, who were long-term union members with the City of Rochester School District and the City of Rochester. These experiences instilled in him a profound understanding of the importance of union advocacy from an early age.

Orlando began his career with the City of Rochester in 1998 as a Seasonal Recreation Assistant in the Parks and Recreation Department. After graduating from high school, he continued his service with the City, taking on a role as a Seasonal Forestry Worker in 2001. He made the most of the training opportunities available, obtaining his CDL license and moving into a full-time position in the Refuse Department in 2003, where he served as a Sanitation Employee for the next 13 years.

His dedication to the labor movement led him to run for Union Steward in 2012, where he actively championed the rights of union members. In 2016, his commitment and leadership were recognized when he was elected as the Grievance/Recording Secretary for Local 1635, a position he held with distinction for six years. During this time, Orlando also joined the Council 66 Executive Board as a Member-at-Large in 2017 and was subsequently selected to attend the prestigious Harvard Trade Union Program at Harvard Law School, graduating in early 2018.

In 2022, Orlando’s union journey advanced as he was elected Vice President of Local 1635. His role expanded further in 2023 when he joined The Rochester Labor Council Board, representing thousands of union members across New York State. Additionally, he was elected as the Regional Vice President for Council 66, further demonstrating his dedication to the labor movement.

Throughout his career, Orlando has been deeply involved in negotiations, including those for Local 1635’s past two contracts, and has contributed to the City of Rochester’s Healthcare Committee in 2024. His journey from shop steward to Vice President of Local 1635 reflects his unwavering commitment to fighting for union rights and advocating for his fellow union members.

Orlando Torres’s path has not been without its challenges, but his determination, dedication, and relentless advocacy have been central to his success. His experiences, from front-line negotiations to pivotal union confrontations, continue to shape his dedication to the labor movement.

Under his leadership, Orlando continues to make a significant impact, advocating tirelessly for the rights and interests of union members across the state of New York.

Mike Rivera's Journey in the Labor Movement
Mike Rivera’s commitment to the labor movement runs deep, beginning with his upbringing in a union household in Rochester, N.Y. His career with the City of Rochester started in 1993 as a Laborer in the Parks Department. Over the years, Mike's dedication and hard work led him to the Public Works Department and later to the Refuse Department, where he served as a Sanitation Worker.

In 2011, Mike took his first formal leadership role in the union, becoming a Union Steward in the Solid Waste Department. His leadership skills were quickly recognized, and in 2016, he was elected Vice-President of Local 1635. Just a year later, in 2017, Mike expanded his influence by being elected as a Member-at-Large on the Council 66 Executive Board. His steady rise continued, and in 2021, Mike was elected President of Local 1635 and Vice-President of the Council 66 Executive Board, representing over 8,500 union members across New York State.

In 2024, Mike achieved another milestone when he was elected International Vice President of the AFSCME Executive Board, becoming a representative for Upstate New York. His election also marked a historic achievement, as Mike became the first Puerto Rican to serve as both President of his local union and Vice-President of Council 66.

Mike’s contributions to the labor movement extend far beyond leadership titles. He has been deeply involved in labor negotiations for many years. In 2017, he was a member of the negotiation team for the Full-Time City of Rochester contract, followed by his work on the Rochester Housing Authority contract in 2018. In 2020, Mike was part of the team that negotiated a contract for Part-Time City of Rochester employees. His leadership in negotiations culminated in 2022, when he served as one of two lead negotiators for the Full-Time City of Rochester contract, the Part-Time City contract, and the Rochester Housing Authority contract.

In addition to his union leadership roles, Mike has been an active member of the Rochester Labor Council since 2017 and has served on the Healthcare Committee since 2016. He played key roles in negotiating two successful healthcare contracts for City of Rochester employees in 2018 and 2024.

Mike Rivera’s leadership, dedication, and historic achievements continue to make a profound impact on the labor movement, both locally and nationally.