Maria Pacheco
Maria Pacheco began her career within the supermarket industry in August 2007. Maria is currently the O.P.D. (Order Pickup Delivery) manager in ShopRite. This means her and her team are responsible for all the transactions customers make digitally. The O.P.D department can be a bit chaotic, but Maria loves the fast paced environment that comes with her job.
Having been in the supermarket industry for 17 years, Maria has noticed several changes within her store. One of the major changes Maria has witnessed is the increase in varieties of food to accommodate people from more demographics. Another change that Maria has seen is how technology aids her and other members within her department.
Maria Pacheco is an active UFCW member having served on the Shop Rite bargaining committee. She said serving on the committee made her more aware of how the union functions, and what other members can do, to make it run smoothly.
Heather Edwards
Charlie White
Charlie White has been a UFCW Local 1500 member for over 40 years and works at Stop & Shop. He began his career in his teenage years. He would often travel back and forth from South Carolina to New York every May, to maintain his Part-Time responsibilities. Now Charlie is a Full-Time overnight, stock clerk.
Charlie has been an active UFCW Local 1500 member over the years. He has attended the Labor Day Parades, Local 1500 Blood Drives, Cancer Walks, and Lobby Day just to name a few. Charlie loves to communicate with his employees and union delegates. He says it is good to stay informed.
Charlie believes that younger members should be involved with the union. “UnIon jobs are very good because at the end of your years, as you get older, and get more mature, union jobs can provide you with a pension.” He also reminds us of the power that we have within ourselves. “If you want something you have to work hard to achieve it. You have to come prepared!”
Lelia Ikeazor
Lelia Ikeazor is a Department Manager of 7 years at Shop Rite. She has been working in the supermarket industry since she was 18 years old and has earned the prestigious title of “Shop Steward”. As a department manager of the Front End, she is in charge of the cashiers and service clerks.
Lelia is an active member of UFCW Local 1500 having served on the negotiation committee for the Shop Rite contract. She has attended the Labor Day Parade, and Gina Guelee’s comedy club fundraising event.
Lelia is known by her fellow ShopRite coworkers as a reliable, and friendly member. Some words of advice Lelia spoke are “It’s important for people to come out to events, because you get to meet different people. You get to see what everybody is about, and it’s good to meet other people in other stores, and other union representatives.”
Danny Martinez
Danny Martinez has been a UFCW member at Stop & Shop for 26 years. Danny works in the maintenance department, where he ensures his store is always clean and tidy. He has been an active member having attended “The Local 1500 Summer Blood Drive” and “The Labor Day Parade”.
Danny is happy that Local 1500 was able to provide him with health benefits such as medical insurance, to help protect him and his family. He is proud to work alongside his Shop Steward, Carmelo Arroyo and have Juan Guardado (his union representative) have his back. 
Some words of advice that Danny would give to the newer members is “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, because that’s how you grow.”
Bryan Palefsky
Bryan Palefsky has been in the supermarket industry since 1994. Today, he serves as the Dairy Frozen Food Manager at Scatturo’s and is a proud member of UFCW Local 1500, which he joined in 2014.
Reflecting on his career, Bryan notes significant changes in the grocery industry. “When I started, the landscape was different,” he recalls. “There weren’t many large chains like General, Costco, BJ’s, Walmart, and Amazon. It was mostly regular supermarkets, with a lot of them being Waldbaum’s and Pathmark. Now, those chains are gone, replaced by smaller stores and some large chains like ShopRite and Stop & Shop.”
Bryan has witnessed the advent of self-checkout technology, a development he sees as a double-edged sword. “Self-checkout is something brand new,” he says. “We never had that back in the day. It’s taken away jobs from people.”
Having worked in both union and non-union stores, Bryan is an advocate for union membership. “I’ve been a member of UFCW Local 1500 for over ten years and was previously with Local 338 for more than eleven years. The difference is stark. Non-union stores are awful. I don’t recommend it to anybody. If you’re part-time and in the union, be grateful. Work in union stores only. In non-union stores, you could work today and not have a job tomorrow.”
Outside of work, Bryan’s interests are simple and heartfelt. “I take care of my cats, spend time with my dad, and we enjoy going to the movies, eating out, and visiting the casino.”
When asked about the most valuable benefit of union membership, Bryan emphasizes healthcare. “The best benefit I use is my medical. It’s the most important thing besides the pension…”
Bryan credits all the union delegates he’s met over the past ten years with inspiring him. “It’s not just one person. All the union delegates I’ve met from Local 1500 have inspired me to do the right thing.”
Reflecting on his journey, Bryan expresses gratitude for his job and the stability it has provided. “When I joined the union, people told me I was lucky to have a job as a young kid and that getting full-time work was impossible. But I’ve been full-time for ten years now, and I’m very grateful for the benefits the union provides.”
His advice to the younger generation is clear: “Don’t take the union for granted. They’ve got your back, no matter what. Always work union, not non-union.” Bryan Palefsky’s story is a testament to the value of union membership and the importance of solidarity in the workplace. As he continues his journey with UFCW Local 1500, he remains committed to the principles that have guided him throughout his career.
Anthony Martinez
Since joining Gourmet Glatt in 2015, Anthony Martinez has been a steadfast presence in the Customer Service Department, earning a reputation as a reliable and dependable colleague. He joined UFCW Local 1500 on June 1st 2023. As a Shop Steward, Anthony not only serves as a liaison between his coworkers and management but also embodies the values of professionalism and integrity that are central to our union’s ethos.
Beyond his daily responsibilities, Anthony is actively involved in union activities, demonstrating his commitment. He is a regular attendee at our quarterly General Membership Meetings. Anthony also shows his support for the community by participating in events like our Bi-annual Blood Drive. Additionally, he stands in solidarity with union members on our informational Bingo Picket Line, showing his unwavering support for fair labor practices and workers’ rights.
Emily Mazzullo
Emily Mazzullo is the back up Shop Steward for Stop & Shop Baymore, while also being the head of the floral department. Emily is also the chairwoman of the Pride ARG group within Stop & Shop. As the chairwoman she helps provide management with resources on how to be more inclusive, and how to stay aware of the sensitivities of others within the 2SLGBTQ+ community. She joined Local 1500 in 2014 when she was hired as a part time bakery clerk. As a Shop Steward, Emily encourages new members to never be afraid to stand up for yourself, and ask questions. She also believes it is very important for our members to feel comfortable, so they can work in a positive environment.
Robert Shuford
Robert Shuford began his career in Stop & Shop on September 30th, 2001 where he works as a night crew chief. He has always been an assiduous person, who always strives to do his best. On May 25th, 2023, Robert did more than his best and became a hero! While preparing to open Stop & Shop, Robert heard a loud bang from outside and, knew trouble was amiss.
He rushed outside to see a wallowing cloud of black smoke fuming from the aftermath of an overturned semi-truck. Robert knew he didn’t have much time and called for his coworkers to assist him, as he rushed into danger. Hiscoworkers weren’t as willing as he was and insisted that he stay away from the danger. Instead of having a back-and-forth Robert chose to continue assisting anyone near the accident. As Robert got closer to the truck, he saw the injured driver and assisted him. Robert has since been recognized as a local hero by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and even has his own day. June 15th is now Robert Shuford day. You never know what anyone may be capable of. We salute you Robert Shuford.
Danny Gleason
Danny (Daniel) Gleason is the dairy manager at King Kullen. He began working in the supermarket industry in 1989, and has been a UFCW Local 1500 member since. Danny has been a UFCW Local 1500 Executive Board member for the last 18 years. Words of advice that Danny Gleason would give to new members is to be active in your union. He recommends attending union events, and being proactive in your union. Danny is also a scout master for the Boy Scouts of America, where he is integral in mentoring the America’s youth.
