Group: Union Representatives

David Brijlall

David Brijlall was born in the Bronx and grew up in Queens. He served on the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1996. Prior to coming to work at Local 1500, David worked at RWDSU/UFCW Local 1102 since 1999. During his tenure there, David negotiated many collective bargaining agreements and worked to successfully organize many new members into the RWDSU/UFCW family. David has experience, among other things, working in Local 1102’s welfare fund, supervising business agents, and was even elected onto their executive board.
David’s parents immigrated from Guyana in 1970. He has successfully completed the Union Leadership Program at Cornell University School of Industrial Arts and Labor Relations and studied Science in aerospace engineering from the University of Southern Illinois.

Desmond Byfield

Desmond Byfield became a member of UFCW Local 1500 in 1991 while working for D’Agostino Supermarket in NYC. During his career Desmond has held many positions, including part-time and full-time clerk in the Grocery, Dairy, and Delivery Departments, eventually being promoted to the position of Assistant Manager. In 2006, Desmond moved on to work at Pathmark and stayed there until Stop & Shop’s acquisition of A&P in 2015. In 2018, he worked for Village Shoprite as a Frozen Lead Clerk. In May of 2021 Desmond joined Local 1500’s staff as a Union Representative.

Fred Walter

Fred Walter Jr, began working with Local 1500 in June 2017 as an intern in the Organizing Department. During his short tenure, Fred has learned about the difficulties workers face without a Union contract and has a better understanding of the value that Local 1500 provides for its members. He has served the membership of Local 1500 as an Organizer, Membership Servicing Representative and currently holds the position of Union Representative.

Rafael Mauleon

Rafael Mauleon began his career at Local 1500 as a Field Organizer and currently holds the position of Union Representative. Prior to joining the Union staff in 2014, Rafael was a Shop Steward in Pathmark in the Bronx for 8 years.

Vilmarie Flores

Vilmarie has been a member of UFCW Local 1500 member since 1988. She began her career at Pathmark in Brooklyn. She joined Local 1500 staff in 2007 as an Organizer where she fought for workers rights throughout New York City. She currently holds the position of Union Representative.

Juan Guardado

Juan Guardado was born in El Salvador before moving to New York with his family. He began his career in Dan’s Key Food and has been a member of Local 1500 for over 23 years. During his membership Mr. Guardado has held many positions, including part-time, full-time, and department manager, but the one he is most proud about is being a Shop Steward of Local 1500. Juan also held membership in Stop & Shop as a dairy clerk and in Fairway in various positions. In October, 2018 Juan Guardado became a Union Representative.

Jeff Guardado

As a former member and Shop Steward, Jeff Guardado comes with years of experience, having worked at Stop & Shop and Fairway as a part-timer, assistant Dairy Manager and Grocery Clerk.

During his service as a member Jeff assisted our union by participating in Organizing campaigns, Lobby Day, the annual Blood Drive, and other union events.