SEIU Local 246 President Joseph Colangelo has been selected to be one of this years’ recipients for the distinguished EmblemHealth-LaborPress Heroes of Labor Award to be presented on October 23, 2025.
Joseph Colangelo started his career with the New York City Department of Sanitation in 1981 as a Senior Auto Service worker. Immediately understanding the value and importance of getting involved with his union, Joe became a Union Shop Steward in 1991. In 2003, he was elected Vice President, and in 2004 assumed the office of the President.
The work that Local 246 does is crucial to the effective running of New York City. The Local 246 members maintain one of the largest non-military fleets in the world with 30,000 pieces of equipment. Ambulances, police cars, fire department vehicles, sanitation trucks, etc., are more than essential – they are the backbone of a huge mobile city operation. Without the work of the members of Local 246, NYC would face a devastating disruption to its critical fleet of vehicles.
The size and complexity of the equipment and vehicles, require highly skilled mechanics and machinists. These professionals are often working under dangerous conditions. The constant exposure to toxins along with heavy equipment, requires additional safety procedures. This dangerous work often leads to injuries.
President Colangelo’s concern for the well-being of his members extended to fighting for disability benefits for those in Local 246 who suffered debilitating health issues while working on contaminated vehicles and equipment in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attack. Initially, the legislation did not cover the workers in Local 246. Through the efforts and leadership of President Colangelo along with other labor leaders, the health benefits covered under the federal 9/11 legislation, became included for Local 246 members. An Amendment was added to the original legislation designated for mechanics and others that serviced equipment and vehicles related to the 9/11 recovery and cleanup. Local 246 members and other workers would now receive disability pensions, and be able to participate in the WTC medical program. Unfortunately, SEIU Local 246 lost seven members related to that work. President Colangelo is Vice Chair of the New York City Municipal Labor Committee; Chairman of the MLC Civil Service Committee; Chairman of the Civil Service Coalition of Building Trades & Municipal Unions; Vice President of the New York City Central Labor Council; and a member of the New York City Department of Sanitation Columbia Association.
