Louis Giardina, NFTA’s Manager of Labor Relations, received the Michael J. Connors Award from the Organization of Public Employer Negotiators (OPEN) at the fall Conference on October 25, 2019. The award is the first of its kind by the organization which signifies contributions in the Western New York Public Sector Labor Relations Community.

The National Public Employer Labor Relations Association presents the Award of Excellence to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to management in the field of public sector labor relations.  The Award of Excellence represents National PELRA's highest acknowledgement of the recipients dedication and achievement in the development of positive labor-management relations. It signifies professional efforts, which have demonstrated creative and innovative leadership over an extended period of time.  In 2018, Louis was bestowed the Award of Excellence by the NPELRA for his work. 

In 2013, Louis received the William L. Holcomb Award from the New York State PELRA.  Each year NYSPELRA recognizes one or more labor relations members who has demonstrated exceptional achievement or singular public service advocating on behalf of the public employers and the citizens of New York in the field of Labor Relations.

Please join in congratulating Louis on this amazing recognition!