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USW Rapid Response is the union’s nonpartisan program for education, communication, and action regarding legislative measures and regulatory policies that affect USW members, their families, their contracts, and their communities. This program empowers USW members to have a strong voice and an active part in the government decisions impacting our union’s core issues, including trade, health care, collective bargaining, domestic economic issues, safety and health, and retirement security.

If you are interested in learning more about USW Rapid Response, contact us to secure a place in an upcoming class.

Tune in to 99.5 to support our colleagues by listening to Labor & Healthcare Confidential

Next Air Date & Time: Mon, Oct 5, 2026 5:00 PM

Hosted by: Marianne Pizzitola

Marianne Pizzitola is a retired member of the FDNY EMS who has dedicated her post-retirement life to advocating for EMS retirees. After the devastating events of 9/11, she founded the FDNY EMS Retirees Association, focusing on ensuring that EMS retirees received the medical care they deserved. Marianne's unwavering dedication to this cause led her to fight for the rights of these retirees to choose their medical providers, a significant victory in the realm of retiree benefits.

In 2021, Marianne saw another challenge that needed addressing: the forced enrollment of NYC retirees into Medicare Advantage plans. Understanding the potential impacts on retirees' healthcare options, she established the NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees. Under her leadership, this organization has successfully mobilized tens of thousands of retirees, culminating in several legal victories against the City of New York. Marianne's efforts have not only safeguarded retirees' healthcare choices but have also highlighted the importance of retiree advocacy.

Marianne's commitment and tenacity have not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized among City and State's Top 100 Labor Leaders in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 and has been celebrated as one of the Women Who Go Above & Beyond in 2023. Her story is a testament to the power of dedicated advocacy and the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many.

The Labor & Healthcare Confidential covers labor unions and healthcare both in New York City and nationwide. During each episode Marianne dives into the accomplishments and struggles of labor unions as well as the issues surrounding healthcare, its cost and access.