Employers have sought out the family-run IBOTU to fend off more aggressive unions. Five of its officers collected more than $27 million over the past decade — nearly half the dues its members paid.
Sam Mellins · August 19, 2026
The International Brotherhood of Trade Unions, a union based on Long Island, pays millions to its leaders while its rank-and-file scrapes by. | Photos: Sanjana Bhambhani / New York Focus; Sam Mellins / New York Focus | Illustration: Leor Stylar / New York Focus
Are you a current or former member of IBOTU Local 713 or Local 7, or do you have other knowledge about the union? We want to hear from you. Reach out to sam@nysfocus.com. You can remain anonymous.
After mentioning unionization, Arisnelda Rodriguez was fired from her job cleaning rooms at a Midtown hotel. | Sam Mellins / New York Focus
In 2018, the National Labor Relations Board ordered Local 713 to distribute this notice to former members who worked at a Queens apartment building. | National Labor Relations Board
The reception area at IBOTU headquarters, in Carle Place, Long Island. | Sam Mellins / New York Focus
A plaque on the wall of IBOTU’s office honors former president Peter Hasho. | Sam Mellins / New York Focus
This single-family home in Far Rockaway is listed as the headquarters of “IFWU Local 345.” | Sam Mellins / New York Focus
Benjy Sachs contributed research.
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