A union leader who spearheaded a successful organizing drive at Foxwoods casino and helped in protracted contract negotiations for supermarket workers has died, The Associated Press reports.
The United Food and Commercial Workers says Brian Petronella, president of local 371 in Westport, died unexpectedly Friday night at his home in Norwalk. He was 54.
The union announcement on its Web site did not give more details.
Earlier this year, Petronella led talks that averted a strike and led to a new contract between Stop & Shop and its unionized workers.
The United Food and Commercial Workers won an election July 31 for the right to represent bartenders and other workers at the Indian-owned Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket.
