USW Member Rewarded for a Job He Loves

Last month, United Steelworker member Dan Zeoli from Local 1408-14 in South Greensburg received an award for doing work he enjoys. Zeoli won second place in a statewide competition at the Pennsylvania’s Best Bagger Championship, hosted by the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA), in Harrisburg, PA.

He started in the grocery business over 30 years ago and has become a bit of a celebrity since a poster with his photograph signed by customers and fellow workers was hung on a wall in the front of the East Pittsburgh Street Shop‘n Save store in Greensburg.

“I was nervous at first when I was asked to be in the competition,” said Zeoli, “but then I said what the heck and decided to try.”  

Zeoli spent time studying the guidelines to make sure he knew just what he was expected to do. The 14 baggers were judged according to their speed, proper bag building technique, weight distribution, style, attitude and professional appearance.

He was presented with a trophy and $150 for placing in the contest. He can’t believe the number of people who take time to recognize him. “Every day, people are coming up to me and giving me a hug or a handshake and congratulating me”