Gias Uddin, New York Hilton

Gias Uddin, a kitchen runner from the NY Hilton and proud Union member since 2000, passed away on April 3rd, 2020. Mohamed Alam, a banquet server at Great Performances who has known Gias for over 40 years, fondly remembers his closest friend as an honest and good person, and a very strong supporter of the Union.  “For him, everything was the Union.  We would always go together to whatever the Union was doing,” he said.  Mohamed remembers attending the Save the Plaza Rally, and joining the picket line at the Capri Whitestone, and also joining the boycott at the Boathouse Restaurant many times with Gias.  

Union Vice-President and Regional Director Eddie Cedeno echoed these same thoughts.  “He was a very proud Union member,” recalled Cedeno. "It was rare that he wouldn’t show up to a Union rally or picket line.  He was always there for us and we will miss him."

Gias’s son, Moin, remembers his father as a devoted father and husband who raised three sons. "My father came to this country in 1987 from Bangladesh,” Moin explained, "leaving all his friends and family behind, knowing little to no English, for a chance at a better opportunity. He always went out of his way to help his family, friends, and his relatives."

Besides his passion for his family and the Union, Gias also loved soccer. “He was a very good soccer player,” said Mohamed. “He played for 15 years in Bangladesh in the premier league. He also played for the Hilton in the Union’s soccer league years ago. The Union has lost a great member.”