ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – U-Haul Co. of Florida proudly welcomes Don Gabo Petroleum as its newest U-Haul® neighborhood dealer in Orlando. Located at 1905 E. Michigan St., Don Gabo Petroleum will provide essential moving services including U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, moving supplies, and will offer the convenience of Spanish-speaking associates to better serve the local community.

“We’re excited to partner with Don Gabo Petroleum to expand our services in Orlando, providing more access to do-it-yourself moving solutions while supporting a local business,” said a U-Haul spokesperson.

U-Haul has a long history of partnering with independent dealers to help customers with moving needs since 1945. With over 21,000 neighborhood dealers across the U.S. and Canada, U-Haul is helping small businesses generate supplemental income through these partnerships, which is especially beneficial during challenging economic times.

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“When customers rent from a U-Haul dealer, they’re not just renting a truck; they’re supporting an independent small business in their community,” the spokesperson added.

Location:
Don Gabo Petroleum
1905 E. Michigan St., Orlando, FL

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida has officially announced the highly anticipated finalists for the 2024 El Josco Awards, according to a press release. The prestigious annual awards gala will take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the Caribe Royale Resort, celebrating outstanding achievements within the Puerto Rican and Hispanic communities. The evening will begin with a reception at 6:00 p.m., featuring live music, entertainment, and special surprises.

The finalists have been named in the following categories:

Communications

• Jennifer Marcial – Orlando Economic Partnership
• Luis R. Hernández – El Show de Luis Hernández
• Neisha Molina – Anchor & Producer, News Televisa Univision

Education

• Martin Levert – Executive Director, Florida Technical College (Kissimmee Campus)
• Omar Villafañe – Campus Director, Ana G. Mendez University
• Susanne Peña – Professor, Florida International University

Health

• Dr. Arnaldo E. Vélez, MD – Vascular Neurology, Orlando Health
• Dr. Ivan A. Rivera – Poinciana Medical Clinic
• Dr. Wilmer Alvarez, PhD, MBA – Vice President, Grants Administration, Orlando Health

Community Service

• Elizabeth Vazquez – Comparte Tu Pan
• Marcos Vilar – President & Executive Director, Alianza Center
• Norberto Fonseca – Advance Community Outreach Center

Entrepreneurship

• Florencio Rodriguez – Founder, Don Julio Restaurant Group
• Ivelissa Ríos – Ivelissa Riendo y Comiendo
• Luis Acosta – Owner, Next Level Creative

Professional of the Year

• Denisse Centeno Lamas – Hispanic Family Counseling Inc.
• Janice Lopez – Vice President, Sr. Business Consultant, JP Morgan Chase
• Rommel Ariza – Valens General Services & Contracting

Woman-Owned Business of the Year

• The License Pro – Maelyn Arroyo
• Green Squad Solar – Midyivia Torres Vega
• Urbander – Sami Haiman-Marrero, CEO

Small Business of the Year

• El Kiosko 38 – Guillermo & Martha Tejada
• Ladder & Heels Adjusting – Mari Ivelisse Rivera
• Learning Tree PPEC – Veronica Luna & Raul Ramirez

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Josco Award 2024 will be presented to Dr. Antonia Coello Novello, the first woman and first Hispanic to serve as Surgeon General of the United States, for her groundbreaking contributions to public health and her lifelong dedication to underserved communities.

Additionally, the Chamber will recognize the recipients of the “Future Leaders Scholarships”, awarded to promising young Puerto Rican and Hispanic leaders. These scholarships are made possible by the Chamber and its sponsors, underscoring the Chamber’s commitment to empowering youth through education and leadership opportunities.

SEATTLE (FNN) – The U.S. Department of Labor has secured a landmark consent judgment from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington in Tacoma, permanently preventing the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from retaliating against employees at up to 59 locations in Washington state. This judgment follows an investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) which found the USPS violated the Occupational Safety and Health Act’s anti-retaliation provisions.

Key Points:

• Investigation Findings: OSHA concluded that the USPS unlawfully fired three probationary workers in East Vancouver, Seattle, and Tacoma after they reported workplace injuries.
• Legal Action: The Department of Labor’s Office of the Solicitor filed suit against the USPS, alleging violations of anti-retaliation provisions.
• Injunction Details: The U.S. District Court issued the broadest permanent anti-retaliation injunction to date, recognizing a pattern of unlawful firings by the USPS.
• Compensation: The USPS must pay $183,732 in lost wages, interest, and damages to the three unlawfully fired employees.
• Protective Measures: The court’s order mandates several changes to USPS processes, including:
  • Providing equal opportunity for probationary employees who report injuries to pass probation.
  • Supplying information needed to file worker’s compensation claims during orientation.
  • Having HR or labor relations review all proposed terminations of probationary employees who reported injuries.
  • Offering specific notice and training related to reporting work-related injuries without fear of retaliation.

Quotes:

• Marc Pilotin, Regional Solicitor of Labor: “The U.S. District Court has recognized the U.S. Postal Service’s pattern of ignoring its own policies and unlawfully firing probationary workers who report injuries. This retaliatory conduct must stop at once.”
• Pilotin on Broader Implications: “This landmark injunction sends a clear signal to employers that retaliation — in any form — against employees who report workplace injuries will not be tolerated. The U.S. Department of Labor will continue to enforce federal protections of workers’ rights rigorously and combat retaliation.”

This consent judgment is a significant victory in OSHA’s efforts to protect workers’ rights to a safe workplace and to report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation.

For more information, visit OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Programs.