Riakat Ali (goes by “Ali”) walked into the Embarcadero Garage in San Francisco on a chilly morning in 1974 as a new Teamsters Local 665 member working for Metro Parking as a parking attendant. Fast forward 46 years later and Ali would walk out of the 475 Brannan Garage for the last time. Ali spent his last 20 years at this location. However, Ali worked at many locations in SF during his tenure, including managing well known locations like St. Mary’s Garage and the old Shaklee Garage. Metro Parking was bought years later by Ampco System Parking which is now called ABM. Names would change but Ali’s dedication as an employee and member stood tall as he worked his entire career under the same employer. What a remarkable achievement!!!
Ali plans to enjoy life by spending time with his grandchildren, cooking with his wife and just “relaxing”.
He looks forward to traveling, fishing and playing soccer when the country recovers from the pandemic.
When asked to give a perspective on his past 46 years as a Teamster, Ali stated, “Boy, have I seen it all working for all these years in San Francisco. Never a dull moment. I have been blessed to be a member of such a strong local that always provided the highest wages and benefits in our industry. Benefiting from labor leaders like Ernie Yates to now Tony Delorio , all I can say is I am extremely humble and grateful.”
CONGRATS AND HAPPY RETIREMENT ALI!!!
