Local 237 NEWSLINE
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AT THE NATION’S Keeping the Faith CAPITAL Bring It On: U.S. Workers Stand The Fight for Workers’ Rights In Solidarity, Hundreds of thousands of people from across the nation, including hundreds of Teamsters and Local 237’s contingent, con - verged on the National Mall Oct. 2 to rally for Call for Greater Good jobs, justice, education, equality, and other threatened progressive causes. The march, sponsored by One Nation Working Together, included more than 300 organizations: One Nation, Under God, Indivisible, unions, human rights groups, civil rights groups, environmentalists and religious With Liberty and Justice for All. groups. The mighty gathering sought to ener - gize and educate voters before Election Day.
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Photos by Calvin Sewer
LOUIS SYKES , Superintendent SHERRY POWELL , School Safety Agent L3 Howard Consolidated, Brooklyn St. George School, Staten Island ”I had to be here. As union workers we have “I am here because of jobs and my retirement. I to make a difference.” need to make that money now so I can retire.”
ZELLA KYSER FERGUSON , Supervisor of MAUREEN RENWICK , School Safety Agent Caretakers, Latimer Consolidated, Flushing Queens South Payroll, Jamaica “I need my job and my benefits to survive liv - “We need to save jobs and the union needs to keep ing in this economy. The union has done great fighting to keep members gainfully employed. I’m living paycheck to paycheck to rear three things for me. We have to think of the future.” grandchildren and a nine-year old son.”
Election Results, page 5 2 NEWSLINE, November 2010 Local 237 Member Services
UNION HEADQUARTERS EXECUTIVE OFFICES, 5th Fl. 216 West 14th Street Gregory Floyd, President A Message From New York, NY 10011-7296 Richard Hendershot, The President 212-924-2000 Vice President LOCAL 237 DIVISIONS Ruben Torres, Secretary-Treasurer CITYWIDE DIVISION , 2nd Fl. Donald Arnold, Director PERSONNEL , 5th Fl. Peter Gutierrez, Deputy Director Edmund Kane, Director and Al Soto, Law Enforcement Chief Negotiator Going Forward with Strength Amid Setbacks Director POLITICAL ACTION & Randy Klein, Assistant Director all it a tidal wave, call it a revolution, country strong, and we deserve to be treated LEGISLATION , 5th Fl. but there's no doubt the Republicans fairly by our employers and our government HOUSING DIVISION , 2nd Fl. Local 237 protects members’ stormed back into power in Congress officials. We are the ones that this economic Remilda Ferguson, Director rights by helping to sponsor leg - C and the national stage on Nov. 2. U.S. Voters, collapse affects most, not the people responsi - islation that is important to mem - Brooklyn, Queens & Staten ble for it. bers, and by opposing initiatives upset about the economy and the bickering in Island Washington, took their anxiety and frustration Business interests continue to blame fi - James Giocastro, that would hurt members. out on incumbents by handing the House to nancial shortfalls on the influence of unions Deputy Director Patricia Stryker, Director Republicans, as well as several seats in the on the government. Unions like Local 237 GRIEVANCES/DISCIPLINARY LONG ISLAND DIVISION Senate. fought long and hard for the basic rights given PROBLEMS , 6th Fl. 1727 Veterans Memorial Some believe that the election was a refer - to them under the state constitution, and the For grievances and job related Highway endum on the President. No doubt, many of loss of tax revenue has led to proposals to re - Suite 308 problems, first contact your shop the nation's problems were beyond President duce public workers’ pay and benefits . But Islandia, NY 11749 steward and/or grievance repre - that does not mean the unions should take 631-851-9800 sentative. If they cannot resolve Obama's control — especially two wars and a John Burns, Director the issue, they or you should trillion dollar deficit, courtesy of the Bush ad - sole responsibility for the sacrifices needed to Benedict Carenza , contact your business agent. ministration. Add to this the conservatives’ fix our state. We are willing to participate in Deputy Director Mal Patterson, Director of blockade of everything put forth by Obama discussions with city and state officials and John Sepulveda, Grievances and Hearings and the Congress — even legislation that they the public to find a solution that will work Assistant Director Todd Rubinstein, Esq. themselves had earlier advocated! Their aim for all New Yorkers, but we will fight against Long Island Welfare Fund: Grievance Coordinator was, and is, to bring Obama down, regardless any proposals that single out public employ - For information on the various Debbie Coleman, Esq. of the cost to the American people. ees. funds call 800-962-1145 Grievance Coordinator Some voters felt that the President had lost touch with the people, especially work - Better News in New York RETIREE DIVISION , 8th Fl. CIVIL SERVICE BAR ing-class people anxious about their jobs and Here in New York, the election news was Provides a variety of pre- and ASSOCIATION , 6th Fl. mortgages. Congress was unable to unify and somewhat better. Many pro-worker candidates post-retirement services, includ - 212-675-0519 make their case to the public. endorsed by our union were elected. Workers ing pension and health insur - Gloria Johnson, Esq., President ance counseling to members. We must not forget that while Obama may had major victories in two key statewide elec - Aldona Vaiciunas, (Pension counseling by appoint - not have succeeded in solving all our prob - tions: attorney general and comptroller, prov - Office Administrator and ment, Thursdays only). General lems, he is not the cause of them. The current ing that in New York, at least, organized labor Grievance Coordinator retirement counseling and economic crisis was caused by uncontrolled has significant power. John Picucci, Esq., retirement planning series dur - Wall Street speculation, resulting in the col - On a more troubling note, Governor-elect Grievance Representative ing spring and fall. lapse of the banks and the housing market. Cuomo has used combative language when CSBA Welfare Fund 212-807-0555 Obama actually followed through on his cam - talking about dramatic changes he plans to Nancy B. True, Director Alicare 212-539-5117 paign promises to fix health care, reform the bring to labor relations in the state. He says COMMUNICATIONS, 8th Fl. LOCAL 237 DEPARTMENTS banking industry and provide federal assis - he wants to bring back government to the Tania M. Lambert, Editor tance to kick-start the economy. Sometimes people, but he must realize that union work - (Citywide and Housing) Local 237 Newsline there is a political price to pay for doing the ers are mostly the very people he is talking Website: www.local237.org SKILLED TRADES , 2nd Fl. right thing, and Obama and Congress paid about. I hope our new leaders can pursue Donald Arnold, Director EDUCATION, 8th Fl. dearly. their reform plans while maintaining a sense HEALTH AND SAFETY , 2nd Fl. Provides a variety of training The surge of corporate-backed candidates of balance and fairness. We are reasonable Donald Arnold, Director and educational advancement was a major blow to Obama and the labor people, but we are not afraid to fight for what Diane Stein, Coordinator opportunities for members. movement. The Teamsters were the first of is right. MEMBERSHIP, 2nd Fl. 212-807-0550 many unions that campaigned strongly both The voters spoke this month. In the com - Provides membership services Frederick Dunn, Director for Obama’s agenda and pro-worker candi - ing months, it will be the unions' time to have and records, including address USEFUL NUMBERS dates. Unions all over the country spent our voices heard. Together, we can bring New changes. FOR PRE-RETIREES heavily. Unfortunately, the national climate York and all of America to a better and Laverne White, Administrative Manager NYCERS (New York City this year was too strong for us to stop the po - brighter future. litical tide. The new Re -
Employees Retirement System) B
WELFARE FUND, 3rd Fl. i l publican leadership in the l K
The Fund administers the eligi - By Mail: 335 Adams St., Suite r e
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bility, enrollment, disability, 2300, Brooklyn, NY 11201-3751 e optical and death benefits In Person: 340 Jay Street, to take every opportunity directly by the Fund’s in-house Mezzanine, Brooklyn, NY 11201 to damage the labor move - staff, as well as prescription Gen’l Information: 347-643-3000 ment in order to protect and dental programs indirectly. Outside NYC toll-free: their own political inter - 212-924-7220 877-6NYCERS ests in the next election Carnell Joyner Jr., Director cycle. We must be pre - NYCERS Internet LEGAL SERVICES, 4th Fl. www.nyclink.org/html/nycers pared to stand up and de - Lawyers advise and represent fend the rights of workers NYC Department of Education members on covered personal to unionize, to fight for Retirement System legal problems, including domes - policies that favor working 65 Court St., Brooklyn, NY 11201 tic relations (family court pro - families, and to have ac - ceedings, divorce and separa - 718-935-5400 cess to good health care tion), purchase and sale of a pri - Social Security Administration mary residence, wills, adoptions, and education. 800-772-1213 credit and consumer problems, tenant rights and bankruptcies. NY State and Local Retirement Unions Not to Blame 212-924-1220 Systems Union workers should Office Hours: 518-474-7736 not shoulder the blame for Mon.- Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the situation that America Mary Sheridan Esq., Director finds itself in today. Hard - “The test of our progress is not whether we add to those who have much. Kenneth Perry Esq., working Americans are the It is whether we provide enough to those who have little.” Deputy Director backbone that keeps this – Franklin D. Roosevelt NEWSLINE, November 2010 3 SSA Team Thwarts Shooters Credit Union That Serves Queens Public Housing
President Gregory Floyd joined New York Housing Authority Chairman John Rhea and a group including elected officials recently at the ERDA Fed - eral Credit Union (FCU), which serves the Queensbridge and Ravenswood Houses in Long Island City. ERDA stands for the East River Development Alliance, a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve and transform New York City public hous - ing neighborhoods. The credit union, which opened in April, offers affordable finan - cial services in a neigh - borhood where three in 10 residents lack bank accounts, and the ma - jority of residents use check cashers for most of their financial trans - actions. From left, School Safety Agents Lucinda James, Roslyn Glover and Debra The ERDA FCU Hamilton make a great team at I.S. 22 in the Bronx West Command. helps empower public School Safety Agent Lucinda ough Office and the principal. housing residents to use Jones was patrolling the perimeter of As Hamilton approached the bank services, access I.S. 22 in the Bronx West Command nearest man, she heard shots fired capital and save money. just before 8 a.m. on Sept. 22 when from across the street. Hamilton It encourages a culture she saw four unknown men. Jones alerted all units, the administration, of ownership and sav - also overheard them speaking about and Central Command and joined ings. “getting someone,” so she informed with Jones and Glover to usher stu - Located across from SSA Debra Hamilton, who observed dents and staff into the building and Queensbridge Houses, the four men walking away. out of harm’s way. the nation’s largest pub - lic housing develop - Soon after, Jones informed When the officers from the 44th Outside the Credit Union are, from left, President Hamilton that the men had re - Precinct arrived, Hamilton helped ment, and down the Gregory Floyd; John Rhea, chairman, New York City turned. This time, Hamilton saw identify two of the perpetrators, street from Ravenswood Housing Authority; Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, three of the four go across the street who were found three blocks away. Houses, ERDA FCU Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney; Bishop Mitchell and one remained on the perimeter She later identified the other two at serves as an economic Taylor, East River Development Alliance president and of the school, communicating with the precinct where she gave a state - anchor for the contin - founder, and Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan. the others by phone. Hamilton took ment. All four men were arrested for ued growth of western Queens by helping to keep neighborhood assets lo - a detailed description of them and trespassing. All of them have previ - cally owned and controlled. called 911. She also called the Bor - ous records. To learn more about ERDA FCU, call 718-784-5050 .
Local 237 Officer Assaulted Over Ticket NEWSLINE Parking control specialists for Medical Center where he was listed 216 West 14 St., New York, NY 10011 the New York City Police Depart - in serious but stable condition. 212-924-2000 Website: www.local237.org ment encounter angry motorists President Gregory Floyd and e-mail Newsline: [email protected] routinely when they issue sum - Citywide Division Business Agent Local 237 Newsline (USPS 700-000 ISSN 1083-3536) is published 10 times a year in the monses for violations. To assault a George Serrano were on the scene following months: January, February, March, April, May, (June, July and August will be parking control specialist for doing and talked to reporters. combined into one issue), September, October, November and December by Local 237, his or her job, however, “It’s really tragic International Brotherhood of Teamsters, 216 West 14 Street, New York, NY 10011. is a felony, punishable when an individual as - Periodical postage paid at New York, NY. Postmaster: Send address changes to Local 237 Newsline, 216 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10011. by seven years in jail. saults one of the offi - On Sept. 28, Edgar cials of New York City Executive Board Saeteros was kicked in the performance of Gregory Floyd Richard Hendershot Ruben Torres Patricia Stryker and punched by a mo - their duty,” Floyd told President Vice President Secretary-Treasurer Recording Secretary torist who abandoned Fox News, stating that his car and ran from the it’s a dangerous job. Edmund Kane Steven Gordon Curtis Scott Trustee Trustee Trustee scene leaving the peace “Tempers are short officer on the ground when it comes to tick - Newsline and www.local237.org with a fractured skull. ets.” (See the Fox Tania M. Lambert Saeteros had is - News video online at Editor sued a $115 ticket to a www.local237.org.) Edgar Saeteros Local 237 Telephone Numbers red Mercury illegally double-parked Serrano told the Daily News that in the Parkchester neighborhood of Saeteros, who has seven years of Citywide Division ...... 212-924-2000 Health & Safety ...... 212-924-2000 the Bronx about 9 a.m. when the service, was hit in the head, Housing Division ...... 212-924-2000 Retiree Division/ Long Island Division ...... 631-851-9800 Pension Counseling ...... 212-807-0555 sudden attack took place. “I wrote punched twice, and knocked to the Welfare Funds ...... 212-924-7220 Membership ...... 212-924-2000 the vehicle a ticket,” Saeteros was ground. He also noted that Saeteros Education Department ...... 212-807-0550 CSBA ...... 212-675-0519 quoted as saying in the Daily News. “tried to arrest the guy, but the guy Legal Department ...... 212-924-1220 “I went back to the police car and got away.” that’s when he kicked me from be - Saeteros is home recovering and If you move... hind,” said the 35-year-old traffic his attacker, Derrick Jordan, 30, was Please send your change of address in writing to Membership to insure that you agent, who has two daughters — an charged with second-degree assault. continue receiving your newspaper. Metro NY 11-year-old and another several He surrendered the day after the in - Labor Communications Council months old. He was taken to Jacobi cident on the urging of friends. 4 NEWSLINE, November 2010 Teamster Women Build On Union Strength
More than 750 Teamster women jobs and justice as solutions to the from the United States, Canada and economic crisis. Puerto Rico gathered in Minneapo - Notable speakers at the closing lis for the International Union’s event included Arianna Huffington, 2010 annual Women’s Conference, editor-in-chief of the Huffington Sept. 16-18. Local 237’s contingent Post, who focused on activism, say - was led by Remilda Ferguson, direc - ing, “We need to move from anger tor, Housing Division, and chair of and despair to action, because ac - the local’s Women’s Committee. tion is the greatest antidote to de - The convention provided the op - spair.” portunity for Teamster women to Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), the first share ideas and strategies for winning woman to represent Minnesota in the strong contracts, building solidarity, U.S. Senate, spoke about the progress handling workplace issues and many women have made,” Klobuchar said. other topics crucial to maintaining a “Less than a century ago, women strong and forceful union. didn’t even have the right to vote. Among the conference high - Now, women are sitting on the lights was a powerful rally where Supreme Court, orbiting the Earth Teamster women called out their and they are in the United States theme “Workers ‘Yes,’ Wall Street Senate. We’ve passed the Lily Led - ‘No,’” as they marched through the better Fair Pay Act, but now we have streets of Minneapolis demanding to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act.” Local 237ʼs contingent poses at the Teamsters Womenʼs Conference. Welcome Caretakers Attorney Honored by the ACS
Jeffrey G. Jackson, the ACS Visitation Pro - an attorney for the De - gram since its incep - partment of Corrections tion. Jackson makes it (DOC), was one of seven possible for children to participants honored by visit their parents at the New York City Ad - Rikers Island by pro - ministration for Chil - cessing the required dren’s Services (ACS) documents, forwarding for their hard work and them to the warden, dedication to the Chil - and making sure the in - dren of Incarcerated Par - mates are available. ents Program (CHIPP). CHIPP is a collabo - The awards ceremony ration between ACS was held last month at and DOC to unite fami - the Brooklyn Marriott to lies involved in child Jeffrey G. Jackson commemorate the 10th anniversary welfare and criminal justice sys - of CHIPP. tems. It offers weekly transportation Jackson, a Local 237 member and support services for child-par - with about 20 years of service, has ent and sibling visits, and case con - Local 237 held an orientation last month to introduce a group of been DOT’s program coordinator for ferences at Rikers Island. caretakers to the wide variety of services the union has to offer. Sever - al union officials were on hand, including Curtis Scott, Local 237 Trustee; Remilda Ferguson, director, Housing Division; Nancy B. True, director, Retiree Division; and Cheryl Hart, business agent. Officials spoke with caretakers about services and benefits available to mem - ON AIR bers, including the Welfare Fund, Legal Services, Retiree Division, Reaching Out Staten Island Community Grievances, and Education. With Greg Floyd Television (CTV): Time Warner Ch. 57 & Verizon Ch. 37 This month and next on “Reach - Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. ing Out With Greg Floyd” Local ─ Fridays at 6 p.m. 237's public affairs radio program on WWRL AM 1600 which airs the Bronxnet: 2nd and 3rd Saturday of each Cablevision Ch. 67 & Verizon Ch. 33 Tuesdays at 7 p.m. month at 3 p.m. ─ President Floyd’s guests include: Manhattan Neighborhood Network Congressmen José Serrano, Jerry (MNN): Nadler and Anthony Weiner ; New Time Warner Ch. 34, RCN Ch. 82 and York State Senator-Elect Gustavo Verizon Ch. 33 Rivera and NBA All-Star James Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. Donaldson . Brooklyn Community Access If you miss a program, you can (BCAT): see video excerpts on Local 237’s Time Warner Ch. 35, Cablevision website at www.local237.org. Ch. 68, Verizon Ch. 43 and RCN Ch. 83 Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. Local 237: On the Air Queens Public Television (QPTV): Our Cable TV series airs weekly Time Warner Ch. 35, Verizon Ch. 35 on several NYC cable TV systems. and RCN Ch. 83 This month’s schedule for your bor - Friday, Nov. 19 at noon Trustee Curtis Scott, third from right, joins a group of caretakers for this ough follows: Thursday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. group photo in the conference room at the October orientation. NEWSLINE, November 2010 5 The Political Scene ELECTIONS 2010 Work on the Dream Lies Ahead Across the Nation with 62 percent of the vote; Eric Schneiderman York State comptroller alone determines how to succeeded Cuomo as attorney general, and U.S. invest the state’s pension plan, the third largest in Anger and frustration with the sagging econ - Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand the nation. [See sidebar “Braced for War on Pub - omy and lack of jobs fueled voters to back won by more than 60 percent each. Gillibrand, lic Pensions.”] “change” in the nation’s capital again, this time appointed in 2009, ran for the two years remain - Control of the New York State Senate was shifting control of the House of Representatives ing in the term won in 2006 by Hillary Clinton, still undecided at press time. back to the Republicans, with 239 seats to 186. who is now Secretary of State. Republicans also increased their seats in the Sen - Among the closest races was the state comp - ate to 46. The Democrats are still in control of the troller’s, which Thomas DiNapoli, the incum - Senate, however, with 52 seats. The likely House bent, won late on election night over former Speaker will be John Boehner (R-Ohio), who will hedge-fund manager Harry Wilson. The New succeed Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). As a result of the Republi - can Party’s re - taking of the House, U.S. Rep. Peter T. King of Long Is - land, a ranking member of the House Commit - tee on Home - land Security, President Floyd presents Rep. Peter King (R- will likely be - Nassau/Suffolk) with Local 237ʼs endorsement on the come chairman Tom DiNapoli Eric Schneiderman Charles Schumer Kirsten Gillibrand front page of last monthʼs Newsline. of the committee. As the only Republican from the New York delegation with significant seniority, Braced for War on Public Pensions King has gained influence and agreement from the Obama administration for his plan to expanding In the aftermath of the financial crisis that left States without constitutional guarantees, in - the committee’s role in overseeing the broad De - huge holes in city budgets, elected officials, in - cluding Colorado, Minnesota and South Dakota, partment of Homeland Security. cluding Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Governor- have approved laws to reduce cost-of-living in - The shifting balance of power in Washington Elect Andrew Cuomo, are calling for cutting pub - creases, which will cost retirees more than was a wake-up call for Democrats in general and lic employee pensions to close the budget gap. $165,000 over 20 years, retirees say in a suit President Obama, in particular, who described As current members of NYCERS, Local 237 filed against these states. the election results as “a shellacking,” and took public employees’ have a pension system that Referring to New York lawmakers, President “full responsibility” for the losses. provides defined benefits that can’t be cut under Gregory Floyd has said, “They’re watching With Republicans dominating the House, De - guarantees in the state constitution. However, those court battles in Minnesota very close - mocrats may be forced to compromise on their the constitution does permit new benefit tiers to ly....They’re starting to attack us now; the steady mission to kill the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. be created, offering less expensive pensions for drumbeat. Municipal workers making too much future employees. money, costing too much.” Floyd said that Wall In Albany In the wake of the fiscal crisis, state law - Street is to blame for the budget gaps and should Unlike results in most of the nation, Democ - makers are seeking ways to reduce pension ben - pay the price. “Municipal workers are not the rats swept statewide offices, confirming Local efits that are protected by state constitutions and cause of this crisis and cutting their pensions is 237 endorsements overall and winning by wide already promised to current and future retirees. not the solution.” margins. Andrew Cuomo defeated Carl Paladino U.S. Workers Stand in Solidarity; Call for Greater Good
Continued from page 1 among all Western industrialized nations. “This is our generation’s fight,” “We bailed out the banks and said President Gregory Floyd in his the insurance companies,” said the address to members gathered in the Rev. Al Sharpton to a cheering Union Hall at dawn before boarding crowd at the National Mall. “Now buses bound for Washington, D.C. it’s time to bail out the American “We want to go. We have to go,” said people.” Floyd. “The rich have declared war MSNBC talk-show host Ed on workers, especially public em - Schultz, one of the speakers, said, ployees’ pensions and benefits. We “This march is about the people must defend our right to work for liv - standing up to the corporations.” ing wages and to retire with dignity.” It’s no coincidence that corpo - Now that the voters have spoken rate profits are rising along with un - and new balances are struck in our Members surround President Gregory Floyd at a rest stop en route to the capital. employment and poverty rates. Citywide Division Director Donald Arnold is second from left, and Trustee Steven nation and state capitals, fresh bat - When employers cut payrolls, prof - Gordon is on the right. tles will follow. Facts are our best include underemployed part-time cent last year. its rise. Just the threat of layoffs is ammunition. Below are those includ - workers, full-time workers on fur - • In 1973, the average CEO was enough to push remaining workers ed in a recent article by Bill Quigley, lough, nor discouraged workers paid $27 for every dollar paid to a to accept abusive cutback and con - legal director, Center for Constitu - who stopped seeking jobs. typical worker. By 2007 the ratio ditions. tional Rights and law professor at • A record 2.8 million homes re - was $275 to $1. If these facts make you angry, Loyola University, New Orleans: ceived foreclosure notices and 11 • Since 1992, the average tax rate you are in the right place. As a pub - • The 14.3 percent poverty rate is million more are “under water,” on the richest 400 taxpayers lic employee union member, you at its highest point in 51 years. owing more on mortgages than their dropped from 26.8 percent to 16.6 represent the last stronghold in the • The 9.6 percent national unem - homes are worth. percent. (Internal Revenue Service) fight to preserve workers’ rights in ployment rate (14.8 million people • The wealth of the richest 400 • The U.S. has the greatest in - this nation. Armed with facts and “officially” unemployed) does not people in the nation grew by 8 per - equality between rich and poor solidarity, we shall overcome. 6 NEWSLINE, November 2010 ¡QUE¡QUE VIV VA!
Marcos Martinez Jr., maintenance mechanic II for the Brentwood School District on Long Island poses with his Presidentʼs Award and loving family.
Poet Tato Laviera is joined, from left, by his Local sister, Ruth Sanchez, and Maria Cruz, execu - tive director, Taino Towers in Manhattan. Latino Herit
ur annual Latino Heritage Month celebration brought together the best of this vibrant cul - Oture and its contributions. Great music, food and entertainment provided a fitting tribute for top performing members who where honored by President Gregory Floyd, including Secretary- Treasurer Ruben Torres who received the Award of Excellence. Other honorees included George Torres, retired Housing Division director and trustee, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Agnes Cruz, Hous - President Gregory Floyd ing Division; Marcos Martinez Jr., Long Island Divi - is flanked by Presidentʼs Award recipients Carmen Burgos, a caretaker J at OʼDwyer Gardens in Brooklyn, left, and Agnes Cruz, a plasterer in Manhattan, both Housing Division members.
George Torres, retired trustee and Housing Division director, greeted A guest is set for the heat. members by video.
Members of the NuyoRican School Poetry Jazz Ensemble perform Nancy B. True, who coordinated the Latino Heritage event an with the islandʼs traditional instruments. deputy director, Retiree Division; Ruben Torres, secretary-tre NEWSLINE, November 2010 7 ¡QUE VIVA!
John Liu, New York City comptroller, greets guests in Spanish as Local 237 officials look on. Photos by Pat Arnow Itʼs a safe bet that 237’s this couple are enjoying the tage Month festivities.
sion; George Ortega, Citywide Division; and Carmen Burgos, Housing Division, each received a Presi - dent’s Award. Nice surprises colored the evening, including visits by poet Tato Laviera and New York City Comp - troller John Liu. The house came down, however, when State Senator Elect Gustavo Rivera from the 33 SD in the Bronx, sang a romantic ballad en español, after de - livering the keynote address. President Floyd pre - sented Rivera with a Golden Teamster Award. His next award may be a Grammy! Gustavo Rivera, state senator-elect from the 33rd District in the Bronx, surprises the audience with a beautiful rendition of “Dos Gardenias.”
A member flashes her Thereʼs a fashionista in best smile. every crowd. nd directs the Retiree Division, poses with Winston George, Grupo Caribe keeps guests on their toes with great salsa music. easurer, gratefully accepts his Award of Excellence. 8 NEWSLINE, November 2010 LONG ISLAND REPORT Local 237 Fights Contract Violation
Local 237’s Long Island Division held a rally to protest a contract violation committed by the Brentwood School District. The protest, held at the Brentwood Administra - tion Building during the School Board meet - ing Thursday evening, October 21, brought to - gether Local 237 officials, blue collar and food service workers in the Brentwood School Dis - trict, union supporters, community residents, and the infamous giant inflatable rat. The protesters, led by John Burns, direc - tor, Long Island Division, demanded that Brentwood reinstate 10 members of the union with back pay, whose jobs were elimi - nated in violation of the Suffolk County Civil Service Rule XXI as stated in their contract. The rule protects members’ with seniority. The 10 positions cut included 6 full-time guards, 3 maintenance mechanic IIIs, and one maintenance mechanic II. Local 237 filed charges with P.E.R.B. along with 10 grievances stating that the lay- off did not follow the seniority rule and four of the members hold union officer titles in the Brentwood Chapter. Inside the School Board meeting, Richard Hendershot, vice president of Local 237, ad - THE YEAR OF THE RAT – Although it canʼt be seen too clearly, thereʼs a huge rat behind these Long Island dressed the group and accused George Tal - Division protesters outside the Brentwood Board meeting. ley, board president, of being dishonest re - months. and Andrew Viegas. Waving posters and garding his position on Rule XXI. He also “One member out of work is one too shouting slogans outside, the protesters re - said that Local 237 would try to expedite the many,” said Burns, who was joined at the minded the board inside that “Employees arbitration procedure, which routinely takes rally by business agents Richard Salvatore Vote;” and “It’s Time for a Change.”
Teamsters Helping Teamsters Teamsters solidarity extends well beyond the work - place, as Loretta McCullough, a former supervisory teacher aide in the Lawrence School District, can testify. When word got around that McCullough was ill and out of work the “Teamsters Helping Teamsters” team in the Long Island Division came to her aid. Local 237 officials, business agents and shop stewards sold raffle tickets with a range of cash prizes throughout their communities. The generous donations made it possi - ble for the Teamsters to give McCullough more than $1,500, for which she expressed her heartfelt gratitude.
Pictured at P.S. 4 in Lawrence School District are, from left: John Burns, director, Long Island Division; Marilyn Capone, business agent liaison; Obie, the school mascot; Tonine Cannon, school aide; and Dr. Ann Pedersen, principal. NEWSLINE, November 2010 9
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Local 237 and War Veteran R Congratulations to…
…SCHOOL SAFETY AGENT CHARLENE PARKER at the Staten Island borough office and NYCHA C ARETAKER EARLE LINDSEY on the birth of their first child, Elijah, on Sept. 12. The baby weighed 8 pounds 5 ounces. • • • …SSA J ASMINE CRUZ , also at the Staten Island borough office, on the birth of her son, Samuel Jr., on June 3rd. The baby weighed 7 pounds 6 ounces. • • • …TYRELL CARTER , a cook at Cross Road Facility in the Brooklyn Depart - ment of Juvenile Justice, and his wife, Diane Carter, on the birth of their first babies, twin girls, on Sept. 1. Demi Dior weighed 5 pounds 15 ounces and Olivia Kayreen weighed 6 pounds 9 ounces. • • • A heartfelt thank you from SSA L3 R OSLYN DOWNING at Maxwell H.S. in Brooklyn North Command to LEVEL 3 J OYCE PALMER and other School Safety Division task force agents who helped locate her grand - son, a teenager, who went missing on a cruise ship on which they were all passengers.
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CONDOLENCES TO... Trustee Edmund Kane presents Raphael Rodriguez with his retire - ment plaque. A former supervisor of caretakers with New York City … the family of CAPTAIN BENJAMIN RODRIGUEZ , a Department of Homeless Housing Authority’s Bronx Management, Rodriguez retired with 22 Services special officer who died suddenly at age 35 on Sept. 18. Ro - years of service. driguez, one of the youngest captains in DHS, is survived by one daugh - Rodriguez was also in the armed forces, serving time in Iraq. ter, his mother, father, and several siblings. While on duty overseas, he was honored by the New York City Hous - • • • ing Authority’s Emerald Society and was featured in a Local 237 …the family of MICHAEL MILANO , a maintenance Newsline article. worker with more than 20 years of service at Isaac Homes in Manhattan. Milano tragically took his Blessed Be the Retiree own life early last month. He is survived by his wife, Paula, three daughters, Chrissy, Kaylene and Nalanie, one granddaughter, and sister, Sabrina. • • • ... SCHOOL SAFETY AGENT L2 B ERNARD FORD at the Community Outreach Unit, on the death of his fa - ther, Lonnie Harrison. The funeral service was held October 8, in Jamaica, N.Y. Michael Milano • • • …SSA C ATHERINE IRBY of P.S. 138 in Brooklyn North Command on the death of her mother, Roberta Louise Syville, on Oct. 20, just before her 76th birthday. She is survived by her husband, Alphonso, three sons: An - thony, Alphonso Jr. and Jerome; five daughters: Catherine, Pamela, Leslie, Sabrina and Michelle, as well as 16 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. • • • …the family of RONALD COLEMAN , a campus peace officer at LaGuardia Community College, who died at age 61 on Oct. 16. Coleman became a CPO six years ago and received numerous commendations and citations. He is survived by his wife, Maria, daughters Lynette and Karen, stepdaughters Helen and Sue Ellen, grandson Kirk Hart Jr., sons Kirk Hart Sr. and Corey LeSane. He is also survived by his brother, Henry Coleman Jr., and sisters, Monique Walker, and Taylor Coleman. • • • Ronald Coleman Sandra Dotson, a former evidence and property control specialist, …SSA Y OLANDA HUINS at George Westinghouse H.S. in Brooklyn North retired with 30 years of service from the Bronx Property office. Here Command, on the death of her uncle, Daylea Huins, a retired corrections she is receiving her retirement plaque from Ruben Torres, secretary- officer, on July 29. The funeral service was held in Brooklyn. treasurer, and Al Soto, director of Law Enforcement, Citywide Divi - • • • sion. …the family of WINSTON KHELAWAN , a school safety agent in Queens Dotson is moving to Roanoke, Va., with her husband, Foster Dot - South Command, who tragically took his own life on Aug. 29. He is sur - son, who retired from Metro North. vived by his wife, children, mother, brothers and sisters. The couple’s son and seven grandchildren live in Roanoke, as well • • • as Sandra’s mother, who lives nearby. “I am blessed,” said Dotson. “I …GUSTAVO BERMUDEZ , campus peace officer at LaGuardia Community Col - have no bills and I will be able to help my mother.” lege, whose father, Cristobal, died on Oct. 27 after a 10-year battle with She also gave a shout out to co-workers and bosses for “the oppor - cancer. The late Bermudez was a retired maintenance worker and a mem - tunity to work with them,” and thanks to the union for all its support ber of Local 237’s Latino Committee. He is survived by his wife, Beatriz, over the years. son, Gustavo, and daughters Beatriz Cristina and Claudia Patricia. 10 NEWSLINE, November 2010 SSA Explorers Win Trophy Know Your Rights In National Competition
By Sanford Rubenstein
Attorney Sanford Rubenstein, who has represented victims in high pro - file cases in New York for many years, will be writing a column, “Know Your Rights,” on a regular basis covering areas of the law that affect our members. Benefits for Victims of Auto Accidents
urrently many states, includ - such deduction from the allowed ing New York, New Jersey and loss of wages is a 20 percent deduc - CConnecticut, have adopted a tion from the total amount of lost no-fault system for compensating earnings, since the injured party re - persons injured in an automobile ceives the benefit tax free. accident for their basic economic The third category of economic losses. There is no showing of fault loss is ancillary benefits. Ancillary required to receive benefits for basic benefits include all other reasonable economic loss. The injured party is and necessary expenses incurred as paid basic economic loss directly by a result of an accident. Examples of his or her own insurance company, this would be housekeeping expens - Members of Explorers Post 2436 display their drill competition trophy at irrespective of who is at fault for an es and taxi service to and from the Columbus High School in the Bronx. accident. hospital or doctor. A dedicated group of high The 15 youths, members of Law Basic economic loss includes (1) In cases of death, the no-fault school students, who participate in Enforcement Explorers Post 2436, medical expenses, (2) lost earnings, system provides a death benefit that the Explorers program under the hailed from several Bronx schools and (3) ancillary expenses resulting pays funeral expenses up to a maxi - guidance of School Safety Division and attended training sessions at from the accident. According to sec - mum of $2,000. advisers, won the drill competition Columbus H.S. on weekends. tion 5102 of New York insurance No-fault insurance does not at the Nationals Law Enforcement The winning team dedicated their law, medical expenses refer to all apply to damage to vehicles involved Competition. They prevailed against trophy to Columbus H.S. Principal necessary expenses incurred in the in automobile accidents. 148 teams from police precincts Lisa Fuentes for her generous support. pursuit of physical and mental re - It is very important to note that across the nation this summer in At - Another generous supporter, Gregory covery from the sustained injury. in addition to the benefits obtained lanta, Georgia. Floyd, Local 237 President, con - For example, a driver of a vehicle for basic economic loss, an injured Law Enforcement Explorers is a tributed to the team’s travel expenses. injured in a car accident will be re - party has the right to sue for damages program designed to educate young The advisers, all working in imbursed by his/her insurance com - for their permanent injuries and pain men and women, ages 14-20, about Bronx schools, were SSA Omyra pany pursuant to the no-fault and suffering, and to get a monetary law enforcement. A uniformed Rodriguez of Evander H.S.; SSA Sh - statute, for the ambulance services, award for that as well. member of the service in each eryl Skeete of Columbus H.S.; and x-rays, physician’s fees, emergency If you are hurt in an auto acci - precinct, Police Service Area and SSA L3 Douglas Cruz of the Bronx room fees, hospital stay, surgery, dent, it is wise to consult an attorney Transit District acts as the on-site East Command Outreach unit. Cruz prescription drugs, nursing and all to make sure you get all of the bene - Post Advisor for the Explorer Pro - was honored as the Explorer Advi - other necessary medical attention fits to which you are entitled. gram. The program focuses on six sor of the Year and won an Isaac and procedures. areas: career, service, leadership, so - Lieberman Public Service Award The second category of econom - Sanford Rubenstein, Esq. is the sen - cial, fitness and outdoors. There are this year. ic loss is lost earnings. For example, ior partner at the Brooklyn law firm currently close to 4,000 Explorer Two former Explorers, Daniel if as a result of an automobile acci - of Rubenstein & Rynecki, which posts at the NYPD. Mejia and Calhoom Sbanmowan, dent a person is out of work for handles all types of cases for per - The Explorers’ program teaches wanted to participate in the nation - three weeks that person would be sonal injury, medical malpractice, youths about careers in law enforce - als and did before joining the Army. entitled to payment for lost wages and cases involving police miscon - ment and public service. They also The next competition will be in for the missed three weeks of work duct. The law firm can be reached at participate in community service. Colorado in 2012. subject to certain deductions. One 718-522-1020.
Attending union meetings is a smart move, as the recent meetings to be aware of growing attacks on pub - members pictured here will testify. By attending regular lic employee pensions and benefits and the urgent Meeting union meetings, members stay informed and connected need to vote on Election Day. Other Local 237 officials to better respond to developments that impact their lives present included Donald Arnold, Citywide Division Makers at work, at home, in the union, and in the world at large. director; Pete Gutierrez, deputy director; and Randy Make It Work President Gregory Floyd updated members at two Klein, assistant director.
Department of Transportation bridge operators surround President Gregory Department of Environmental Protection water use inspectors pose with Floyd, center, during a recent meeting at Local 237. President Floyd during their recent meeting at union headquarters. NEWSLINE, November 2010 11 Resumen en Español ¡¡AAddeellaannttee!! LLaa LLuucchhaa PPoorr LLooss DDeerreecchhooss DDeell TTrraabbaajjaaddoorr
Un millón de personas de todas bajar por un sueldo viviente y de ju - partes del país, incluyendo a cientos bilarnos con dignidad.” de Teamsters y la delegación del Ahora que los votantes han Local 237 se dieron cita en el Paseo hablado y hay un nuevo balance en Nacional en Washington, DC el 2 de la política de nuestra nación y en las Octubre en reclamo por empleos, capitales estatales, por cierto ten - justicia educación, igualdad, y otras dremos nuevas luchas. Los hechos causas progresivas que están en son nuestros mejores municiones. Miembros de NYCHA comienzan la march hacia el Paseo Nacional peligro. La marcha, patrocinada por Abajo presentamos una lista de he - en Washington, DC. la organización One Nation Working chos incluidos en un artículo re - • La riqueza de las 400 personas MSNBC Ed Schultz, uno de los or - Together (traducido Una Nación ciente de Bill Quigley, director más ricas en el país creció un 8 por ganizadores, dijo, “Esta marcha es Trabajando Juntos), buscó animar y legal, Centro para Derechos Consti - ciento el año pasado. símbolo del pueblo levantándose educar a los votantes antes del Día tucionales y profesor de derecho en • En 1973, el sueldo promedio para enfrentar las corporaciones.” de Elección, y fue integrado por más la Universidad Loyola en Nueva Or - de un Oficial Ejecutivo Principal era No es coincidencia que las de 300 organizaciones, incluyendo leáns: $27 por cada dólar pagado a un em - ganancias corporativas han aumen - sindicatos, agrupaciones pro dere - • El nivel de pobreza de 14.3 pleado común. Para el 2007, la pro - tado en par con los niveles de de - chos humanos, agrupaciones pro por ciento está en su punto más alto porción era $275 a $1. sempleo y pobreza. Cuando los em - derechos civiles, ambientalistas y en 51 años. • Desde 1992, el índice de im - pleadores cortan sus planillas, las grupos religiosos. • El nivel nacional de desem - puestos que pagan los 400 individu - ganancias aumentan. Tan solo la “Esta lucha es de nuestra gen - pleo de 9.6 por ciento (14.8 millones os más ricos cayó de 26.8 por ciento amenaza de ser despedidos es sufi - eración,” dijo el Presidente Gregory de personas “oficialmente” desem - a 16.6 por ciento. ciente para empujar a los traba - Floyd en su discurso a los miembros pleados) no incluye a los traba - • Los Estados Unidos tiene el jadores que queden a aceptar condi - que a tempranas horas de la madru - jadores de tiempo parcial, los sus - nivel más grande de inequidad entre ciones injustas y abusivas. gada se habían reunido en la sede pendidos de tiempo completo, ni a ricos y pobres entre todos los países Si estas estadísticas le provocan del sindicato antes de abordar los los trabajadores desanimados que industrializados del Oeste. enojo, usted se encuentra en el lugar autobuses rumbo a Washington, DC. han dejado de buscar empleo. “Nosotros rescatamos a los ban - correcto. Como empleado público y “Queremos ir. Tenemos que ir,” dijo • Un record de 2.8 millones de cos y las compañías de seguro,” dijo miembro del sindicato, usted repre - Floyd. “Los ricos han declarado dueños de casas recibieron avisos el Rdo. Al Sharpton, a una multitud senta la última barrera en la lucha guerra en contra de los trabajadores, de desalojo hipotecario y 11 mil - animada en el Paseo Nacional en por preservar los derechos del traba - especialmente las pensiones y los lones mas están “debajo del agua,” Washington, DC. “Ahora es el tiem - jador en esta nación. Armado con beneficios de jubilación. Tenemos debiendo más en sus hipotecas que po de rescatar al pueble Ameri - esta información y solidaridad, po - que defender nuestro derecho a tra - el valor de sus casas. cano.” El locutor de la emisora dremos tener la victoria. ¡Que Viva! El Mes de la Herencia Latina en el Local 237
Nuestro programa anual en celebración del Otros galardonados incluyeron George Tor - to, incluyendo visitas por el Poeta Tato Laviera, Mes de la Herencia Latina atrajo a los mejores res, el Director jubilado de la División de Vivien - y el Contralor de la Ciudad de Nueva York, John protagonistas de esta vibrante cultura y sus con - das y Fideicomisario, quien recibió un Re - Liu. No obstante, la casa se vino abajo cuando el tribuciones. La deleitosa música, comida y en - conocimiento por Logros Vitalicios; Agnes Cruz, Senador Estatal Electo Gustavo Rivera, del Dis - tretenimiento sirvieron de fondo para los hon - División de Viviendas; Marcos Martínez Jr., Di - trito Senatorial 33 del Bronx, cantó una balado ores presentados a miembros de alto rendimien - visión de Long Island; George Ortéga, División de romántica en español, después de su discurso. to por el Presidente Gregory Floyd, incluyendo la Ciudad; y Carmen Burgos, División de Vivien - El Presidente Floyd lo galardonó con el Premio al Secretario-Tesorero Rubén Torres, quien das, los cuales recibieron el Premio Presidencial. de Teamster de Oro. ¡Su próximo premio quizás recibió el Premio por Excelencia. Hubo sorpresas placenteras durante el even - será un Grammy!
A la izquierda final, Agnes Cruz, recipiente del Premio Presidencial y yesera de Carmen Burgos, trabajadora de mantenimiento de NYCHA en Brooklyn, esta NYCHA en Manhattan, recibe felicitaciónes de sus colegas y familiares. rodeada de su familia despues de recibir su Premio Presidencial. NEWSLINE K ces told Headqurts a City held THERH O OO R PERIODICALS gents D B Saluting O L F A
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