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Local 237 NEWSLINE
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I May 2010 Vol. 44, No.5 R Local 237’s Second Annual Political Forum We Take Voting Personally
Early on Saturday morning, 500 Local 237 of - ficials, members, and the press gathered at the Hilton New York Hotel to kick off the 2010 elec - tion season. On April 24, political candidates running for office in New York State came to speak about their plans and qualifications to steer the state and our future into better times. Candi - dates also took questions from the audience. President Gregory Floyd welcomed guests and alerted them that unions are “under attack like never before.” He noted that while President Obama’s health-care reforms will insure millions who lacked coverage, there is a growing threat to make unions “pay more for our benefits.” Floyd stressed the importance of paying at - tention, at this forum and during the coming campaign, “so we can support candidates that will fight on our behalf.” The forum, moderated again this year by New York Daily News Columnist Errol Louis, included The audience in the Hiltonʼs ballroom listens to five candidates for attorney general. candidates for Congress, state comptroller and Joining DiNapoli onstage, Floyd and the He also credited Floyd for his efforts in se - state attorney general. members of Local 237’s executive board an - curing funds for NYCHA, and told the local’s Following a moment of silence and a video trib - nounced their endorsement of him for state members, “The job you do day in and day out is ute to the late Carl Haynes, former president of Local comptroller. essential to New York. It’s God’s work. You need 237 who died on April 8, Floyd began the forum by The only other endorsement by Local 237’s elected officials at every level to stand by you.” introducing the first candidate, Thomas DiNapoli, leadership was of Sen. Charles Schumer, who ac - the incumbent candidate for state comptroller. cepted it dressed in his bicycle gear. Energizing Exchange of Ideas DiNapoli emphasized that “strong unions are “I ride my bicycle all over the city every Sat - Candidates for state attorney general provid - essential to a strong middle class,” and that he urday,” said Schumer, who praised Local 237 for ed an energizing exchange of ideas and visions wants to be “part of a positive change.” its activism. “In my 36 years in politics, we have for the post. He acknowledged that the state is in econom - always worked together.” Sean Coffey, a New York attorney who once ic trouble. “The budget year was planned expect - Schumer was instrumental in securing feder - helped secure $6 billion for investors of the now ing a stronger recovery,” he said. “We need to alization for New York City Housing Authority look at ways to control agency spending.” properties. Continued on page 6 Fighting for the Right to Sue Over Pension Fraud
In an effort to protect pensioners broad powers to prevent fraudulent state’s securities laws are violated NYCERS, spoke in support of the bill and other potential victims of securi - securities practice, but investors President Gregory Floyd, who at a press conference held by the ties fraud, Local 237 joined with a have no right to action when the serves as a trustee to the Board of United Federation of Teachers on coalition of union leaders, legislators Wall Street on May 18, and at a and legal experts to call for passage forum held by the American Consti - of a bill that would give new author - tution Society for Law and Policy on ity to large institutional investors to May 21 to discuss the strengths and sue for violations of securities law. weaknesses of the bill. The bill, S.5768/A.8646, intro - “The pensions of average union duced by Assemblyman Richard workers are under attack,” said Floyd Brodsky and State Sen. Eric T. at the press conference and the forum. Schneiderman, would amend the “The average pensioner gets about Martin Act, the state’s main securi - $23,000 a year, but too often you hear ties fraud law, to allow pension reports about padded pensions, say - funds with 500 or more members, in - ing workers are getting $200,000 a cluding the New York City Employ - year. I’ll never see that,” he quipped. ees Retirement System (NYCERS), to ”Floyd emphasized that the new sue banks and financial institutions law would put cheating securities for fraudulent practices that lead to Members of the panel discussion on amending the Martin Act are, from left: dealers on notice that “If you de - the loss of assets in the funds. Cur - James Parrott, deputy director and chief economist, Fiscal Policy Institute; Assemblyman Richard L. Brodsky; President Gregory Floyd; Barbara Hart, Esq., rently, the state attorney general has Continued on page 3 Lowey Dannenberg cohen & Hart, PC. Newsline May 10:Newsline Template 5/25/10 4:00 PM Page 2
2 NEWSLINE, May 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 Taking Bold Steps to Secure Several Fronts Director POLITICAL ACTION & Randy Klein, Assistant Director LEGISLATION , 5th Fl. HOUSING DIVISION , 2nd Fl. Local 237 protects members’ e have been especially busy here at of that livelihood comes from our pension Remilda Ferguson, Director rights by helping to sponsor leg - Local 237 lately. The executive system. With the economic collapse in the Brooklyn, Queens & Staten islation that is important to mem - board and I have been working on past few years, our pension system has been Island bers, and by opposing initiatives sWeveral fronts. I’d like to take the time in this hit hard, as have so many across the country. James Giocastro, that would hurt members. column to talk about important initiatives we Our investments have suffered for several rea - Deputy Director Patricia Stryker, Director are undertaking. sons, one being the sinking of stocks in a LONG ISLAND DIVISION GRIEVANCES/DISCIPLINARY First, as you may know by now, we made souring economy. While it is unfortunate, the 1727 Veterans Memorial PROBLEMS , 6th Fl. a few changes to our welfare fund drug bene - fluctuating nature of the market is a fact of Highway For grievances and job related fit. [See article on page 3] Our union has one economic life in today’s United States. What Suite 308 problems, first contact your shop of the best and most affordable drug benefits is unacceptable, however, is for our hard- Islandia, NY 11749 steward and/or grievance repre - in the entire city. To ensure that it stays that working members to have their pensions de - 631-851-9800 sentative. If they cannot resolve way for years to come, we increased the maxi - stroyed by financial scams and fraud. John Burns, Director the issue, they or you should mum prescription benefit and slightly raised Benedict Carenza , contact your business agent. the co-pay. If we did not make these changes, Working On a New Law Deputy Director Mal Patterson, Director of then there was a very real possibility that ris - I am working with Assemblyman Richard John Sepulveda, Grievances and Hearings Assistant Director ing costs would bankrupt our drug benefit al - Brodsky and State Senator Eric Schneiderman Todd Rubinstein, Esq. to pass a law allowing large pension funds to Long Island Welfare Fund: together. Grievance Coordinator I recognize that times are still tough for sue financial institutions that participate in il - For information on the various Debbie Coleman, Esq. many of you, but we must not forget the larg - legal activities. Currently, New York law only funds call 800-962-1145 Grievance Coordinator er picture. Increasing the maximum prescrip - allows the attorney general to sue for fraud. RETIREE DIVISION , 8th Fl. CIVIL SERVICE BAR tion benefit provides relief for many families, Our executive board believes that our pension Provides a variety of pre- and ASSOCIATION , 6th Fl. while sharing the small co-pay increase to - funds should have the same right. If crooks post-retirement services, includ - 212-675-0519 gether saves all our members potentially know that the full force of the Teamsters will ing pension and health insur - Gloria Johnson, Esq., President thousands of dollars a year. Our drug benefit bear down upon them in a court of law, they ance counseling to members. Aldona Vaiciunas, is a privilege we cannot afford to lose. I en - may think twice before making off with our (Pension counseling by appoint - Office Administrator and courage all members using maintenance drugs money. ment, Thursdays only). General retirement counseling and Grievance Coordinator to reduce their costs by taking advantage of Brodsky and Schneiderman are also two retirement planning series dur - John Picucci, Esq., the Medco mail-ordering option. of the five candidates for attorney general ing spring and fall. Grievance Representative Also in the area of health care, the Health (the others are Kathleen Rice, Eric DiNallo 212-807-0555 CSBA Welfare Fund and Hospitals Corporation recently an - and Sean Coffey) whom we have been inter - Nancy B. True, Director Alicare 212-539-5117 nounced a restructuring and cutbacks to take viewing since our successful Candidates Po - COMMUNICATIONS, 8th Fl. place over the next several years in our city’s litical Forum last month. I have used this LOCAL 237 DEPARTMENTS Tania M. Lambert, Editor hospitals. This move is aimed at plugging a space often to press the importance of choos - (Citywide and Housing) Local 237 Newsline billion-dollar budget gap as Albany continues ing our political leaders. This year will be SKILLED TRADES , 2nd Fl. Website: www.local237.org to gut the budgets of our public institutions. critical to the future of our state, and we Donald Arnold, Director EDUCATION, 8th Fl. We cannot have a healthy city without good must be involved in shaping a new, im - HEALTH AND SAFETY , 2nd Fl. Provides a variety of training hospitals. And we cannot have good hospitals proved political leadership in Albany. I will Donald Arnold, Director and educational advancement without highly trained technical workers keep you updated about our progress over Diane Stein, Coordinator opportunities for members. such as X-ray and lab technicians, skilled- the summer as the elections in November MEMBERSHIP, 2nd Fl. 212-807-0550 trades workers, who keep facilities running draw near. Provides membership services Frederick Dunn, Director smoothly, and hospital police officers who are As you can see, we have much on our and records, including address essential to making sure that HHC’s hospitals plate. We have the power and the will to be USEFUL NUMBERS changes. are safe. a strong union that gets things done. I will FOR PRE-RETIREES Laverne White, We have been working with legislative proudly continue leading our efforts on your Administrative Manager NYCERS (New York City leaders to find alternative sources of revenue behalf, the great members of Teamsters WELFARE FUND, 3rd Fl. Employees Retirement System) to offset some of the HHC cutbacks. I am con - Local 237. The Fund administers the eligi - By Mail: 335 Adams St., Suite fident that when B
bility, enrollment, disability, 2300, Brooklyn, NY 11201-3751 i l
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finally passed, we s s directly by the Fund’s in-house Mezzanine, Brooklyn, NY 11201 will have found “I have yet to hear a man ask for advice on how to e staff, as well as prescription Gen’l Information: 347-643-3000 money to save the combine marriage and a career.” ─ Gloria Steinem and dental programs indirectly. Outside NYC toll-free: 212-924-7220 jobs of many of our 877-6NYCERS workers. Paul E. Juergensen, Director M
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NYCERS Internet T Threats of lay - D H LEGAL SERVICES, 4th Fl. A E Y www.nyclink.org/html/nycers offs have become an R ’ Lawyers advise and represent S members on covered personal NYC Department of Education old and tired tune legal problems, including domes - Retirement System — we are used to tic relations (family court pro - 65 Court St., Brooklyn, NY 11201 them, and used to ceedings, divorce and separa - 718-935-5400 fighting them suc - tion), purchase and sale of a pri - Social Security Administration cessfully. No doubt mary residence, wills, adoptions, 800-772-1213 the threats are real, credit and consumer problems, but we will contin - tenant rights and bankruptcies. NY State and Local Retirement ue to fight to mini - 212-924-1220 Systems mize any threat to Office Hours: 518-474-7736 Mon.- Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the livelihood of Mary Sheridan Esq., Director our members. Kenneth Perry Esq., One of the most Deputy Director important elements Newsline May 10:Newsline Template 5/25/10 4:00 PM Page 3
NEWSLINE, May 2010 3 Fight to Sue Over Pensions RADIO – Reaching Out With Gregory Floyd ON AIR Continued from page 1 firms are threatening to move out of CABLE TV – Local 237 On the Air the state if the Martin Act is ex - fraud us, you will be sued...We must panded. Reaching Out With Bronxnet: pass this bill.” The bill, which would include Gregory Floyd Cablevision Ch. 67 Noting that “pensions are deferred those who aid and abet fraudulent The public affairs radio program and Verizon Ch. 33 wages to public employees,” James investment practices, is perceived as will air on WWRL AM 1600 Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Thursdays at Parrott, deputy director and chief an attack on accountants and attor - Saturday, June 12 , and June 19 , 8 p.m., Fridays at 7 p.m. economist, Fiscal Policy Institute, neys who would benefit from partic - at 3 p.m. Manhattan Neighborhood said, “Legal action that improves in - ipating in malpractice. “There’s been Floyd’s guests will include Network (MNN): vestor confidence” is especially need - meekness up until now. Don’t leave Michael Mulgrew, president of Time Warner Ch. 34, ed as the median wage has dropped by the field to the bad guys,” urged the United Federation of Teach - RCN Ch. 82, 10 percent since the 1990s and the Brodsky. ers, and Ted Kennedy Jr., son of and Verizon Ch. 33 wealthiest 5 percent of Americans Under current federal law, in - the late senator. Tuesday, June 1, at 6:30 p.m. grew 5 times faster in the same period. vestors may make damage claims in Tune in to the radio or sign on to Tuesday, June 29, at 6:30 p.m. Total losses suffered in 2009 by federal court under the Private Se - www.local237.org to watch video Queens Public Television the New York City and State pen - curities Litigation Reform Act, but clips from recent interviews. (QPTV): sion funds were $102 billion, ac - there is no such avenue for state se - Time Warner Ch. 35, cording to an estimate by the Fiscal curities laws. New York State, a cen - Local 237 On The Air Verizon Ch. 35 Policy Institute. Another estimate ter for the global financial industry, Local 237 videos will air on cable and RCN Ch. 83 released at the forum put the losses and Rhode Island are the only two TV in May on the following Saturday, June 19, at 9 p.m. at “well over $144 billion.” states that do not have the right to stations: Explaining the pros and cons of bring damage claims against fraudu - Brooklyn Community Access the bill, Brodsky emphasized that lent securities firms. Staten Island Community Televi - (BCAT): its purpose is to tell would-be The legislation is fully support - sion (CTV): Time Warner Ch. 35, frauds that “If you steal from me I ed by the New York State and City Time Warner Ch. 34 Cablevision Ch. 68, want my money back.” comptrollers as well as a broad and Verizon Ch. 34 Verizon Ch. 43 He also noted that investment coalition of labor leaders. Monday, June 21, at 8 p.m. and RCN Ch. 83 Tuesday, June 22, at 10 p.m. Tuesday, June 15, at 6:30 p.m. mailbox
Accept Our Gratitude I want to acknowledge with gratitude the overwhelming re - sponse from Local 237 members who expressed their sorrow and fond memories of my husband, their late president, Carl Haynes. I have this enormous basket filled with cards, notes, and letters. As I read each one, I am impressed and involved with what people are saying. Every note merits a personal reply, and I have begun the process, but it takes time. Our family is touched and humbled by your thoughtfulness. It is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Janice Haynes and Family Michael Mulgrew Ted Kennedy Jr.
Local 237 NEWSLINE Local 237 Welfare Fund Update Changes to the Prescription Drug Program 216 West 14 St., New York, NY 10011 212-924-2000 Effective June 1, 2010 Website: www.local237.org e-mail Newsline: [email protected] The Trustees of the Local 237 Welfare Fund have taken action to preserve and expand ben - Local 237 Newsline (USPS 700-000 ISSN 1083-3536) is published 10 times a year in the efits for current and future members. following months: January, February, March, April, May, (June, July and August will be While the costs of prescription drugs have increased sharply, Fund contributions and income combined into one issue), September, October, November and December by Local 237, have not kept pace with medical inflation, contributing to a projected operating deficit of over International Brotherhood of Teamsters, 216 West 14 Street, New York, NY 10011. $10 million this year. Member co-pays were last increased in 1993, while the prescription cap Periodical postage paid at New York, NY. Postmaster: Send address changes to was doubled, from a maximum benefit of $5,000 to $10,000, in 1999. Local 237 Newsline, 216 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10011. Rather than reduce benefits, the Fund Board of Trustees has voted to increase the maxi - Executive Board mum prescription benefit and also voted for a modest increase in member copays for pre - scription drugs. Gregory Floyd Richard Hendershot Ruben Torres Patricia Stryker Here are the changes to the Fund’s prescription program: President Vice President Secretary-Treasurer Recording Secretary • The cap – or maximum annual drug benefit – will be increased from $10,000 to Edmund Kane Steven Gordon Curtis Scott $12,500. Trustee Trustee Trustee • Co-pays for a 34-day supply or less of a generic drug purchased at a local pharmacy will be increased to $5 and co-pays for a name-brand drug will rise to $15. If the Newsline and www.local237.org prescription is for more than a 34-day supply, the co-pay at a local pharmacy dou - Tania M. Lambert bles to $10 for generic drugs and $30 for brand name. Editor • A 90-day supply ordered through the voluntary Medco mail order program is avail - able to members for a single co-pay. The cost will be $5 for generic and $15 for Local 237 Telephone Numbers name-brand for a full 90-day supply, the same price as a 34-day supply purchased at a local pharmacy. Citywide Division ...... 212-924-2000 Health & Safety ...... 212-924-2000 Housing Division ...... 212-924-2000 Retiree Division/ While the mail order program is optional, all members using “maintenance drugs” are Long Island Division ...... 631-851-9800 Pension Counseling ...... 212-807-0555 encouraged to take advantage of the savings and convenience available through Medco. Welfare Funds ...... 212-924-7220 Membership ...... 212-924-2000 You can call Medco at 1-800-457-1020 or go to www.medco.com for more information. Education Department ...... 212-807-0550 CSBA ...... 212-675-0519 Even with the modest increased co-pay, Local 237 members will have the lowest co-pays Legal Department ...... 212-924-1220 of any New York City employees. There are no changes to the other benefits provided by the Welfare Fund. Nor will these changes affect your City provided health care benefits. If you move... For more information, contact your Business Agent, or go to www.local237.org. Please send your change of address in writing to Membership to insure that you
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4 NEWSLINE, May 2010 Recognizing Great Members’ Good Works Saving Lives Is Just Part of Their Job
CUNY photo/Andre Beckles The CUNY Department of Public Safety honored its university-wide force of 650 and other interventions, “because such valiant actions often go unsung,” peace officers in a ceremony at the Graduate Center early this year. The cam - according to an article in “CUNY Matters – Spring 2010.” Top performing cam - pus peace officers received citations and medals for their life-saving rescues pus peace officers pose with their awards. SSA Kelly Roberts where he saw the kids going next.” child’s voice inside the When Ventura said he had the suspects, 11 empty bus. As he ap - School Safety Agent Kelly Roberts was blocks from the school, Pricher asked him to proached the bus, Bales honored as a Woman of Distinction at the Boys stay put as her car approached. “We were on recalls, “I heard a child and Girls High School on the occasion of her 13 Atlantic trying to get to Montauk Avenue when crying.” Bales looked years of service to the Brooklyn school in the green hoodie kid ran in front of our car,” through the window and March. Pictured with Roberts, (below) are Prin - said Pricher. The SSAs jumped out to chase saw a toddler sitting alone cipal Bernard Gassaway and a senior student. him on foot for half a block, and SSA Kendrick in the back right-side seat. Roberts, who began at the school in 1997, Glover grabbed him and threw him up against a The passengers’ door says she considers the students and staff at fence, said Pricher. When the boy was ques - was locked, but Bales was BGHS her family and her role includes more tioned, he said he did not have the cell phone, able to enter through the than school safety. She likes to encourage stu - but later admitted he threw it mid-block while driver’s door. At once the William Bales is a dents to remain focused on their academic he was chased. The police found it there. SSA toddler jumped off the 23-year veteran goals. Some students stay in touch even after Glover and SSA Solomon Wilson arrested the seat and grabbed on to his school safety agent. graduation, says Roberts. boy, a student at a nearby high school. right leg. A Brooklyn native, Roberts notes that her Back at I.S. 302, students were cheering. “It “This was an emotional moment,” said mother earned her degree to become a school was like the Superbowl,” says Pricher, who has Bales, who called 911. Several school safety teacher after raising two children. She hopes to 13 years of service, adding that the student agents were on hand to help him comfort the follow her example and has completed several danced with delight when the cell phone was toddler. When police officers from the 60th college courses. Her priority now is Kayla, her returned to him. He said, “School safety is the Precinct arrived they called the bus company to seven-year-old daughter. best!” find the driver and the matron. The thief was locked up. It was an “excel - The Daily News reported that the driver, lent collar,” notes Pricher, since the youth had Robert Isales, was supposed to drop off the 2- a robbery record. His accomplice, however, dis - year-old boy, Adrien Long, at the Infant & Child appeared. Learning Center in Prospect Lefferts Gardens around 7:30 a.m. At the end of their run, both Baruch College Peace Officers the driver and bus matron, Ruth Thames, failed Avert Attack to notice that Adrien was still on the bus. In - stead, Isales parked the bus near his home in Baruch College campus peace officers An - Brighton Beach, where he witnessed the police drew Brown and Richard Essien were at their response from his window. Both the driver and posts on March 2 at 7:30 a.m. when Brown no - the matron were arrested for endangering the ticed a man following a female kitchen staff welfare of a child. member. The suspect, a 41-year old Baruch alumnus, followed the woman through the SSA Kelly Roberts is flanked by Principal Bernard building entrance without presenting ID and ig - CUNY to Host Gassaway and a senior student. nored the officers’ demands to stop. The sus - pect then attacked the woman, and Officer An Open House SSA L3 Kim Pricher Brown gave pursuit, injuring his shoulder as he The Murphy Institute/CUNY Masters took the suspect down. Officer Essien stepped During dismissal at I.S. 302 in Brooklyn Degree in Labor Studies is hosting an open in and continued the arrest. North Command on April 29, a student ran up to house on June 23 for people interested in Corporal Mario Diaz, a 16-year veteran a group of school safety agents who were with the the Labor Studies Masters Program. campus peace officer, was called in to transport school principal, Lisa Linder, to report that two Courses focus on current challenges the suspect to Manhattan’s 13th Precinct with boys robbed his cell phone. Pointing toward the faced by workers and unions, and the fac - Essien. Officer Brown was taken to a nearby corner of the school block, he saw the two boys ulty includes top labor scholars and ac - hospital for observation. Fellow peace officer running and said, “There they go.” School Safety tivists in the nation. Classes are in mid - Max Louis says, “We rarely see a staff member Agent L3 Kim Pricher recalls her supervisor, Sgt. town, at night and on weekends. Enroll - or student being attacked, so this was an un - Flora Paulino, saying, “Let’s go get them!” ment is ongoing. usual event.” Please make a reservation with Paulino and the principal set off on foot Officers Brown and Essien have been on Laurie Kellogg at 212-642-2055; with SSA Tiffany Poteat, while other school the force 3 ½ years and 12 years respectively. [email protected]. safety agents piled into their department vehi - cle. A teacher, Juan Ventura, drove his own car Open House: June 23 to pursue the suspects: one wearing a green SSA L3 William Bales 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. hoodie; the other a grey one. During the chase, On the morning of April 13, School Safety Joseph S. Murphy Institute CUNY all eyes were on the boy with green hoodie. “He Agent L3 William Bales was radioed to check on 25 West 43rd Street was looking like an M&M,” said Pricher, adding a yellow school bus parked near Brooklyn’s P.S. New York, NY 10036 that Ventura had a walkie-talkie and he “told us 100 and P.S. 370. The caller reported hearing a Newsline May 10:Newsline Template 5/25/10 4:00 PM Page 5
NEWSLINE, May 2010 5 The Political Scene Health & Hospitals Set to Restructure & Cut Costs
In an effort to funding from Albany do at the state and federal levels to Aviles said the cutbacks will close a $1.2 billion and to locate other assure that our projected gap is fully have minimal impact on direct pa - budget gap, Alan D. sources of revenue addressed,” said Aviles. tient-care services and he assures Aviles, the Health and that will keep HHC Job cuts will come mostly from that “we will close no hospitals, no Hospitals Corporation job losses to a mini - administrative staff through a patient will be turned away, and our (HHC) president and mum.” The unions combination of attrition and lay - commitment to serving the unin - chief operating offi - are waiting for a de - offs. There will also be consolida - sured, undocumented immigrants, cer, announced a tailed breakdown of tion of programs and services, as and the most vulnerable New York - comprehensive four- the targeted layoffs well as the closing of a number of ers will remain intact.” year cost-containment from HHC. community-based health centers, Through its 11 hospitals, 6 diag - and restructuring The budget gap including one dental clinic and nostic and treatment centers and 81 plan that will gener - is the result of re - five child health clinics. Contracts community health centers, HHC ate $300 million in duced state and fed - with medical schools will also be provides 5 million outpatient visits savings and efficien - eral Medicaid fund - scaled back. a year. cies by consolidating ing, as well as a sig - programs, “right-siz - nificant rise in the ing” operations and number of unin - Stryker Gets Leadership Award contracting certain Alan D. Aviles sured patients and services formerly done in-house. healthcare costs. Patricia Stryker, Local 237’s recording secretary, was recently rec - The agency will gradually re - “With recent closures of hospi - ognized for her commitment to the Teamsters’ capital strategies pro - duce its workforce by nearly 10 per - tals in Manhattan and Queens, gram and her leadership on investment management issues. cent (3,700 workers by fiscal year HHC’s role is more vital than ever,” As a Teamster Benefit Fund trustee and union leader, Stryker was 2014), with an expected attrition of said Aviles, adding that Mayor presented with the 2010 Secretary-Treasurer’s Trustee Leadership Circle 1,300 employees in this fiscal year. Bloomberg’s recent executive budg - Award by C. Thomas Keegel, general secretary-treasurer of the Interna - The HHC workforce, which exceed - et helped HHC avoid an imminent ed 38,700 in early 2009, will have cash crisis by waiving several short- tional Brotherhood of Teamsters. been reduced to about 35,000 once term obligations and supporting Stryker was among other recipients who, Keegel said, played “a crit - the plan is fully implemented. longer-term strategies. The city will ical role in demanding accountability from investment managers to en - President Gregory Floyd said, provide $349 million this year and sure that their political spending, proxy voting, and investment practices “Local 237 is taking every step, another $911 million over the next promote the long-term health and growth of our funds and investments.” along with other unions, to secure four years. “But there is still work to May Is Labor History Month The Lindsay Years – Idealism and Reality Forge a World Class City
The 1960s and early ’70s were the best and Queens were immobilized. When Lindsay visited worst of times for New York City, a robust labor the borough by limo to assess the situation, he movement and its idealistic young mayor, John V. was greeted with boos. Lindsay. On the campaign trail, the 6-foot-4, 43- Months later, during his re-election cam - year-old politician with a movie-star image and paign, Lindsay admitted mishandling the storm prep-school polish, personified his ideal of New situation and the school strike. His opponent York City as a world-class cultural capital with called him a “Limousine Liberal.” progressive policies. Although he was a Republi - Despite stormy days in office, Lindsay pro - can, his politics resembled that of a liberal, pro - moted New York as a “fun” place, which prompt - moting racial equality, low-income housing, and ed New York Herald Tribune columnist Dick community empowerment. Schapp to call Lindsay’s town “Fun City.” Lind - One thing is certain: The two-term mayor say’s efforts included establishment of the (1966-1973), who once said that his was the “sec - Mayor’s Office of Film, Theater and Broadcasting, ond toughest job in America,” led the city and the opening of a bicycle path on the Brook - through one of the most dramatic periods in New lyn Bridge. York political and labor history. The fun was fading, however, as a cultural Born in Manhattan on November 24, 1921, revolution swept the nation: civil rights struggles Lindsay enjoyed a well-to-do upbringing; he at - were under way; dissidents were protesting the tended prestigious schools. He joined the Naval Vietnam War; crime and welfare rolls were in - Reserve in 1943, and was a lieutenant with five creasing. After losing the Republican nomina - battle stars by the time he was discharged three tion, Lindsay ran as a Liberal-Fusion candidate years later. He received a Yale law degree in 1948, John V. Lindsay running for mayor. and was reelected in 1969. and married Mary Ann Harrison, one year later. the Transport Workers Union, led by its longtime In 1972, Lindsay ran unsuccessfully for pres - In 1958, Lindsay won a congressional seat in president, Michael J. Quill, went on strike, para - ident as a Democrat. the 17th District (“Silk Stocking”), known for its lyzing the city’s subways and busses. It lasted for After leaving office in 1973, he remained ac - wealthy, residential areas along Park and Fifth 13 days. tive as a news commentator, author, and fundrais - Avenues. But that was just the beginning of Lindsay’s er. He settled in a Hilton Head, South Carolina, Though a Republican, Lindsay often voted turbulent tenure as mayor. In 1968, the United retirement community where he died in Decem - with Democrats on issues such as Medicare, the Federation of Teachers went on strike, closing 85 ber 2000 at age 79. Civil Rights Act of 1964, and opposition to the percent of the schools for 55 days. That same year Vietnam War. His liberal leanings isolated him saw a three-day Broadway strike, and a nine-day from most Republicans in Congress, so he sought sanitation strike. “America’s Mayor: John V. Lindsay and the a broader national platform by successfully run - A year later, on February 9, 1969, a blizzard Reinvention of New York” is an exhibition on ning for mayor of New York City. blanketed New York in 15 inches of snow. Man - view at the Museum of the City of New York On Jan 1, 1966, Lindsay’s first day on the job, hattan streets were plowed, while areas of through October 3, 2010. Newsline May 10:Newsline Template 5/25/10 4:00 PM Page 6
6 NEWSLINE, May 2010 Exchanging Ideas to Build Political Strength
Errol Louis, forum moderator, addresses a candidate. Continued from page 1
defunct WorldCom Inc., said, “We need an AG who knows ‘the Street.’” He said that Wall Street was “out of control,” and that the attorney general “needs more au - thority to fix the machinery of government and pursue POLITICIANS AND LOCAL 237 OFFICIALS TAKE THE STAGE – Left, Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli is flanked by Local 237ʼs Executive Board members. From left, Patricia Stryker, political corruption.” recording secretary; President Gregory Floyd; Ruben Torres, secretary-treasurer. Above, attorney-general candidates, from left, Eric Dinallo, Richard Brodsky, Sean Coffey, Eric Kathleen Rice, the first woman to be elected district Schneiderman and Kathleen Rice. Right, Richard Brodsky addresses the audience as other candidates wait their turn. attorney in Long Island’s history, noted that attorneys general have “plenty of power” and jurisdiction over any issue affecting taxpayers. Rice, who had previously received the Golden Team - ster Award, took on Walmart and set standards after an employee was trampled to death during a sale. “I created a labor unit on prevailing wage violations and rooted out corrupt contractors and employers, said Rice. Eric Schneiderman, a state senator representing parts of the upper West Side and the Bronx, said the attorney general should be “aggressive and progressive.” Schneiderman, the grandson of a Teamster, agreed with Rice that the attorney general has power and said that what is needed is “more political will than statutory changes.” He proposed a progressive tax policy and enforce - ment to close loopholes that exempt whole industries. He also said he would go after wage-theft. Richard Brodsky, a Westchester Assemblyman, said “The attack on public sector employees is real. We need to reinforce the value of public employees.” Brodsky, along with Schneiderman, is sponsoring a Local 237-backed bill to expand the Martin Act. [See “Martin Act” article on page 1] Eric Dinallo, former New York State Insurance Com - missioner, described the attorney general’s role as pro - tecting consumers, investors, and pensioners. He said James ʻDukeʼ Donaldson, the luncheon that whoever succeeds Andrew Cuomo “will have to keynote speaker and former NBA player, stand up to Wall Street.” is flanked, from left, by Housing Assistant Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney accepts a Golden Teamster Dinallo proposed increasing fines on corporations Colleen Fleming, of Fordham Plaza hous - award from President Gregory Floyd. es, and a friend. and pursuing tax cheats. He supports the Martin Act, but expects that the courts will not expand it.
Stanley Davis, chairman of superintendents and assistant superintendents chapter for SSA Sandra Reid, Special Services Unit, and School Safety Trustee Waiting for the forum to begin. the Housing Division, poses a William Herrera of the Community Outreach Unit, enjoy the luncheon. question to a candidate. Newsline May 10:Newsline Template 5/25/10 4:00 PM Page 7
NEWSLINE, May 2010 7 Exchanging Ideas to Build Political Strength
POLITICIANS AND LOCAL 237 OFFICIALS TAKE THE STAGE – Left, Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli is flanked by Local 237ʼs Executive Board members. From left, Patricia Stryker, recording secretary; President Gregory Floyd; Ruben Torres, secretary-treasurer. Above, attorney-general candidates, from left, Eric Dinallo, Richard Brodsky, Sean Coffey, Eric Schneiderman and Kathleen Rice. Right, Richard Brodsky addresses the audience as other candidates wait their turn.
Remilda Ferguson, director, Housing “The job you do day in Division, sits with Amanda Coates, and day out is essential to Housing Assistant at the Lockbox Unit. New York. It’s God’s work. You need elected officials Vice President Richard Hendershot at every level to stand by welcomes the audience. James ʻDukeʼ Donaldson, the luncheon you.” keynote speaker and former NBA player, Sen. Charles Schumer is flanked, from left, by Housing Assistant A James Brown impersonator Colleen Fleming, of Fordham Plaza hous - gives an unforgettable perform - es, and a friend. ance following the luncheon.
Stanley Davis, chairman of superintendents and assistant superintendents chapter for Gary DeStefano, an Aflac Insurance representative, is surrounded by Food Service workers sit together for lunch are, from left, Bette White, a the Housing Division, poses a his family after receiving the Heroism Award for gunshot wounds guest; Patricia Sanchez, Dist. 6; June Nicholson, Dist. 1, and Patricia A. question to a candidate. sustained while protecting a co-worker. Charles, Dist. 1. Photos by Neil Abramson Newsline May 10:Newsline Template 5/25/10 4:00 PM Page 8
8 NEWSLINE, May 2010 LONG ISLAND REPORT Islip Town Workers Ratify 6-Year Contract
Following two-years of tough Members of the white collar Current employees will not payments of $750 per employee contract negotiations, the 700 Town unit voted overwhelmingly in favor contribute toward their health per year to the union’s benefit of Islip workers represented by Local of the contract, with a tally of 189- plan, but new workers will pay 5 fund for vision and dental care, 237 approved a six-year contract on 38. Blue collar members voted 204- percent to 15 percent of their which has grown to $2.5 million. April 26. The contract includes a se - 93 in favor. health premiums, and also wait “It’s a fair contract that we can ries of raises totaling 10.7 percent “It’s been a long battle. Now we longer to accrue vacation days and afford,” Islip Supervisor Phil Nolan and will require new hires to pay to - can move on,” said John Burns, di - qualify for lifetime health benefits. was quoted as saying in a Newsday ward their health premiums. rector of the Long Island Division. In addition, the town will suspend report. Saluting Our Local Servicemen
Stars and Stripes adorned the NATO’s International Security As - hall at the Spangle Drive Senior sistance Forces, and has received Center in Babylon for the Third An - several awards, including the nual Hometown Hero event. The Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Glob - event, organized by Local 237 with al War on Terrorism Service Medal, Town of Babylon workers, was held and Humanitarian Service Medal. April 23 to express the community’s Newman was also presented appreciation for the men and with a special quilt, created by Fred women who serve in the U.S. armed Lipski, a Lindenhurst resident and forces and risk their lives to protect retiree. Lipski has made and pre - our nation at home and overseas. sented 605 quilts as mementos to This year’s honoree was Marine service men and women. Captain James S. Newman, who Col. James Rooney, a Babylon served in the Persian Gulf in 2006. resident, was also recognized for his He was promoted to captain in 2007 30 years of service to the Marines. and served in Afghanistan in 2008. The Hometown Hero Event was cap - Based in Kandahar’s airport, New - tured on video and will be posted man served in assault support and very soon on our website at casualty evacuation missions for www.local237.
Capt. James S. Newman is congratulated by event hosts, from left, James Pannullo, Mike Gelson, Scott Thompson, Bob Verch, and Andy Vita.
Newman, center, is flanked by fellow Marines.
Town resident Col. James Rooney, center, is presented with a retirement plaque by Bob Verch, left, chapter chairman and shop steward for Babylon Highway Newman is presented with a memorial quilt. Ben Carenza, deputy director, Long Department, and Richard Hendershot, vice president, Local 237. Island Division, looks on from left. Newsline May 10:Newsline Template 5/25/10 4:00 PM Page 9
NEWSLINE, May 2010 9
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kicked off the riding season April the crew shows up for charities. R 10, at the Second Annual Bike They are currently gearing up for Congratulations to… Blessing sponsored by the Royal one of the biggest runs in the metro - ... TYRELL ROZZELL , a caretaker J at Marlboro Houses in Brooklyn, and his Priesthood Motorcyle Ministry at politan area, the 15th Annual Bikers wife, on the birth of their first baby, Casey Kara Rozzell. Casey was Elohim Christian Church in Queens. for Babies Pamper Run to Mother born May 3 and she weighed 5 pounds 9 ounces. Chaplain Kenny Franco, a su - Hale House in Harlem, which takes pervisor of grounds at Queensbridge place on Saturday, June 26. Houses, did the honors as Local 237 If you want to ride in the Pam - We’d like to hear from you. If you’d like us to report on what’s members, some of whom work for per Run with the Teamster Motorcy - happening in your life, drop a line to Teamster Notes, Newsline, NYCHA, NYPD, and other agencies, cle Crew, contact Norberto Luna, 216 W. 14 Street, NY 10011, or call 646-638-8636, bowed their heads in prayer before a business agent, Housing Division, at or e-mail [email protected]. 10-mile ride through the Jackie 212-924-2000, or Eddie Santiago, Robinson, Grand Central and Cross supervisor of grounds at Red Hook Island parkways. Houses in Brooklyn, at 347-231- In addition to enjoying food, fun 3403. Esquilin Says ‘No Mas’ After 40 Years
The Teamster Motorcycle Crew poses for a group shot at a Burger King in Victor Esquilin holds his retire - housekeeper at Jacobi Hospital in Queens. Flanking the rider displaying the back of his jacket are Eddie Santiago, ment plaque and is joined, from left, the Bronx, plans to go with his wife left, and Norberto Luna. by Local 237 Trustee Edmund Kane, to Puerto Rico and visit his mother Citywide Division Business Agent and sister. The visit, he said, will George Wade, Citywide Deputy Di - last for three months. rector Pete Gutierrez, and Citywide The Bronx resident said he re - Director Donald Arnold. members having good companions Esquilin, who retired in Febru - and bosses on the job. “I had no ary with 40 years of service as a problems,” he said.
CONDOLENCES TO...
…SCHOOL SAFETY AGENT DEBORAH FULWOOD of M.S. 61 and former SSA III KANDI KINZER of Manhattan South on the death of their mother, Geneva Kinzer. The funeral service was held in Brooklyn on April 27. • • • …the family of the late SSA L2 M ARIE GIBBS , who died on April 22 at age 54. Gibbs is survived by her companion, Jake Stewart; their son, Jordan Stewart; her mother, Ellen Bryan; sisters Linda, Vivian and Andrea; and brothers, Carl, Glenn, Joel, and Eric Washington. The funeral service was held in Brooklyn on April 29. Chaplain Kenny Franco reads a plaque at the Bike Blessing ceremony. • • • Save the Dates …SSA V IC GREGG -B OUCHER of the Brooklyn South Personnel Unit on the death of his mother-in-law, Thelma Boucher. The funeral service was held in Brooklyn on April 29. Sunday, June 13, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. • • • Puerto Rican Day Parade …the family of the late FOOD SERVICE MANAGER BERNADETTE BATISTE of Dis - Local 237’s contingent marches again. Our step-off location is 45th Street trict 18 in Brooklyn. Batiste had 32 years of service and is survived by between Madison and Fifth Avenues at 11 a.m. There will be Latino food, one daughter, Paula, and two grandchildren. salsa music, T-shirts and a marching band. • • • ... HOSPITAL POLICE DETECTIVE LIXANDRO COLON at Woodhull Medical and Saturday, June 26, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Mental Health Center, on the death of his father, Miguel A. Colon. The fu - School Safety Unity/Explorer Appreciation Day neral service was on April 5. Flushing Meadows Park • • • 53rd Avenue and 111 Street …ROCCO MINERRINI , chief custodian at Half Hollow Hills High School (Adjacent to Terrace on the Park) East in Dix Hills, on Long Island, on the death of his mother, Rachel Min - Corona, NY errini. The funeral service was held in Babylon on May 13. Mrs. Min - Donations: $10 adults; $5 kids under 12 errini is survived by her husband and two sons. The School Safety Division is sponsoring the 9th Annual School Safety • • • Unity/Explorer Appreciation Day at Flushing Meadows Park in Queens. …SCHOOL SAFETY AGENT BRENDA SNEED of Bronx East Command on the Local 237 members and their families are welcome to attend. A donation death of her mother, Josephine Torres. on April 21. Torres is survived by includes food, games, music, rides for kids and adults, as well as a dis - three daughters, four sons, 14 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. play of the New York Police Department’s aviation, canine, emergency • • • services, highway, and mounted police units. Bring your own blankets …SSA L3 P RESSIE TYNER of the Bronx East Command on the death of her and chairs. For more information contact the Community Outreach Unit at mother, Mary Tyner, on April 28. The late Ms. Tyner is survived by three 718-730-8550. daughters, a son and four grandchildren. Newsline May 10:Newsline Template 5/25/10 4:00 PM Page 10
10 NEWSLINE, May 2010 Local 237 Safety & Health Conference Highlights Do’s and Don’ts
Local 237’s Safety and Health De - partment hosted a conference May 15 focusing on how to identify unsafe conditions in the work place, deal with unsafe job assignments, and apply for Workers’ Compensation. Donald Arnold, director of the Citywide Division and Safety and Health Department, welcomed mem - bers, noting that the best way to keep the work site safe is for “everyone to serve as eyes and ears to identify haz - ards.” Remilda Ferguson, director of the SSA Derrick Neville makes a point to other members. Housing Division, also addressed the A conference table is covered with Local 237ʼs Safety & members, encouraging them to “work Health Guides. together as a group — a union.” A variety of activities ran from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. that Saturday morning, including role playing by members Cheryl Knight and Sharee Bunch on how to deal with an unsafe job assign - ment, and roundtable discussions, in which members enthusiastically as - sessed situations, such as violence in the workplace, to produce lists of do’s and don’ts, such as: Do let the supervi - sor finish talking; Don’t be argumenta - Health care service providers ready to answer questions. tive. Left, Diane Stein, safety and health coordinator. Valerie Diane Stein, safety and health co - Galloway, a housing assistant at Glenwood Houses in ordinator, presented an overview of is - Brooklyn and vice chair of the housing assistantʼs chap - sues and tips on identifying unsafe ter, poses a question. conditions on the job. Her slide shows were informative and funny, like an il - lustration of a rodent in a football hel - met. Neil Abramson, the union’s com - pensation lawyer for 12 years, present - ed the basics of Workers’ Compensa - tion, noting that it’s a no-fault system which allows workers injured on the job to collect wage replacement and medical benefits. Abramson warned SSA Kevin Gerald is flanked by Diane Stein and SSA that forms must be filed within two Carmen Hernandez. Donald Arnold, director, Citywide Division, with Neil years of the injury, after which there is Abramson, Local 237ʼs Workersʼ Compensation lawyer. an 18-year window to reopen the case. School safety agents, however, receive different benefits if they are assaulted on the job. Members also were advised what to do when a job assignment appears to be unsafe. “You don’t have the legal right to refuse to do the job,” said Stein, but you can contact your shop steward, business agent or the union safety and health coordinator immedi - Benjamin Valentin, a Housing exterminator, with his ately. sons. Safety and Health conferees in a group portrait.
It Takes a Union The photograph labeled “Before,” fea - tures a basement in Fort Washington Consol - idated Houses in Manhattan packed with trash that had accumulated for years. The photograph labeled “After,” shows the same basement completely cleaned up. José Torres, shop steward at Fort Wash - ington, and George Caballero, assistant to the president, reviewed the success of a joint ef - fort with Local 237 Safety and Health Coordi - nator Diane Stein [not pictured] to get rid of the trash, a fire hazard and a breeding ground for rodents and other vermin. BEFORE AFTER Newsline May 10:Newsline Template 5/25/10 4:00 PM Page 11
NEWSLINE, May 2010 11 Resumen en Español ¡Triunfa 2º Foro Anual de Candidatos Políticos!
A tempranas horas de la mañana enorgullece en decir que “puse de - el Sábado, 24 de Abril, 500 oficiales y manda legal a la MTA muchas miembros del Local 237 y represen - veces.” Él está de acuerdo con Rice tantes de la prensa se reunieron en el que el Fiscal General tiene autori - Hotel Hilton de Nueva York para dar dad y mantiene que lo necesario es comienzo a la temporada electoral “más voluntad política que cambios del 2010. Los candidatos que cor - estatutarios.” Schneiderman propu - rerán para cargos políticos en el Esta - so una política de impuestos progre - do de nueva York vinieron para sivos y su ejecución para cerrar las hablar sobre sus planes y califica - cláusulas de escape que benefician a ciones para guiar al estado y a nue - industrias enteras. Él también pro - stros futuros hacia mejores tiempos. pone proseguir en contra de los Los candidatos también respondieron ladrones de sueldos. a preguntas de los asistentes. Richard Brodsky, el Asambleísta El Presidente Gregory Floyd dió de Westchester, enfatizó que “El la bienvenida y alertó a la concur - ataque contra los empleados del sec - rencia que los sindicatos “están bajo tor público es real. Necesitamos re - ataque como nunca antes.” Notó que forzar el valor que tienen los emplea - aunque la reforma del cuidado de El Presidente Gregory Floyd le da la mano a un miembro antes de comenzar el foro. dos públicos.” Brodsky, junto a salud del Presidente Obama exten - cambio energético de ideas y vi - Fiscal General tiene “mucha autori - Schneiderman, está patrocinando un derá el seguro a millones que siones en cuanto al cargo. dad” y jurisdicción sobre los asun - proyecto de ley apoyado por el Local carecían de cobertura, hay una ame - Sean Coffey, un abogado de tos que afectan a los ciudadanos. La 237 que expande el Acta Martin. [vea naza creciente de pedir que los nueva York que ayudó a obtener $6 recipiente del Premio Golden Team - artículo en página 1 – “Martin Act”] sindicatos “paguen más por nue - billones para inversionistas del sters combatió contra Walmart y es - Eric Dinallo, el ex Comisionado stros beneficios.” Floyd enfatizó, ahora difunto World Com Inc., dijo: tableció reglamentaciones después de Seguros del Estado de Nueva “Es muy importante que prestemos “Necesitamos un Fiscal General que que un empleado murió arrollado York, describió la función del Fiscal atención para que podamos apoyar a conozca a “La Calle,” refiriéndose al en una estampida en el almacén. General como protector de los con - los candidatos que lucharán por distrito financiero de Wall Street, “Logré crear una unidad laboral sumidores, inversionistas, y jubila - nuestros intereses.” que según él está “fuera de control.” sobre violaciones del sueldo pre - dos. Él dijo que quienquiera que sea El foro incluyó candidatos para Añadió que el Fiscal General “nece - dominante y la eliminación de con - el sucesor de Andrew Cuomo como Senador de los EEUU, el Congreso, sita más autoridad para arreglar la tratistas y empleadores corruptos,” Fiscal General “tendrá que pararse Gobernador, Contralor del Estado y maquinaria del gobierno y enjuiciar dijo Rice, quien proviene de una fa - firme ante Wall Street.” Dinallo pro - Fiscal General. la corrupción política.” Coffey, cuyo milia Irlandesa de 10 hijos. puso el incremento de multas a las Thomas DiNapoli, candidato padre fue miembro del Sindicato de Eric Schneiderman, un senador corporaciones y el proseguimiento para reelección a su cargo de Con - Carpinteros, viene de una familia Ir - de estado que representa a partes legal contra los ladrones de im - tralor del Estado, enfatizó que “los landesa de siete hijos. del Oeste de Alto Manhattan y del puestos. sindicatos fuertes son esenciales Kathleen Rice, la primera mujer Bronx, dijo que el Fiscal General Él apoya el Acta Martin, pero para una clase media fuerte,” y que electa como Fiscal de Distrito en la debe ser “agresivo y progresivo.” anticipa que las cortes no ex - él desea ser “parte de un cambio historia de Long Island, noto que el Siendo nieto de un Teamster, se pandirán esa ley. positivo.” él también admitió que el estado está en problemas. “El año presupuestario fue planeado antici - pando un recobro más fuerte,” dijo Aviso del Fondo de Bienestar del Local 237 DiNapoli, añadiendo que “Necesita - Cambios al Programa de Prescripciones Médicas mos buscar maneras de controlar los gastos de las agencias.” Uniéndose a A Partir de Junio 1, 2010 DiNapoli en la tarima, Floyd y los Los Fideicomisarios del Fondo de Bienestar del doblará a $10 para medicinas genéricas y $30 miembros de la Junta Ejecutiva del Local 237 han tomado acción para proteger y expandir para las de nombre. Local 237 anunciaron que lo en - los beneficios para miembros actuales y futuros. • Un suministro de 90 días ordenado por medio dosan para contralor del Estado. Mientras que los costos de recetas médicas han del programa voluntario Medco por correo está Charles Schumer, el senador es - aumentado drásticamente, las contribuciones y en - disponible para miembros por un solo co-pago. tatal de más antigüedad, humilde - tradas del Fondo no se han mantenido al paso de la El costo será de $5 para genéricas y $15 para mente aceptó el segundo y último inflación médica, lo cual ha contribuido a un proyec - medicinas de nombre, para un suministro com - endoso del día por la Junta Ejecuti - tado déficit operacional de más de $10 millones este pleto de 90 días, el mismo precio que pagaría va, vestido de ropa de ciclista. año. La última vez que los miembros tuvieron au - por un suministro de 34 días en la farmacia. “Monto mi bicicleta por toda la ciu - mento de co-pagos fue en 1993, mientras que se dad todos los Sábados,” dijo Mientras que el programa de envío por correo es dobló la cantidad disponible para medicinas, de un opcional, se les anima a todos los miembros que uti - Schumer, al elogiar al Local 237 por máximo de $5,000 a $10,000 en 1999. su activismo. “En mis 36 años en la lizan “medicinas de mantenimiento” (o sea a largo política, siempre hemos trabajado En vez de reducir los beneficios, la Junta de plazo) a aprovechar la oportunidad de ahorros y la juntos,” dijo Schumer, quien fue Fideicomisarios del Fondo ha votado para aumentar conveniencia de obtener medicinas por medio de persona clave en obtener la federal - el beneficio máximo de prescripciones y también ha Medco. ización para las propiedades de la votado para un aumento módico de los co-pagos del Usted puede llamar a Medco al 1-800-457-1020 o Autoridad de Viviendas de la Ciu - miembro para recetas médicas. por Internet: www.medco.com para más información. dad de Nueva York. Él también re - Lo siguiente son los cambios al programa de pre - Aun con el módico aumento del co-pago, los conoció los esfuerzos de Floyd en scripciones del Fondo: miembros del Local 237 tendrán los co-pagos más obtener los fondos para NYCHA e • El tope – o beneficio máximo anual de medici - bajos que cualquier empleado de la Ciudad de Nueva informó a los miembros que, ”El tra - nas – aumentará de $10,000 a $12,500. York. No hay cambios en los otros beneficios provis - bajo que ustedes hacen de día a día • El co-pago para un suministro de 34 días o tos por el Fondo de Bienestar. Estos cambios tam - es esencial para Nueva York. Es el menos de medicinas genéricas compradas en poco afectarán sus beneficios de seguro de salud pro - trabajo de Dios. Ustedes necesitan la farmacia local aumentará a $5 y los co-pagos vistos por la Ciudad. que los oficiales electos en todos los para medicinas de nombre aumentará a $15. Si • niveles estén firmes a su lado.” la prescripción es por un suministro de más de Para más información, póngase en contacto con su Los candidatos para Fiscal Gen - 34 días, el co-pago en la farmacia local se Agente de Negocios, o vaya a www.local237.org eral del Estado proveyeron un inter - Newsline May10:NewslineTemplate5/25/104:00PMPage12 dep t D t Lef Pre D B he a ona oug a NEWSLINE c nt nks Y e ER t t TH HO sid
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