VOTE NOV. 4 ELECTION ENDORSEMENTS – Page 5 Local 237 NEWSLINE

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N I Vol. 42, No.8 October 2008 Citywide ContR ract Secured Before the Economic Storm

As the stock market crashed and major financial firms threatened to col - lapse on Sept. 16, Local 237 President Gregory Floyd and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg stood firm with an agreement providing two 4 percent raises over two years to more than 9,000 city workers. “It’s a timely deal in a tough climate,” said Floyd, emphasizing that the contract’s com - pounded raise of 8.16 percent not only exceeds the projected rate of inflation (5.4 percent) but also provides an additional annuity of .25 percent with a $200 lump sum contribution to the active and retiree Welfare Funds. Local 237 negotiators, led by Floyd, brought the historic contract to agreement one day before the end of the old contract, with no givebacks, and may set the pattern for other city employee unions during the greatest fiscal crisis since the Great De - pression of the 1930s. “It’s the best contract we’ve had in 10 years,” Floyd noted. “Today’s agreement allows the city to fairly compensate the members of Local 237, who pro - vide vital city services,” said Bloomberg at a

Continued on page 3 President Gregory Floyd is joined from left by Secretary-Treasurer Ruben Torres and Mayor Michael Bloomberg as he speaks to the press at City Hall. Building a Bridge Over Troubled Water At press time, major news States, Barack Obama, who is headlines were spelling out the leading the march, demanding “End of an Era,” “Stock Market change, heralding a new era, that Runs Wild,” “Decline of the would renew the American American Empire.” Our nation Dream, not just for the wealthy, appears to stand on the brink of who grew accustomed to record ruin, threatening to take the glob - profits during the past eight years al economy down with it. Mean - of the Bush administration, but while, Congress is trying to ham - for workers, who have seen their mer out the biggest government living standards decline over the bailout in history. same years that greedy unregulat - History is also being made by ed big-businesses got richer. the first African-American nomi - nee for president of the United Continued on page 3

President Greg Floyd and Democratic Presidential Nominee Barack Obama shake hands at the Democratic Convention in Denver as Floyd’s wife, Wendy Bolton Floyd, looks on. 2 NEWSLINE, October 2008 Local 237 Member Services

UNION HEADQUARTERS 212-924-1220 216 West 14th Street Office Hours: A Message From , NY 10011-7296 Mon.- Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the President 212-924-2000 Mary Sheridan Esq., Director LOCAL 237 DIVISIONS Kenneth Perry Esq., Deputy Director CITYWIDE DIVISION , 2nd Fl. Donald Arnold, Director PERSONNEL , 5th Fl. Peter Gutierrez, Deputy Director Edmund Kane, Director and Al Soto, Deputy Director Chief Negotiator Keeping Moral Obligations Randy Klein, Assistant Director COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND Skilled Trades SPECIAL PROJECTS, 5th Fl. When the Going Gets Tough (Citywide and Housing) Felipe Luciano, Coordinator Donald Arnold, Director POLITICAL ACTION & nacceptable! Just over one month ago a crease greater than the rate of inflation; 2) Health and Safety LEGISLATION , 6th Fl. 5-year-old child fell to his death at the how does the contract compare with other (Citywide and Housing) Local 237 protects members’ Housing Authority’s unions throughout the country and within the Donald Arnold, Director rights by helping to sponsor leg - U Taylor Wythe apartment complex in Brook - city; and 3) what is the economic climate of Diane Stein, Coordinator islation that is important to mem - lyn. The elevator where the accident oc - the employer. The contract we reached not HOUSING DIVISION , 2nd Fl. bers, and by opposing initiatives curred was scheduled to be modernized in only meets all measuring tools, but actually that would hurt members. Remilda Ferguson, Director 2004, but the work was twice deferred be - exceeds every characteristic of a fair and suc - Patricia Stryker, Director , & Staten cause of cuts in federal aid; and this is simply cessful contract. Island GRIEVANCES/DISCIPLINARY unacceptable. Facing a nearly $200 million The wage increase we negotiated is over 4 James Giocastro, PROBLEMS , 6th Fl. operating deficit, NYCHA is daily losing the percent a year, for a total increase of 8.16 per - Deputy Director For grievances and job related ability to meet the needs of its residents and cent for the two-year duration of the contract. ensure the safety of its workers. LONG ISLAND DIVISION problems, first contact your shop Comparatively, the rate of inflation over the As the representative of nearly 9,000 em - 1727 Veterans Memorial steward and/or grievance repre - next two years is expected to be 5.4 percent; Highway sentative. If they cannot resolve ployees of the Housing Authority, Local 237 therefore, our contract provides for a wage in - Suite 308 the issue, they or you should Teamsters has challenged members of the fed - crease nearly 2.8 percent greater than the av - Islandia, NY 11749 contact your business agent. eral government to immediately address this 631-851-9800 Mal Patterson, Director of problem and meet their obligation to fund erage rate of inflation, guaranteeing that our John Burns, Director Grievances and Hearings public housing. Even if NYCHA was properly members will see significant gains throughout Benedict Carenza , Deborah Singer Esq., the term of the agreement. Further, the aver - Deputy Director funded, this accident may have unfortunately Grievance Coordinator age wage increase for a two year period John Sepulveda, occurred, but the incident serves as an ap - throughout the country is only 6.4 percent. Assistant Director CIVIL SERVICE BAR palling example of the federal government’s Our contract package will put us at least 2 Long Island Welfare Fund: ASSOCIATION , 7th Fl. failure to fund public housing. For information on the various 212-675-0519 From 2001-2008, NYCHA accumulated a percent ahead of other contracts being settled nationwide at this time. And, aside from the funds call 800-962-1145 Gloria Johnson, Esq., President deficit of $611 million, including $450 mil - wage increases, we arranged for the city to Aldona Vaiciunas, lion which was cut from funding for renova - RETIREE DIVISION , 8th Fl. Office Administrator and tions including elevator repair. Other basic contribute $200 per retiree to the Retiree Provides a variety of pre- and Grievance Coordinator maintenance services, including carpentry, Health and Welfare Fund and .25% of addi - post-retirement services, includ - sanitation, painting, and heat and HVAC tional compensation to purchase recurring ing pension and health insur - John Picucci, Esq., maintenance are often delayed because of fed - benefits. ance counseling to members. Grievance Representative eral cutbacks. The failure of the federal gov - (Pension counseling by appoint - CSBA Welfare Fund The financial outlook for the city, state ment, Thursdays only). General Alicare 212-539-5117 ernment has severely diminished the quality and our country is bleak. The State faces a $6 retirement counseling and of life for residents and created a danger to COMMUNICATIONS, 8th Fl. billion deficit and the city anticipates a $3 retirement planning series dur - workers who lack the proper equipment and Tania M. Lambert, Editor billion budget deficit; and that was before the ing spring and fall. resources. collapse of our financial market came into ef - 212-807-0555 Local 237 Newsline fect. However, even during these dire times, Nancy B. True, Director Website: www.local237.org From Day One Local 237 was able to secure the best possible EDUCATION From my first day in office as President of LOCAL 237 DEPARTMENTS financial package for our members. 8th Floor Local 237, I have fought to restore funding for In the coming months, the collective (Citywide and Housing) Provides a variety of training public housing and protect the jobs of our strength of our union and that of all other SKILLED TRADES , 2nd Fl. and educational advancement members. It is a moral imperative that the municipal workers will be put to the test by Donald Arnold, Director opportunities for members. nearly half a million residents and workers of an economy struggling to survive. But as al - HEALTH AND SAFETY , 2nd Fl. 212-807-0550 public housing have an opportunity to receive Donald Arnold, Director Frederick Dunn, Director the educational, recreational and employment ways, your leadership at Local 237 is pre - services NYCHA was created to offer. This is pared to act on your behalf and will continue MEMBERSHIP, 2nd Fl. USEFUL NUMBERS an ongoing struggle that our collective con - to explore all possible avenues to ensure that Provides membership services FOR PRE-RETIREES and records, including address scious demands we cannot and will not lose. our members receive the benefits they are en - changes. NYCERS (New York City In addition to carrying the flag in the fight titled to and the services they deserve.

Laverne White, Employees Retirement System) to save public housing, B i l l Administrative Manager Local 237 earned a sub - K By Mail: 335 Adams St., Suite r e s s

WELFARE FUND, 3rd Fl. 2300, Brooklyn, NY 11201-3751 stantial victory this past e The Fund administers the eligi - In Person: 340 Jay Street, month when it reached a bility, enrollment, disability, Mezzanine, Brooklyn, NY 11201 tentative labor agreement optical and death benefits Gen’l Information: 347-643-3000 with Mayor Bloomberg. directly by the Fund’s in-house Outside NYC toll-free: While the financial mar - staff, as well as prescription 877-6NYCERS kets were crumbling and and dental programs indirectly. tens of thousands of jobs 212-924-7220 Internet Paul E. Juergensen, Director www.nyclink.org/html/nycers were put at risk, Local NYC Department of Education 237 negotiated the suc - GREED LEGAL SERVICES, 4th Fl. cessful settlement of a Lawyers advise and represent Retirement System contract that guarantees members on covered personal 65 Court St., Brooklyn, NY 11201 legal problems, including domes - 718-935-5400 the protection of our tic relations (family court pro - members during these Social Security Administration ceedings, divorce and separa - economically uncertain tion), purchase and sale of a pri - 800-772-1213 times. mary residence, wills, adoptions, NY State and Local Retirement Contracts are judged credit and consumer problems, Systems by three primary quali - tenant rights and bankruptcies. 518-474-7736 ties: 1) is the wage in - NEWSLINE, October 2008 3 Citywide Contract Secured Before Economic Storm

Continued from page 1 and Oct. 10, 2009, (October 12 for for - mer Local 832 members), and were Negotiating Committee Backs press conference. delayed 13 days to provide the addi - Asked whether municipal unions tional .25 percent equity fund pack - Ratification of Citywide Pact could expect similar terms, the mayor age and a $200 lump-sum payment to “This is the first time in the 26 years I’ve worked for the city that said, “It depends on the chaos in the the active and retiree welfare funds. we’ve been on a par with the raises given to the uniformed unions,” marketplace and how it works out.” Health and pension benefits, va - said Gloria Watkins, an evidence and property control specialist for the He added that the city had been ne - cation and sick pay were all pre - NYPD. gotiating with Local 237 “for awhile served. “It’s not bad. Half a loaf is better than none. Things are getting so and it’s in our budget.” At press time, ballots were tough people are growing corn in their backyards,” said Joseph Pagan, The contract covers 24 months mailed to Citywide members, in - an inspector with the Department of Environmental Protection in and 13 days from Sept. 13, 2008, cluding school safety agents, special Queens. through Sept. 25, 2010. It was kept officers, food service workers and “No givebacks, that’s very good. You don’t want to give up what was to two years because the market many other titles, for a ratification won in previous contracts,” said Det. Princess Campbell, a special offi - conditions are so uncertain. vote to be counted at headquarters cer with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Raises take effect Oct. 10, 2008, on October 10. “The contract is better than we got in previous years. President Greg Floyd worked hard to get it for us,” said Cheryl Mauro, a school safety Toast of the Towns agent in the Staten Island Command.

Gloria Watkins Joseph Pagan Princess Campbell Bridge Over Troubled Water Congressman Edolphus Towns, second from left, is joined by supporters at a fundraiser held last month in his honor. The event, hosted by Dr. Arlee Continued from page 1 percent of the city’s tax revenues. Griffin, pastor of the Berean Missionary Baptist Church in Brooklyn, was attended by legislators, labor leaders and the clergy. Pictured above, from Before the crisis, the city’s unem - left, are: New York City Comptroller William Thompson, Towns, Dr. Arlee President Gregory Floyd, who at - ployment rate shot up in August as Griffin Jr., Local 237 President Gregory Floyd, Congresswoman Maxine tended his first Democratic National jobs were eliminated due to the eco - Waters, Assemblyman G.K. Butterfield, Assemblyman Darryl Towns, and Convention in August as an alternate nomic downturn. Congressman Anthony Weiner. delegate for Obama, met the candi - As a consequence, Mayor date, who has gathered even more Bloomberg ordered 2.5 percent cuts strength since the financial crisis un - in all city agency budgets, totaling Local 237 derscored the misguided policies of $1.5 billion over two years. the Republican administration. Bloomberg remains optimistic NEWSLINE At the Denver convention, Floyd about saving jobs, however. “I don’t witnessed the enthusiasm and hope think we will get to the point of lay - 216 West 14 St., New York, NY 10011 that forged solidarity among labor 212-924-2000 offs,” said the mayor, Website: www.local237.org unions across the nation to endorse On the other hand, Republican e-mail Newsline: [email protected] the candidate who is determined to nominee John McCain was caught Local 237 Newsline (USPS 700-000 ISSN 1083-3536) is published 10 times a year in the restore a thriving middle class. off-guard by the crisis, calling the following months: January, February, March, April, May, (June, July and August will be “What you see on television economy “fundamentally strong” one combined into one issue), September, October, November and December by Local 237, cannot explain the spirited mood week, and “the most serious crisis International Brotherhood of Teamsters, 216 West 14 Street, New York, NY 10011. you find here,” Floyd was quoted as Periodical postage paid at New York, NY. Postmaster: Send address changes to since World War II,” the next week. saying in The Chief. He also provid - Local 237 Newsline, 216 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10011. What’s worse than his flip-flop - ed convention coverage nightly to ping, McCain was quoted in the Executive Board News 12, which broadcast the inter - Washington Post as saying that civil views in Brooklyn and the Bronx. Gregory Floyd Richard Hendershot Ruben Torres Patricia Stryker service “has mutated into a no-ac - President Vice President Secretary-Treasurer Recording Secretary The Party’s Over countability zone, where employment Evaristo Pabon Jr. Noreen Hollingsworth Edmund Kane is treated as an entitlement, good per - Trustee Trustee Trustee Since the Democratic and Re - publican conventions ended, Wall formance as an option and accounta - Newsline and www.local237.org Street’s downward spiral has domi - bility as someone else’s problem.” Tania M. Lambert nated the news. One after another, As Congress weighs complex Editor major investment firms collapsed, proposals to bail out the so-called “Casino Capitalists,” and we pre - Local 237 Telephone Numbers including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Lehman Brothers, Merrill pare to vote for the next president Citywide Division ...... 212-924-2000 Health & Safety ...... 212-924-2000 Lynch, and AIG. of the United States on Nov. 4, keep Housing Division ...... 212-924-2000 Retiree Division/ in mind that the Teamsters have Long Island Division ...... 631-851-9800 Pension Counseling ...... 212-807-0555 “The party’s over for compensa - Welfare Funds ...... 212-924-7220 Membership ...... 212-924-2000 tion for CEO’s who take golden para - given careful consideration, time Education Department ...... 212-807-0550 CSBA ...... 212-675-0519 chutes as they drive companies into and money to support the most Legal Department ...... 212-924-1220 the ground,” said House Speaker promising candidate to bring le - Nancy Pelosi. gions of workers through the storm If you move... New York City is especially hard into a safe harbor where decent Please send your change of address in writing to Membership to insure that you hit since it is heavily dependent on jobs, wages, benefits and hope continue receiving your newspaper. Metro NY the financial services industry, abide. That candidate is Barack Labor Communications Council which contributes an estimated 10 Obama. 4 NEWSLINE, October 2008 Housing Matters She Rose Above Expectations

The first female elevator mechanic employed working in narrow spaces, and handling live by the New York City Housing Authority started electrical circuits and moving elevators. her career in search of fair wages. “I had to support Proving herself up to the task, Checa passed two children and I noticed that men usually make the civil service test and was promoted to eleva - more money than women,” recalls Maristela tor mechanic on April 28, 2008, again making Checa, so “I looked for a man’s job.” NYCHA history as the first woman in the title. Her rise was not straight up, but took several Another female elevator mechanic, Althea Diehl, interesting turns. Checa enrolled in a trade who was also hired as a helper several months school, where a lecturer announced a training after Checa, was promoted to elevator mechanic program for elevator helpers. She enrolled in the on the same day as Checa. program and worked as an apprentice at several The next stop for the pioneering women is NYCHA sites. After earning her journeyman’s supervisor of elevator mechanics. certificate, and passing the civil service test, she Checa, who works in ’s Wilson applied to NYCHA and was hired as the first fe - Houses, says she plans to keep rising. “Why not?” male elevator helper in 2002. she says. The Ecuadorian native and single moth - The job is physically demanding and in - er of two adult children says she likes everything cludes climbing 25 or more stories in high-rise about her job. “It’s a challenge and it’s different.” buildings; moving heavy parts; crawling and The only problem is, “It’s messy. I don’t look neat.” Maristela Checa is the first female elevator mechanic employed by New York City Housing Authority.

Boy’s Death Renews Calls 28 Senators Back Call to Aid NYCHA To Boost NYCHA Funding Just a few weeks before tragedy struck in a broken Brooklyn public housing elevator and Wall Street plunged into financial crisis, 28 U.S. senators urgently requested an additional $500 million (FY) 2008 emer - The death of a 5-year-old boy on school when the elevator in their gency supplemental appropriation for the Public Housing Operating Aug. 19, due to a faulty elevator at 12-story building stalled between and Capital Funds in a letter to the U.S. Senate chairman of the com - Taylor-Wythe houses in Brooklyn, the 10th and 11th floors and the mittee on appropriations. renewed urgent calls to increase doors opened. Police say that Jacob federal funding for the New York tried to jump to the floor below but The Public Housing Operating Fund is used to finance the portion City Housing Authority. lost his footing and fell 10 stories of operating costs that are not covered by tenants’ rent contributions Local 237 President Gregory down the shaft. and is essential to maintain safe, affordable public housing. The letter Floyd and union officials rushed to Citing federal funding cuts as pointed out that “public housing is a national asset serving nearly 3 the scene of the accident to investi - contributing to the maintenance million low income, disabled, senior citizens and families while stabi - gate the circumstances and repre - deficiencies at HA that led to de - lizing neighborhoods throughout America.” sent the elevator inspectors and layed elevator repairs, Floyd noted The letter also emphasized that HUD estimates indicated 2008 mechanics, who are union mem - in the Chief-Leader that “The inci - funding will cover just 81 percent of the needed amount to maintain bers. dent serves as an appalling exam - services. The shortfall is made worse by years of underfunding. “With - “They are conscientious work - ple of the federal government’s fail - out these essential funds,” the letter said, “public housing authorities ers,” Floyd was quoted as saying in ure to meet its obligations to fund will be forced to make huge cuts in staffing and inspections.” The Times. “They take a lot of pride public housing.” He also empha - To see the complete letter with 28 signatures, visit our website at in their work, and they’re doing the sized that other basic maintenance www.local237.org and see “Dozens of U.S. Senators…,” under “Latest best job they can do under the cir - services, including carpentry, sani - From Local 237.” cumstances.” tation, painting, heat and air condi - Jacob Neuman and his 8-year- tioning are delayed due to cut - old brother were on their way to backs. Michael R. Bloomberg, requesting that ise to fund public housing. Copies Immediately following the the mayor join him in calling on fed - were sent to the New York State gov - ernor, senators and legislators. NYCHA Boosts tragedy, Floyd sent a letter to Mayor eral officials to live up to their prom - Headquarters’ Seeing is Believing at Millbrook Houses Safety The apartment at Millbrook Prompted by Local 237 ad - Houses in the Bronx is filled with vocating for the safety of mem - an accumulation of toxic debris bers employed by The New left by previous tenants. Local 237 York City Housing Authority, Business Agents Curtis Scott and the agency recently installed David Gonzales, with Health and turnstile metal detectors at its Safety Coordinator Diane Stein, 250 Broadway headquarters in visited the site recently to docu - Manhattan and will also install ment the extraordinary conditions them at 90 Church Street. Special officers report that reported by the caretaker J’s who they routinely confiscate said they saw rats, were bitten by weapons from hostile visitors, insects and inhaled sickening are assigned to contentious fumes as they attempted to clean hearings for lease terminations, it up. and protect employees and resi - The union stopped the job and dents from violent threats on a exterminators were sent in, but that daily basis. Special officers will was not enough. Local 237 then also receive additional training contacted the Borough Office in in self-defense, apprehension Long Island City, which sent a spe - and arrest of violators on hous - cially trained technical services ing grounds. team to complete the so-called “move-out.” NEWSLINE, October 2008 5 # # # VOTER POWER 2008 # # #

Compare the Candidates And See Why the Teamsters Back Obama

Vowed to slash federal spending on contractors by 10 percent and Flip-Flop: First he said the economy was “fundamentally strong. ” save $40 billion. Economic Crisis Later, when Wall Street tanked, he said, “We are in the most serious crisis since World War II. ”

Backs cuts to help working people, seniors, homeowners and unem - Taxes Wants to make Bush tax cuts permanent and lower corporate tax from ployed. Wants to eliminate tax cuts for people earning above $250,000. 35% to 25% .

Voted to let states drop out of minimum wage increases . Voted to raise federal minimum wage to $7.25 an hour. Wages Voted against minimum wage hike 19 times.

Wants to raise public investment in training workforce and creating bet - Crossed picket lines to appear on the “Tonight ” show. Voted to hire per - ter jobs. Pledges to stop rewarding companies that send jobs overseas. Labor manent replacements for striking workers. Voted to outsource federal contracts overseas and privatize government jobs .

Co-sponsored EFCA, which would give workers the right to organize Employee Free and choose a union without employer harassment and intervention. Choice Act Voted to block Senate vote on EFCA, protecting anti-labor interests.

Opposed to privatization. Social Security Like Bush, intends to privatize the program and reduce benefits.

Would provide affordable, portable coverage for all by expanding public Health Care Proposes individual health savings accounts combined with private programs, and creating a national health plan with guaranteed eligibility. insurance.

Plans to withdraw troops by end of 2009. Iraq War Seeks only conditional withdrawal.

Plans to eliminate oil needs in 10 years. Oil Prices Backs summer gas tax holiday and offshore drilling. Endorsements for the General Election, Tuesday, Nov. 4

United States Congress 32 Ruben Diaz Sr. (D) ...... Bronx 45 (D/WF) ...... Kings 33 Pedro Espada ((D) ...... Bronx 46 Alec Brook-Krasny (D/WF) ...... Kings District/Candidate County/Borough 34 Jeffrey D. Klein (D/I/WF) ...... Bronx, Westchester 47 (D/WF) ...... Kings 35 Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D/WF) ...... Westchester 48 Dov Hikind (D) ...... Kings 1 Timothy H. Bishop (D/WF) ...... Suffolk 36 Ruth Hassell-Thompson (D/WF) . . . . . Bronx, Westchester 49 Peter Abbate Jr. (D/WF) ...... Kings 2 Steve J. Israel (D/I/WF) ...... Suffolk 37 Suzi Oppenheimer (D/WF) ...... Westchester 50 Joseph R. Lentol (D) ...... Kings 3 Peter T. King (R/I/C) ...... Suffolk 38 Thomas P. Morahan (R/C/I/WF) ...... Orange, Rockland 51 Felix Ortiz (D/WF) ...... Kings 4 Carolyn McCarthy (D/I/WF) ...... Nassau 39 William J. Larkin Jr. (R/C) ...... Orange, Ulster 52 Joan Millman (D/WF) ...... Kings 5 Gary L. Ackerman (D/I/WF) ...... Queens 40 Vincent L. Leibell III (R/C/I) ...... Putnam, Westchester 53 Vito Lopez (D) ...... Kings 6 Gregory W. Meeks (D) ...... Queens 41 Stephen M. Saland (R/C) ...... Columbia, Dutchess 54 Darryl Towns (D/WF) ...... Kings 7 Joseph Crowley (D/WF) ...... Queens, Bronx New York State Assembly 55 William F. Boyland (D/WF) ...... Kings 8 Jerrold L. Nadler (D/WF) ...... Manhattan, Brooklyn 56 Annette Robinson (D) ...... Kings 1 Marc S. Alessi (D/I/WF) ...... Suffolk 9 Anthony D. Weiner (D/WF) ...... Queens, Brooklyn 57 Hakeem Jeffries (D/WF) ...... Kings 2 Jr. (R/I/C/WF) ...... Suffolk 10 Edolphus Towns (D) ...... Kings 58 N. Nick Perry (D/WF) ...... Kings 3 Patricia A. Eddington (D/I/WF) ...... Suffolk 11 Yvette Clark (D/WF) ...... Brooklyn 59 Alan Maisel (D) ...... Kings 4 Steven Englebright (D/I/WF) ...... Suffolk 12 Nydia M. Velazquez (D/WF) ...... Brooklyn, Manhattan 60 Janele Hyer-Spencer (D/I/WF) ...... Kings, Richmond 5 Ginny Fields (D/I) ...... Suffolk 13 Michael McMahon (D/WF) ...... Staten Island/Brooklyn 61 (D/WF) ...... Richmond 6 (D/I/WF) ...... Suffolk 14 Carolyn B. Maloney (D/WF) ...... New York, Queens 62 (R/I/C) ...... Richmond 7 Michael Fitzpatrick (R/C) ...... Suffolk 15 Charles B. Rangel (D/WF) ...... New York 63 (D/I/C/WF) ...... Richmond 8 Philip Boyle (R/I/C) ...... Suffolk 16 José E. Serrano (D/WF) ...... Bronx 64 Sheldon Silver (D/L/WF) ...... New York 9 Andrew Raia (R/C/I) ...... Suffolk 17 Eliot L. Engel (DL/WF) ...... Bronx, Westchester 65 Micah Z. Kellner (D/WF) ...... New York 10 James Conte (R/C/I/WF) ...... Nassau, Suffolk 18 Nita M. Lowey (D/WF) ...... Westchester 66 Deborah Glick (D/WF) ...... New York 11 Robert Sweeney (D/I/WF) ...... Suffolk 19 John Hall (D/I/WF) . . . . . Westchester, Duchess, Rockland 67 Linda Rosenthal (D/WF) ...... New York 12 Joe Saladino (R/C/I/WF) ...... Nassau 68 Adam Clayton Powell (D) ...... New York New York State Senate 13 Charles D. Lavine (D/I/WF) ...... Nassau 69 Daniel J. O ’Donnell (D) ...... New York 1 Kenneth P. LaValle (R/C/I) ...... Suffolk 14 Robert Barra ((R/IC/WF) ...... Nassau 70 Keith Wright (D/WF) ...... New York 2 John J. Flanagan (R/C/I) ...... Suffolk 15 Rob R. Walker (R/I/C/WF) ...... Nassau 71 Herman Farrell (D) ...... New York 3 Caesar Trunzo Sr. (R/C/I) ...... Suffolk 16 Michelle Schimel (D/I/WF) ...... Nassau 72 Adriano Espaillat (D/L/WF) ...... New York 4 Owen H. Johnson (R/C/I) ...... Suffolk 17 Thomas McKevitt (R/C/I) ...... Nassau 73 Jonathan Bing (D/WF) ...... New York 5 Carl L. Marcellino (R/C/I) ...... Nassau, Suffolk 18 Earline Hill Hooper (D/WF) ...... Nassau 74 Brian Kavanagh (D/WF) ...... New York 6 Kemp Hannon (R/C/I) ...... Nassau 19 David McDonough (R/I/C/WF) ...... Nassau 75 Richard Gottfried (D/WF) ...... New York 7 Craig M. Johnson (D/WF) ...... Nassau 20 Harvey Weisenberg (D/I/WF) ...... Nassau 76 Peter M. Rivera (D/WF) ...... Bronx 8 Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. (R/C/I) ...... Nassau, Suffolk 21 Thomas Alfano (R/I/C/WF) ...... Nassau 77 Aurelia Greene (D/WF) ...... Bronx 9 Dean G. Skelos (R) ...... Nassau 22 Ellen Young (D/I/WF) ...... Queens 78 José Rivera (D) ...... Bronx 10 Shirley L. Huntley ...... Queens 23 Audrey Pheffer (D/WF) ...... Queens 79 Michael Benjamin (D/WF) ...... Bronx 11 Frank Padavan (R/C/I) . . . Queens, Bellerose, Whitestone 24 Mark Weprin (D/WF) ...... Queens 80 (D) ...... Bronx 12 George Onorato (D) ...... Queens 25 Rory I. Lancman (D/WF) ...... Queens 81 (D/L/WF) ...... Bronx 13 Hiram Monserrate (D/WFP) ...... Queens 26 Ann Margaret Carrozza (D/WF) ...... Queens 82 Michael R. Benedetto (D/WF) ...... Bronx 14 Malcolm A. Smith (D/WF ...... Queens 27 Nettie Mayersohn (D) ...... Queens 83 Carl E. Heastie (D/WF) ...... Bronx 15 Serphin R. Maltese (R/C/I) ...... Queens 28 (D/WF) ...... Queens 84 Carmen Arroyo (D) ...... Bronx 16 (D/W) ...... Queens 29 William Scarborough (D/WF) ...... Queens 85 Ruben Diaz Jr. (D/WF) ...... Bronx 17 Martin Malave Dilan (D) ...... Kings 30 Margaret Markey (D) ...... Queens 86 Luis M. Diaz (D) ...... Bronx 18 Velmanette Montgomery (D/WF) ...... Kings 31 Michelle Titus (D/WF) ...... Queens 87 J. Gary Pretlow (D/I) ...... Westchester 19 John L. Sampson (D/WF) ...... Kings 32 Vivian Cook (D/WF) ...... Queens 88 (D/I/WF) ...... Westchester 20 Eric L. Adams (D/WF) ...... Kings 33 Barbara Clark (D/WF) ...... Queens 89 Adam Bradley (D/WF) ...... Westchester 21 Kevin S. Parker (D/WF) ...... Kings 34 Michael Den Dekker (D) ...... Queens 90 Sandra Galef (D/I) ...... Westchester/Putnam 22 Martin J. Golden (R/C) ...... Kings 35 Jeffrion Aubry (D/L) ...... Queens 91 George Latimer (D/WF) ...... Westchester 23 Diane M. Savino (D/WF) ...... Staten Island, Kings 36 (D/WF) ...... Queens 92 Richard Brodsky (D/WF) ...... Westchester 24 Andrew J. Lanza (R/I) ...... Staten Island 37 (D) ...... Queens 93 Michael Spano (D/C/WF) ...... Westchester 25 Daniel Squadron ...... New York/Kings 38 Anthony Seminerio (D/C/R/I) ...... Queens 94 Kenneth Zebrowski (D/WF) ...... Rockland 26 (D/WF) ...... New York 39 José Peralta (D/WF) ...... Queens 95 Ellen C. Jaffee (D/I/WF) ...... Rockland 27 (D) ...... Kings 40 Inez Barron (D/WF) ...... Kings 96 Nancy Calhoun (R/C) ...... Orange, Rockland 28 José Serrano (D/WF) ...... Bronx 41 (D/WF) ...... Kings 29 Thomas Duane (D/L/WF) ...... New York 42 Rhoda Jacobs (D) ...... Kings 30 Bill Perkins (D/WF) ...... New York 43 Karim Camara (D/WF) ...... Kings 31 Eric T. Schneiderman (D/WF) ...... New York/Bronx 44 James Brennan (D/L/WF) ...... Kings 6 NEWSLINE, October 2008 Local 237 Shows Its Colors and

African-American Day

ocal 237’s contingent, led by President Gregory Floyd, stepped out boldly for the African-American Day Parade on Sunday, Sept. 21. They wore T-shirts printed with Lthe word “Audacity,” referring to Barack Obama’s second book “The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream,” and waved Teamsters for Obama posters for all to see. A black and white photograph on the T-shirt featured the Teamsters who gathered for the 1963 civil Rights march in Washington, D.C. The largest such parade in America, it was viewed by nearly one million spectators along Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard from 111 St. to 142nd St. The theme was “Power Through Unity.” Floyd said the annual parade — this was the 39th — was “an opportunity to display pride in black achievements and reaffirm our commitment to encourage more contributions to the nation and the world.” Among the many dignitaries in attendance were several chosen as grand marshals: Gov. , former mayor David Dinkins, Congress - man Charles Rangel, the Rev. Al Sharpton, and Comptroller William Thompson.

These two photos are by Calvin Sewer

Political dignitaries, including, from left, Comptroller William Thompson, Congressman Charles Sitting with President Gregory Floyd on a Harlem stoop are, from Rangel, and Gov. David Paterson, prepare to step out on Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard. left, Business Agents Michelle Walters and Yvette Martinez.

Above, Parking Control Specialist Tanisha Smalls- Hunter is joined, from left, by her daughter, Zuri, and son, Malik. Right, Local 237’s contingent assembles behind the union banner. NEWSLINE, October 2008 7 d Pride at 2 September Parades

Labor Day

ou could hear Local 237’s contingent coming down Fifth Avenue chanting “Obama for President,” to the rhythm of the Panamanian International YMarching band. Led by President Gre - gory Floyd, our members were among 50,000 marchers representing 400 affiliated unions of the NYC Central Labor Council. The parade up Fifth Avenue, from 44 St. to 72 St. on Saturday, Sept. 6, was especially im - portant in displaying labor’s solidarity amid the chaos of the national economy. It also honored the brave men and women of the Wounded War - rior Project, this year’s Honorary Grand Mar - shals. The Project is a nonprofit group that rais - es awareness and funds to help severely wound - ed war veterans. Political dignitaries, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg and City Council Speaker , came to celebrate labor’s con - tributions to the quality of American life. Last year, instead of a parade, a rally was staged at Ground Zero in support of 9/11 rescue workers and pending legislation for their health-care funding.

Photo by Calvin Sewer Left, George Serrano, a Citywide business agent, lifts his poster for all to see. Right, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn stops by to thank President Gregory Floyd for his support, especially with public housing issues.

Orlando Melendez, a Caretaker J, and his son wait to begin their tradi - tion of marching up Fifth Avenue. The Panamanian International Marching Band’s horn section makes itself heard.

Left, Floyd greets maintenance worker Paul D’Amato and his family. Right, members of Local 237’s Executive Board join Floyd on the front line. Pictured from left are Chief Negotiator Edmund Kane; Recording Secretary Patricia Stryker; Floyd; and Vice President Richard Hendershot. 8 NEWSLINE, October 2008 In Celebration of Italian District 1199J Gives Floyd Heritage Month Achievement Award

President Gregory Floyd was the Legislative Award; Anne Mal - Andiamo With awarded the Aberdeen David Labor oney, president, Sele-Dent Inc., with Achievement Award by District the Outstanding Service Award; and Assemblyman 1199J at its 17th Annual Aberdeen Glenwood Smith, 1199J executive S. David Memorial Scholarship board member, with the Myrtle Peter Abbate Fund Awards Dinner. Hartsfield Labor Award. The July 17 event, held at The The scholarship fund is named As chair of the Governmental Newark Club in Newark, N.J., also in honor of the late Aberdeen David, Employees Committee, New York honored Laurel Brennan, secretary- first president of District 1199J. It State Assemblyman Peter J. Ab - treasurer of the New Jersey State has provided scholarships totaling bate Jr. is our go-to guy in Albany. AFL-CIO, with the Women’s Leader - more than $150,000 to top achieving The Italian-American Brooklyn ship Award; Luis Quintana, council - children of members, including 10 native is the prime sponsor of man-at-large, City of Newark, with this year. Local 237’s public employee pen - sion bills. In addition, he is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Safety in the Workplace, and a tireless advocate for labor. Abbate represents Brooklyn’s 49th Assembly District, which in - cludes a large community of peo - ple of Italian heritage. He has visit - “If you left it up to business, ed many nations, with a special they wouldn’t be doing anything stop in Italy to better understand for anyone,” said Abbate. “I don’t his roots. Abbate also contributes look at it like I’m doing something to his heritage by serving as treas - for the unions. I look at it as if I’m urer of the New York Conference of doing something for the working Italian American State Legislators. men and women in the state.” Each year, Abbate introduces On October 23, Abbate will be hundreds of bills, most of them the keynote speaker at Local 237’s drafted by public sector labor First Italian Heritage Celebration, unions. The bills vary in purpose, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at including expanding pensions, union headquarters, 216 West 14 enhancing civil service benefits Street in Manhattan. Don’t miss and amending the Taylor Law. this chance to meet him, ask your In an interview with the Sun, questions, and thank him for a job President Gregory Floyd holds his award and is flanked, from left, by 1199J offi - Abbate defined his role in Albany: well done on our behalf. cials Pedro Fanduiz, secretary-treasurer; Susan M. Cleary, president, and Craig Ford, vice president. Back to School Kickoff Elevator Mechanic’s Son Rises in Coast Guard

The Department of Education ily Back to School Kickoff in Central invited New York City public school Park. The purpose of the Aug. 16 students and their families to a Fam - event was to answer questions and offer information about programs and services for students. Local 237 NOTABLE & QUOTABLE Lt. John Michael Fiorentine is congratulated by President Bill Clinton at his 2000 members employed by DOE as Edu - “Education is being able to dif - graduation. cational Facilities Officers in the Ex - ferentiate between what you do Local 237 Elevator Mechanic Lt. Fiorentine, who graduated ecutive Protection and Gang Intelli - know and what you don't; it's John Fiorentine’s son, John Michael, from the Coast Guard Academy in knowing where to go to find out gence Units were on hand to pro - is a lieutenant in the U.S. Coast 2000, served on a Navy destroyer in what you need to know; and it's vide security coverage. Pictured Guard and was recently honored Japan and commanded his own knowing how to use the informa - above, from left, are Sgts. Gerald with the opportunity to give the ship, the USGC Cushing, in Virginia tion once you get it. Sanders, Willy Luna, Jeanette I. commencement address to the and Puerto Rico before his current William Feather Taveras, Hector Roman and Miguel spring graduating class at the Coast assignment as a Coast Guard career Diaz. Guard’s Cape May, N.J., boot camp. counselor in Washington, D.C. NEWSLINE, October 2008 9

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The Department of Juvenile Jus - Darrell Isley, Jonathan Jones, Lumel R tice held a graduation ceremony for Robinson and Monica Tindle. six special officers, 25 juvenile Rev. Alfonso Wyatt, vice-presi - Congratulations to … counselors and two congregate care dent of the Fund for the City of New ... HPO R ODNEY BONDS of Dr. Susan Smith McKinney Nursing and Reha - specialists at their headquarters on York, delivered the keynote address, bilitation Center in Brooklyn on the birth of his first granddaughter, Aug. 15. stressing the important role the Imann Souglin, who checked in on August 7. The baby weighed 6 Local 237’s Citywide Division graduates will play in the lives of pounds, 2 ounces. Director Donald Arnold, along with young people in detention and the • • • DJJ Commissioner Neil Hernandez, opportunities DJJ provides for was on hand to congratulate the new youths with innovative programs to ...Staten Island Command School Safety Agents who were recently pro - officers: Aaron Bryant, Dion Harper, turn their lives around. moted to Level 3. They are: NJERI CONNOR , borough office; MIGUEL REYES , Port Richmond H.S.; JOE DIGIOIA , New Dorp H.S., and WILLIAM JUSTIANO , I.S./H.S. 43. • • • ... SGT . F RANCISCO J. L OPEZ at the Department of Homeless Services, who was promoted in June and married Glenia Lopez on Aug. 16. Sgt. Lopez has seven years of service and is assigned to head - quarters at 33 Beaver Street. He also teaches at Auburn Family Shelter. • • • ... SSA C HARISSE NELSON of Brooklyn North Command on the birth of her second child, Erik Darnell Butler, on Aug. 10. Baby weighed 8 pounds 3 ounces. • • • ... SSA M AHKIA MURRIEL of Brooklyn North Command on the birth of her second boy on Aug. 31. Baby weighed 7 pounds 13 ounces. • • • ... SSA K RYSTAL BOOKER of Prospect Heights H.S. in Brooklyn South Command on the birth of her son, Damir Maurice Harris, on Sept. 13. Local 237 Citywide Division Director Donald Arnold, left, and DJJ Commissioner Neil Hernandez flank newly graduated special officers. Baby weighed 4 pounds and 7 ounces. • • • ... HOSPITAL POLICE OFFICER HILDA VALENTIN who was promoted Sept. 21 Moving on Up to assistant director of HPOs at Coney Island Hospital.

We’d like to hear from you. If you’d like us to report on what’s happening in your life, drop a line to Teamster Notes, Newsline, 216 W. 14 Street, NY 10011, or call 646-638-8636, or e-mail [email protected].

CONDOLENCES TO...

…the family of the late JOE POLICASTRO , formerly a maintenance worker at Kingsborough Community College, who died July 22. Policastro, who had 13 years of service, is survived by his wife, Peggy, and children Deb - bie, Pat and Joey. • • • …SCHOOL SAFETY AGENT LEON BROWN of Brooklyn South Command, on the death of his father, Leon Brown Sr., on Aug. 7. The funeral service was held on Staten Island. • • • …SSA P EARLINE MAHON of Clara Barton H.S. in Brooklyn South Com - Recently promoted to superintendent of Edenwald Houses in the Bronx, mand, on the death of her mother, Mabel Mahon, on Sept. 5. The funeral Eric Martinez, far left, is congratulated by supervisory staff at his former service was held in Barbados, West Indies. work site, Marble Hill Houses in the Bronx. Pictured, from left, are Martinez; • • • Antony Luciano, superintendent; Gary Tompson, supervisor of caretakers; …the family of the late SSA J ANICE SUMPTER , formerly assigned to the Re - Orlando Pardo, assistant superintendent and Edgar Pizarro, supervisor of gion 6 CSE Office. The funeral service was held Sept. 19 in Brooklyn. caretakers. • • • …SSA L3 M ORRIS WATSON , on the death of his father, Willie Jackson. The Promotion funeral service was held Sept. 19. • • • TODD RUBENSTEIN was appointed grievance coordinator for the …the family of WAYNE CLAYBOURNE , a former Department of Homeless Citywide Division effective Sept. 15. His salary will be $1,971 per week Services police officer, who died Aug. 12 at the age of 51. The late Offi - ($112,492 per year) and he will receive an auto allowance of $860 per cer Claybourne had six years of service at the Help Women’s Shelter in month ($10,320 per year). Brooklyn, and is survived by his wife Sandra, his son Wayne Jr., four daughters: Urasia, Diesha, Linda, and Wayneisha, and his mother, Irene. • • • …the family of LISA DOCKERY , a former Department of Homeless Services CORRECTION detective, who died Aug. 29. The late Officer Dockery had eight years of An article in the September Newsline on page 8, entitled “City Col - service at the Help Women’s Shelter in Brooklyn, and is survived by her lege Officers Catch a Thief at Dawn,” misidentified the name and rank fiancé, Hollis Russ, her sons Kareem and Kahari, her daughter, Kalea, and of Campus Peace Officer Peter Malachi. her mother, Veronica. 10 NEWSLINE, October 2008 Added to the Roster of Retirees Housing Members’ HPO Bagley Set to Pack Her Bags Daughter Wins $10,000 Hospital Police Officer Rebecca S. Bagley holds her Hoffa Scholarship retirement plaque and is joined, from Aleena Paul’s parents can Houses in Manhattan. Her sister, left, by Citywide breathe easier now that their daugh - Merin, is 14 years old. Division Deputy ter was awarded $10,000 by The Her achievement was years in Director Al Soto, James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholar - the making, as Aleena built a strong Sgt. Donald Collins ship Fund. The 18-year-old schol - academic record with high grades and shop steward ar’s parents are Housing Division and impressive community service. Lt. Rachel Evans. members, Sebastian and Elezebeth She was a member of the Arista Na - The Metropolitan Paul. tional Honor Society; president of Hospital veteran, The Stuyvesant High School her school’s Indian Culture Club; a who retired recent - graduate says she wants to become a Bronze Winner in the Greater Metro - ly with more than 22 years of service, says she plans to travel to Flori - pediatrician and care for people who politan New York Math Fair, and a da and Alaska, and “enjoy life.” do not have many resources. “My volunteer at North Shore University dreams cannot become reality unless Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y., among I can receive an excellent education many other accomplishments. The Life of Kiley at a great college,” Aleena wrote in Aleena, an Eastern Region ap - Town of Baby - her application, adding, “This schol - plicant, was among one hundred lon veteran Gerard arship will make my path to achiev - winners of the 2008-2009 James R. Kiley holds his re - ing this goal much easier.” Hoffa Scholarship. One-hundred tirement plaque A freshman at Union College in scholarships are awarded annually and is flanked, from Schenectady, N.Y., Aleena is partic - to applicants competing in five geo - left, by Long Island ipating in the AMC Leadership in graphic regions where the Teamster Division Deputy Di - Medicine program, an accelerated parent’s local union is located. Thir - rector Ben Carenza eight-year program consisting of an ty-one of the awards total $10,000 and Director John undergraduate education at Union each. Burns. A celebra - followed by a medical education at These four-year scholarships are tion was held at Albany Medical College. disbursed at the rate of $2,500 per Babylon’s Hibern - “A scholarship lessens the anxi - year and are renewable annually. ian Hall for Kiley, ety my parents and I feel about pay - Sixty-nine awards are one-time who retired July 30 ing for college,” says Aleena, whose grants of $1,000. The scholarships with 25 years of mother is a housing assistant at As - are disbursed to the college or uni - service. A member of the “Kiley Clan,” of about 10 siblings, Gerry toria Houses in Queens, and her fa - versity at the beginning of the recip - Kiley has newfound quality time to spend with his family. ther is a housing assistant at Baruch ient’s freshman year. New Undertaking for Overton Wayne Overton, a former special of - ficer with the De - partment of Juve - nile Justice, holds his plaque at a re - tirement party held in Brooklyn’s Boul - ders’ Creek restau - rant. The veteran offi - cer, with 28 years of service, retired June 19 from the Bridges facility in the Bronx. Joining Overton, from left, are Patricia Alvarez, shop steward; Felecia Cannon, Local 237 business agent, and Pete Gutierrez, Citywide Division deputy director. Overton says he plans to return to his North Carolina roots and work in the family funeral home business. Scholarship winner Aleena Paul holds her Certificate of Merit and is flanked, from left, by President Gregory Floyd, sister Merin and Secretary-Treasurer Ruben Torres.

All meetings listed below will be held at Local 237 headquarters, 216 W. 14 St., Manhattan. The shop steward and chairperson of each title are required to attend. The monthly meeting schedule is also posted on our Website: www.local237.org.

CITYWIDE DIVISION CUNY Campus Peace Officers ...... Oct. 29 ...... 5:30 p.m. Dept. of Homeless Administration for Children ’s Special Officers ...... Oct. 14 ...... 5:30 p.m. Services (ACR) Special Officers .. Oct. 29 ...... 6 p.m. Citywide & HHC Technical Titles ..... Oct. 16 ...... 5:30 p.m. Educational Facility Officers, Professional Titles ...... Oct. 21 ...... 5:30 p.m. Executive Protection Unit ...... Oct. 30 ...... 5:30 p.m. Dept. of Education (DOE) HOUSING DIVISION Food Service Managers ...... Oct. 22 ...... 4 p.m. Roofers ...... Oct. 14 ...... 6 p.m. Evidence and Property Control Specialists ...... Oct. 22 ...... 5:30 p.m. Caretaker Ps ...... Oct. 21 ...... 6 p.m. DOE Food Service Supervisors ...... Oct. 24 ...... 4 p.m. Maintenance Workers ...... Oct. 28 ...... 6 p.m. HRA Special Officers ...... Oct. 27 ...... 5:30 p.m. Site Caretakers ...... Oct. 28 ...... 6 p.m. NEWSLINE, October 2008 11 Resumen en Español El Sindicato Logra Contrato… Antes de Tormenta Financiera

Justamente cuando la bolsa de días desde Septiembre 13, 2008 valores se desintegraba y grandes hasta Septiembre 25, 2010. Se man - compañías financieras titubeaban al tuvo la duración a dos años por la borde del colapso, el pasado16 de incertidumbre de condiciones del Septiembre Gregory Floyd, Presi - mercado financiero. Los aumentos dente del Local 237 y el Alcalde salariales son a partir de Octubre 10, Bloomberg llegaron a un acuerdo 2008 y Octubre 10, 2009, (Octubre firme que provee dos aumentos 12 para los miembros del antiguo salariales de 4 por ciento en dos Local 832) y fueron retrasados 13 años para más de 9,000 empleados días para proveer una equidad adi - de la Ciudad. cional de .25 por ciento y una con - “Es un acuerdo a tiempo, en un tribución efectiva de $200 al Fondo clima difícil,” dijo el Presidente de Bienestar de miembros activos y Gregory Floyd, enfatizando que el jubilados. contrato que incluye un aumento de Para un miembro promedio del sueldo compuesto de 8.16 por cien - Local 237 cuyo sueldo es entre to no solamente supera el proyecta - $32,000 y $40.000 anualmente, el do índice de inflación – que es 5.7 El Presidente Gregory Floyd y concejal Miguel Martinez rodeados por oficiales y aumento proveerá $2,611 y $3,264 por ciento – pero también provee miembros de la division de la ciudad en la alcaldia. adicional por año, respectivamente. una anualidad adicional de .25 por “Es el mejor contrato que hemos Respondiendo a una pregunta de un Los beneficios de salud y de jubi - ciento con una contribución en efec - tenido en 10 años,” notó Floyd. reportero en cuanto a si los otros lación, los días de vacaciones y tivo de $200 al Fondo de Bienestar “El Acuerdo de hoy le permite a sindicatos municipales podrían es - sueldo por enfermedad todos fueron de miembros activos y jubilados. la Ciudad ofrecer compensación perar acuerdos similares, el Alcalde preservados. Los negociadores del Local 237, justa a los miembros del Local 237, respondió: “Eso depende del caos Al tiempo de imprenta de este encabezados por Floyd, lograron quienes proveen servicios vitales a en el mercado financiero y cómo se noticiero, las balotas de ratificación este acuerdo histórico un día antes la Ciudad...,” dijo Bloomberg en una resuelve.” Él añadió que la Ciudad fueron enviadas a los miembros de de que caducara el viejo contrato, rueda de prensa. Él observó que había estado negociando con el Citywide, incluyendo a los agentes rechazaron devoluciones, y quizás también la proyección ofrece estruc - Local 237 “desde mucho tiempo y de seguridad escolar, oficiales espe - establecieron el patrón de negocia - tura al presupuesto de la ciudad y ya está en nuestro presupuesto… la ciales, trabajadores de servicio de ciones para otros sindicatos de em - estabilidad en relaciones laborales Ciudad puede costear este acuerdo alimentos y a muchos otros títulos pleados municipales en medio de la municipales. “Vamos a continuar hoy.” El Alcalde no ofreció garantías para que sus votos de ratificación mayor crisis financiara desde la invirtiendo en la preservación de futuras. sean contadas en la sede del sindi - Gran Depresión de los años 1930’s. servicios esenciales de la Ciudad.” El contrato cubre 24 meses y 13 cato el 10 de Octubre.

Comparación de los Candidatos: Porqué Los Teamsters Apoyan a Obama

Comprometido a cortar por 10% gastos a contratistas Federales con Vira-y-cambia: Primero dijo que la economía estaba “fundamental - ahorros de $40 billones. Crisis Económica mente sana.” Luego, cuando Wall Street cayó, dijo, “Estamos en la crisis más seria desde la Segunda Guerra Mundial.”

Se opone a recorte de impuestos para los ricos. Respalda recortes Quiere hacer permanente el recorte de impuestos de Bush y rebajar para los trabajadores, personays mayors, dueños de casa y los Impuestos impuestos para corporaciones, de 35% a 25%. desempleados. Quiere eliminar corte de impuestos para los que ganan más de $250,000.

Votó a favor de alzar el salario mínimo Federal a $7.25 por hora. Sueldos Votó 19 veces en contra de levanter el salario mínimo. Votó en apoyo de permitir que los Estados puedan eliminar aumentos de sueldo minimo.

Quiere aumentar la inversion pública en entrenar la fuerza laboral y en Cruzó línea de huelguistas para esar en el “Tonight Show.” Votó a crear mejores empleos. Promete paro en incentivos para compañías Laboral favor de reemplazos permanents para trabajadores que estén de que exportan empleos. huelga. Votó a favor de ceder contratos federales fuera de los EEUU y de privatizar empleos del gobierno.

Copatrocinó EFCA, que da derecho a trabajadores a organizarse y a Acta de Acción Votó para bloquear aprobación de EFCA por el Senado, protegiendo escoger un sindicato sin hosigamiento o intervención del emplelador. Libre de los intereses anti-obreros. Empleados

Se opone a la privatización. Seguro Social Al igual que Bush, planea privatizar el programa y reducer los beneficios.

Proveería cobertura asequible, portátil para todos expandiendo progra - Propone cuentas individuales de ahorros de salud combinados con mas públicos y creando un plan de salud nacional con garantía de Cuidado de Salud seguro privado. elegibilidad.

Planea retirar tropas a finales de 2009. Guerra en Irak Busca retiro condicional.

Plan de eliminar dependencia al petróleo en 10 años. Precio de Apoya paro de impuestos sobre gasoline durante el verano y explo - Combustible racion para petróleo fuera de la costa. Teamster Women: A Force of Nature

Left, members of Local 237’s contingent to the Women’s Conference surround Cheryl L. Johnson, Teamsters Women’s Committee chair. Right, Local 237 members join Remilda Ferguson, Local 237’s Women’s Committee Chair, center, holding a tote bag. early 900 women attended the eighth lenges. “You get to hear stories of women who world is a Teamster contract. We give equal pay annual Teamster’s Women’s Confer - really need a union to keep their jobs,” said Fer - for equal work and you deserve it.” ence last month in the Ft. Lauderdale guson, adding, “It gives you energy to do more. He urged Teamster women to vote in No - Convention Center, and lived up to We take it for granted having unions.” vember for the future of the union and for their Nthe theme “Teamster Women Making General President Jim Hoffa kicked off the families. Waves.” Local 237’s contingent, led by event by saying, “When the Teamster women Also speaking at the conference were Gener - Women’s Committee Chair Remilda Ferguson, came, Hurricane Ike got out of town.” al Secretary-Treasurer Tom Keegel and Interna - Housing Division director, included business Hoffa encouraged Teamster Women to truly tional Vice President Cheryl Johnson. agents, shop stewards, and members from all make waves through their involvement in politi - The conference, dedicated to empowering divisions. cal action and their local unions. Teamster women through education and net - The women attended panel discussions on “One of the biggest issues women face today working, draws attendees who return each year, globalization and labor standards, and shared is equal pay for equal work,” Hoffa said. “But paying their own way. “They live for this,” says inspirational success stories of overcoming chal - one of the best civil rights developments in the Remilda Ferguson. “You see them grow.”

Left, Cheryl Johnson is flanked from left by Pat Armstead, Citywide grievance representa - tive, and Business Agents Yvette Martinez and Michelle Walters. Right, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa is greeted by Amanda Coates, vice chair of the Housing Assistants Chapter, left, and Business Agent Yvettte Martinez.

Are you moving? NEWSLINE PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID If so, let us know so that you don’t miss an Local 237, IBT AT NEW YORK, NY issue of NEWSLINE. Fill out this form with 216 West 14 Street your new (or corrected) address, and give it to New York, NY 10011 your business agent or mail it to: Welfare Benefit Funds Department R O H O Teamsters Local 237, 3rd Floor D

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