Local 237 NEWSLINE

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I June/July/August 2009 Vol. 43, No.6 R New Bill Seeks Prison for Armed Attackers on School Grounds

Local 237 President Gregory Floyd was joined on Father’s Day at a press conference out - side City Hall by a group of members and State Assemblyman Michael Cusick (D-Staten Island) to announce legislation that will protect students, teachers, administrators and school safety agents from potentially deadly attacks on school grounds. While the city takes credit for declining crime rates in public schools, it has made “no mention of school safety agents’ contributions,” said Floyd, emphasizing that since last November there have been 25 violent attacks on school safe - ty agents. “It’s time for these types of attacks to stop.” Cusick, whose mother is a recently retired school safety agent, said he sees SSAs as family. “It’s a noble calling to put yourself in harm’s way and serve your community,” said Cusick, adding that he was headed to Albany the next day, June 22, to introduce the bill in the Assembly. He also noted that he expects Sen. Eric Adams to carry the bill in the senate. Under the proposed legislation, assaults with a deadly weapon on school grounds would be Gerald Schultz punishable by at least a 1-year prison sentence President Gregory Floyd addresses the press outside City Hall with Assemblyman Michael Cusick. and a $500 fine. Under current New York State in the Bronx on May 27. School Safety Agent stitches to close the eyelid gash the 17-year-old law, attacks involving a “dangerous instrument” Michelle Love, assigned to special services at girl gave her. The student, another 17-year-old are classified as 2nd degree assault, a D felony, Central Headquarters in Queens, was part of an girl and a 15-year-old boy were arrested for at - carrying a 1-5 year sentence and fines ranging unannounced scanning team at the school when tacking Love and SSA Richard Woodson, who from $500-$5,000. Many of these cases, however, the incident occurred. had asked the students to leave a restricted area. are pleaded down to lesser crimes. The proposed “We were putting equipment away and I saw Assistant Principal Jason Maass tried to pre - bill prohibits plea bargains in such indictments three kids, two males and one female, assaulting vent the arrests by standing in front of the police from offering less than the original D felony when a male school safety agent,” recalls Love, who is van, but he was arrested and charged with ob - on school grounds, serving as a strong deterrent. married and the mother of two children, ages 19 structing governmental administration. It also broadens the definition of a “dangerous in - and 5, and grandmother of a 4-year-old. “I went to “I hope they pass this bill to help others,” strument” to include umbrellas, often used in stop the girl from hitting him and she stabbed me says Love, who had 10 years of service with fights to cause serious injury. in the eye with her umbrella.” school safety before leaving the position. She re - The bill stems from an incident at the Ren - Miraculously Love, pictured in sunglasses turned to the title in December. aissance H.S. at the Lehman High School campus here, did not lose vision, but she needed six See the video on local237.org .

¡FIESTA on 5th! The 52nd Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade brought the Teamsters familia together again on la Quinta Avenida. Led by Local 237 President Gregory Floyd and Local 901 Secretary- Treasurer Germán Vázquez, who arrived from San Juan for the oc - casion, our contingent marched on June 14 with great pride in having one of the highest Puerto Rican memberships of any union. For more photos and a video see pages 8 & 9 and www.local237.org.

Gerald Schultz 2 NEWSLINE, June/July/August 2009 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, Deputy Director Chief Negotiator In Good Times, Unions are Helpful. Randy Klein, Assistant Director COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND HOUSING DIVISION , 2nd Fl. SPECIAL PROJECTS, 5th Fl . In Bad Times, They Are a Lifeline. Felipe Luciano, Director, Remilda Ferguson, Director Assistant to the President Brooklyn, Queens & Staten s budgets continue to shrink and the short supply. It was upsetting to me — as I’m Island POLITICAL ACTION & state emerges from chaos, we need a sure it was to all of you — to see the business LEGISLATION , 6th Fl. James Giocastro, strong and cohesive union to stand of the state grind to a halt as the state Senate Deputy Director Local 237 protects members’ A bickered over politics. For us, it delayed the together and to fight for working men and rights by helping to sponsor leg - LONG ISLAND DIVISION women. With that in mind, we can be grateful hiring of over a hundred school safety agents islation that is important to mem - 1727 Veterans Memorial that Local 237 and its leadership have been because the city was not granted permission bers, and by opposing initiatives Highway to raise the needed revenue to pay for them. that would hurt members. able to shield our members from the worst of Suite 308 Patricia Stryker, Director both the economic crisis and the circus in We have let our elected officials know that Islandia, NY 11749 Albany. We have and will continue to fight their behavior was unacceptable, and we be - 631-851-9800 GRIEVANCES/DISCIPLINARY for fair contracts and against layoffs. We are lieve that most of them are embarrassed and John Burns, Director PROBLEMS , 6th Fl. one of the few unions that have actually regretful of the situation. The only consola - Benedict Carenza , For grievances and job related grown our membership in the last several tion we take from the Senate fiasco is that our Deputy Director problems, first contact your shop years. It is true that there is power in num - John Sepulveda, steward and/or grievance repre - representatives will have to work extra hard Assistant Director sentative. If they cannot resolve bers, and you can feel more secure knowing in the future to regain the trust of their con - Long Island Welfare Fund: the issue, they or you should that our power is growing. stituents. I hope the outrage over this incident For information on the various contact your business agent. That should be reassuring, because unions serves as a reminder to our elected officials funds call 800-962-1145 Mal Patterson, Director of are not only to protect our jobs, wages and that they ultimately serve the people of New Grievances and Hearings benefits. They also strengthen morale when York first — and their own agendas second. RETIREE DIVISION , 8th Fl. Todd Rubinstein, Esq. members are worried about their future. These Even when the state government was in Provides a variety of pre- and Grievance Coordinator times can be frightening, but we must remem - disorder, however, Local 237 did not let that post-retirement services, includ - ber that we stand with more than 23,000 broth - ing pension and health insur - Debbie Coleman, Esq. stop us from fighting for our members. As the ers and sisters facing the same trials and tribu - ance counseling to members. Grievance Coordinator Senate remained gridlocked, we were able to (Pension counseling by appoint - lations. With a union on your side, you can introduce a law in the Assembly that will CIVIL SERVICE BAR feel more secure about your job. You know you ment, Thursdays only). General ASSOCIATION , 6th Fl. protect our school safety agents from danger - retirement counseling and have someone to stand up for you against mis - 212-675-0519 ous attacks. Currently, the courts give far too retirement planning series dur - treatment from stressed-out managers. All in many students a free pass when they fight ing spring and fall. Gloria Johnson, Esq., President all, unions provide peace of mind for their and often injure our SSAs. That stops now. 212-807-0555 Aldona Vaiciunas, members when the economy makes it scarce. Our law would essentially guarantee jail time Nancy B. True, Director Office Administrator and Case in point, as part of the Municipal Grievance Coordinator for major assaults on school grounds. We Labor Committee, we were able to strike a LOCAL 237 DEPARTMENTS John Picucci, Esq., stood on the steps of City Hall with Assem - deal with Mayor Michael Bloomberg last Grievance Representative blyman Michael Cusick and several dozen (Citywide and Housing) month that avoided the major layoffs he had CSBA Welfare Fund SSAs and announced that enough is enough. SKILLED TRADES , 2nd Fl. been threatening. For months, we believed Alicare 212-539-5117 If you attack our agents, you will pay the Donald Arnold, Director the strong rhetoric of the administration COMMUNICATIONS, 8th Fl. price. We hope this message will deter attacks HEALTH AND SAFETY , 2nd Fl. would soften and a responsible agreement Tania M. Lambert, Editor on our SSAs and make our schools safer Donald Arnold, Director would be reached. We settled on reasonable Diane Stein, Coordinator Local 237 Newsline changes to our health care policy, which places to learn and to work. Website: www.local237.org In closing, I want to remind our members MEMBERSHIP, 2nd Fl. should not be an undue burden on our mem - Provides membership services EDUCATION, 8th Fl. bers but will save the city a billion dollars again that our power comes from numbers, not and records, including address Provides a variety of training over the next 10 years. If not for the hard only at the bargaining table, but also at the changes. and educational advancement work of our unions, thousands of jobs could voting booth. With our 23,000 members, we Laverne White, opportunities for members. have been lost. In prosperous times, unions have a tremendous ability to send a message Administrative Manager 212-807-0550 make sure we get our fair share; in a reces - to lawmakers. But we only have that ability if WELFARE FUND, 3rd Fl. Frederick Dunn, Director sion, even if we don’t get everything we want, we hit the polls. I urge all of you to register to The Fund administers the eligi - USEFUL NUMBERS unions make sure we don’t lose too much. vote, if you have not done so already, and vote bility, enrollment, disability, FOR PRE-RETIREES We also continue to negotiate with the during the primaries on September 15. Togeth - optical and death benefits Housing Authority to reach a fair contract for er, we can make our voices heard. directly by the Fund’s in-house NYCERS (New York City Enjoy the summer. staff, as well as prescription Employees Retirement System) NYCHA employees. I am happy to report that the new NYCHA chair - and dental programs indirectly. By Mail: 335 Adams St., Suite B i l 212-924-7220 man, John Rhea, has been l 2300, Brooklyn, NY 11201-3751 K r Paul E. Juergensen, Director honest and fair, and our e s

In Person: 340 Jay Street, s e LEGAL SERVICES, 4th Fl. Mezzanine, Brooklyn, NY 11201 discussions have been Lawyers advise and represent Gen’l Information: 347-643-3000 going well. There are still members on covered personal Outside NYC toll-free: issues to work out, but legal problems, including domes - 877-6NYCERS we are optimistic that tic relations (family court pro - they will be resolved ceedings, divorce and separa - NYCERS Internet www.nyclink.org/html/nycers shortly. We are hopeful tion), purchase and sale of a pri - that we will have a fair mary residence, wills, adoptions, NYC Department of Education contract soon. credit and consumer problems, Retirement System tenant rights and bankruptcies. 65 Court St., Brooklyn, NY 11201 Politics 212-924-1220 718-935-5400 Office Hours: We can only succeed Social Security Administration Mon.- Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. when we are united in Mary Sheridan Esq., Director 800-772-1213 purpose. In Albany, we Kenneth Perry Esq., NY State and Local Retirement have seen the turmoil Deputy Director Systems that results when leader - 518-474-7736 ship and unity are in NEWSLINE, June/July/August 2009 3 Unions, City Make Deal to Cut Costs, Stop Layoffs

Carrying out a tough decision to The issue of pensions intensi - protect the livelihoods of union fied when Gov. Paterson vetoed a members during the most severe fis - bill to extend current pension bene - cal crisis since the Great Depres - fits for new city police and firefight - sion, the Municipal Labor Commit - ers. The bill has been extended tee (MLC) agreed to health-benefit since 1981. changes to the health plan for city Paterson later announced a employees that would save the city deal with the Civil Service Employ - $1 billion over six years. In ex - ee Association (CSEA) and the Pub - change, the city agreed to defer lic Employees Federation (PEF), 1,000 layoffs of permanent civil ser - two large state unions that agreed vants until at least October 1. to support the Tier 5 plan to avoid The 2009 Health Benefits Agree - layoffs. ment was announced by Mayor The MLC health plan agreement Michael R. Bloomberg with MLC with the city still needs to be signed Chair Harry Nespoli at a June 2 by city and labor officials before it press conference at District Council President Gregory Floyd and members of the Municipal Labor Committee join can become effective for fiscal years 37’s headquarters. Mayor Michael Bloomberg at the podium. 2010, which began July 1, and 2011. The agreement modifies the MLC’s Nespoli, who is also pres - through the Health Insurance Stabi - The deal protects basic health serv - health benefits of more than 550,000 ident of the Uniformed Sanitation - lization Fund, funded by the munic - ices and results in no premium pay - covered employees and retirees men’s Association, said, “The ipal unions out of their collective ments. The changes essentially through co-pays, including $50 for unions of this city, when all is said bargaining settlements in the mid- equalize the benefits co-payments of an emergency room visit; $50 for an and done, have been and always 1980s. various health plans. ambulatory surgery treatment; $100 will be there when the city is in Calling for further sacrifices, If the agreement is not signed, for in-patient hospital admission trouble.” He added, “This is not a Bloomberg said he hopes for action more than 900 city workers are under the HIP-HMO program; and problem we caused, but the 550,000 on a Tier 5 pension bill covering scheduled to be laid off from the better administration of the health people that I and the other labor new employees that was proposed Administration for Children’s Serv - program. The deal also eliminates leaders represent always meet our by Gov. David Paterson. The new ices; 116 workers from the Depart - coverage of preventive dental care responsibility to the citizens of New pension tier would pay less and re - ment of Education; 55 from the De - but only at certain offices. York City.” quire more years of service. “We are partment of Health and Mental Hy - “My responsibility to represent not interested in sitting down to ne - giene, and about 100 from other Local 237 members includes making Cost of Deferring Layoffs gotiate a Tier 5,” Nespoli was quot - agencies, labor officials told the tough choices in the face of chal - The cost of deferring layoffs for ed as saying in the Chief. New York Times. lenges to our contracts and, above all, a period of 90 days will be borne by our job security,” said President Gre - the Union Stabilization Fund, fund - gory Floyd, who serves as secretary of ed by municipal unions out of their In the Pipeline the MLC, which represents about 100 collective bargaining settlements in civil service unions in health care the mid-1980s. In addition, under policy negotiations. “I am proud to the agreement, effective Oct. 1, there represent the good faith of so many will be a one-time payment to the union members, who by sharing union-administered welfare funds some small sacrifices will help other of $200 per active employee and re - city employees keep their jobs and tiree to offset rising health-care help our great city stay that way.” costs. The funding will be provided

Local 237 NEWSLINE

216 West 14 St., New York, NY 10011 212-924-2000 Website: www.local237.org e-mail Newsline: [email protected] Local 237 Newsline (USPS 700-000 ISSN 1083-3536) is published 10 times a year in the following months: January, February, March, April, May, (June, July and August will be combined into one issue), September, October, November and December by Local 237, Water use inspectors surround President Gregory Floyd, center, at a special International Brotherhood of Teamsters, 216 West 14 Street, New York, NY 10011. Periodical postage paid at New York, NY. Postmaster: Send address changes to meeting in May at union headquarters to discuss the arbitration of an out- Local 237 Newsline, 216 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10011. of-title case. Also pictured, far right in the first row, is Donald Arnold, direc - tor of the Citywide Division; behind him are Randy Klein, assistant director, Executive Board Citywide Division, and Diane Stein, health and safety coordinator. Gregory Floyd Richard Hendershot Ruben Torres Patricia Stryker President Vice President Secretary-Treasurer Recording Secretary Gloria Johnson Re-elected Noreen Hollingsworth Edmund Kane Steven Gordon Trustee Trustee Trustee President of the CSBA Newsline and www.local237.org Tania M. Lambert Members of the Civil Service corresponding secretary, second vice Editor Bar Association, an affiliate of Local president, first vice president, and 237, re-elected Gloria Johnson to her president. In 1996, she was elected Local 237 Telephone Numbers 5th three-year term as president delegate to the IBT Convention. Citywide Division ...... 212-924-2000 Health & Safety ...... 212-924-2000 since 1994. As CSBA president, Ballots for the CSBA election Housing Division ...... 212-924-2000 Retiree Division/ Johnson represents about 900 attor - were counted June 9 at the American Long Island Division ...... 631-851-9800 Pension Counseling ...... 212-807-0555 Welfare Funds ...... 212-924-7220 Membership ...... 212-924-2000 neys working in various city agen - Arbitration Association. All incum - Education Department ...... 212-807-0550 CSBA ...... 212-675-0519 cies. bents were re-elected, including the Legal Department ...... 212-924-1220 Johnson began her career as an at - following officers: Margot Shields, torney at the Fire Department of the first vice president; Ilene Shifrin, If you move... City of New York in 1987. The same second vice president; Frank McCaf - Please send your change of address in writing to Membership to insure that you year, she became active in the union frey, corresponding secretary; Nel - continue receiving your newspaper. Metro NY and rose through the ranks as CSBA son Aviles, recording secretary; and Labor Communications Council board member, recording secretary, Douglas Cohn, treasurer. 4 NEWSLINE, June/July/August 2009 All in a Day’s Work NYPD Awards Longevity

The New York City Police De - Among the most notable hon - Hunter CPOs Nab Pedophile partment held its annual Longevity orees were Police Commissioner and Perfect Attendance Awards Cer - Hunter College Campus Peace Officer Mohamed Elhanafi, an in - Raymond W. Kelly and School Safe - emony at its headquarters in Man - vestigation specialist, received a phone call from Detective Ray Her - ty Agent Estella Leftenant, both hattan on June 16. Certificates and nandez on May 6, alerting him that a Hunter College student was sus - with 40 years of service. Assistant gifts were awarded to 365 members pected of molesting three boys under the age of 10 and a warrant was Chief James A. Secreto was awarded of the department. Among the hon - issued for his arrest. The detective also said there was a possibility that for 20 years of service and as many orees were many Local 237 mem - more victims would come forward and the suspect was considered a years of perfect attendance. bers in the school safety agent title, flight risk. Citywide Division Director Don - one evidence and property control Quickly, Campus Peace Officer William Denizard was assigned the ald Arnold was on hand to congrat - specialist, and one photographer. task of searching records from the Registrar’s office and cross-refer - ulate the honorees. encing them with information on the warrant provided by the 19th Precinct. Once he confirmed that the suspect was a student, Denizard, with 4 years of service, reported it to Elhanafi, with 7 years, who notified Detec - tive Hernandez and hatched a plan to arrest the suspect if he showed up in school the next day. On May 7, at 9:20 a.m., El - hanafi recalls, he Officers of the Hunter College Campus Police went up to the Department, who were instrumental in arresting a suspect’s class student indicted for molesting children, stand at with Cpl. André parade rest. Liverpool, 20 years, and CPOs James Gilyard, 4 years, Flynn Jones, 13 years, and Raymond Roe, 1 year. After contacting the professor, who confirmed that the suspect was in the classroom, the officers entered and escorted the suspect out. Gilyard and Roe placed him under arrest School Safety Agent Estella Leftenant displays her award as Donald Arnold, and turned over custody of the prisoner to detectives at the 19th director, Citywide Division, and Assistant Chief James A Secreto look on. Precinct. The campus peace officers’ diligence and cooperation helped re - move a suspect, who later was indicted on 5 counts of endangering the Food Service Manager Honored welfare of a minor, and who faced other charges of child abuse. The Department of Education’s and nearly 500 are served “grab and Office of School Food honored go” breakfast. Citing the secret to her ACS Police Rescue Domestic Stephanie Ruffner, a food service success, Ruffner describes enhance - manager, as Manager of the Year. ments to the menu. “We gave them Violence Victim Ruffner, who works at Evander what they wanted: chicken strips, hot Acting Sgt. Edwin Toro was posted at the central police desk of the Campus in the Bronx, which in - sandwiches, and paninis.” Administration for Children Services central command at 492 First cludes six schools, has 31 years of Ruffner, who has a son and a Avenue in Manhattan when he received a radio call from ACS Special service. daughter, also has six grandchil - Officer Troy L. Smith saying he observed a man striking a female vic - “The high school I’m in is doing dren, two girls and four boys, in - tim twice in the face and chasing her west-bound on East 29th St. to - great,” says Ruffner, adding that more cluding the latest arrival, Sean ward Second Avenue. than 1,000 students are served lunch Ryder Odel, born May 12. It was just after noon on May 21, as stated in an incident report, when Toro, with 3 years of service, and Acting Sgt. De Forest Kelley Torres, with 5 237’s Website Wins 1st Place years, responded by joining Smith, The Metro New York Labor month’s Newsline online first. with 3 years, in Communications Council awarded Metro New York Labor Commu - pursuit of the Local 237’s website First Place in its nications Council is an organization perpetrator as he 2008 Annual Contest. The website, of editors, writers, artists, photogra - ran after the vic - www.local237.org , was judged the phers, graphic designers, web design - tim. They con - best among unions representing ers, radio program producers, public fronted him as he 5,001 to 25,000 members. relations specialists, and video pro - grabbed the vic - The award recognizes the web - ducers from public and private sector tim by her wrist site’s overall balance and quality of trade unions and related organiza - and pushed her content, as well as its appealing de - tions. The group provides a forum to into a wall. sign and ease of use. The judges also exchange ideas and information and Torres or - acknowledged the website’s appro - offers workshops, seminars, an annu - dered the aggres - priateness of content and usefulness al convention, and an annual com - Ready to respond at Central Command are, from sor to turn and as a source of information for mem - munications awards contest. left, ACS Police Acting Sgt. De Forest Kelley place his hands bers and for other visitors to the site. Torres; Special Officer Troy L. Smith; and Acting Sign on today and see for your - NOTABLE & QUOTABLE on his back, but Sgt. Edwin Toro. the man replied “no” and balled his fist as if ready to fight. After repeated self what makes www.local237.org "Good character is more to be orders, the perpetrator surrendered, placed his hands behind his back and so outstanding. The home page fea - praised than outstanding talent. was rear-cuffed. tures a full-color video with the lat - Most talents are...a gift. Good Once in custody, the 13th Precinct backup arrived on the scene, est union news, and below it are im - character, by contrast, is not given but the victim refused to press charges. The defendant was sum - portant items to all members. Also, to us. We have to build it piece by monsed for disorderly conduct and given a court date. see the calendar with upcoming piece — by thought, choice, Thanks to the quick and courageous response of the ACS officers, union meetings and events. The lat - courage and determination." a more serious crime was prevented. est daily newspaper articles are also John Luther posted and you can see each NEWSLINE, June/July/August 2009 5 3 Endorsements in the NYC Elections Cy Vance for Heidi Chain for John Choe for Manhattan DA Queens District 29 City Council

President Grego - Local 237 endorsed Heidi Chain, a first-time ry Floyd gave the candidate for public office, in the City Council union’s endorsement race to represent Queens District 29, covering for Manhattan dis - Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, and Rego Park. trict attorney to Chain, a member of the Civil Service Bar As - Cyrus R. Vance Jr., a sociation, affiliated with Local 237, is an attor - former assistant dis - ney and a director in the Office of Legal Affairs trict attorney in the of the New York City Department of Finance. A 1980s under current lifelong Democrat, she brings to the table an un - Manhattan DA derstanding of the city’s budget in a time of cri - Robert M. Morgen - sis and a strong track record as a community ac - thau. tivist. “It’s clear that Chain, born and raised in Rego Park and John Choe, sporting a Local 237 jacket, is flanked there is one candi - Forest Hills, has held numerous leadership posi - by President Gregory Floyd and Recording date in this race with tions in her commu - Secretary Patricia Stryker. the experience and nity, including presi - Local 237 has endorsed John Choe, a fron - judgment necessary dent of the 112th trunner in the Flushing City Council race, who is to lead such an im - Precinct Community following in the footsteps of his former boss, portant office: Cy Council in Queens. Councilman John Liu, after serving as his chief Vance. He has spent Cy Vance showing where She works with the of staff since 2002. a lifetime in the he stands. NYPD in her free “Choe’s experience as a community organiz - courtroom, working on both sides of complex time to enhance po - er and public servant working under Councilman cases,” said Floyd, adding that Vance “has been lice-community rela - Liu prepares him to take on tough city issues on an advocate for fairness and justice throughout tions while address - behalf of the underprivileged,” said President the criminal system. We are endorsing Cy be - ing concerns of pub - Gregory Floyd. “We support Choe for his track cause we trust that he will look out for working lic safety, quality of record in responding to community needs by families to make sure that they are safe.” life, and emergency helping to secure funds and promote legislation.” Vance, in the race to replace Morgenthau, preparedness. Choe was also endorsed by the Queens Coun - who is retiring, has been endorsed by his former “I am very hon - try Democratic Party, the NYS African-American boss, as well as Caroline Kennedy and Gloria ored to accept the Public Affairs Committee,and the Queens County Steinem, the women’s rights activist. Vance’s fa - endorsement of Puerto Ricans for Political Action. Heidi Chain ther, Cyrus Vance Sr., was secretary of state Teamsters Local 237,” Chain says, “where the Prior to working with Liu for the past eight under President Jimmy Carter. hard working men and women of the union years, Choe served in the Corporation for Sup - “Local 237 represents the lifeblood of New make significant contributions to our city’s fu - portive Housing, the NYC Department of Fi - York City,” said Vance. “As Manhattan DA, I will ture.” nance, the Coro Leadership New York Center, work every day to ensure that [Local 237 mem - She has also been endorsed by the Lieu - and the Rent Guidelines Board. bers] are treated with fairness and justice, that tenant Benevolent Association of the New York Choe, born in Korea, is the first Korean- their civil rights are protected and that they are Police Department and the Associated Musicians American endorsed for elected office in New safe in their homes.” of Greater New York, Local 802, AFM. York City by the Democratic Party.

nancial crisis in the 1970s. The con - “There are so many factions there Albany Gets Back to Work stitutionality of Paterson’s move that would like to, quite honestly, was challenged by Republicans and slit the other factions’ throat. I think The five-week stalemate that par - was given the title of majority leader State Attorney General Andrew it’s going to be very, very difficult to alyzed the New York State Senate dur - and Sen. John L. Sampson, a Brook - Cuomo. At press time the issue was lead and govern.” ing its last two weeks in session came lyn Democrat, will serve as leader of headed to court. to an end as abruptly as it started the Democratic Caucus. Smith, of No one can predict what will The executive board has ap - when Sen. Pedro Espada Jr., returned Queens, remains senate president happen next, but Dean G. Skelos, proved rules governing the Local to the Democratic fold. Espada had for an undetermined period of time. leader of the Senate Republicans, 237 election, which are available defected last month along with Sen. Monserrate returned to the Dem - was quoted in The New York Times to members upon request. Hiram Monserrate in a Republican- ocratic fold soon after defecting and as saying of the Democratic Caucus, led coup to depose Democratic Sen. helped broker the new deal. The ti - Malcolm Smith as majority leader and tles of Senate president and majority shift the majority vote to the GOP. leader have traditionally been com - Save the Dates The return to business on July 9 bined, but the state constitution took place under a new Democratic gives the president special powers. Friday, Aug. 21 – Town of Babylon Summer Concert Series majority leadership arrangement in Back at work, the reorganized Sal Calcagno, a tree-trimmer II for the Town of Babylon and rock band which Espada, a Bronx Democrat, Senate passed several bills, includ - “Sensitive to Light” will perform for free at Overlook Beach as part of ing the Local 237-backed CUNY pay Babylon’s Summer Concert Series starting at 7:30 p.m. For a preview, visit bill and the New York City sales tax www.local237.org and click on the You Tube link. CORRECTIONS increase. Pending action were the Saturday, Sept. 12 Labor Day Parade In the May issue of Newsline, – issues of mayoral control of schools Time and location will be announced. on page 12 a photo caption for the and gay marriage rights. Friday, Sept. 25 – Local 237’s Annual Latino Heritage Festival article “Islip Housing Workers Also on July 9, in a move to es - More details will be announced in the September issue of Newsline and online Score Top Grade” misidentified tablish a line of succession amid the at www.local237.org Maintenance Mechanic II Antho - chaos and break the voting impasse ny Timpone, who was pictured that was tied at 31-31 when Monser - Saturday, Sept. 26 – Health and Wellness Fair with Stephanie Rodriguez. rate returned to the Democrats, Gov. Local 237 is sponsoring a health fair for members at Jamaica Estates Medical The article, “Coates Gets Presi - David A. Paterson appointed former Offices, 180-05 Hillside Avenue, Jamaica, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. At the last dent’s Award,” on page 14, misstat - MTA Chairman Richard Ravitch as health fair, held April 18 at union headquarters, 59 members were screened ed Amanda Coates’ work site, which lieutenant governor. Ravitch, a for cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose. Results indicated that 35 is the Department of Finance at New lawyer, was instrumental in rescu - percent were overweight and had high cholesterol; 18 percent had high blood York City Housing Authority. ing New York City from a similar fi - pressure, all risk factors for heart disease or stroke. 6 NEWSLINE, June/July/August 2009 Local 237 Joins Protest for Puerto Rico’s Workers

Local 237 officials joined labor privatizing public workers jobs and leaders and legislators on the steps allowing the government to suspend of City Hall in support of their signed contracts. Thousands of pub - brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico, lic sector workers have been laid off whose hard-earned labor rights are and more are on the chopping block. being violated as jobs are being pri - Ivany noted that the struggle has vatized. helped to unify workers and labor Among the speakers at the June on the island as well as on the main - 17 protest were Ruben Torres, Local land, where in addition to union 237 secretary-treasurer; Sonia Ivany, solidarity, 17 New York City Coun - president, New York City Labor cil members are part of a resolution Council for Latin American Ad - supporting Puerto Rico’s public vancement; City Council members workers. Rosie Méndez, John Liu, and Melis - “We will not be silent,” said sa Mark-Viverito; Bob Madore, di - Méndez, who was among protestors rector of United Auto Workers Re - who traveled to Puerto Rico to chal - gion 9A, and Roberto Pagan, inter - lenge the U.S. bombing in Vieques. national vice president, SEIU, presi - “We will travel again,” she declared, dent, SPT, SEIU, Puerto Rico. emphasizing that Fortuño’s actions “We have to send a strong mes - are “unconstitutional.” sage to the public sector workers of A huge demonstration was Puerto Rico. The mainland has not held in San Juan after 10,000 work - forgotten them,” said Torres, who is ers were let go by Fortuño. The a board member for the Teamsters Local 237 Secretary-Treasurer Ruben Torres speaks to the press as Bob Madore, march was organized by “All of Hispanic Caucus and an Executive director of UAW Region 9A, left, and Councilman John Liu look on. Puerto Rico for Puerto Rico,” a Board Commissioner for its Human but with unions across the United by Fortuño, and passed into law two coalition that includes unions af - Rights Commission. “[Puerto Rico States.” days later. The law declared a state filiated to Change to Win, the AFL- Governor Luis] Fortuño is not only The speakers protested against of fiscal emergency and established CIO, and community and church dealing with workers on the island, Public Law 7, introduced March 4 a plan to stabilize the economy by groups. NAACP Celebrates 100 Years

The New York Branch of the Na - race relations with Barack Obama’s tional Association for the Advance - election as president, hate crimes, ment of Colored People — the na - economic injustice and institutional tion’s oldest and largest grassroots racism persist and, as the NAACP civil rights organization — celebrat - banner proclaims, “The Struggle ed its 100th anniversary at the New Continues.” York Hilton on June 4. Founded in 1909, the year that The Freedom Fund Dinner Dance 69 black Americans were lynched, honored three labor leaders for their the NAACP has been the vanguard outstanding contribution to the cause of the civil rights movement. “From of freedom and justice. They are waging a thirty-year anti-lynching Charles Hall Jr., president Local 108, campaign to spearheading crucial RWDSU/UFCW; Michael Mulgrew, civil rights legislation and establish - chief operating officer, UFT; and ing the legal defense fund that Eddie Rodriguez, president, Local brought about the Brown vs. Board 1549, DC37, AFSCME. Several Local of Education decision, the more 237 officials and business agents than half-million member organiza - were also on hand, including Hous - tion has been central to the move - ing Division Director Remilda Fergu - ment for racial and economic justice son and Citywide Division Deputy in the nation,” wrote Paula Finn, Director Pete Gutierrez. Editor of New Labor Forum.” The New York Branch NAACP president, Chief Dr. Annie B. Martin, takes center- The festivities highlighted the On its centennial agenda is “a stage with the 100th anniversary cake. organization’s accomplishments as major push designed to shift the era of smarter policies,” NAACP NAACP’s 100th annual conven - well as its ongoing mission. Despite criminal justice system away from president Benjamin Jealous was tion was held at the New York the unprecedented advancement in failed tough-on-crime laws to a new quoted as saying in Metro News. Hilton, July 11-16.

CUNY to Hold Open House The Struggle Continues This painting Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations and by Norman Rock - CUNY’s Joseph S. Murphy Institute for Worker Education and Labor well depicts a Studies will hold an Open House to introduce the Certificate in Labor milestone in the Relations program. It will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 6 p.m., at struggle for equal the Cornell Conference Center, 16 East 34 Street, Manhattan, 6th Floor, rights to educa - Room A. tion in the United The new 16-credit Undergraduate Certificate Program is offered States. In 1954, through an educational partnership between Cornell and CUNY. The the Supreme Court , program is designed to provide students with an understanding of em - in the case known ployment relations, labor law and unions. Weekday evening classes as Brown v. the begin the first week in September. Board of Educa - The 4-credit courses include: Collective Bargaining, Labor and Em - tion, struck down ployment Law, Unions and Labor Relations, Work, Culture and Politics racial segregation

in New York City, and Labor History. in schools and “School Girl With U.S. Marshals” ─ 1964, Estate of Norman Rockwell To find out more about the program call 212-340-2847 or visit the other public facilities. The NAACP, only 45 years old then, was instrumen - website at www.ilr.cornell.edu/cmi/ tal in leading the way to this civil and human rights reform and continues the fight for equal rights. NEWSLINE, June/July/August 2009 7 FOUNDERS DAY: ‘OUR CITY, OUR VOICE’

Former Tuskegee Airman Dabney Montgormery and wife, Amelia, hold awards and are congratulated by, from left, Nancy B. True, director, Retiree Division; President Gregory Floyd; Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney.

he annual Founders Day event hosted by Local 237’s Retiree Di - vision focused on timely topics: the economic crisis and the New York City Elections. Held at the New York Hilton on June 5, the event drew more than 300 retirees and members to a vig - orous morning panel and an inspiring luncheon program. The panel, moderated by Felipe Luciano, Local 237’s community aTffairs director, included Patricia Stryker, political and legislation di - rector and recording secretary; Vincent Montalbano, our union lobby - ist at City Hall; and James Parrott, deputy director of the Fiscal Policy Institute. The panel explored ways the city can repair the economy without hurting public employees, and discussed labor’s role in its destiny. One of the greatest strengths the union has is its retirees, the panel agreed. More than any other group, retirees are voters, and many remain activists. “We helped elect Obama,” said Stryker. “Our voices are heard.” Panel members onstage are, from left, Felipe Luciano, moderator and director, Community Affairs; Vincent Montalbano, union lobbyist at City Hall; Patricia Continued on page 10 Stryker, director Political Action and Legislation; and James Parrott, deputy director, Fiscal Policy Institute.

From left are Pauline Rosenbaum, Julio Virella and Toni Rowe (98 years old this month).

Doris Welch and Shavon Banks greet guests.

A smiling couple enjoys the panel discussion. Dorothy Mass and brother Wilfred Ferguson balance their breakfasts.

MORE ON FOUNDERS DAY , page 10 See more photos and video online at www.local237.org 8 NEWSLINE, June/July/August 2009

See more photos and video online at www.local237.org

UN GRAN DÍA… TODOS SOMOS PUERTORIQUEÑOS n time with the resounding rhythms of the our ranks,” said President Floyd. “Each year we singers, including the renowned salsa music stars Panamanian International Marching Band, our take this opportunity to say ‘gracias’ for the con - Eddie Palmieri, Willie Colón, and Gilberto Santa contingent, numbering about 200 members, tributions of our members here and on the is - Rosa. The King of the Parade was romantic salsa friends, and family, marched joyously along land.” superstar Victor Manuelle. 5th Avenue from West 45 Street to East 86 The Teamsters presence on the island includes Waving flags and cheering wildly, everyone Street on a breezy, sunny June 14 that didn’t dare about 500 Local 237 retirees and about 5,000 Local proclaimed their love for Puerto Rico. The joy and Ito rain. (¡Basta ya!) 901 active members. enthusiasm of the marchers, bands, dancers, floats “Our union has grown and prospered from This year planners dedicated the parade to and viewers along the parade route was, as expect - the presence of so many Puerto Rican members in Boricua music, featuring about 50 bands and ed, New York’s grandest fiesta. Robert Camacho, a NYCHA supervisor of grounds, leads a round of cheers.

Lorraine Aponte, site caretaker at NYCHAʼs Claremont Consolidated in the Bronx, sports a new hairdo.

It doesnʼt take sharp eyes to see a festive group.

These girls and guy are ready to go.

President Gregory Floyd stops to greet Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan and clergy at St. Patrickʼs Cathedral. The Panamanian International Marching Band puts its best foot forward. NEWSLINE, June/July/August 2009 9

Photos by Gerald Schultz UN GRAN DÍA… TODOS SOMOS PUERTORIQUEÑOS n time with the resounding rhythms of the our ranks,” said President Floyd. “Each year we singers, including the renowned salsa music stars Panamanian International Marching Band, our take this opportunity to say ‘gracias’ for the con - Eddie Palmieri, Willie Colón, and Gilberto Santa contingent, numbering about 200 members, tributions of our members here and on the is - Rosa. The King of the Parade was romantic salsa friends, and family, marched joyously along land.” superstar Victor Manuelle. 5th Avenue from West 45 Street to East 86 The Teamsters presence on the island includes Waving flags and cheering wildly, everyone Street on a breezy, sunny June 14 that didn’t dare about 500 Local 237 retirees and about 5,000 Local proclaimed their love for Puerto Rico. The joy and tIo rain. (¡Basta ya!) 901 active members. enthusiasm of the marchers, bands, dancers, floats “Our union has grown and prospered from This year planners dedicated the parade to and viewers along the parade route was, as expect - the presence of so many Puerto Rican members in Boricua music, featuring about 50 bands and ed, New York’s grandest fiesta. Marching, from left, are Richard Hendershot, vice president; Gregory Floyd, president; cy Vance, candidate for DA; George L. Miranda, president, Joint Council 16; and Ruben Torres, secretary-treasurer.

Family and friends come together in solidarity. Clockwise, left: Young ladies smile for the camera. Boys sport matching hats and faces. Patricia Stryker, recording secretary, and Nancy B. True, director, Retiree Division, make a fashion statement. Caretaker J Carlos Cruz and his daughter wait to step out.

The Panamanian International Marching Band puts its best foot forward. 10 NEWSLINE, June/July/August 2009 FOUNDERS DAY: ‘Our City, Our Voice’ – From page 7 Continued from page 7 Maloney honored him with the Con - gressional Record’s extension of re - Parrot noted that “FDR was pushed to marks, making his story part of U.S. his - progressive action by the power of tory. Also pleased that the Federal Em - workers.” “Politics is personal,” empha - ployees Paid Leave bill she sponsored sized Montalbano, who urged the audi - had been passed that day by the House ence to be aware of a candidate’s impact of Representatives, Maloney said we’re before deciding who to vote for. “one step closer” to a “family-friendly” The luncheon’s highlight was hon - policy for federal workers, and praised oree Dabney N. Montgomery, a Local the Obama administration’s record of 237 retiree, who President Gregory successes in the past five months. Floyd presented with a Trailblazer In a final presentation, the retirees’ Award [see story on page 11]. Mont - Sunshine Club donated a check for gomery, an 85-year-old former housing $25,000 to City Harvest, which rescues assistant for New York City Housing Au - unused restaurant food and delivers it thority, and a ground-crew member of to charities serving people in need. the famed Tuskegee Airmen, has a long Addressing the audience, Nancy B. Sidonie Cameron, left, and Bernice Judge are seatmates at lunch. list of service to his country and com - True, Retiree Division director, noted munity. that next year’s event would celebrate Calling Montgomery an “American the division’s 30th Anniversary. The Hero,” keynote speaker Rep. Carolyn 29th will be a tough act to follow.

Grace Klein and Louise Toumbacaris enjoy the dayʼs activities.

The Retiree Division Sunshine Club looks on as a representative from City Harvest holds their donation for $25,000 to the charitable organization.

Lea Vela and James Spicer participate in the panel discussion.

Left, members collect goody bags.

Right, musicians add jazz to the breakfast menu. NEWSLINE, June/July/August 2009 11 Former Tuskegee Airman, Our Own Retiree,

Earns Place in History Dabney Montgomery, wearing a Congressional A national treasure walked into Local 237 in March for a routine Medal of Honor, visit with a Retiree Division counselor. As Dabney Montgomery, a re - shares the tired New York City Housing Authority housing assistant, spoke with spotlight with Deputy Director Winston George, he revealed that he had served in the President ground crew of the famed Tuskegee airmen during World War II, and Gregory Floyd. later was a bodyguard for Martin Luther King during the historic 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Recognizing a great story, the Retiree News & Views editor, Donna Ristorucci, interviewed Montgomery and published a two-part series about him in Retiree News & Views, the retirees’ newspaper, and in the union’s Oral History Project online at www.local237.org . WASHINGTON, JUNE 4, 2009_ Inspired by the articles, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney paid tribute to Montgomery on Founders Day with an “Extension of Remarks.” The tribute includes his life story in the Con - gressional Record as a part of American history. PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 111 TH CONGRESS The Congressional Extension of Remarks is published in its entirety here. IN TRIBUTE TO DABNEY MONTGOMERY, AN but went directly to the Brown Chapel AME Church, the AMERICAN HERO march headquarters.

HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY Mr. Montgomery had experienced Alabama’s discrimina - In Montgomery’s Own Words OF NEW YORK tory registration practices himself, and remembers the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES anger and frustration he felt at being denied the right to vote. In 1946 when he returned to Selma after the war, he A man of few, but substantial words, Dabney Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Dabney went to the courthouse to register. He was given three Montgomery, the 86-year-old Local 237 retiree and Montgomery, a member of the ground crew of the forms that had to be signed by three white men testifying American hero, provided these memorable quotes Tuskegee Airmen, who later served as a bodyguard for that he was ‘a good boy.’ He persuaded three men who during an interview and on Founders Day. Martin Luther King during the historic 1965 march from knew his father to sign the forms, but that was not suffi - Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Mr. Montgomery is cient. He also had to show that he owned $3,000 worth of being honored by the International Brotherhood of land – not cash, which he had, but real property. So he “My father, Dred, told me ‘son, wherever you Teamsters, Local 237, at an event in my district on Friday, gave up. As he walked down the courthouse steps, he met a white veteran going to register to vote. The white man go I want you to join a church and a union.’ I’m sure June 5, 2009. Mr. Montgomery is a retired New York City just signed up – no forms, no attestations, no real property. he’s smiling in his grave because I have joined a Housing Authority housing assistant. union.” Mr. Montgomery was born in Selma, Alabama in 1923. He Having experienced the discrimination himself, Mr. was inducted into the armed forces in 1943 and underwent Montgomery wanted to change the system. He was moved “In this new era, we have to work harder and basic training in Biloxi, Mississippi, followed by a course by having the opportunity to join with the other protesters, look after each other more, and use the great gift of in the mechanics of army supplies at Camp Lee, Virginia. where they prayed on the steps of the very courthouse common sense.” He was one of three men in his course who were selected where his registration had been rejected. A sheriff with a for the Army Air Corps in Oscoda, Michigan. By the time large gun came by and advised them to go pray in church. Mr. Montgomery says he told him, “We feel sorry for you. “We supplied the Tuskegee Experiment with he arrived in Michigan, the unit was already packing to ship out. He was assigned to the 1051st Company of the All you have on your side is your gun. We have truth on food and clothing…I use the word ‘experiment’ be - our side, we have God on our side, and the truth and God cause the theory was…that the arteries in the brain 96th Air Service group, in charge of making sure that the units were supplied with food and clothing. will last forever; your gun will disintegrate.” of black men were smaller than the arteries in the brains of white men, so our brain could not accept Tuskegee Institute was awarded the U.S. Army Air Corps Mr. Montgomery volunteered to be a bodyguard for Mr. sharp curves and dives that were needed to fly a contract to help train America’s first Black military avia - King during the march from Selma to Montgomery. The fighter plane.” tors because it had already invested in the development of first time the marchers tried to cross the bridge, they were an airfield, had a proven civilian pilot training program and turned back. A federal court gave permission and more than 3,000 people marched over the Edmund Pettus “The Tuskegee pilots never lost a bomber…I its graduates performed highest on flight aptitude exams. The project was considered an experiment because it was Bridge. White people drove by and called them names. once met a pilot who did not want to be escorted by Undeterred, they made the 54 mile march that helped bring a black pilot. When we were in the plane wearing designed to refute a racist 1920s theory that suggested that blacks could not tolerate the sharp curves and dives that about the Voting Rights Act saying that all Americans masks, you couldn’t tell who the pilot was, but the were needed to fly a fighter plane. Eleanor Roosevelt was should have the right to vote. In recent years, Mr. tails of the planes of the black pilots were painted much impressed by the pilots she met at the Tuskegee Montgomery’s service is earning him honors. In 2007, he red. We were called the Red Tails. When the armed Institute in 1941, and persuaded her husband to use these and the other surviving Tuskegee Airmen were awarded forces were given their first orders to bomb Berlin, talented men in combat missions. With nearly 1,000 pilots the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. On the morning the pilots requested that the Red Tails escort them. and as many as 19,000 support personnel ranging from of his inauguration, President Barack Obama had breakfast What a change.” mechanics to nurses, the Tuskegee Airmen were credited with the Tuskegee Airman, and Mr. Montgomery was with shooting down more than 100 enemy aircraft. Their there. He also took part in the reading of the U.S. “The sun was setting as I got off the bus in success paved the way for today’s integrated armed forces. Constitution at the Newseum. Fittingly, he was given Amendment 24, sections 1 and 2, barring a poll tax. Local Selma. It was March. I didn’t tell my mom and pop Some members of the Tuskegee Airmen went home and 237 President Greg Floyd will present him with a I was in town, or my friends. I had a small bag with lived quiet lives. Mr. Montgomery went on to become Trailblazer Award at the Retiree Division’s Founders Day my clothes. I went to the Brown Chapel AME actively involved in the civil rights movement. Mr. celebration tomorrow. Church, the [Selma] march headquarters.” Montgomery first met Martin Luther King, Jr. as a student in Boston where Mr. Montgomery studied. They shared the Madam Speaker, I ask my distinguished colleagues to join “White people in autos drove by and called us same godmother. me in recognizing the achievements of Dabney names. It was an example of man’s inhumanity to Montgomery, an outstanding veteran, hero, civil rights man.” In 1965, Mr. Montgomery was living in New York City, activist and civil servant. working as a social service investigator for the Welfare Department. One night he saw a news broadcast of blacks “Here I am, not only seeing the first African being beaten and gassed in Alabama for wanting to vote. ______American president elected, but seeing him inaugu - Outraged that this could happen in America, he decided to rated. That’s what happens when you believe, when return to Selma to take part in the protests. He took a leave CAROLYN B. MALONEY you fight for it, when you die for it.” of absence from his job, and arrived in Selma on the bus. Member of Congress He didn’t tell his parents or his friends that he was in town, 12 NEWSLINE, June/July/August 2009 LONG ISLAND REPORT

Golden Age – John Carroll, far right, holds his retirement plaque as he is congratulated by colleagues at a recent party held for him at the Knights of Columbus in the Town of Islip. Pictured, from left, are Tom Pfaffe, executive assistant to the commissioner for Islip; Booked in Syosset – Staffers at the Syosset Library welcome President Gre - Martin Ryan, shop steward; and Jim Brockwell, business agent for gory Floyd and Long Island Division Director John Burns for a tour of the facility. Local 237’s Long Island Division. Carroll, a former heavy equipment Standing at Floyd’s left is Liaison Rosemary Moran. operator and shop steward, retired with 30 years of service.

Handy Man – Jimmy Greco keeps equipment running smoothly at the Road Warriors – Highway Department workers for the Town of Babylon take a break. Shop steward and Town of Babylon maintenance shop. chapter chair Bob Verch is third from left.

In Ship Shape – Town of Babylon fleet maintainers welcome a visit from President Gregory Floyd. Pictured above, from left, are Tom Coppola, Safety First – Artie Staub, left, and Frank Gandiosi keep a safe and or - shop steward; James Barger, automotive mechanic 3; Floyd, and Phil Casi - ganized maintenance shop in the Town of Babylon. mano, foreman. NEWSLINE, June/July/August 2009 13

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Carolyn I R Nesbitt Congratulations to… SSA Carolyn Nes - …SCHOOL SAFETY AGENT WANDA SIMMONS of Brooklyn North and her bitt retired March husband, Stanley Simmons, a mason helper for New York City Housing 14 after 29 years of Authority in Brooklyn, on the birth of their first grandchild, Amar’e service. A veteran Jalen Floyd on May 26. The baby boy weighed 8 pounds 1.6 ounces. His of Taft H.S. in the mother is Shaniece Simmons and his dad is Tameek Floyd. Bronx and the for - • • • mer Stevenson …ANABELLE CAPALBO , a supervisor of school food service in District 11, H.S., Nesbitt says, the Bronx, on the birth of her first grandchild, Chloe Rose, in May. Baby “I miss the kids… weighed 6 pounds 15 ounces. I’ve seen my trou - • • • bled kids turn …SSA S TARLETTE MCLENNAN of IS 285 in Brooklyn South on her gradu - their lives around ation from Fordham University School of Social Service with a master’s and I feel a part of Carolyn Nesbitt holds her retirement plaque and is flanked, from left, by Citywide Division Business degree in social work. it.” Nesbitt, who Agents Michelle Walters and Charles Mussa; and • • • has two daughters Citywide Division Director Donald Arnold. ... DEIDRA WELCH , police officer with the Administration for Children’s and six grandchildren, including a newborn, says she has worked Services, on receiving a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice with “some great teams” and is thankful she got to “see this” retire - from John Jay College on May 28. ment, when many fellow officers did not live to see theirs. She’s also • • • grateful that she listened to her grandmother’s sage advice: “join your …Leilani Arroyo, the 18-year-old daughter of SCHOOL SAFETY AGENT LUIS pension.” A. A RROYO , on her graduation from New Day Academy in the Bronx. Leilani, the oldest of five siblings, will be attending John Jay in the fall. Anthony • • • …SSA L3 B ERNICE MAYO , who celebrated 29 years of service in the Rosado Bronx West Command on June 3. Mayo was ordained as a Pentecostal District Guard minister in 2006. Anthony Rosado • • • retired July 1 from …SSA L3 R AMON CABRERA , at IS 22 in the Bronx West Command, on the the Department of arrival of his first grandchild, Amanda Nicole Rodriguez, on June 10. Education with 37 The baby weighed 5 pounds. Her mother is Cabrera’s youngest daugh - years of service. ter, Nastasia. He also has another daughter and a son. He spent those • • • years on the Lower …ACS P OLICE SGT . M ICHAEL HIGGINS and his wife Shenika, who will cel - East Side serving ebrate their 3rd wedding anniversary on Aug. 19. Higgins works at 127 18 schools in Dis - Street in Harlem and has four years of service. trict 1, where he • • • also has lived for …KEANNA WINSTON on the birth of her baby girl Jynesis Weeks, on Feb. as many years. 9. Brooklyn North Command welcomes you back from childcare leave! Married with Anthony Rosado holds his retirement plaque as he is four children and congratulated, from left, by Ed Kane, chief negotia - SGT . C YNTHIA MICKENS , a senior special officer for the Department of 12 grandchildren, tor; Ruben Torres, secretary-treasurer; and Donald Juvenile Justice in Brooklyn, sends her thanks to co-workers and union Rosado says he is Arnold, director, Citywide Division. members for their kind words and thoughtfulness during her recovery grateful to the union for “backing us up” in a fight they won for back from major surgery. “They have assisted in making my recovery less pay. “The union did a lot of great stuff for us.” painful mentally and emotionally,” says Mickens. “God Bless.” Rosado is enjoying his free time with an occasional trip to Atlantic • • • City and a retirement party planned for August. Best wishes for recovery to SSA J ACQUELINE CLAUDIO of Queens North Command’s IS 237. Claudio, who has seven years of service, suf - John fered a leg injury May 18, and is recovering at home in Brooklyn. Sanderson We’d like to hear from you. If you’d like us to report on what’s School Food happening in your life, drop a line to Teamster Notes, Newsline, Service Manager 216 W. 14 Street, NY 10011, or call 646-638-8636, John Sanderson or e-mail [email protected]. retired March 24, with 38 years of service in the De - partment of Edu - CONDOLENCES TO... cation. Sanderson, trained as a classi - …SCHOOL SAFETY AGENT ALDITH FRAZIER of P.S. 177 in Brooklyn South on cal pianist, also the death of her mother, Inez Haynes, on April 17. The funeral service sings, plays guitar was held in Jamaica West Indies on May 3. John Sanderson holds his retirement plaque and is • • • and trombone and joined, from left, by Citywide Division Business …SSA M ICHELLE MITCHELL of J.H.S. 33 in Brooklyn North Command on writes music. Agents Michelle Walters and Charles Mussa; and the death of her mother, Dorothy Jones. The funeral service was held May He recalls tak - Citywide Division Director Donald Arnold. 15 in Brooklyn. ing over the food service for Stuyvesant High School and Brooklyn • • • Tech after the World Trade Center attacks. “We sent food to emergency …CARETAKER J M AURICE GOODWIN , at Red Hook West Houses in Brooklyn, on workers. I saw the second plane go into buildings…so many kids cry - the death of his father, John C. Goodwin, on July 5. We extend our deepest ing,” recalls Sanderson. regrets to Goodwin, who recently lost his mother, father and grandmother. A shop steward since 1973 who has worked all over the city, • • • Sanderson says, “I’m going to miss those kids.” One of them is now a …the family of ROMAINE GAGER , the late housing manager who retired in city councilman, notes Sanderson. “It’s surprising how you touch their 2007 and died June 7 at age 63. lives. You never know.” • • • Sanderson is a proud father of two daughters; one is a lawyer and …SSA L2 T AISHEIKA BRIOCHE , on the death of her husband, SSA L2 W EN - the other works in technology at Disney Studios in California. He also DELL BRIOCHE , on June 13. Brioche, aged 33, died of a heart attack. The cou - has a son, a musician, recently graduated from high school, and four ple, who were both assigned to the Queens North Command Task Force, grandchildren, three boys and a girl. met on the job. Brioche is survived by his wife, three daughters and a son. 14 NEWSLINE, June/July/August 2009 Housing Matters The Heat Is On

Graduates of the New York City Housing Authorityʼs Advanced Heating Plant Technician training pose for a portrait in the Ceremonial Room at 90 Church Street. Pictured with the graduates at the June 5th ceremony, are NYCHA officials and Ruben Torres, Local 237 secretary-treasurer, at right of center in the second row. Greetings from Manhattan... and Brooklyn

Staffers at NYCHAʼs Manhattan office for Housing Applications greet President Gregory Floyd and Business Agent David Gonzales during a visit to the worksite. Workers at NYCHAʼs Marcus Garvey Houses pose for a portrait.

Flight Pattern Scholarship Opportunities

First Lt. Liam Flemming, Applications are available at Local 237 for the 2009 Essay Contest the son of Housing Assistant sponsored by The James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund. To be eligible, Colleen Flemming, wears his applicants must be students attending a community college, four-year institu - new wings with pride. His tion or technical vocational program; be age 23 or younger; and are chil - mother, a shop steward with dren or grandchildren of Teamster members. 19 years of service, works at The essay topic this year is: “What was the worst job you or a family NYCHA’s Fordham Plaza of - member ever held, and how would a labor union, such as the Teamsters, fice in the Bronx. have made the situation better?” She couldn’t be prouder of The Essay Contest awards $1,000 scholarships annually to 50 students. her eldest son, who became a The deadline for submitting essays is Sept. 30. To request an application, call certified Marine pilot on April Local 237’s Education Department at 212-807-0550, or visit 9. Liam graduated from Vir - www.teamster.org. ginia Polytech with a degree in aerospace engineering in Separately, the Teamsters Hispanic Caucus is accepting applications for 2005 and joined the Marines scholarships for eligible students in the fall 2009 semester. Parents of appli - as an officer. He is based in cants must be members in good standing of the Teamsters Hispanic Caucus San Diego, Cal., where he flies and of their locals. rescue helicopters. To request an application, mail your note “Return Receipt Requested” to: Colleen has two younger Teamsters Hispanic Caucus, P.O. Box 740121, Bronx, NY 10474-0003. The sons, 17 and 15, who, she request must be postmarked no later than Aug. 15. proudly notes, “are on the • honor roll” in their high If you have any questions about the Hispanic Caucus scholarships call schools. Oscar A. Gonzalez or Maria Lugo at 718-328-7000 . NEWSLINE, June/July/August 2009 15 Resumen en Español Acuerdo Entre Sindicatos y La Ciudad Salva Empleos y Reduce Gastos

Cumpliendo con una difícil de - sentar a los miembros del Local 237 costeado por el Fondo de Estabi - ley ha sido extendida desde 1981. cisión de proteger el sustento vital incluye hacer decisiones duras lización Sindical, que obtuvieron Más tarde, Paterson anunció un de sus miembros durante la crisis cuando enfrentamos retos a nue - los sindicatos municipales durante acuerdo con la Asociación de Em - fiscal más severa desde la Gran De - stros contratos, y sobre todo, nuestra sus negociaciones colectivas a me - pleados de Servicio Civil (CSAE) y presión, el Comité Laboral Munici - seguridad de empleos,” dijo el Pres - diados de los años 1980’s. Además, la Federación de Empleados Públi - pal (CLM) acordó ceder concesiones idente Gregory Floyd, quien funge bajo el acuerdo, a partir de Octubre cos (PEF), dos grandes sindicatos es - en cuanto a beneficios de salud para como secretario del CLM, que repre - 1, habrá un pago único de $200 a tatales que acordaron apoyar un empleados de la ciudad que rendirá senta a unos 100 sindicatos de ser - los fondos de bienestar administra - plan de pensión Escalón 5 para evi - ahorros de $1 billón a la ciudad a vicio civil durante negociaciones dos por los sindicatos por cada em - tar despidos. través de seis años. A cambio, la ciu - sobre reglamentación de seguro de pleado activo y jubilado para com - El acuerdo del Comité Laboral dad acordó posponer el despido de salud. “Estoy orgulloso de poder pensar por el aumento del costo de Municipal con la ciudad todavía 1,000 empleados permanentes del representar la buena fe de tantos cuidado de salud. El financiamiento necesita ser firmado por oficiales de servicio civil hasta por lo menos Oc - miembros sindicales, quienes al de esto vendrá del Fondo de Estabi - la ciudad y de los sindicatos antes tubre 1. compartir unos pequeños sacrificios lización de Seguro de Salud, lo cual de ser efectivo para los años fiscales El Acuerdo de Beneficios de podrán ayudar a otros empleados de obtuvieron los sindicatos durante 2010, que empezó Julio 1, y el 2011. Salud del 2009 fue anunciado por el la ciudad a mantener sus empleos y sus negociaciones colectivas a me - Las discusiones en cuanto a cómo Alcalde Michael R. Bloomberg con a la vez ayudar a nuestra gran ciu - diados de los años 1980’s. recortar costos continuarán, y el Al - Harry Nespoli, Presidente del CLM dad a mantenerse como tal.” Solicitando aun más sacrificios, calde Bloomberg fue citado por el Junio 2 en una rueda de conferencia Nespoli del CLM, quien también el Alcalde Bloomberg dijo que es - periódico Daily News de haber en la sede del Concejo de Distrito es presidente de la Asociación de pera ver acción sobre un Escalón 5 dicho que por primera vez está 37. El acuerdo modifica los benefi - Trabajadores Uniformados de de pensión que cubriría a nuevos abierto a considerar la idea de per - cios de salud para mas de 550,000 Sanidad, dijo “Los sindicatos de empleados, que fue propuesto por el mitir ausencias temporarias de tra - empleados y jubilados cubiertos por esta ciudad, al cabo de todo, siem - Gobernador David Paterson. El bajo sin sueldo como forma de ahor - medio de co-pagos sin precedente, pre han estado y estarán allí cuando nuevo Escalón de jubilación pagaría rar dinero. incluyendo $50 para una visita a la la ciudad esté en problemas.” Él menos y requeriría más años de ser - Si el acuerdo no es firmado, se sala de emergencia; $50 para añadió, “Este no es un problema que vicio. “No estamos interesados en ha programado el despido de más de tratamiento de cirugía ambulatoria; nosotros causamos, pero las 550,000 sentarnos para negociar un Escalón 900 empleados de la Adminis - $100 para ser admitido al hospital personas que yo y otros líderes 5,” se reportó que dijo Nespoli al tración de Servicios Para Niños de bajo el programa HIP-HMO; y mejor sindicales representamos siempre periódico Chief Leader. la ciudad; 116 trabajadores del De - administración del programa de hemos cumplido con nuestra re - El asunto sobre pensiones se in - partamento de Educación; 55 del salud. El acuerdo también elimina sponsabilidad a los ciudadanos de tensificó cuando Paterson vetó en Departamento de Salud e Higiene cobertura de cuidado dental preven - la Ciudad de Nueva York.” proyecto de ley que extendería los Mental, y unos 100 de otras enti - tivo en ciertas oficinas. El costo de deferir los despidos beneficios de pensión para nuevos dades, según informaron oficiales “Mi responsabilidad de repre - por un período de 90 días será policías y bomberos de la ciudad. La sindicales al New York Times. El Local 237 Defiende Trabajadores de Puerto Rico

Oficiales del Local 237 se Estados Unidos.” unieron a líderes laborales y legis - Los oradores protestaron contra ladores en las escaleras de la Al - la Ley Pública 7, sometida Marzo 4 caldía en apoyo de sus hermanos y por el Gobernador Puertorriqueño hermanas en Puerto Rico, cuyos Luís Fortuño, y aprobada dos días derechos laborales obtenidos en mas tarde. La ley declaró un estado duras luchas están siendo violados de emergencia fiscal y estableció un por la privatización de sus empleos. plan para estabilizar la economía Entre los oradores en la protesta por medio de la privatización de los de Junio 17 estuvo Rubén Torres, empleos públicos y permitiendo Secretario-Tesorero del Local 237; que el gobierno pueda suspender los Sonia Ivana, presidenta del Concejo contratos ya firmados. Miles de tra - Laboral de la Ciudad de Nueva York bajadores del sector público han Para el Avance Latinoamericano; sido despedidos y muchos más Rosie Méndez, John Liu, y Melissa están en el tajador. Mark-Viverito, Concejales de la Ciu - Ivany notó que la lucha ha ayu - dad; Bob Madore, director de Traba - dado a unir a los trabajadores con el jadores Unidos de Auto, Región 9ª, y movimiento laboral en la isla y en Roberto Pagan, vicepresidente inter - los Estados Unidos, donde además nacional de SEIU, presidente de de solidaridad sindical, hubo 17 SPT, SEIU, Puerto Rico. Concejales de la Ciudad de Nueva “Tenemos que mandarles un York que integraron una resolución Líderes sindicales de Nueva York, incluyendo a Ruben Torres, secretario- fuerte mensaje a los trabajadores en apoyo de los empleados públicos tesorero del Local 237, y concejales John Liu, Melissa Mark-Viverito y Rosie públicos de Puerto Rico. Nosotros de Puerto Rico. Méndez, le prestan atención a Sonia Ivany, presidenta del Concejo Laboral de la en los Estados Unidos no los hemos “No guardaremos silencio,” dijo Ciudad de Nueva York Para el Avance Latinoamericano (al micrófono). llevó a cabo en San Juan después de olvidado,” dijo Rubén Torres, que es Méndez, quien estuvo entre los Reserve Esta Fecha: que Fortuño despidiera a 10,000 tra - miembro de la junta directiva del manifestantes que viajaron a Puerto Viernes, Septiembre 25, 2009, bajadores. La marcha fue organizada Comité Hispano y un Comisionado Rico para retar el bombardeo en Celebración del Festival Anual por “Todo Puerto Rico Para Puerto de la Comisión de Derechos Hu - Vieques. “Viajaremos otra vez,” de - Latino del Local 237. Tendremos Rico,” una coalición que incluye a manos de dicha organización. “For - claró ella, enfatizando que las ac - más detalles en el Newsline de los sindicatos afiliados con Cambio tuño no está lidiando solamente con ciones de Fortuño son “inconstitu - Septiembre, y por Internet en Para Ganar, la AFL-CIO, las comu - los trabajadores en la isla, sino tam - cionales.” www.local237.org. bién con los sindicatos en todos los Una masiva manifestación se nidades y grupos eclesiásticos. Ci Ce Hos Be At Dr Pe hos ac ro a Mc Ci Ne of Pe Gut Se m t ty centrw ty t

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