APRIL-JUNE 2019 Communique WOMEN

Pages 2-3 Working to Elect More Women into Political Office

In this Issue EEOC UPDATE...... Pages 6-7 Collective Bargaining...... Page 8 LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY ...... Page 15 in a Right-to-Work State. . . . Pages 18-19 20 WOMEN

While much progress has been made in the name of gender equality, the battle continues. Despite Politics has never being a majority of the voting population, women are grossly underrepresented at all levels of government. In fact, female representation has actually declined since 2009. 21 A initiative calledIN 21 in ’21 wants to change all that. been overly 21 in ’21’s goal is to have at least 21 women in the Council’s body of 51 members by 2021 to start leveling out the gender playing field within government. While this is definitely a good start, it still falls far short. The 21 in ‘21 effort prepares female candidates through supporting, welcoming to training, and networking, as a means of increasing the gender diversity of that legislative body, which oversees a $93 billion budget. Holding a City Council seat is considered by many as the first step in women running for higher offices like governor, the State Legislature, and Congress. Just women. That is look at former Council member who went on to become a State Assembly member, Borough President, and now has a great shot at becoming the next Queens District Attorney. Or who served for a decade on the City Council before becoming the City’s Public why, as the first Advocate and then New York State’s first female and first African American Attorney General. Unfortunately, the number of women in the City Council has declined from a high of 18 in 2009 to its current number of 11. When almost 79% of the Council’s members are men, male points of view black female dominate at City Hall. And in New York State government, the numbers aren’t much better. Out of 63 Senators, only 17 are female, and out of 150 Assembly members, only 40 are female. If the majority of Congresswoman New Yorkers — 52% — are female, why are so many men still making decisions on behalf of women? “21 in ’21 is ready to help shape the future of our female leaders in New York City and help make the suffragettes movement from more than a century ago a reality now to create true, equal power,” said Local 1180 President Gloria Middleton, the first African American and the first female to lead the Shirley Chisholm 9,000 active member union. “There are so many issues pertinent to women that are being discussed and addressed predominantly by men. This is just wrong. The tide started turning after the election of the misogynistic #45 as president, and now more women across the nation are standing up and put it, “if they announcing their intent to run for office. In order for women to have equal rights, we need to have an equal say, and the only way for us to have equal say is for us to have equal representation.” don’t give you She said women’s life experiences are different than men’s, and it is these unique experiences that make women great candidates. “We know what it’s like to be discriminated against simply because we are women. We know how much harder we have to work than men to break the glass ceiling. We know what it’s like to have to juggle families, children, and a career,” Middleton said. It’s the latter a seat at the that’s often the largest hindrance. “How many balls can women successfully juggle?” she asked. Scott Levenson of The Advance Group, a political consultant for Local 1180, said entering a field table, bring a predominantly and historically controlled by men is not so easy. “The problem is finding women who can win. That requires skills and determination. The male-dominated political world can be extremely tough to enter as a woman, not to mention navigate, and there are structural as well as societal folding chair.” obstacles in the way of women attaining equal power,” he said. According to 21 in ‘21, “in the face of societal hurdles” such as a slim pay check and family responsibilities, “many women haven’t run for office despite studies showing that women win as often as men.”

By Marci Rosenblum, Local 1180 Communications Director 20

In order for women to have equal rights, we need to have an equal say, and 21 IN the only way for us to have equal say is for us to have equal representation. — Gloria Middleton, CWA Local 1180 President

Middleton reminds us that the time and cost it takes to run a successful campaign While there has definitely been progress in the past several years, men still dominate are often a hinderance to women who are not only working fulltime, but also raising local, state, and national politics. Part of the problem, at least in New York State, could families. This makes the battle even more important. No issue is gender-exclusive, be attributed to the fact that a municipal employee, like those represented by Local and decisions made in the City Council affect us all. In order for all voices to be 1180, who wish to run for office on a municipality’s council, must take a leave of absence represented, we must seek equal representation and make the City Council reflective from their jobs prior to filing a nomination form. That leaves far too many highly- of the world we live in. It’s time to “reinvent the boys club of politics”, as Middleton qualified women ruling out a run for political office if they are the sole or majority put it, and make it the peoples’ hub it is meant to be. breadwinner of their family, as a leave of absence equates to a leave of income.

Women taking an interest in politics is not even limited to New York City or state. Levenson said that New York City’s electoral system’s financial assistance can at least Emily’s List, a national organization dedicated to helping women win elected office, assuage the financial burden of running a campaign, but does nothing to make said more than a year ago that 30,000 women had at that point contacted them sure a candidate still has a personal income. The Campaign Finance Board matches about running for office after the 2016 elections. During the two years of the 2016 every dollar donated to a campaign up to $175 at an eight-to-one ratio. That means election cycle, the group was contacted by 920 women, which was a record at the every $10 donation becomes $80, making it somewhat easier for women from every time, according to an article in . The movement has definitely neighborhood and every background to vie to represent their communities in the been ignited by the Women’s March, the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements, and the Council. As previously mentioned, the majority of the voting population is already allegations of sexual abuse against President Trump. female, so the is set for women to once again make history in politics, and 21 in ’21 wants to make sure this dream becomes a reality. “That would be the silver lining in his presidency,” Middleton said. “His attacks on women, his name calling, misogynism, sexual harassment allegations, and crude There is no better time than right now for women to run for City Council, as there comments all brought about the insurgence of women into the political realm. In will be three dozen term-limited Council members in 2021. “In order to be successful, essence, his election served as a serious call to action. His outspoken misogyny can though,” Middleton says, “we not only need female candidates, we need women to become nicely ironic for female empowerment, if used as a tool of encouragement support them and work on these campaigns. To paraphrase an age-old quote, ‘Behind for women to speak out and stand up for ourselves.” every great woman, there’s a great woman.’ Let’s help our empowered female pioneers running for office, encourage even more women to run for City Council, and break Indeed, the tides have begun to turn: women are running for office in record numbers. ground for women in and out of politics, for today, tomorrow, and the future of equality In order to reach the goal of having 21 female members in yet to come.” 2021, 10 new women must be elected — a rather large number when only six have even tossed their names into the ring so far. It is time to make New York equal to all In fact, this concept is in our New York roots, dating back to January 1, 1919, when who call it home. New York’s first female legislators arrived at the State Assembly. The first two female assembly members, Ida Sammis from Long Island and Mary Lilly from New York City, The New York City Council Women’s Caucus recently issued a report that proudly took their seats among a sea of men. Without open arms to welcome them to identified one of the main causes of the gap between genders on the City the men’s club, their folding chairs were provided to them by the Sergeant at Arms as Council — the “political ambition gap.” According to the report, women are they had not brought their own. often forced to choose between their careers and their families, which limits the pool of female applicants for political office. Women also tend to underestimate Let us maintain the tradition of pioneering gender equality and women’s rights, as their qualifications as a candidate while overestimating the barriers to victory. proud New Yorkers have done before us. More women in elected office can become a Middleton said that while it’s validating to have the report state what a majority reality, and Local 1180 will do whatever it can to ensure the goal of 21 in ‘21 is met. g of women already knew, the bigger question is what to do with that information. Communique I 4 DO ITNOW!DO 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and someone will walk you through walk the entire9 a.m. - 4:30p.m. and process. will someone 1180office at212.226.6565, Monday-Fridaythe Local from If ANYassistancecall out filling the you forms, need please to isthelink theonlineBelow registry homepage athomepage You today sign by going also can to theUnion’s website https://rightsignature.com/forms/CWA-RELEASE-AND-W-f77580/token/5db0212dac1 in Administrative Managers We 90%of need 2,031 the Paperwork yet Paperwork If YOU didn’t the sign the lawsuit to opt in.That’s 1,828! www.cwa1180.org EEO Settlement & clicking on &clicking thelink

Gloria Middleton President

Don’t Be Confused: Contract Negotiations & the EEO Settlement Are Not the Same Thing

There are two pressing items currently on The most common question we get from As you know, we need 90 percent of the the minds of our members — contract members is “How come DC 37 members Admin Managers included in the lawsuit to negotiations that will bring about pay raises, have their raises and we don’t”? The answer sign the settlement paperwork and return it and the EEO Case settlement. is simple. DC 37 holds the bargaining to . That paperwork has been mailed certificate for all city workers and therefore to everyone, it has been emailed twice to Based on comments on our social media is the first to negotiate with the City. What everyone with addresses on file in our office, sites in the past month or so, there seems to DC 37 agrees to regarding pay increase a link to the online forms is on the homepage be tremendous confusion between the two, percentages sets the pattern for all other of our website, and our Staff Reps and Shop which are actually totally separate entities. locals, including ours. Since we work under Stewards are making individual phone calls The only thing they have in common is that the auspices of the citywide agreement, we and reaching out at site meetings and at they are at the top of the “hot topic” list at collaborate with other unions under the MLC work. We are keeping everyone updated the same time. to negotiate citywide issues. on our social media pages and quickly Collective bargaining with the City of New answering both private questions sent to us Once DC 37 has finished negotiations and York for a new contract began in October on Facebook as well as those posted publicly. ratifies the terms, only then we can request a 2018 when we first elected our Local’s date to sit at the bargaining table, once our I understand everyone’s concern that we are Bargaining Committee. Once the Committee internal processed is finished, and negotiate not yet at 90 percent. However, we WILL get reviewed and organized the demands on the 1180 unit agreement. there. Many of our Administrative Managers resulting from the surveys that were sent (and even some in other titles) have to the entire membership for their input, At our first meeting on March 18, 2019, we contacted the office to find out who works at we then had to notify the Mayor’s Office of presented our bargaining demands. The their sites that they can approach to sign the Labor Relations (OLR) that we were ready to second on April 4 was a technical meeting to paperwork. We also discovered that some sit down and start negotiations. discuss costs associated with our economic of our members on have retired demands, and on April 15 we presented Since many of our members are new, and or moved on to other jobs outside of City our Department of Education bargaining even for those who aren’t, I want to touch service. Please understand, if you were demands. We also met on June 24, 2019, on the process. However, for a more detailed in the title between December 2013 and We need 90% of the 2,031 to receive a response from the Technical account of why the bargaining process April 30, 2017 you ARE entitled to some Committee on the costs for our demands. portion of the settlement, whether or not Once we reach an agreement, the ball is in you are in the title now. We appreciate Administrative Managers Your raises will be retroactive to the date your court. It will be up to every one of our everyone’s efforts as this shows, yet again, members to vote on ratifying the contract. how well we do when we all work together. the previous contract expired. That means When we have reached that stage, you will Once you have signed the paperwork and be contacted with a mailing, an email blast, in the lawsuit to opt in. That’s 1,828! the from the final economic agreement returned it to the Local 1180 office, we then and our regular social media posts to let you have to categorize and scan it all in. This will begin the first date of this new contract, know the terms and to get you to vote. is a process. In the meantime, you might which is May 6, 2018. One important thing to remember as receive a phone call asking you to fill out the this process goes forward is that your paperwork when you already have. It just raises will be retroactive to the date the means that phone calls and our scanning seems to take so long, I would refer you previous contract expired. That means the have crossed paths. To paraphrase an old to our story on page 8 of this newsletter. money from the final economic agreement adage, better to be contacted twice than not Our first meeting involved presenting our will begin from the first date of this new at all. Please know that in order for there not demands to City representatives, who then contract. You are not losing out on salary to be any glitches at the end, we are triple had to review these demands, assign a cost increases; you are not forfeiting anything checking all the paperwork to make sure it is to them, prepare their list of questions, and while we work to get our unit contract all accurate and complete as we scan. come back for a second meeting. This back finalized. Please keep in mind that while our and forth — process — Finishing off negotiations for our contract contract expired in 2018, there are many city involves many meetings. While we would love and reaching 90 percent of our Admin unions whose contracts expired as far back if it only took a couple, it doesn’t. After all, Managers are our two main goals for the as 2015, 2016, and 2017. we are looking to get our members the best summer. As President, I have received many contract we can buy with the funds allocated Now on to the next major topic — the EEO congratulations on our EEO settlement win to us. settlement. After more than five years of from members, politicians, and the public trying to get the City to right its wrongs at large. No one does this job alone. The It’s important to remember that Local 1180 by paying most women and minority members most of all must support their is not the only labor union negotiating with Administrative Managers less than their union and be the voice of the union in their the City right now. There are hundreds of white, male counterparts, we finally came workplaces, their communities, and their locals all at the bargaining table at the same to terms on our lawsuit. We brought those places of worship. The Executive Board and time. To date, we have had four meetings terms to our Administrative Managers former President Arthur Cheliotes started (by the time of this publication), and are still Bargaining Committee at a special meeting this journey in 2013. We are nearing the end negotiating how the funds will be allocated, back in 2017 where the Committee agreed of the road and we just want to say thank specifically the Additional Compensation that rather than continue to fight in court for you for all your support! g Fund, which supplies our additions to gross more — a process that could have gone on and assignment differentials. indefinitely — we should settle with the City. Communique I 6 MEETING MANAGER ADMINISTRATIVE SETTLEMENT TERMS SETTLEMENT TO DISCUSS EEO UNION HOLDS to hearwhattheywould bereceiving. wereAdmin Managers especiallyeager the City. afive-plus-year battle, After settlement theunionreached with meeting to hearabouttheEEO April a special for came out who hundreds of Administrative Managers with The room wasoverflowing union’s officers, executive board, staff reps, inthelawsuitmustopt in. The Managers at least 90 percent of the 2,031 Admin In order forthesettlementto befinalized, who are notariesto helpout. even solicited from members theaudience said. Second Vice President GeraldBrown notarized,”to have theirpaperwork she who stayed that members night and waited them notarized. “We appreciate allthose by daily withtheircompleted forms to have havethe Union, members been stopping evening. With multiplenotaries on staff at of completed that of sets paperwork Local 1180 was able to notarize hundreds phone calllater thatweek to members.” were answered directly with a answer in the three we allotted hours for specific orthat we didn’thave timeto “Any questionsthat were too member- impact them personally,” Middleton said. questions about how the settlement would whooftenmany members hadindividual forso meetingwasoverwhelming “The staff didtheirbestto answer eachone. Questions were abundant but officers and to accommodate thecrowd. notaries, andsecuringaspace large enough package, arranging for more than a dozen by making900copiesof thesettlement weeks preparing for theenormousturnout Secretary-Treasurer Robin Blair-Batte spent VicePresidentFirst GinaStrickland, and Local 1180President GloriaMiddleton, and shop stewards are all focusing on individual phone calls and site visits to make sure that 90 percent mark is met. As of the time this magazine went to press, more than 83 percent had signed onto the lawsuit.

“We have so many members who have contacted the union to offer their assistance in reaching out to our Admin Managers,” Middleton said. “Everyone working together is how we will reach our goal. And we will reach it.”

Middleton pointed out that prior to the Janus v AFSCME Supreme Court decision one year ago, Local 1180 had almost 3,500 members who had not signed dues cards. Today, there are only a handful remaining. “We were successful then in finding every member, no matter where they work, and we had to reach almost twice the number of members than we do now.”

Summary of EEO Lawsuit Settlement

Which Administrative Managers are included in the settlement? Administrative Managers Non Managerial are eligible if they were in title on or before December 1, 2013 through April 30, 2017, AND they were employed at any agency OTHER than Transit

There are three parts to the settlement:

Part 1 – Title VII Backpay This is based on race and gender, and is available to everyone with time in title. The total amount is $5.6 million and will be awarded based on various factors including time in title, race, gender, and how many people opt into the settlement.

Part II – Stepping Process This is to bring those Administrative Managers at the low end of the minimum wage range up to a higher minimum based on years of service in the title. Those under the maximum will receive Step increases based on their years of service. Once the settlement has been approved by the magistrate, there will be three levels for Administrative Managers non managerial title based on job specifications that are detailed in the Notice of Release. Those above the maximum in each level will not be entitled to the Step process but will continue to receive How to Fill Out the Settlement Paperwork contractual increases. The minimums are retroactive to October 2018 and the approximate payout for retro pay for those eligible is $5 million. 1. All Administrative Managers in title during the time period of the lawsuit received paperwork in the mail. It was also emailed to you from the Part III – Annuity Fund Payment Local 1180 email blast system as long as you have an accurate personal Annuity fund payments in the amount of $5.3 million are for the full class of members. and/or work email on file. You can also go to the union’s website at In addition to the financial benefits outlined above, this settlement creates other equitable www.cwa1180.org and right on the top of the homepage is a link to fill relief and opportunities for members, including but not limited to an educational fund out the paperwork electronically. payment of $100 per member per year, a committee set up to review pay practices, and 2. If you fill out the paperwork mailed to you, you MUST have it notarized annual data disclosure to ensure non-discriminatory pay practices. before sending it to the union office. If mailing it, we suggest you send it “Everyone in the class based on dates in title will get at least two parts of the settlement, the certified return receipt so you know we received it. Title VII back pay and the annuity payment,” Middleton said. “Only those on the lower end of 3. If you fill out the paperwork electronically via the link either in the email the minimum salary will get retro pay as part of the Stepping process. However, depending on you received or by clicking on the link on the union’s website, you will not your current salary and years of service, those at each level, if they fall under the maximum, need to have it notarized. will be entitled to the Step increases going forward.” 4. Once you submit the paperwork online, you will receive a confirmation She said that for those members placed at the wrong level in their agencies, there will be a email that contains a copy of your completed paperwork. You MUST process going forward with a Labor-Management Committee that may lead to arbitration if email that copy to the union at [email protected] not settled to ensure members are placed at the correct level. 5. We also need verification of your dates in titles. Please submit this For those members without a current annuity account, once final approval of the settlement information to the union via email at [email protected] happens, Annuity Fund administrators will send papers for enrollment and beneficiary If you need help filling out the paperwork or have any questions, please call assignment. the union office at 212.226.6565, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and we will walk you through the entire process. g Costing Out Communique I 8 agreement withthemostbenefitswe canforourmembers.” we inorderbe finishedasthere will for usto issomuchback getthebest andforth making progress with each one. However, we cannot possibly predict a date when but there We justisn’tthatmuchto report. have hadfourmeetingssofar, andwe are Middleton. “We are informed withwhatever keeping information we have, everyone are rightfully anxiousto receive their raises and back money,” said President Gloria contract bargaining process who “The can belongandfrustrating for ourmembers, ask thoseunionsthathave beenoutof contractsince2015andearlier. an agreement takes at a severalminimum months, and evensometimes Just years. There toare the negotiating process so many moving parts that coming to terms on to give theleast. another — theUnionwants to and the Citywants get the mostitcan for its members, The reality of theprocessthat Local1180hasonegoalis inmindandtheCityhas ways to balance work andfamily. Whileitsoundssimple,it’s but. anything employment, includingpay, leave, benefits, hours, job health and safety policies, and negotiate contracts with the City or other employer to determine terms of Collective bargainingthe process is by whichunionsrepresenting theirmembers It’s not as simple as one&done to respond to union has to becalculated as part ofas part economic Money suchasACF

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09 01 topics.

Resolution Despute and thencomeback Bargaining Council contract demands. based onnumber Union meetswith review the survey review thesurvey another meeting. much $we have is establishedto calculate dollars to theunionfor Surveys sentto Surveys determine how OMB &OLRto of members. responses & OMB &OLR members. members. assemble 10 02 Negotiations

BARGAINING COLLECTIVE

figure outwhatwill Groups meettwice and willnotwork to vote onwhich for reviews and Union analyzes information to for members. demands to include. 11 03 Committee, whichis allocate funds,and Bargaining Council then formed along determine whatis with sixExecutive Board members. determine how votes to elect 4-5 technical a Bargaining meetings to acceptable. we wantto 12 04 don’t see,” shesaid. number andhasto waittheirturn. Somuchgoesinto theprocess just thatmembers with hundreds localtakes of locals, allof a Every whichwant their contract done first. lengthy. “We allwishthiscould be a ‘one-and-done,’ but it’s not. The city negotiates below is asmallindicationof what the processThe chart lookslike and why it isso happy withtheoutcome. bargaining tableandaccept what thecityoffers, would notbe becausemembers Middleton saiditwould notbeinanyone’sbest interest fortheunionto sitatthe under theMLC to negotiate citywideissues. under the auspicesof thecitywideagreement, we collaborate withother unions behind-the-scenes negotiating that the public did not see. SinceLocal 1180 operates that they resolvedappears their contract quickly, the fact is that there were of years to the citywidebargainingholds always thefirst negotiate. is it While certificate, aremembers not losingout on any money as negotiations continue. DC 37, which pay to the date that the previous contract ended on May 5, 2018. Middleton said soon asanagreementAs reached, withtheCityis will receive members retroactive with OLRto discuss bargaining session. separate meeting meeting willtake behest of OLRas will notapprove. OLR reviews and Request ismade to whenthefirst Union requests to OLRforfirst non economic decides which We are atthe they willand 13 05 issues. place.

g that what we agreed have to beplacedin contracts have been Thentheunionhas is reached, allterms After anagreementAfter are to thefirst have expired thelongest to isactuallywhat’s writing bytheCity. to review it lineby line to make sure bargaining dates in thecontract. Unions whose set byOLR. 14 06 information through DC 37bargains first citywide bargaining wage percentage At leasta2-week Assuming there’s contract setsthe as theyholdthe certificate. Their certificate. the unionfilters to for members no issues,then turnaround for a memoalong with contract ratification. ratification. pattern. 15 07 Once ratified,union out within60days. economic andnon bargaining session notifies city, which then usuallypays is justto present demands, both Union’s first economic. 16 08 COLLECTIVE gina strickland BARGAINING First Vice President One Year Post Janus & Unions Are Stronger Than Ever

The naysayers said we wouldn’t survive. They Janus would prompt government workers to for these lawsuits: “clawback” cases. These said the Janus case would be our demise. quit unions in throngs, driving down unions’ lawsuits are ones filed on behalf of those The nail in our coffin. The end of the labor revenues even further, but that’s not what seeking a refund of past union dues, an end to movement as we knew it. happened. time limits on when objecting employees can withdraw from unions, or to challenge unions’ They were wrong. According to one published report, studies right to exclusively negotiate with employers show that eight of the nine largest unions One year after the Supreme on workers’ behalf. that already filed full-year 2018 data with the Court ruled against organized labor in the Labor Department reported financial gains in In the past year, we have seen more of our case of Janus v. AFSCME — a landmark that year totaling a combined $379,384,917. members get involved. I strongly believe this decision that came on June 27, 2018 — unions is in response to the Janus case and members’ are stronger than ever. We have regrouped, Further, a review of 10 large public understanding that without unions, there is revamped, recharged, and we are rejuvenated. employee unions indicates that while they lost no future. The old adage of “we’ve always done it that a combined 309,612 fee payers in 2018, all but way” had to remain an old adage if we were one reported more money at the end of 2018. It’s past time for groups like the National Right going to survive. Our new adage became And collectively, the 10 unions reported a To Work Foundation to back down and stop #strongertogether — and stronger we are. gain of 132,312 dues-paying members. grasping at alternative straws as a means of taking down our country’s labor movement. The high court thought they were shutting So what happened that the naysayers are now Conservative groups are working to reverse off a crucial source of revenue for unions shaking their heads one year later as public the trend of rising membership rates. “I’m representing government workers when they employee unions are weathering Janus just sticking with my union” has become the rally fine? cry of hundreds of thousands countrywide. The answer is actually quite simple. The As an aside, where is Mark Janus now? He is outcome of the Janus case was so predictable continuing to advocate for a group he refers One year after the United States Supreme Court that unions were prepared for it. By changing to as “workers seeking freedom from public rules against organized labor in the case of Janus v. the way we did business, by enhancing our unions.” While he originally planned to return communications and member outreach, by AFSCME — a landmark decision that came on to his job in state government after the tightening our belts, and by arming ourselves case, he is now working for the conservative June 27, 2018 — unions are stronger than ever. with the information we needed to stand advocacy group that helped bring his lawsuit. strong against right-to-work and other He claims his job is to “go out and let these conservative groups, we have been able to deemed that mandatory fees collected from people know that they do have a choice and succeed in the face of adversity. union nonmembers to cover their share of they can make a decision on their own.” collective bargaining costs could no longer For anyone who does not remember what Mark Janus, union members can make be collected. Despite this ruling, public sector the Janus case was all about, the supposed their own decisions. They can do their own unions like Local 1180 are far from on the brink rationale was that fair-share fees were research. They can withdraw from their union of collapse as was predicted by right-wing compelled political speech that violated non- if they want. They aren’t. groups whose sole intent was destruction. union members’ First Amendment rights. Public employee unions were already barred Mark Janus, you have had your 15 minutes of Intense planning and preparation by our from using fair-share fees to pay for political fame. Now it’s time for you to step aside for union and others alleviated the initial activities; the fees could be used only to pay for good and let labor do what labor does best — blow. Yet, predictions ran the gamut on the collective bargaining. But the lawsuits argued continue to be a voice for the working middle Janus spectrum including a mass exodus that even collective bargaining constituted class who struggle to make ends meet. g of members. Guess what? That just didn’t political speech when performed by a union happen. While at 1180 we went into the that represented government employees. game with more than 3,500 members without Bottom line though, is that the Janus case was signed dues cards, we are now at more than really about destruction — it just didn’t play 98 percent membership. That’s thanks to our out the way so many predicted. due diligence and determination to reach out to every single one of those members and talk In fact, the 1.3 million-member AFSCME, about organized labor, the benefits, and what which was the defendant in Janus, actually it means to sign a card. We will increase our gained nearly 28,000 members in 2018. Who efforts, double down on outreach, and strive would have thought? for the ultimate goal of 100 percent of those is far from over, however. There we represent signing dues cards. are at least a few dozen pending lawsuits We are far from alone. Unions throughout in various states that seek to further refine New York City and beyond have striking the relationship between public sector membership gains. As reported ad nauseum employees, their unions, and governments. after the SCOTUS decision, many anticipated I actually came across an interesting term Communique I 10 A Woman ofSubstance Members Housing &Rent Regulation Hearing American workers. Representative VenusIngrid Brown traveled Colon-Williams withmembers Smithto LewisandAlicia showtheunion’s for support marchedLocal 1180 members in Washington D.C. of as part the 2019 We with locals from across The People the country rally. Staff for the rights and values it embodies. We must pledge to continue to make its promises a reality for all. From March 31-April 2, At atimewhen our nation’sunder is attack fronts,on multiple We charter thePeople mustreclaim ourConstitutionandstandup We The People g In Action housing costs. increase rents tremendously and price out renters inacitythat already has overinflated Improvementdetrimental (MCI),whichisto themajorityof allrenters.either MCIs on thesideof landlords who anddevelopers claim they needto doaMajor Capital were present butnotonthepanel. There were manyheated andstaunchprotesters Jackson, Walter and . Assemblymembers Mosely and Diana Richardson Salazar, , ZellnorMyrie, Brian Kavanagh, , Gustavo Rivera, Robert Brigade. On the panelGladys Murria, Membership were Senators Mike Gianaris, Julia Mobilization Coordinator &Executive DanaHolland,ShopSteward; Board member; and McFadden, Shop Steward; ClaudineMurphy,Brigade; HelenS.Jarrett, Membership CWA & Tenant Protection. Deborah Valentin, From left: CWA Betty Organizing Coordinator; attendedOn May16,Local1180members theSenate HousingHearing: Rent Regulation g for others tofor others follow.” and has setan example inthe labor movement proventime andagainasourleader herself to take thereigns andrunwiththem.Shehas true example of what it means for a woman said, “PresidentDenise Gilliam Middleton isa Treasurer andasPresident. Committee Chair throughout asboth Secretary- the years photos of President Middleton in action a special presentation that included many Month. The Committee puttogether History “Woman of of Substance” as part Women’s honored President GloriaMiddleton asa the CWA Local 1180 Women’s Committee At theMarch Meeting, General Membership g Enhanced Shop Steward Training on Weingarten Rights

Local 1180 has started a new initiative to provide Shop Stewards with more regular updates and training throughout the year. We kicked off with a training in March on Weingarten Rights and how to accompany a member to a disciplinary hearing. The event was facilitated by Staff Representatives Kevin Hines and Lena Solow. These trainings are for members of both the public and private sectors so that we can all learn from each other. Stewards brainstormed good techniques and then participated in role plays where they practiced using their skills to defend members in disciplinary situations. g

Disability Committee Justice Ball for All Chair Testifies at Hearing The Black Institute held its ninth annual Justice for All Ball, with this year’s theme as “The Law & Order”. The May 23rd event honored NYS Attorney General Tish James, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, The Ken Thompson Edward Yood, Chair Social Justice Fund, and Sanford Rubenstein, Esq. The gala celebrated the of CWA Local 1180’s work TBI accomplished throughout the year and honored those who have Committee on People made a difference in our communities. Last year President Gloria Middleton with Disabilities, was one of the honorees. Attending this year’s event representing Local testified recently at 1180 were (front row): Monise Etienne, Shop Steward–Comptroller’s Office; a hearing in support Carmen Carter, Shop Steward–DCAS; George Johnson, Shop Steward–HRA; of building enough Sharon Hepburn, Activist–Comptroller’s Office; and in back row: Verna Finley, elevators and ramps Shop Steward–NYCHA; Carol Griffith, Shop Steward–NYPD; Debera Tyndall, to make the City’s Shop Steward–Kings County Hospital; Ava Harris-Green, Shop Steward–DEP, subway system Floretha Bryant, Shop Steward–Correction; Ava George, Shop Steward–DEP; accessible for those Verhay Gill-Lewis, Shop Steward– DA’s Office; Norma Lynch, Shop with mobilitiy and Steward–HRA; and Jose Charles, Shop Steward–Kings County Hospital. g other disabilities.

“Our mission is to promote the status and careers of disabled persons in the workplace, the union, the local, and society,” Yood said. “We support the Center for Independence of the Disabled’s court case to build enough elevators and ramps to make the subways accessible for all people with mobility and other disabilities and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. As public sector NYC administrative workers, we say that it is not acceptable in the great City of New York for less than 20% of New York subway system stations and lines to have elevators, the lowest of any major U.S. city.

“Elevators are needed by New Yorkers with disabilities, parents of small children who try to transport them in baby carriages, and seniors, including many of our own active and retired members. More than 90% of our union's members are women and people of color. Just as our union is fighting against violations of the 1963 Equal Pay Act and the 1964 Civil Rights Act in which our members who are women or people of color are paid much less than white males for doing the same work, we also oppose any discrimination against people with disabilities,” he said. “Let's work together and try to find a way to build many more elevators and ramps and make all New York City subways and subway lines accessible. An injury to one is an injury to all." g

Communique I 12 Members Future inFocus Pictured above: attending unionleaders theevent, andMember-at-Large HazelO. Worley. enhancetheircareers. There wasplentyoffurther areon howunionjobs discussion more secure jobs. of an education and how even goback workingemphasized theimportance members to school to how to get a union job, to what unions do, to how can youngerget involved. members Union leaders students from acrossthe five boroughs from whowere with plentyof filled on everything questions on the benefits of unionizedcareer paths. The day was jam-packed with students from highschool representatives froma variety of to cityunions,andforunionleaders educate tomorrow’sgeneration in Focusfair. to Thisincredible connect with event gave highschoolstudentstheopportunity Tyndall and Carol Griffith, participated in the New York City Central Labor Council’s recent Future Committee Chair Hazel O.Civil Rightsand Equity/Community Service Worley, Debera and members Local 1180 Lupus Walkers In Action a cure forthisdisease. in 2020where we willonceagainhelpto make animpact onfinding offundraising event. to We beingapart theLupus walk lookforward theCivilRights and EquityCommittee initsfirst all forsupporting we have given $1,000to theLupusfoundationfor2019. Thankyou the saleof tickets to the playanddonationsfrom 1180members, withtheFoundation.WithproceedsLocal 1180forpartnering from & Development Director MonicaSmithexpressed hergratitudeto At meeting,NYC theAprilmembership LUPUS Regional Engagement award inherplace. nephew, shewasunableto attend theevent, soWorley accepted the Middleton,” hesaid.Sadly, dueto theuntimelydeath of Middleton’s of praiseasCWA asworthy a person Local 1180President Gloria were embarking on.Whatbetter timethannowto pay homageto momentthatwe learned aboutLocal1180andthe“history-making was honored. Theplayproducer saidhewasimpressed whenhe andretireesmembers attended, where President GloriaMiddleton Too, ThePlay.” Committee Executive members, Board 1180 members, fundraiseratthe“Justiceheld itsfirst onTrial: BlackLives Matter, With fundsforLupusresearch desperately needed,thecommittee drops to stop themfrom LupusWalk. walkingintheirfirst Frazier, Valerie Francis,andTidrea Ravenell, didn’tallowafewrain Debera Tyndall, DhankumarieSingroy, Carmen Carter, Jacqueline Marilyn Gipson, Stephanie Lindo-Avera, Verna Finley, Teesha Foreman, epidemic thatimpacts somany. OnMay4,Committee members aboutthis in theLupuswalkbyeducatingandinforming members the committee, Finleytook thehelmatgetting theunioninvolved New York CityRegional Area LupusFoundation.Asamemberof Committee isnowanofficial sponsorofCommunity Service the Thanks to Verna Finley, theCWA Local1180CivilRightsandEquity/ g g Showing Puerto Rican Pride

Guinness World Records honored athlete icons during the 62nd National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City on June 8 — and Local 1180 members were there to partake in the day’s activities. Guinness recognized Puerto Rican athlete Amanda Serrano, who received the title for most boxing world titles won in a different weight division-female, and former Major League Baseball (MLB) legend Edgar Martínez, for the most runs batted during a postseason MLB game. “Puerto Rico is At left, Local 1180 Staff Reps Teesha Foreman, filled with record title holders. We are proud to welcome Puerto Gregory Smith, and Desiree Waters. Pictured Rican sports legends to the Guinness World Records family,” above is CWA 1180 HPD Administrative Manager said an official adjudicator for Guinness World Records. “We are Rosario “Rosie” Roman, Chair of the Staten Island honored to be part of this cultural celebration that honors the BCCC, with her sister Maritza Roman. g 3.5 million inhabitants of Puerto Rico and more than 5 million people residing in the United States.” The annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade, with its route along , highlights the culture’s history and contributions to the arts and sciences. Pictured above are Local 1180 members showing their pride.

NYCCLC Union Member Zoning Training

The New York City Central Labor Council held a Zoning Training to provide union members interested in being more active in their communities an overview of the logistics on how a decision is made to build certain types of buildings such as residential, commercial, or manufacturing. The training also included how tall a building can be built, how wide the building can be, how many feet it has to be from a sidewalk, and about how a block and lot is created on a parcel of land and how that land is zoned. Some of the CWA Local 1180 attendees were: Helen S. Jarrett, Union Mobilization Coordinator; Floretha Bryant; Shop Steward-Correction; Elaine Walker-Blair, Shop Steward-Correction; Retirees Carol Punter and Gladys Murria; Deborah Bussaco, Shop Steward-Housing Preservation & Development; and Retiree Teria McGhee. g Communique I 14 1180 attherally. recognition, heprinted aquicksignandrushedover to joininsolidarity, representing workers at Buzzfeed were stagingawalkoutfew blocks from hisoffice to pushfor union When CWA Local 1180 memberRichard Salamefrom Type MediaCenter heard that Members Joining inSolidarity NAMI Walk New York City (Audrey’s niece),Mike Pricoli,andDanaHolland. are Juliette Richards, Audrey Marcia Henderson, Wren and theCommittee1180 onPeople withDisabilities, music and lyrics.” Pictured representing from left, Local andhealing through‘mental illness’ emotional story its lessened thenegative stigmaassociated withthewords intohealth conversation thenationalspotlightand power of Dear Evan Hansenhaspropelled themental they need. And the transformative seek out the support her incredible voice tomany strugglingto so copeand but shenormalizesher lived experience, and connects about herownanxietystruggleswasnotonlybrave, Mental Health Month. Patti’s essay deeply personal during shine abrightlightonouradvocacy efforts stars to NAMI,“We are honored to have ’sleading asco-hostsof NAMIWalkserved NYC 2019!According Hansen, andPatti Murin,starof Frozen onBroadway, enthusiasm and energy. Alex Boniello,star of Dear Evan day and walkers madethat possible with their perfect mental illness.And the weather was amazing. It was the for families and individuals livingwith to share support (NAMI) Walk NYC. Thousands of people came together year’swalk inthis National Associaton of MentalIllness On Saturday, gathered May 11, Local 1180 members to g g In Action personally deliveredpersonally theirdonationsdirectly to theorganization. delivering donated dresses from her work site and to who all other members Special thankstoPalmer, Alison NYCHA Administrative Manager, for of thiscommunityproject.Local 1180hasbeenwithhersincethebirth Project’s and Richardson saidsheisproud to saythat CWA 10thAnniversary allows somanyteens attend a special event. Nextyear is the Cinderella Richardson saidshe is “thankful for CWA’s because it continuous support” their specialday. get a chance to meet the young ladies and men and help them prepare for to,volunteering asthey annual event forthis they lookforward something is special event for our future generations. Committee agreed members that Mason Logie,whoallsaidhowrewarding of itwasforthemto bepart this Otissa Dillard, Debera Tyndall, Carol Griffith,Stephanie Lindo-Avera, and Earlene Powell,include Sylvia Gillespie-Ewart, DanaHolland,MarilynGipson, to make who made the extra sureeffort members thisevent was a success out either, Committee withacollectionof five27 ties,and10shirts. suits, Steward/Committee memberRegina Kelly). Ouryoungwere men notleft an enormous amount of accessoriesfor young ladies (specialthanks to Shop This year we donated 52elegantdressesand gowns,15pairs of shoes,and Project Prom Dress Giveaway hosted by CEO and Founder Gwen Richardson. and gentlemen fortheir prom nightwithadonation to theAnnualCinderella once again helped toLocal 1180 members make an impact on young ladies Prom Dress Drive 2019 g Change of Leadership Change in Outcome By John T. O’Malley, Legislative Coordinator 2019 Albany Legislative Session Summary

If you think elections don’t matter, think again. The 2018 elections brought about “omnibus bill” that typically closes out a legislative session. That meant every issue such significant change in Albany that legislation sitting stagnant for years finally received a full hearing and an independent vote — atypical from legislative sessions saw the light of day. With new faces at the Capitol, and a switch in leadership, the of this decade. All of the equality bills that Local 1180 was supporting and advocating Senate majority was able to pass an abundance of bills that have been squandering for passed in the final days, as did the hospital bill that was important legislation for years — and some for decades. Even the Assembly turned into the “house of for the MLC. This bill is designed to protect union members and the public from reason” when scrutinizing bills that had been passed repeatedly just to make sure surprise medical bills from emergency room visits when the hospital is out of an they were perfected. insurance company’s network. If there is an exorbitant hospital bill, the consumer or the insurance company can submit a complaint to an independent dispute resolution With Democrats taking control of the Senate for the first time since 2010 after a process that will determine what charge is reasonable. This is an added protection for dominating performance at the polls last year that knocked Republicans out of power our members if the hospital happens to be out of network. and gave them full control of state government, bills were sure to move through their respective committees faster than ever — and they did. In the Senate, all but one of the newly elected senators — including those Local 1180 endorsed from Long Island and the Hudson Valley — voted for every Local 1180 bill. The change was immediately evident, with the governor and lawmakers approving a Additionally, almost every Senator in the union’s traditional area of the five boroughs series of progressive-minded measures right out of the gate, including gun-control voted for all our bills. bills, abortion protections, and voting reforms. That success continued through the end of the legislative term when lawmakers passed bills to decriminalize marijuana In the Assembly, all representatives in Local 1180’s traditional area voted favorably and allow undocumented immigrants to apply for driver’s licenses. for the equality bills, and most from the five boroughs voted for the MLC-backed hospital bill. If anyone questions why it’s so important for labor to be involved in politics, why our political action fund is so vital, or why we need such a presence at the City Council, This was a monumental year in which labor and Local 1180 demonstrated the success in Albany, and in Washington, this year’s successful passage of so many bills is proof of getting progressive and pro-labor issues passed. Whether the governor signs all enough. of them remains to be seen. Many issues Local 1180 worked on do not necessarily impact our members directly as workers, but will as citizens. While there was definite tension during the budgetary process earlier this year because the Assembly wanted to exclude all non-budgetary items from the discussions and Going forward, Local 1180 will be looking for ways to more deeply engage the pass them as regular bills, the budget was still on time and included fewer policy membership in the legislative process as it not only lends extra hands to an issues than in the past. As the legislative session drew to a close on June 21, more was overwhelming and fast-moving process, but also helps the rank-and-file better accomplished with less bickering than in recent history. Most legislation passed as understand the process, its importance, and value. In the end, it was a very successful stand-alone bills rather than unrelated bills being lumped together as the infamous year for New Yorkers, labor, and particularly Local 1180. g

Issues Important The BIG Issues UNION Issues to Local 1180

What Passed What Passed What Passed • Farmworkers bill • Call center bill • Salary history ban • Rent regulations • Parity of unemployment benefits during a strike • Equal pay for substantially similar work – • Election reform • Protecting privacy of public workers public sector • Congestion pricing • Fair elections commission • Equal pay for substantially similar work – • Driver’s licenses for undocumented • Extend design-build private sector immigrants • Farmworkers bill • Private right of action for wage discrimination – • Criminal justice reform • Unemployment parity for striking workers public sector • Sexual harassment reform • Wage theft enforcement • Funding for slu in the budget • Statute of limitations for rape • Elevator safety and licensing • Independent dispute process for out-of-network • Climate protection • Workplace violence at schools hospital charges • Marijuana decriminalization • Carwash minimum wage • E-scooters • Injunctive relief for public employees What Didn’t Pass • Abolish religious exemption for vaccinations • Labor and non-competitive parity • Minimum wage for people with disabilities • Disclosure of Trump’s taxes • Various disability and retirement enhancements • Hearing officer and paid suspension • Mwbe • Firefighter cancer lookback • Cost analysis before contracting out What Didn’t Pass • Employee protection at Indian Point decommission • Legalize recreational marijuana • Mwbe • Decriminalize sex work To read about the bills that passed, log onto the What Didn’t Pass • Single payer Union’s website at www.cwa1180.org and click • FiOS buildout • Limit solitary confinement on the News page. • Peace Officer status for 1182 • Era constitutional amendment • Grad student fee waiver • Gestational surrogacy • Safe staffing • Mobile sports betting • Certain prevailing wages Communique I 16 New Va How ASPC for themeither.” GlassandDelfinowere ableto getthe about howthisdoesn’twork forusandwouldn’t work with it. It was effective because it was brutally honest didn’t know whatthe old system wasand just went along She saiditwasalsoto “educate newmanagement, who take anempathetic approach.” really implore themto putthemselves inourshoesand why perspective our vacation system wasn’t working and for themto from trulygetasenseandunderstand our new policy. Glassdescribeditasan“empassioned plea They wrote of the aletter explainingtheimportance these demands,theyknewhadto take more action. demands foranewpolicy. Whenmanagementbalked at and group meetingswiththeunit,andsettledonsome for thiscontractfight,DelfinoandGlassdidone-on-ones doctors to actuallygetapproval fortimeoff. To prepare hardwas outdated, for complicated, and made it very headaches anddifficultiesfordoctors asthesystem the vacationFor years, policy at ASPCAhas caused voice ouropinionandspeakasone,” addedGlass. ensure we goteveryone’s inputsowe feltempowered to and comingtogether asaunit,” Delfinosaid.“We hadto of communication contract, we learned theimportance was ratifiedunanimously. Sohowdidtheydoit? “Forthis led theirunitof veterinarians to winagreat contract,which Shop Stewards Dr. Danielle Delfino and Dr. Melanie Glass PRIV Fellow, buthe’s JillianGraceWinkler, abigsupporter!); EditBain,andZsoltBobis;Karen Fisher. Pictured are belowfrom attending members theevent: left thisevent. Itwasabighit!”saidReema you to Local1180forsupporting Hijazi,Labor-Management“Thank Committee member. knew howto useit,andto eatdonuts!TheShopStewards andLabor-Management Committee organized members thisevent attheOSFoffice onMarch 15. gatheredOSF members to share information abouttheirgroup grievance onjobdescriptions,make hadtheirWeingarten Rightscard sure and everyone OSF gettoher A We ATE SE S c tewards: ation Policy&Fair Contra W on OurFightf CTOR includes: media. In the end, the group ratifiedacontractthat pin days,anddoingat-shirt daywithpoststo social pressure onto winastrong contractbyhavingfrequent winningthevacationAfter policy, theunitkept the increase to vacation forsenioremployees. hours off perday, arotation duringpeakvacation times,andan demands, includinganincrease in the number of doctors onetheirvacation In theend,theywon almostevery together to address it.” andwehad beenbuildingupforyears finallycame management theymeantbusiness.AsDelfinosaid,“This singleunitmember,letter signedbyevery showing worked foreveryone.” differencesothers of opinionandgetsomethingthat the group was“ableto cometogether andrespect each and Delfinobothsaid—ourteamwork! AsGlasssaid, What are theymostproud of aboutthiscontract? Glass • • • • • and hours and hours An increase to professional development funding More advance noticeonschedulechanges system Replacing evaluation anineffective performance Higher annualincreases Increases to holidaypay Reema Hijazi,JillianGrace Winkler, Yassir Khudayri (Yassira not intheunitbecauseheis is

SHOPS

g or a g

ct BARGAINING UPDATES books & rattles ratifies new contract After two hard years of bargaining, the teachers and teachers assistants at the three Books and Rattles daycare centers in Queens ratified a new contract at the end of May. The contract guarantees pay raises, paid time off for part timers for the first time, and reimbursement for school supplies. The teachers stuck through a very difficult campaign to win these improvements for their workplace. g

The Century Foundation Tackles Overtime Due to new New York State overtime eligibility minimums, several staff at The Century Foundation are now over- Our Team time eligible. The staff is working hard to bargain an overtime policy that ensures pay for work travel and good tracking systems. g

Planned Parenthood Gets Ready to Bargain After successfully defending against unilateral scheduling changes by using the Labor Management Committee, Nonprofit Shop Stewards the Shop Stewards at Planned Parenthood are hard at work getting ready to start bargaining for a new contract. Amnesty International They are conducting a bargaining survey and meeting with members to find out their opinions on everything from Daphne Eviatar scheduling to health care. g Kristen Velloza storycorp stays strong Emily Walsh Members at StoryCorps have continued their fight for a fair contract. Their fight is already hav- ASPCA ing an impact on the workplace. Even without a contract in effect, the organization has implement- Danielle Delfino ed one of the bargaining committee’s big wins, a stipend to cover mental health costs. Members gath- Melanie Glass ered from around the country for StoryCorps’ annual retreat in May. Make sure to follow them on Twitter at @StoryCorps_Union. g Human Rights First Christopher Plummer Patricia Stottlemyer

Human Rights Watch unit roundup Jessica Chiang Ariella Hohl Racqueal Legerwood May Day celebration in NYC Rachel Weinberg Members from 1180’s private sector shops for the first time joined public sector 1180 members and those from CWA Local 1101 at the city’s annual May Day celebration. This annual event is a celebration of workers. When Javits Center we remember that people were shot so we could have the eight-hour day, if we acknowledge that homes with Jose Martinez families in them were burned to the ground so we could have Saturday as part of the weekend, when we recall Philip Slattery eight-year old victims of industrial accidents who marched in the streets protesting working conditions and child Open Society Foundations labor only to be beat down by the police and company thugs, we understand that our current conditions cannot Ramzi Babouder-Matta be taken for granted. People fought for the rights and dignities we enjoy today, but there is still a lot more to Katy Caldwell fight for. The sacrifices of so many people can not be forgotten or we’ll end up fighting for those same gains all Zachary Gioia over again. This is why we celebrate May Day. g Anuja Gopalan Jessica Greenspan Azmi Haroun Renata Peralta

Planned Parenthood Clinic Davonte Elmore Luar Wolf

The Century Foundation Amanda Novello Kimberly Quick

Type Media CWA 1180 Member Speaks on Panel about Unionizing and Podcasts Alissa Figueora In April, StoryCorps bargaining committee member Afi Yellow-Duke (second from left), and former StoryCorps Yasmina Price worker and organizing committee member Gautam Srikishan (farthest right), spoke about their experiences on a panel along with an organizer from Writers Guild of America and a worker from Gimlet. Afi spoke about how strong Nonprofit Staff Representative the union made her feel at work, even when it was difficult. “I know other people in the unit have my back,“ she Lena Solow said. “Knowing my cowokers are around me makes it less stressful.” She talked about how the culture has already [email protected] changed at StoryCorps, with members more willing to speak up and ask hard questions of management. g Nonprofit Organizer Leslie Fine [email protected] Communique I 18 Two Weeksina

Right-To-Work State Local 1180take forgranted. I’m All-in-all itwasanexperience lot that our members oflot thatourmembers CWA to have aunionandthere’s a showed methatit’s agreat There’s power innumbers. my unionandto knowwe “ have backs. eachother’s “Workers have norightsorprotections inTexas. My experienceinTexas blessed to be a part ofblessed to beapart I willnotforget. “

doesn’t like the shirt you aredoesn’t like wearing, hecanfire theshirt you. fired. If the boss arrives to work in a bad mood, and he either so there is no one to complain to about being To make there matters worse, isno grievance process such asbeingfired becauseof race, gender, orreligion. and without warning, as long as thereason isnot illegal, without having to establish“justcause”fortermination, they can by be an dismissed employer for any reason 300,000 state workers are “at will” employees, meaning their last pay increase. Since there is no contract, the two and not shockingly, years, it’s since been 10 years Pay increases comeup for only once discussion every state legislature. increases,packages benefits arecontrolled all bythe aspect of rates, pay their stateto workers. every Salary means that legislators holdthe power when it comes Thereunion members. no bargaining is contract, which percent. Thatmeansawhopping 90 percent are not management. That “membership” however is at just 10 level all the way through including those at the entry 300,000 state employees inTexas, withmembership CWA TSEULocal6186represents more than and themunicipal employees of Houston. applies to manypoliceofficer andfirefighter unions, is the right to strike. A collective bargaining exception employees, but collective bargaining is forbidden, as several publicsector unionsthatrepresent public for employment. There are compulsory membership Texasa right-to-work is state,illegal to itis make union collectively foremploymentcontracts. However, since and there are manyintheprivate sector that bargain heard throughout the state. Yes, unionsare legalthere, “Are there really unionsinTexas?” isaquestionoften workers have onthejob. highlighted justhow few rightsandprotections Texas really seenitinaction. My work in theLone Star state going, Iknewwhat rightto work meant,butIhadnever My tripto Texas wasdefinitely aneye opener. Prior to but Ididn’tknowexactlywhatwasinfor. to helpmysisters andbrothers ofopportunity CWA, not returning untilMay10.I saw thetripasan on April28to astate sounlike NewYork and Union TSEU Local 6186.I would beheadingoff an organizing blitzwithCWA Texas State Employees It wasanhonorwhenIasked to goto Texas for state legislature pulled the money out of the proposed notice that not one penny in raiseswas awarded as the vote took placeatthe end of May2019,andwe received offered 0 percent for each of the two The session years. adults whoare wards of thestate. TheSenate, however, Care employees whowork directly withchildren and give pay increases onlyto Parole and Direct Officers year but 0percentfirst forthesecond,andwanted to Representatives offered a2.8percent increase forthe across-the-board pay increase. TheTexas Houseof CWA TSEU Local 6186 was lobbying for a $6,000 and theirfamilies. which health care providers willbe open to employees of Trustees makes decisiononpensioninvestments and to state employees because the ERS Boardimportant will notbeavailable untilmidJuly. Thispositionisvery Board. While the election ended on June 14, results position ontheEmployees Retirement System ERS an activist since2005;shewas running for a trustee the Texas whohasbeen Juvenile JusticeDepartment campaigned forCoraBennett, a casemanager for In additionto our organizing endeavor, we also manner, speakyour mind. how toshow members get involved and in an organized would besentto their legislators. We to were trying complete requesting apay increase that We alsodidacampaign where would members state workers wantaunion. legislators and all Texans — and send a message that of sotheywould becomerecognizable cars to state have asmany bumper stickers aspossibleonthe backs Need aPay Raise”. Theintent of thiscampaign wasto received a bumper sticker that read “State Employees campaign. who signed up for membership Members ofAs part the organizing blitz,we ran a bumper sticker had to setuptablesoutsidethebuildings. Some sites were soanti-labor and unfriendly that we Political ActionFund. fortheir andsigningupmembers union members, getting workersto up to sign becomedues-paying 2 p.m. to talkabout unions, the benefits of organizing, would besettingupatableat their site from 11a.m.to Our goal wasto theirshifts. letthemknow we started from 6a.m.to 9a.m.to catch workers before they each day to different worksite locations, leafletting While Iwas in Austinand San Antonio, we went out Local 1180Organizing Coordinator By DeborahValentin “

MEET OUR NEW STAFF REPRESENTATIVE

budget at the last minute. CWA is now pushing for an emergency raise ROMANO JONES since again, there have been no raises for the last 10 years.

During my time in Austin, we visited the Health & Human Service Romano Jones worked for 23 years at Health & Administration State Hospital, Austin Supported Living Centers, Public Hospital East New York, Gotham Health Center. In Assistance Service Centers, a WIC Center, and the Texas Department of 1997, he was elected as a Shop Steward with Local Family Protection Services. 1199, his union at the time, and participated in In San Antonio, we visited the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Parole helping organize the 1199 workers there. In 2003, Division, San Antonio State Hospital, the Department of Adult Protection, he decided to widen his knowledge and accepted Children Protection, Child Care Services Licensing, and Child Care Home a vacant position as health care program planner Care Licensing Centers. analyst in the HATS (HIV/AIDS Treatment Services) Some employees I spoke with were upset and did not understand why department, and became a member of CWA Local they had not received any raises in the past 10 years. I explained that since 1180. In 2004 he was called on by his CWA 1180 members make the union, the more members you have, the stronger the coworkers who knew of his past shop steward union becomes. The stronger the union becomes, the louder the voice capabilities to become their shop steward. becomes. The ultimate power of any union is in its strength and there is While at East New York Gotham Health Center, strength in numbers. Jones conducted workshops, provided individual and group , nutrition services, and Many of my conversations revolved around the Texas state legislature. Romano Jones I spoke with workers about how they vote for legislators on election participated in outreach programs that were day, but then, without a union, do nothing to hold them accountable. Staff Rep for: organized by the community, East New York If politicians figure out that their constituents and workers are not • ACS clinic, schools, and churches. In addition, he was interested in what is happening around them, they can easily dismiss • Civil Service Commission instrumental in expanding HIV testing at East New workers’ needs, wants, and entitlements, such as raises. I often had to • Dept. of Aging York Clinic, and organized and coordinated health remind workers we spoke with that many of the privileges they now enjoy • DCAS initiative programs for staff and diabetics. are thanks to unions, such as weekends off, 40-hour work weeks, and • Dept. of Cultural Affairs For many years, Jones attended various union legal holidays. • Dept. of Parks & Recreation rallies and parades with his family. He has been an While TSEU represents 300,000 employees, when they go to their State • OEM active participant at shop steward trainings, and Capital for Lobby Day, they have fewer than 500 members present. • OMB has attended workshops at the Murphy Institute We spoke with workers about the message this sends and the fallout • H+H — Central Office, that provided him with additional knowledge from having such a small presence. Unions members pay a $20 fee to Cumberland, Correctional and understanding of labor issues. In order to attend, which includes registration, lunch, and bus, plus $15 for a t-shirt Health, Family Health Services, continually expand his grasp of issues vital to when they attend Lobby Day. By comparison, at 1180 we pay a $5 fee ENY Diagnostic, Woodhull organized labor, and to be on top of all the current (reimbursable if you attend Lobby Day), which includes breakfast, lunch, • HRA — C.A.S., HASA, Office of and pertinent issues, he attended CWA 1180’s a snack, the bus, and a t-shirt if you need one. Crisis & Disaster Management leadership program. “I gained valuable insight in labor relations and everything that it takes to keep My experience in Texas showed me the great value and importance of a union viable so that I could give something back having a union and that there is a lot CWA Local 1180 members take for to the union that has always stood by me and my granted. I’m blessed to be a part of my union and to know we have each coworkers,” he said. “There are so many different other’s backs. There’s power in numbers. All-in-all it was an experience I ways for members to get involved; it’s just a matter will not forget. g of finding the areas that interest you the most and learning everything there is to learn.”

Jones’ determination to assist his members with workplace-related labor issues earned him the trust of his members to remain their Shop Steward for 15 years. On February 4, 2019, he transitioned to CWA 1180 headquarters as a Staff Representative and is dedicated to serving the members. g

Trying to However, Reach your Staff If for some reason you have not been contacted, Representative you NOW have the option to email: ? [email protected] A Staff Rep typically should get Include your name, agency, and department/unit back to you with in 24 hours. so a Staff Rep can assist you until your specific Staff Rep becomes available. SARALEE --TheSARALEE photocaptions foreach individual photo arethe name the of photo the Ndrive.on

Communique I 20 accepted anytime! Ira Xavier-Andrews, Shobha Bhide, Macristin Almonte, and Vilma Poyser. are New members Foggie, Barbara Bailey, Ruth Baker, Liona, Olga Wong, Patricia MaryEllen Brown, Andrea Calder, Marquita Allen-Howard, Sharon Allen, Elisa Papa, Nancy Chan, Andrea Lindo, Rose Chu, Doretha Anthony, Robert Rankins,AnitaGaines-Scott,MarieRichardson, Sylvia Way, LisamDebesu, picture): EdrisParsons, inevery Photography-on-the-go Florence (notallmembers members up to date ontechnology, andgettogether withfriends. Areal trifecta! to learn anewstay skill, themontheevents. Itisan toopportunity skills the group and escorts the photos. Thestaffmemberfor this group, Victor Carr, teaches computer and photography then learneduses the skills in the computer training center to develop, print, email, save, or post in exploring together and taking pictures of what they find using cellphones and digital cameras, sites andvisits Thursday andattractions inthetri-state area. Thisgroup findsacommoninterest Take for example the Retiree other Photography-On-The-Go Division group that meets every of isA-OK! astaffmemberwhomakesenjoy withthesupport sure everything is how friendships develop. Retirees gettogether and participate inshared activitiesthat they to findsomethingmeaningfulto wholike enjoywithothers opportunity things. This thesame to engage are moreand opportunities rare. Local 1180 retirees to are enjoy the fortunate granted whenyou are active andworking, but when you retire, thesecontacts arefrequent less Division, onlyfriendswe haven’t met yet. It’s easyto take friendshipsand social connections for continues right into retirement. Infact, we saythat there are intheRetiree nostrangers Local 1180 believes in ‘Solidarity Forever,’ in the working and years and that of starts course is aplaceto bewithfriends. though, the Retiree and informational speakers.parties, Mostimportantly of Division Local 1180 that has group fitnessand strength building classes;and it’s an assembly hallwith banquets, big phone training, and online safety; it’s with day- and overnight trips;it’s atravel service agym popcorn and soda; it’s a computer training center that has classeson social media, tablet/cell benefit questionsanswered; it’s atheater that has newfeatureon MovieMondayswithfree films to comerelax it’s and have a cup coffee and a snack; a health insurance help deskto get your The Retireeis alotof Division things:Itisaloungeand drop-in center that welcomes retirees Retired...but de finitely not bored g REtiree 1 REPORT 4 3 2 5 6

8

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1. Members take a prayerful pose while 8. Instructor Victor Carr catches his students visiting the Hindu Temple in New Jersey gazing at hillside mansions in Cold 11 Spring 2. Retirees take the new ferry from to the South Bronx at Clason’s 9. Retired members at the Military Point and explore the Throgs Neck area Education Center

3. Downtown New Haven, CT 10. Enjoying a trip to the Brooklyn Navel Yard historic site 4. Inside the First Presbyterian Cathedral in Stamford, CT 11. Lunch after Norwalk, CT tour

5. Outside the Cathedral 12. Relaxing at Frank Pepes famous pizzeria in New Haven, CT 6. ArtsWestchester gallery in White Plains

7. Group shot of retirees loving their retirement 12

The Retiree Division has been super active and we have lots of photos to share. To see more event photos, please go to the link below: www.cwa1180.org/retiree-home/retiree-event-gallery CWA Local 1180 Executive Board Meeting Minutes

December 14, 2018 — Participated in confer- back to group. DCAS has agreed to have ongo- year. Committee members spoke about their ence call with Maxor/American Health Care. ing discussion on the issues. volunteerism for the Thanksgiving holiday at December 18, 2018 Heights and Hills, where they served Thanksgiv- First Vice President Gina Strickland reported the Brown advised that CWA District 1 is in planning ing dinner to the seniors. Committee members Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. following staff representative activity for No- stages for the 2019 Albany Lobby Day with the donated gifts to the Local’s toy drive. Executive Board Members in Attendance: vember 2018: date to be announced. Denise Gilliam reported: The Health Fair Activity Nov December 11, 2018 — Coordinated the Local’s Officers: Gloria Middleton, President; Gina at CWA Local 1180 had doctors who volun- new member orientation for public sector work- Strickland, First Vice President; Gerald Brown, Agency Walk-Throughs 2 teered for the Sarah Ayoka Oduwaiye Foun- ers held at Emblem Health, . At Second Vice President; Robin Blair-Batte, Sec- Eeo Investigation/Interview 1 dation (SAOF), which is a cancer charity that the orientation, the Local’s trustee were on the retary-Treasurer G.o. 15 – Nypd 3 works toward helping and educating the under program as presenters and discussed all aspects Hearing Preparation 5 privileged. This event was held on Saturday, Members-at-Large: Hilary Bloomfield, Denise of membership with Local 1180. Members had Hearings 8 December 1, 2018, at 12:30 p.m. The host was Gilliam, Helen S. Jarrett, Lisa Lloyd, Debra Pay- an opportunity to ask questions. The event was Investigative Hearings 2 Albert Van-Lare, the co-host was the Local 1180 lor, Gregory Smith, Lenora Smith, Venus Colon- well received with 80 new members from vari- Labor Management Meeting 1 Women’s Committee. There were approximately Williams, Hazel O. Worley ous agencies and authorities in attendance. Oath 1 85 people in attendance, including the commit- Absent: Lourdes Acevedo, Recording Secretary Offsite Member Meetings 2 December 14, 2018 — Attended the 60th An- tee members. There were 10 speakers: Dr. Olay- Minutes of the November 27, 2018, meeting Phone Calls 303 niversary of the NYS AFL-CIO. inka, founder of SAOF: Joseph Esheyigba, social Supervisory Conference 1 worker who worked for DHS for housing for were presented. Motion was duly made, sec- Brown opened a discussion on the issue of the Site Meetings 16 disadvantaged patients; Anthony Wells, Presi- onded and carried to accept minutes with nec- Special Election for NYC Public Advocate. A Walk-Ins 3 dent of 371; Julie Van-Lare, R.N.; Susan Prensky, essary corrections. date has not been announced for the election, Appointments 3 Attorney for the NY Coalition of Concerned Le- although it is expected to be in February 2019. Emails 1120 gal Professionals-Legal Counseling for patients; President’s Report The Board will continue the discussion at the Nonie Williams, Assistance through Breast Can- President Middleton opened the meeting advis- next executive board meeting. ing of the latest conference calls related to the Site Meetings cer Diagnosis, Gilda’s Club a Cancer Support Administrative Manage EEO case. She advised H+H “At Home” Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried Group and an awesome union sister; Vanessa that she would give a detailed report at the 160 Water Street, Manhattan to accept the Second Vice President’s report. Cummings of Local 371, who spoke about her January 2019 General Membership Meeting. Housing Preservation & Development journey with breast cancer. This health fair was 94 Broadway, Manhattan Secretary-Treasurer’s Report very informative and I offered an invitation for President Middleton announce that on Decem- Secretary-Treasurer Robin Blair-Batte reported this wonderful group of people to come out to HRA MIS ber 20h, the NYC Council will address Intro Bill that the balance in the T.D. Checking account speak at our next Pink and White Affair and our 15 Metro Tech , Brooklyn #633: The Reporting of Pay and Employment as of today, December 18, 2018, is $504,930.69. health fair. Data. The bill has the backing of NYC Council OATH The reported membership is listed as 8,331 ac- Hilary Bloomfield reported: Speaker Corey Johnson and is expected to pass 66 John Street, Manhattan tives and 6,489 retirees ,with one deceased active on December 20 at the Council stated meeting. November 29, 2018 — Attended the Bronx SCA member and three deceased retirees reported in Prior to the meeting, there will be a press con- Committee meeting. 30-30 Thomson Avenue, LIC November 2018. ference on the steps of City Hall at 11:00 a.m. December 1, 2018 — Attended an event for the DOT/DDC Secretary-Treasurer Blair-Batte distributed stats Sara Ayoka Oduinowiye Foundation. President Middleton’s calendar since the last 30-30 Thomson Avenue, LIC on the prior budget for October 1, 2017-Sep- Executive Board meeting includes the following: tember 30, 2018, a complete discussion was December 4, 2018 — Attended the Dirty Build- NYC TRANSIT AUTHORITY conducted on the amount of money budgeted ings Rally at City Hall and the Elizabeth A. Taylor November 28, 2018 — Met with consultant Dan , Manhattan Cook in reference to making improvements to for the period and the actual amount spent. The and Eddie J. McShan swearing in at the Bronx Woodhull Hospital the Local’s Dental Plan. All trustees were in at- discussion was detailed, as there are new Board County Courhouse. 760 Broadway, Brooklyn members and they have to become acquainted tendance. Later, met with the legal firm of Mir- December 5, 2018 — Attended the Spectrum DOITT with the budgeting and spending process. kin and Gordon to discuss additions to the Lo- Rally. 59 , Manhattan cal’s legal benefits program. Secretary-Treasurer Blair-Batte advised that she December 11, 2018 — Attended the Public Sec- H+H Elmhurst Hospital has to prepare the budget for October 1, 2018– November 29, 2018 — Attended the Jewish La- tor New Member Orientation. 78-05 41st Avenue, Queens bor Committee Awards Dinner. September 30, 2019 as the distributions from FISA the National CWA are still not on a regular flow December 12, 2018 — Attended the Local’s December 2-7, 2018 — Attended the NYS Pub- 450 West 33rd Street, Manhattan based on the Janus decision. She advised that Women’s Committee meeting. lic Employee Conference convention. Legisla- we will continue operations based on last year’s DEP Sutton Park December 13, 2018 — Attended the Commu- tive issues concerning public employees were budget until a new budget can be submitted. widely discussed. 465 Columbus Avenue nity Board 12 Building and Health meeting. Secretary-Treasurer Blair-Batte distributed a De- DOHMH December 13, 2018 — Attended the AFL-CIO December 11, 2018 — Attended and presented tail Transaction Report for the month of Novem- 125 Worth Street, Manhattan 60th Anniversary Celebration. at the Local’s New Member Orientation for Pub- ber listing all payments for the month. lic Sector Workers. The event was held at Em- FDNY Fleet Services December 15, 2018 — Attended the CB 12 Holi- Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried blem Health at 55 Water Street, NYC. 48-58 35th Street, LIC day Party, the CBTU meeting, and Angel of The to accept the Secretary-Treasurer’s report. December 13, 2018 — Attended a site meeting Bronx District Attorney Light with the Bronx District Attorney. 265 East 161st, Bronx at King’s County Hospital in Brooklyn. Later, at- Members-at-Large Reports Debra Paylor reported: tended the 60th Anniversary Celebration of the Law Department Hazel O. Worley reported: The toy drive was November 29, 2018 — Attended the Bronx Bor- NYS AFL-CIO at the Sheraton Times Square. 100 Church Street, Manhattan a success; 275 toys were received for distribu- ough Community meeting. HRA – SNAP 15 & 61 tion. The Civil Rights and Equity Committee December 14, 2018 — Participated in a confer- December 4, 2018 — Attended the LCLAA 253 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn received letters from organizations requesting ence call with Maxor/American Heath Care on meeting. They will be having their Annual Mem- donations. This year the committee helped in proposed savings for the Local’s drug program. H+H Cumberland Hospital bership Celebration on Friday, January 25, 2019 the adoption of two families, moving out of 100 N. Portland Avenue, Brooklyn at Local 1199 SEIU from 5:30 p.m. until 10:30 December 17, 2018 — Attended Gov. Cuomo’s shelters into permanent housing, by fulling the p.m. program on “A Moment of National Crisis: HRA MICSA children’s wish list. What Would FDR do Today”. 215 Bay Street, Staten Island December 6, 2018 — Attended the last class for The Civil Rights and Equity Committee received NYPD – 911 Community Board Member Training. Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried complimentary tickets to the play “Justice on 350 Marconi Street, Bronx to accept the President’s Report. Trial” about African Americans suing the De- December 11, 2018 — Attended the Public Sec- NYPD – 911 partment of Justice for reparations. Hazel stated tor New Member Orientation. First Vice President’s Report 9 Metro Tech, Brooklyn the play was awesome and requested Board December 13, 2018 — Attended AFL-CIO event. First Vice President Gina Strickland reported the HRA approval to sell tickets to have a for following: 4 World Trade Center, Manhattan members to see the play. Decmeber 15, 2018 — Attended CBTU meeting. Their Annual Black History month celebration Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried She also requested Board approval to have an- November 28, 2018 — Attended Dental Plan will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2019, at to accept the first vice president’s report. other trip to the African Museum in Washing- meeting with consultant Dan Cook. DC 37. ton, DC. The committee would like to make it an November 29, 2018 — Attended the MLC Civil Second Vice President’s Report overnight trip and include the Wax Museum in Lisa Lloyd reported: Service Labor Committee meeting with DCAS to Second Vice President Gerald Brown reported Maryland. Committee members are researching November 29, 2018 — Attended a CWA Local discuss civil service issues. Later attended the the following: the itinerary. 1180 site meeting at 311 (DOITT). Jewish Labor Committee Awards Dinner. November 20, 2018 — Attended a meeting with The Family and Friends outing was held on Sep- December 4, 2018 — Attended LCLAA meeting. December 2-7, 2018 — Attended the NYS Pub- the trustees and Dental Consultants at Daniel tember 1, with 1,352 adults and 342 children in December 5, 2018 — Attended a rally in sup- lic Employee Conference. Cook Associates. The purpose of the meeting attendance. We collected $90,234 with expendi- port of striking Spectrum workers. December 11, 2018 — Attended new member was to discuss plans to have more dentists join tures as follows: Holiday Hill $77,288.18; buses orientation for Local 1180 public workers. the network of providers for the CWA Local $38,410.65; grand total $115,698.83. When December 13, 2018 — Attended the 60th An- 1180 dental plan. members checked in they received a raffle ticket niversary Celebration of the NYS AFL-CIO. December 12, 2018 — Attended a meeting at to win one of 18 gifts that were donated for the November 29, 2018 — Attended the MLC Civil Lenora Smith reported: The Book Club is read- the Department of Education with Staff Repre- raffle. sentative Desiree Waters to discuss issues and Service and Labor Committee meeting with ing Michelle Obama’s new book. The Education concerns related to School Business Managers. DCAS to discuss ongoing civil service issues The Brooklyn Coordinating Committee meet- Committee will meet the second week in Janu- related to the one-in-three rule, civil service hir- ings are still going well. At this month’s meet- ary and the Education Committee is planning a December 13, 2018 — Attended the NYS AFL- ing pools, and scouring for civil service exami- ing we had a round table discussion on what we program for the February General Membership CIO 60th Anniversary Celebration. nations. DCAS will research concerns and report accomplished this year and our focus for next Meeting. Communique I 22 Communique CWA Local 1180 Executive Board Meeting Minutes

Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried February 12, 2019 — Chaired the CWA Local January 27, 2019 — Met with Business Manager December 21, 2018 — Attended the farewell to accept the reports of the members-at-large. 1180 weekly staff meeting. That evening, she Arthur Cheliotes for a special Funds meeting to ceremony for a long-time Local 1180 employee attended Commissioner Bob Linn’s retirement discuss Benefits working with Staff Representa- of the retiree division. Next meeting is scheduled for January 31, 2019. celebration. Renee Campion will be succeeding tives, focusing on how new members obtain January 3, 2019 — Attended a meeting related Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried Commissioner Linn. She is the first female who their benefits faster. to the Work Place Literacy Programs and edu- to adjourn at 8:40 p.m. has come up through the ranks to be appointed February 1, 2019 — Met with Staff Representa- cation courses offered at CWA Local 1180. Commissioner at the Office of Labor Relations. Respectfully submitted, tives Desiree Waters and Venus Colon-Williams January 8, 2019 — Attended the election of Carl February 14-17, 2019 — Attended the National to discuss the upcoming CWA Local 1180 Shop Gerald Brown E. Heastie as Speaker of the NYS Assembly. Also, Labor Management Conference. Discussion Steward Conference. Second Vice President attended the election of Andrea Stewart Cous- topics covered included the opioid crisis, pen- February 13, 2019 — Met with the Department ins as Majority Leader for the NYS Senate. sion fund’s investments, post Janus affects to of Education accompanied by Staff Representa- the labor movement. January 16, 2019 — Attended a special CWA tives Romano Jones and Desiree Waters to dis- Local 1180 Trustee meeting. In the evening, February 21, 2019 — Attended the New York cuss the functional transfer of CWA Local 1180 attended the monthly General Membership City Central Labor Council (CLC) Executive ACS members in the Early Learning Division to February 28, 2019 meeting. Board meeting. Discussions were held regard- the Department of Education. Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. ing the populous opinion on left and right. February 4, 2018 — Attended the Annual Leg- The New York City Department of Finance and Executive Board Members in Attendance: islative Breakfast of the Public Employee Con- February 24, 2019 — Attended Helena Crump’s Human Resource Administration will be moving ference. Leaders of the NYS Legislature were in Officers: Gloria Middleton, President; Gina retirement celebration. employees to 375 . More informa- attendance and participated in the discussion. Strickland, First Vice President; Gerald Brown, tion to follow. February 26, 2019 — Chaired the CWA Local Second Vice President; Robin Blair-Batte, Sec- February 7, 2018 — Attended the quarterly 1180 weekly staff meeting. February 19, 2019 — Met with CWA Local 1180 retary-Treasurer; Lourdes Acevedo, Recording Trustee meeting at CWA Local 1180. Staff Representatives to advise them that the Secretary February, 27, 2019 — Attended the MLC Steer- Office of Labor Relations will be enforcing old February 12, 2018 — Attended retirement party ing Committee and General Membership meet- Members-at-Large: Hilary Bloomfield, Denise procedures moving forward. for NYC Office of Labor Relations Commissioner ing. That evening, she chaired the CWA Local Gilliam, Helen S. Jarrett, Lisa Lloyd, Debra Pay- Bob Linn. 1180 General Membership meeting. February 21, 2019 — Met with Secretary-Trea- lor, Lenora Smith, Venus Colon-Williams, Hazel surer Robin Blair–Batte and Naresh Mohabir to Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried O. Worley President Middleton advised that on Febru- discuss how we capture our member’s informa- to accept the Second Vice President’s report. ary 26, 2019, the Honorable Stewart D. Aaron Absent: Gregory Smith, Member-at-Large tion at the union once they commence working requested that Administrative Manager Settle- for the city. Secretary-Treasurer’s Report Minutes of the November 27, 2018 and Decem- ment of Agreement be fully executed. As of Secretary-Treasurer Robin Blair-Batte presented ber 18, 2018 meetings were presented. Motion February 28, 2019, the plaintiffs and CWA Local February 27, 2019 — Attended a breakfast ac- the CWA Local 1180 Transaction Detail and was duly made, seconded and carried to accept 1180’s attorney signed the stipulation of agree- companied by Executive Board members Debra Income and Expenditures Report for January minutes with necessary corrections. ment and it was forwarded to the court. She will Paylor and Helen S. Jarrett with former Florida 2019. She advised that the T.D. checking ac- update the status of the executed agreement Candidate for Governor Andrew Gillum. That count has a balance of $389,703.99 as of C.O.B President’s Report at the next meeting. Additionally, the PAA et al evening, she attended the General Membership February 28, 2019. President Middleton introduced Rory Lancman, Bargaining Committee will hold its first meeting meeting. Council Member in the Queens 24th District. He on March 7, 2019, to discuss upcoming contract Secretary-Treasurer Blair-Batte announced that First Vice President Gina Strickland reported the is running for the Queens District Attorney’s Of- negotiations. The meeting with the Office of La- there was a total of 8,312 CWA Local 1180 ac- following staff representative activity for the fice in the June 2019 Primary. bor Relations will take place on March 18, 2019. tive members the end of January 2019. month of January 2019: President Middleton discussed the highlights A motion was made, seconded, and carried to Secretary-Treasurer Blair-Batte presented the Activity January of her schedule since the last Executive Board vote on the proposed New York City Central La- CWA Local 1180 budget for October 1, 2018- Meeting: bor Council 2020 Census Resolution. All voted, Appointments 1 September 30, 2019. Motion was duly made, Hazel Worley and Hilary Bloomfield abstained. Emails 1050 seconded, and carried to accept the budget. December 20, 2018 — Attended the New York Hearing Preparation 3 City Council signing and passage of Intro Bill President Middleton will be honored along with Salary adjustments for CWA Local 1180 Mana- Hearings 3 #633: The Reporting of Pay and Employment Robert Bonanza of LIUNA and the Independent gerial Staff for a 3% pay increase were voted on Investigative Hearings/Meetings 1 Data. A press conference was held prior to the Drivers Guild Machinist Union at the NYCCLC an approved for Naresh Mohabir, Sonja Fulcher, Labor Management Meeting 4 signing and passage of the bill. Annual Awards Reception on April 11, 2019. John O Malley, Leslie Fine, and Samantha Som- Oath 1 waru. January 1, 2019 — Attended the inauguration President Middleton distributed and discussed Off Site Member Meeting 4 on Ellis Island of Governor , Lt. the status report dated January 1, 2019, and Phone Calls 402 Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried Governor , New York State At- February 1, 2019, from the Law Offices of Mir- Shop Steward Training Sessions 1 to accept the Secretary-Treasurer’s Report. torney General Letiticia “Tish” James, and New kin & Gordon, P.C. listing legal matters being Site Meetings 9 York State Comptroller Thomas Dinapoli. handled on behalf of CWA Local 1180. She also Supervisory Conference 3 Recording Secretary’s Report distributed the FY2020 Budget and FY2019- February 12 2019 — E-mailed the upcoming January 3, 2019 — Held a CWA Local 1180 FY2022 Financial Plan submitted by the Policy Site Meetings QWL Events of 2019 to the Officers and Execu- Workplace Literacy Meeting regarding educa- Research Group. In addition, she submitted the HRA SNAP #22 tive Board members. tion programs. timeline for the NYC Census 2020 Labor Counts. 2865 West 8th Street, Brooklyn February 27, 2019 — Signed the EEO Stipula- January 7, 2019 — Held a meeting regarding She also distributed thank you letters from New Department of Education tion of Agreement at the CWA Local 1180’s at- the CWA Local 1180 Membership Brigade’s or- York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and 131 Livingston Street, Brooklyn torney’s office. That evening, she attended the ganizing plans for the future with Erin Mahoney New York State Senator for General Membership Meeting. from CWA District 1. CWA Local 1180’s continued support. Addition- Department of Education ally, she distributed the Organizing Reports 65 Court Street, Brooklyn January 8-10, 2019 — Attended the Local Ad- Members-at-Large Reports for December 2018, January/February 2019 visory Committee in DC accompanied by Robin H+H Seaview Hospital Lenora Smith announced that the Education submitted by Leslie Fine. Lastly, she distributed Blair-Batte, Secretary Treasurer, to discuss the 460 Brielle Street, Staten Island Committee did its presentation for Black His- the February 28, 2019, monthly project updates new dues database being introduced by CWA tory month at the General Membership meet- memorandum submitted by Marci Rosenblum, Department of Environmental Protection National. ing (Woodhull Hospital) on February 27, 2019. CWA Local 1180 Communications Director. 1250 Broadway, Manhattan The Book Club met in January 2019 and they January 15, 2019 — Chaired the CWA Local A motion was duly made, seconded, and carried Department of Finance are reading the book, “The Wake of the Wind” 1180 weekly staff meeting. That afternoon, re- to accept the President’s Report. 253 Broadway, Manhattan by J. California Cooper. viewed PowerPoint presentation for upcoming Venus Colon-Williams announced applica- General Membership meeting. First Vice President’s Report Comptroller’s Office 1 Centre Street, Manhattan tions are now being accepted until March 31 January 16, 2019 — Held special CWA Lo- First Vice President Gina Strickland reported the to attend this year’s National Puerto Rican Day cal 1180 Trustees meeting. That evening, she following: HRA SNAP F43 & SNAP F53 Parade. chaired the CWA Local 1180 General Member- 32-20 Northern Blvd, Queens December 21, 2018 — Attended Jonathan ship meeting. Debra Paylor announced: Lane’s retirement celebration. HRA 4 World Trade Center February 2, 2019 — She attended the LCLAA January 19, 2019 — Attended the Administra- 150 , Manhattan December 20, 2018 — Attended the signing monthly meeting accompanied by Executive tive Manager EEO settlement meeting. and passage of Intro Bill #633: The Reporting of Motion was duly made, seconded and carried Board member Lisa Lloyd. January 24, 2019 — Met with Matthew Campese Pay and Employment Data. to accept the First-Vice President’s report. February 15, 1019 — She attended the Metro- at Kings County Hospital, accompanied by First January 9, 2019 — Accompanied President politan Hospital site meeting. Vice President Gina Strickland, to discuss the Second Vice President’s Report Middleton to the follow-up Coordinating Man- proper use of the Coordinating Manager title. Second Vice President Gerald Brown reported February 19, 2019 — She attended the Manhat- ager’s meeting at Kings County Hospital. That afternoon, she attended Herbrena Young’s the following: tan Borough Community Council meeting. retirement party. Herbrena worked 30 years for January 16, 2019 — Attended the CWA Local December 20, 2018 — Attended a press con- February 21, 2019 — Attended the New York NYC Harlem Hospital. 1180 General Membership meeting. ference with President Middleton, NYC Coun- City Central Labor Council delegates meeting January 29, 2019 — Chaired the CWA Local January 18, 2019 — Met with Secretary-Trea- cil Speaker Corey Johnson and others for NYC accompanied by Executive Board member Hil- 1180 weekly staff meeting. surer Robin Blair-Batte and Gwen Richardson Council Intro 633, which was heavily supported ary Bloomfield. to discuss preparations for the upcoming Shop by CWA Local 1180. The bill was voted on and February 7, 2019 — Chaired the CWA Local February 22, 1019 — Attended the Coalition of Steward Conference to be held from September signed by NYC Council later in the afternoon. 1180 Trustees meeting. Discussed improve- Black Trade Unions (CBTU) Black History Month 26-28, 2019. ments to the Local’s dental providers. celebration.

Continued on page 25 Communique I 24 Workplace Literacy Enroll by Wednesday, October 2,9,16,23,30;November 6,13,20,2019 (8 Sessions;6p.m.-8p.m.) proofreading not intended skills.(Course asaremedial writingcourse.) Interactive program focusingonexercises designedto enhancerevising, editing,and Editing, RevisingProofreading Enroll by November 14,2019 (1 Session;10a.m.-2p.m.)Saturday, December14,2019 Home Ownership Enroll by September 2,2019 Wednesday, October 2,9,16,23,30;November 6,13,20,2019 workplace. Create individualdevelopment plans.(8Sessions;6p.m.-8p.m.) ofParticipants knowledge,skills,andattitudesinthe willbetaughttheimportance Personal Development Enroll by September 3,2019 Thursday, October 3,10,17,24,31;November 7,14,21,2019 productivity. (8Sessions;6p.m.-8p.m.) toaccountable to whilemanagingtheirownstaffforharmony and thosetheyreport knowthestressManagers of leadingfrom themiddle-beinginfluencedbyand Reporting to UpperManagement Enroll by September 7,2019 Monday, October 7,21,28;November 4,18,25,2019 culture thatpromotes (6Sessions;6p.m.-8p.m.) trustandhighperformance. willfocusonwaysto skillsasstrategicThis course useleadership tools to buildinga Leadership Enroll by September 5,2019 Saturday, October 5,19,26;November 2,16,23,2019 (6 Sessions;10a.m.-2p.m.) isdesignedwithabeginnertoand graphdata.Thecourse intermediate approach. Microsoft Excel isaspreadsheet to applicationthatenablesusers manipulate, store, Microsoft Ex Microsoft A Enroll by September 19,2019 (2 Sessions;10a.m.-2p.m.)Saturday, October 19,26,2019 P lanning Pre-Retirement Enroll by September 1,2019 Tuesday, October 1,8,15,22,29;November 12,19,26,2019 of thefeedback process. (8Sessions;6p.m.-8p.m.) Emphasisondeveloping strategiesemployee to performance. maximizethebenefits willfocusonteaching toThis course managers useeffective feedback asatool for Giving EffectiveOngoingFeedback Enroll by August18,2019 Wednesday, September 18,25;October 2,9,16,23,30;November 6,13,20,2019 a beginnerto anintermediate approach. (10Sessions;6p.m.-8p.m.) Access isthemostwidelyuseddesktop database system. isdesignedwith Thiscourse Email: [email protected] Phone: 212.966.5353x4906 (MMP) Member ManagementPortal Account Help Desk: Online registration Assistance information intheSubjectLine. the course 4 digitsof your SocialSecurityNumber. Also, include [email protected], includememberIDorlast TRAINING REGISTRATION BY EMAIL Fall 2019Courses participants with the opportunity to assessyour current areas skilllevel you withtheopportunity participants andidentify would like to improve. The Workplace Literacy Program scheduleallowsyou to customize your choicesbased onyour interests andavailability. isdesignedto Eachcourse provide

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6 HarrisonStreet, 4thfloor, NewYork, NY 10013 Attention: Jocelyn Local 1180EducationFundWorkplace Literacy Program Mail checkormoneyorder payable: payment information. course or last4digitsof your SocialSecurityNumber, and Call 212.331.0951.Leave your name,MemberID, Training Registration V

Enroll 1,2020 by February Monday, March 2,9,16,23,30;April13,20,27,2020 your belt.(8Sessions;6p.m.-8p.m.) before you delegate anotherjoborschedulemeeting,getthistrainingunder You position!Inyour oldpositionyou didagreat jobbut earned your supervisory Ex Enroll by March 18,2020 Saturday, April18,25;May2,9,16,30,2020 (6 Sessions;10a.m.-2p.m.) isdesignedwithabeginnertoand graphdata.Thecourse intermediate approach. Microsoft Excel isaspreadsheet to applicationthatenablesusers manipulate, store, Microsoft Ex Enroll 6,2020 by February (2 Sessions;10a.m.-2p.m.)Saturday, March 7,14,2020 P lanning Pre-Retirement Enroll 2,2020 by February Tuesday, March 3,10,17,24,31;April14,21,28,2020 tofrom afinisheddocument.(8Sessions;6p.m.-8p.m.) adraft focusesonfundamentalwritingconcepts,andwillteachThis course you howto get Writing Tips Enroll by April6,2020 Wednesday, May6,13,20,27;June3,10,17,2020 (7 Sessions;6p.m.-8p.m.) to participate enrollees inmockinterviews. course, willbegiven multipleopportunities process. skillsare Inthis critical.Learn whatto expectduringtheinterview Interview Skills&Techniques Interviewing Microsoft A Enroll 4,2020 by February Thursday, March 5,12,19,26;April2,16,23,30,2020 notintended(Course asaremedial (8Sessions;6p.m.-8p.m.) writingcourse.) This workshop focusesonexercises designedto review thestandard elementsof reports. Report Writing Enroll by April9,2020 (1 Session;10a.m.-2p.m.)Saturday, May9,2020 Home Ownership Enroll by April5,2020 Tuesday, May5,12,19,26;June2,9,16,23,2020 challenges.(8Sessions;6p.m.-8p.m.) team andwilladdress customer service Workshop focuesonhowto build,maintain,andleadaneffective andmotivated work Managing forCustomer Ex Enroll 3,2020 by February Wednesday, March 4,11,18,25;April1,15,22,29;May6,13,2020 a beginnerto anintermediate approach. (10Sessions;6p.m.-8p.m.) Access isthemostwidelyuseddesktop database system. isdesignedwith Thiscourse Spring 2020Courses celling as oicemail

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cel 2016 upervisor 2016 l l l C C C l onfirm with$40depositbyApril26,2020 onfirm byApril29,2020 onfirm with$40depositbyApril25,2020 C l l l l l C C C C C onfirm with$40depositbyApril8,2020 cellence with $40 deposit by February 23,2020 onfirm with$40depositbyFebruary 21,2020 onfirm with$40depositbyFebruary by February 25,2020 onfirm byFebruary 22,2020 onfirm with$40depositbyFebruary 24,2020 onfirm with$40depositbyFebruary or call212.331.0985 Local 1180website atwww.CWA1180.org/training For additionalinformation upon completingatleast75%of theclass. meeting. Therefundable depositwillbereturned minimum of 10enrolles, 10days before class thefirst The refundable depositmustbereceived from a refundable deposit &refundpolicy

CWA Local 1180 Executive Board Meeting Minutes

Helen S. Jarrett announced: February 22, 2019 — Attended Women on the February 22, 2019 — Attended the CBTU meet- comes unexpectedly to someone so young, it January 6, 2019 — She attended State Senator Move gathering. ing. takes an additional toll on the family. President John Liu’s Swear in Ceremony. Middleton appreciates all the support that was February 26, 2019 — Attended the Driver’s Li- February 23, 2019 — Attended Council mem- given to her and her family from her 1180 fam- January 8, 2019 — Attended Attorney General cense for All at New York Law School. ber Carl E. Heastie breakfast. Later that day at- ily! Remember tomorrow is not promised to any Letitia “Tish” James Inauguration at Emanuel tended Glen Hunter Harlem Culture Black His- Hilary Bloomfield announced: of us, so enjoy the gift of life today! Baptist Church, Brooklyn. tory event. February 2, 2019 — Attended Justice on Trial Next meeting date of the Executive Board January 18, 2019 — Attended Mayor Bill de February 24, 2019 — Attended Helena Crump’s February 5, 2019 — Attended CWA Local 1180 March 21, 2019. Blasio’s Task Force on 911 Crisis Prevention & retirement party. Bronx Borough Coordinating meeting Response. Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried February 27, 2019 — Attended the NYCCLC February 7, 2019 — Attended CLUW members to adjourn at 9:45 p.m. February 2, 2019 — Attended State Senator breakfast. meeting. ’s press conference on Minimum Respectfully submitted, Hazel O Worley announced that Dana Holland Wage for Prisoners. February 15-18, 2019 — Attended Albany BPRA will be retiring. More information to follow. Lourdes Acevedo Convention. February 10, 2019 — Attended State Senator Recording Secretary Good and Welfare: President Middleton Zellnor Myrie’s Inauguration. February 19, 2019 — Attended CWA Local 1180 thanked everyone who had her and her family Women’s Committee meeting. February 13, 2019 — Attended NYCCLC Zoning in their thoughts and prayers upon the death Training. February 21, 2019 — Attended Ruben Diaz’s of her nephew. Whether you sent a card, gave State of the Borough Address, the Black History her a hug, attended services, or gave her a call, February 19, 2019 — Attended Governor An- Celebration at DC 37, and the CLC membership she thanks you all from the bottom of her heart. drew Cuomo’s “Women’s Justice Agenda.” meeting. Death is part of the circle of life, but when it

ATTENTION ALL BCCC CHAIRS & Borough Community COMMITTEE MEMBERS: To have your Borough’s updates included in future Coordinating Committee editions of the Communique, please send them to [email protected]. You UPDATES can also send photos, including names of those in the photo, as well as all pertinent information about the event. Staten Island’s first Environmental Fair on May 11 connected the general public with the providers of activities and education aimed at improving the quality STATEN of life on Staten Island as well as the planet as a whole. Held at the Regina McGinn Educational Center, Staten Island University Hospital, discussions were held regarding climate change and its direct impact on Staten ISLAND Island and surrounding communities. A screening of the By Rosie Roman, Chair 2018 film “Paris to Pittsburgh” was followed by a panel discussion with Deputy Borough President Ed Burke, Follow NOAA Scientist Carl Alderson, and SIUH Director of Medicine, Emergency Department, Dr. Anna Van Tuyl. Local 1180 members attended to represent the union CWA 1180 and show support for the communities in which we live ON Social and work. Media

Adela Lopez-SI BCCC member, Pat Kane-NYSNA CWA Local 1180 Treasurer, Rosie Roman-SI BCCC Chair, Monise Etienne-SIBCCC Co-Chair

@CWA1180

@CWA1180

CWA Local 1180

Congratulations Benjamin on winning the SI BCCC raffle Rosie Roman and Monise Etienne with NOAA scientist, Carl Alderson, who is a former CWA member commitTees about our members Caribbean Heritage Committee Gina Strickland, Chair [email protected] Meeting: 3rd Wednesday of each month ConGRATULATIONS Civil Rights & Equity/ CONGRATULATIONS to Paul Wiggins (PAIII) and Community Services Committee Wanda Peakes (Admin Manager) on marking 25 Hazel O. Worley, Chair years of employment with HRA. Pictured with [email protected] First Vice President Gina Strickland (photo far Meeting: 3rd Tuesday of each month right), they were honored by the agency for their Civil Service Committee continued dedication and commitment to their Lisa Lloyd, Chair jobs. Thanks to [email protected] Shop Steward Meeting: 4th Tuesday of each month Elice Vessels Editorial Committee (pictured with Marci Rosenblum, Chair Strickland) who [email protected] represented Local 1180 on Education Committee & Book Club the Ceremony Lenora Smith, Chair Committee. g [email protected] Meeting: 2nd Monday of each month

Hispanic Committee CONGRATULATIONS to Dana E. Holland on her Venus Williams, Chair retirement after 40 years with Department. [email protected] She was honored on April 26 by her friends and Meeting: 2nd Thursday of each month coworkers for that longterm dedication. For decades, Dana served as a Site Representative Legislative and Political Committee representing her coworkers. She was also a Gerald Brown, Chair [email protected] member of the Community Services Committee, the Legislative and Political Action Committee, Organizing Committee the Civil Rights and Equity Committee, the Leslie Fine, Chair People with Disabilities Committee, the Brooklyn [email protected] Borough Community Coordinating Committee, New York City, and delivers food to the People with Disabilities Committee Block Association VIDA Executive Board member elderly on weekends when most services Edward Yood, Chair in her community, and a member of the FDNY are not open. Local 1180 President Gloria [email protected] African Heritage Society. Dana and her husband Middleton, First VP Gina Strickland (both Meeting: 1st Wednesday of each month Clyde Holland Sr. (retired from the NYPD) have pictured above) and Second Vice President been married for 50 years and have three sons. Gerald Brown attended to wish Dana well Women’s Committee Denise Gilliam, Chair Dana believes that volunteering is the way and present her with some parting gifts [email protected] to serve your community, which is why she from the Union. g Meeting: 2nd Tuesday of each month volunteers at various food kitchens throughout Borough Community CONGRATULATIONS to Sonja Fulcher, Coordinating Committees who after almost 30 years working for CWA Bronx BCCC Local 1180 as the union’s most trusted data Carolyn Chamorro, Chair base manager, is . Sonja started [email protected] with the Local in 1991 as a receptionist, Brooklyn BCCC working her way up to database manager, Verna Finley, Chair where she was responsible for updating [email protected] and tracking the union’s numerous data bases used on a daily basis. Manhattan BCCC Patti Jacobs, Chair “I have know Sonja since I was a teenager. [email protected] She is an incredible person to work with. Whenever I needed help with something Queens BCCC Priscilla Carrow, Chair on the computer or anything else for [email protected] that matter, I would always turn to Sonja. So would everyone else,” said coworker, Staten Island BCCC friend, and 1180 Staffer Samantha Rosie Roman, Chair Somwaru. [email protected] President Gloria Middleton said Sonja was All meetings start at 6 p.m. and are held at a highly trusted member of the 1180 team who will definitely be missed. “We had to Local 1180, 6 Harrison St., New York, NY 10013 send her off in style as she moves on to with the exception of the Borough Community the next phase of life. Sonja was not only a trusted and reliable union employee who made sure Coordinating Committees. For their locations and we always knew where each of our members works, but she came into work with a bright and start times, contact the respective Borough Chair. cheerful smile ready to tackle the day. She was a fun person to work with. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors in Atlanta, Georgia.” g Where meeting date is not listed, contact Chair directly. CONGRATULATIONS to the following Administrative Managers and Principal Administrative Associates from the Department of Transportaton who were honored on June 14, 2019, for 25 years of service or more. DOT Staff Rep Kevin Hines attended the event, IN MEMORIAM representing the Union., as did Shop Steward Earlene Powell.

Lourdes Acevedo...... 35 years. . . . .AM NAME Agency Deceased Ingrid Baum...... 35 years. . . . .PAA Sarina Appel...... Health & Hospital Corp ...... 3/20/2019 Delorine Bennett ...... 30 years. . . . .PAA Torrea Campbell...... 30 years. . . . .PAA Maxine Bedford. . . . .Health & Hospital Corp ...... 3/5/2019 Evelyn Cruz...... 30 years. . . . .AM Marion Bell...... Law Department (Mayoral)...... 5/12/2019 Denise David...... 30 years. . . . .PAA Jocelyn Desroches...... 25 years. . . . .AM Emily Boria...... Dept. of Environmental Protection. . . . 3/25/2019 Lavonne Fulgham...... 25 years. . . . .AM Vatsala Casuba. . . . . Finance Administration...... 2/19/2019 Cherlyl Johnson ...... 25 years. . . . .AM Frances Elkind...... Dept. of Social Services...... 5/22/2019 Sherry Johnson-O’Neal...... 30 years. . . . .AM Angela Jones...... 30 years. . . . .AM Chyi-Jou Gau...... Housing Preservation & Development. . .4/18/2019 Norma Jones...... 35 years. . . . .AM Kamaldai Haripersad. . .Bellevue Hospital...... 2/8/2019 Rosa Jones...... 35 years. . . . .PAA Clarice Joynes...... 30 years. . . . .AM Mildred Johnson. . . . .Dept. of Social Services...... 4/18/2019 Caroline Jun...... 25 years. . . . .AM Verna Johnson . . . . . Housing Preservation & Development. . .3/9/2019 Wanda Matos...... 35 years. . . . .AM Theodore Johnson. . . .Finance Administration...... 3/9/2019 Lenneth McCalla...... 30 years. . . . .AM Gerard Montesano...... 45 years. . . . .AM Sarah Jones...... Finance Administration...... 2/24/2019 Pamela Perkins...... 25 years. . . . .AM Henry Joseph...... Elmhurst Hospital Center ...... 5/24/2019 Linda Santore...... 30 years. . . . .AM Mildred Miller...... Dept. of Education...... 2/14/2019 Rhay Sumler...... 30 years. . . . .AM Vivian Valdez...... 35 years. . . . .AM Hildred Nicholas. . . . .Dept. of Social Services...... 4/8/2019 Sharen Valentine...... 25 years. . . . .AM John Salgado ...... North Central Bronx Hospital...... 5/8/2019 Linda Washington ...... 40 years. . . . .AM Claudette Workman...... 30 years. . . . .AM Sonia Serrata...... Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene. . . . 3/28/2019 Patricia Small...... Dept. of Corrections...... 2/8/2019 Mayjean Soohoo . . . . Police Department...... 2/3/2019 Solveiga Tsengoles. . . .Queens District Attorney...... 3/24/2019 Cynthia Walker. . . . . Dept. of Personnel...... 4/30/2019 William Wallace . . . . .Fire Department...... 4/1/2019 Ethel Yelverton. . . . . Dept. of Social Services...... 3/10/2019

Some of the Local 1180 members honored at the Condolences DOT awards ceremony Condolences to the family of Sonia Serrata (PAA3, DOHMH) included Linda Washington, on March 28, 2019, at the age of 37. “Sonia was a treasured co- Sherry Johnson-O’Neil, worker and friend to many,” read the email of her passing from the and Lavonne Fulgham (all agency. “We will miss her very much. Although Sonia had been on pictured). Other members medical leave, she was expected to return to work. It is a shock to attending to show their lose her so unexpectedly.” Serrata leaves behind two daughters support were Quinella and other cherished family members. g Williams, Milagros Jorge, Condolences to Member-at-Large Hilary Bloomfield on the Polly Trottenberg, recent passing of both her husband Nathaniel E. Walls and her and Shop Steward sister Sybil Bloomfield Daniel. Condolences can be sent to Hilary Earlene Powell. Bloomfield, 3555 Olinville Avenue, #7A, Bronx, NY 10467-5571. g

Executive Board COMMUNIQUE Gloria Middleton, President Gina Strickland, First Vice President Official Publication Gerald Brown, Second Vice President New York Administrative Employees Local 1180 Robin Blair-Batte, Secretary-Treasurer Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO Lourdes Acevedo, Recording Secretary 6 Harrison Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10013-2898 Members at Large www.cwa1180.org Hilary Bloomfield, Denise Gilliam, Helen S. Jarrett, Lisa Lloyd, Debra Paylor, Telephone: 212.226.6565 Gregory Smith, Lenora Smith, Venus Williams, Hazel O. Worley

Security Benefits for Active and Retiree Members: 212.966.5353 Communications Director Claim Forms Hotline: 212.925.1091 l Retiree Division: 212.226.5800 Communique Editor/Designer For Out-of-Town Retirees Marci Rosenblum l Tricomm Creative, Inc. l www.tricommcreative.com Retiree Division: 800.801.2882 Gerald Brown, Gloria Middleton — Communique Facilitators Retiree Benefits: 888.966.5353

Printed by DG3 North America l Ron Koff l [email protected] NON-PROFIT-ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Communique NEW YORK, NY Communications Workers PERMIT NO. 8190 of America, Local 1180 6 Harrison Street New York, NY 10013-2898

Borough Community Coordinating Committee BRONX UPDATES By Carolyn Chammora, Chair

On April 2, Bronx Committee members received hands-on CPR training at the BCCC meeting from Emily Allen at the American Red Cross. The post-training group shot shows everyone’s success.

Local 1180’s Bronx Local 1180 Bronx Borough Borough Community Committee meets with Bronx Coordinating Borough President Ruben Diaz to Committee members discuss the 2020 census. Pictured marched at the Bronx from left: Lina Castillo, Carolyn Week on May, Chamorro, and Jeanette D. Taylor. 19, and took a group Each year, the Bronx and City photo with reporters come together to give the from Bronx 12 News. borough its due. Bronx Week, a tradition for more than 40 years, celebrates the borough with a parade, festivals, live music, a unique trolley tour and, of course, the induction CWA Local 1180 members Jenny Sanchez, Carolyn Chamorro, Egeria of the latest additions to the Bennett, and Hilary Bloomfield — also Community Board members — Bronx Walk of Fame. Bronx joined Bronx Borough President Rubin Diaz at a May 9th Community Borough President Ruben Diaz Board appreciation dinner. honored all labor unions on May 14 for their contributions to the borough. CWA Local 1180 participated in the parade and in the process, met Bronx 12 news reporters. In addition, Diaz hosted the Bronx census committee meeting and addressed the importance of At the Bronx Week 2019 labor breakfast, from left: getting an accurate count so the Janice Walcott, Otissa Dillard, Genny Sánchez, and Bronx does not lose funding for Hilary Bloomfield. schools, healthcare, or housing.