News & Views February 2009:News & Views February 2009 2/9/09 10:54 AM Page 2

RETIREE news & views A PUBLICATION OF LOCAL 237 RETIREE DIVISION • VOL. 14 NO. 2 • FEBRUARY 2009

On January 20, the Local 237 executive board hosted an open house reception for working members, retirees, and staff to view What Should Obama Do? and celebrate the inauguration of Barack Obama as 44th president of the . As the group watched on two large TV screens rented for the occasion, cheering and applaud- ing, they shared the experience with millions of people across the nation and around the world who viewed the event on huge outdoor screens, at work, at house parties or alone at home, in department and electronics stores, movie theaters, bars and restaurants, and many other sites, including, of course, in Washington, DC, where Local 237 President Gregory Floyd attended the inauguration. A few days before the inauguration, Local 237 retirees attended the Retiree Division’s an- (l-r) Mavis Andrews, Millicent Stewart, and Ray nual tribute to the legacy of Martin Luther Marquez interact with actress Leslie Dockery King, which featured “Songs for Obama,” a Barbara Hazelwood, wearing a shirt with pictures playing a TV talk show host at the Retiree Division’s multimedia presentation that also honored of Martin Luther King and Barack Obama and annual Martin Luther King tribute January 15 quotes from them about change and the “dream Obama and visionary women Marian Ander- ‘we can believe in.” son, Lena Horne, and Eleanor Roosevelt, who RAY MARQUEZ. What do I want Obama traced the civil rights movement that led to the tion. Obama came out of nowhere, no one to do? Close Guantanamo. Out of Iraq. Out election of the first black man as president of the believed he could win. I’m going to sup- of Afghanistan. Bring our troops home with nation. Following are interviews with retirees port him in any way I can. I just pray for honor, and appropriately—not like Bush. who attended the program about what they his safety. Bailout for the people, not for the banks. Follow and obey the Constitution. hope Barack Obama will do as president. GRACE EUBANKS. I hope Obama is suc- cessful, for the whole United States of MAVIS ANDREWS. Obama is president of CRISTOBAL BERMUDEZ This year is the America. I have a feeling all the people, and he will represent them beginning of new hope for a lot of people. I he will be. We have to with compassion and dignity, with toler- sense that everything is give him time. He’s not ance—gays, Latinos, blacks, immigrants. going to change. Maybe going to get to do every- That’s fundamental. That’s why I voted for not today or tomorrow, thing—he says so him- him. He’s a wonderful man on paper; I just but over time. It’s impor- self—in his first term. I hope it’s real. tant for people to start hope he will in his sec- [During interaction between the actors and thinking another way, for ond, God willing. I pray I audience, Andrews said, “I worked at the polls. change. Forget about the will live to see it. We African Americans At about 3 p.m. a guy came, said he was 40 past. Start now with have to realize he’s not just there for us. years old and had never voted, but he had to hope in this year. Obama is not only for the He’s there for the whole United States of come out to vote for Obama.”] people in the United States but for the peo- America and our allies. I’m thankful God MILLICENT STEWART. I hope the na- ple of the world. let me see Obama elected. Martin Luther tion will be tolerant. Obama’s promises King predicted it. Unfortunately my par- BARBARA HAZELWOOD. I hope Obama will take time, but will come to fruition. I ents didn’t get to see it, but my 95-year-old will do just what he says he will do. He says hope people remember him in their aunt is blessed. he wants change, and that’s what I want. He prayers everyday and are patient. He has says he’ll end the war in a peaceful way. WILFRED FERGUSON. a lot on his plate, but he’s dealing with it. Some are going to blame Obama for Every so often an indi- He has a good team to help him. everything, but we have to say that things vidual comes along who [Also during interaction between the ac- are going to take time. It’s not going to hap- can make a difference. tors and audience, Stewart said, “My uncle is pen overnight. Because he’s the first black With this guy, everyone 70 and just voted for the first time. I never president doesn’t mean he’s a miracle work- thought it was an impos- knew he had never voted. But people from the er. It’s going to take Congress, the Senate, a sibility. But God was in Obama team kept calling him and telling him lot of folks who are going to make it happen. the works, he’ll be giving to vote. So he came out for the first time, to We were so tired of the old administra- Obama spiritual guidance. vote for Obama.”] News & Views February 2009:News & Views February 2009 2/9/09 10:54 AM Page 3

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his year Black History Month cel- today (12.32 percent in 2006) as it did in ebrates a truly historic event, the A Message 1968 (12.8 percent) The most recent eco- Tinauguration of Barack Obama, nomic data, however, support King’s view the first African American president of from the that the right of workers to organize, to the United States. His election signals a President bargain collectively, and, when necessary, new era. to strike, offers an important path to But we still have a long way to go, counter-acting the rise in economic in- many obstacles to overcome. Let’s not equality, to the benefit of all workers. forget that 60 percent of black children The EFCA is actually a supplement to unionization boosts the wages of all low- are living in low-income families and 34 the American Recovery and Reinvestment wage workers by 20.6 percent, on aver- percent of black children are living in Plan. More workers in unions, with high- age. Unions have a substantial impact on poverty. While the nation is entering the er salaries and more money to spend, will the wages of workers earning higher second year of a recession, people of speed the nation’s economic recovery. wages, as well. All workers benefit from color have been experiencing a recession U.S. businesses have made defeat of union membership. for five years, according to a report is- EFCA a top priority. They are using the eco- Higher wages makes it possible for sued in December by Fair Economy, nomic crisis as an excuse, waging a working families to spend more, which “State of the Dream 2009: The Silent De- multimillion dollar publicity campaign to economists say is important to the na- pression.” Key findings include: argue that now is not the time to create tion’s economic recovery. • Black unemployment is 11.9 percent, more requirements for business. But Presi- Clearly, unionization should be part compared to a general unemployment dent Obama disagrees. Obama said, “I don’t of the plan to stimulate the economy and rate of 7.2 percent (now 7.6 percent); see organized labor as part of the problem; begin to correct racial inequities. In con- • Unemployment is 32.8 percent for to me, it’s part of the solution.”And he crete terms, that means passage of the black males ages 16-19 signed three pro-labor executive orders and Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), which • The median household income of appointed a task force charged with ensur- will make it easier for workers to join blacks is $38,269 and $40,000 for Latinos, ing that economic recovery policies help, not unions and penalize employers who in- while the median household income of hurt, the working middle class. timidate and fire workers for seeking whites is $61,280. So I am optimistic. unionization. A report issued last May by the Cen- Early this month, thousands of Team- To put this in a historic context, the ter for Economic and Policy Research sters and and other union members ral- CEPR’s Union Advantage report said: (CEPR), “Unions and Upward Mobility lied at the Capitol and delivered petitions for African-American Workers,” found Martin Luther King’s fateful trip to with 1.5 million signatures to pressure that unionized black workers receive 12 Memphis 40 years ago was part of his ef- Congress to pass the EFCA. We need to percent more in wages and benefits than forts to expand the cause of civil rights to keep the pressure up. We also need to black workers who were not in unions. the economic realm. King would almost urge our representatives and senators to The union difference on health insurance certainly have been shocked to find that, implement the American Recovery and and pension coverage was even larger. despite substantial economic growth over Reinvestment Plan without further delay. Another CEPR report, “The Union the last four decades, the increasingly un- You can reach them online, by mail, Advantage for Low-Wage Workers,” re- equal U.S. economy has almost the same by telephone, or you can visit their home leased at the same time, found that portion of its population living in poverty office. Contact information is on page 3.

e are all hurting from the eco- uary 15 includes an additional Supplemen- nomic crisis. One out of ten se- Retirees Need tal Security Income payment for low-in- Wnior citizens is now living in come older and disabled recipients as well poverty. As union members, Local 237 re- Action Now as health care assistance through COBRA tirees are fortunate to have a guaranteed By Nancy B. True and Medicaid for older workers who have pension (with a COLA) and benefits, in ad- Director, Retiree Division become temporarily unemployed. It in- dition to Social Security, but we are still af- cludes additional funding for the Social Se- fected. Many have younger family mem- curity Administration, Low-Income Energy bers who have lost jobs or are faced with Assistance, and Meals on Wheels. RETIREE NEWS & VIEWS college tuition hikes. Prescription food and The Senate plan includes a proposal by Published monthly, except for July/August com- drug prices, rents, and home heating costs Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus bined, by the Retiree Division of Local 237, Inter- national Brotherhood of Teamsters (USPS 013028) are up. Many retirees have seen substan- for a one-time payment of $300 for retirees. Periodicals postage paid at , NY. tial drops in their investments. The situation changes from day to day. Postmaster:Send address changes to Retiree News & Views, 216 West 14 St., NY, NY 10011 • 212- But we have a new president who rec- Unfortunately, one thing that does not 807-0555 • [email protected] • www.local237.org ognizes the seriousness of the economic change is Republicans’ failure to cooper- GREGORY FLOYD RICHARD HENDERSHOT crisis and is prepared to act now to stimu- ate, despite President Obama’s many at- President Vice President late the economy. tempts. The Republican solution of tax RUBEN TORRES PATRICIA STRYKER Secretary-Treasurer Recording Secretary The stimulus bills being considered in cuts for the wealthy does not work. Nancy B. True Donna Ristorucci Congress include provisions specifically for Make your voices heard. Contact your Managing Editor Editor older Americans. The $825 billion stimulus legislators and tell them we need an eco- recovery package passed by the House Jan- nomic stimulus package now. News & Views February 2009:News & Views February 2009 2/9/09 10:54 AM Page 4

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Medicare Rx, Medicare for All Bills What You Can Do Urge your representative and Reintroduced in Congress senators to co-sponsor the Medicare Prescription Drugs three had signed on by January 26. ongressional Democrats reintroduced Savings and Choice Act, HR 684 HR 676 would institute a single payer the Medicare Prescription Drugs Sav- and S 330, and the Medicare for health care system by expanding a greatly Cings and Choice Act, a bill to provide All bill, HR 676, and to support the improved Medicare system to everyone re- a prescription drug benefit under original Employee Free Choice Act. Medicare. The legislation HR 684 and S 330, siding in the U. S. would create a government-run coverage An important improvement in this ver- U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES option that would provide a choice for peo- sion of HR 676 is the expansion of protection Washington, DC 20515 ple with Medicare who now can only receive for workers in insurance companies, doctors’ offices, hospitals and other work sites who U.S. SENATE drug coverage through a private plan. Washington, DC 20510 Currently, private plans can change are displaced or whose jobs are eliminated what they charge and what drugs they due to reduced administration needs. Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121 cover year to year, making drug coverage HR 676 has been endorsed by the Al- for Part D enrollees unpredictable and in- liance for Retired Americans and 483 PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA consistent. A Medicare-run drug benefit cre- union organizations in 49 states includ- White House ing 118 Central Labor Councils (includ- 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue W. ated by the bill, sponsored by Rep. Marion Washington, DC 20500 Berry (D-Ark) in the House and Senate Ma- ing the Central Labor www.whitehouse.gov jority Whip Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) in the Council) and Area Labor Federations Comments: 202-456-1111 Senate, would: and 39 state AFL-CIO's (including in Switchboard: 202-456-1414 • offer a low premium that is uniform na- New York State). tionwide; • offer a consistent formulary; • authorize the secretary of Health and ‘You Cannot Have a Strong Middle Human Services to negotiate lower drug prices—like the Veterans Administration, Class without a Strong Labor Movement’ which has negotiated drug prices 20 per- cent to 30 percent lower than drug prices I believe that we have to reverse create jobs . . . that sustain families and available through private Part D plans many of the policies towards organized sustain dreams; jobs in new and growing • provide stable coverage for all people labor that we've seen these last eight industries; jobs that don't feel like a dead with Medicare, including individuals with years, policies with which I've sharply end, but a way forward and a way up; jobs limited income enrolled in Extra Help; disagreed. I do not view the labor move- that will foster a vibrant and growing mid- • strengthen the right of Medicare bene- ment as part of the problem, to me it's dle class, because the strength of our econ- part of the solution. ficiaries to appeal denials of coverage for omy can be measured directly by the We need to level the playing field for medically necessary medications under all strength of our middle class.” workers and the unions that represent Medicare Part D plans. In acknowledging the importance of the their interests, because we know that Democrats tried and failed to insert this labor movement to creating a strong middle you cannot have a strong middle class provision into the original Part D legisla- class, “the economic engine of the nation,” without a strong labor movement. When tion, and tried again in the last Congress, Obama reaffirmed his support for the Em- workers are prospering, they buy prod- but both attempts failed because of opposi- ployee Free Choice Act (EFCA), which would ucts that make businesses prosper. We tion by the Bush administration and Repub- create a level playing field for workers who can be competitive and lean and mean lican legislators. have been faced with intimidation and firing and still create a situation where workers Obama favors allowing the federal by their employers for seeking to join a union. are thriving in this country. government to negotiate for lower drug The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and its busi- President Barack Obama, Jan. 30, 2009 prices for the Medicare program. He also ness allies have made defeat of the bill their supports allowing seniors to import safe top priority and are spending millions on a resident Barack Obama made these prescription drugs from overseas, and said publicity campaign to accomplish their goal. remarks confirming his support for he would prevent pharmaceutical compa- The Task Force on Middle Class Work- unions at his announcement of a nies from blocking cheap and safe generic P ing Families plans to hold meetings new Task Force on Middle Class Working drugs from the market. around the country to get input from the Families, dedicated to raising the stan- public. The first meeting will be in HR 676, Medicare for All dards of middle class families, under the Philadelphia February 27. ingle-payer “Medicare for All” legisla- leadership of Vice President Joe Biden. The task force has set up a web site, tion (HR 676) was reintroduced on Obama said that passing his American AStrongMiddleClass.gov, as a source of the same day, January 26. The bill, Recovery and Reinvestment Plan is just information and conversation, a place S the beginning. “America's middle class is United States National Health Care Act, where Americans can share their experi- had 93 co-sponsors in addition to its prima- the economic engine of this nation. Our road ences and ideas about what the task force ry sponsor, Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) in to economic recovery begins with restoring and the Obama administration should do. the 110th Congress, but co-sponsors have to the prosperity of working families and small People can also call or write letters. Local sign on anew for the new Congress. Thirty- business owners. . . We know we need to 237 retirees are urged to submit their ideas. News & Views February 2009:News & Views February 2009 2/9/09 10:54 AM Page 1

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and I was at Melrose FOUNDING MEMBER THOMAS LEATH DIES Houses then. He said, I homas Leath, a founding member ity. He applied for a job, expecting to be represent Local 237 of Local 237 at the Housing Author- told “don't call us, we'll call us.” To his and we're going to be ity, a retired caretaker, and long- surprise, he was hired on the spot and having an election. He T told to report for work the next day. time Retiree Division activist, died De- said, If you vote for us cember 16 after a long battle with cancer. Speaking at the Retiree Division’s for collective bargain- After Leath retired in 1976, he attended Founders Day program highlighting the ing we'll fight to get Retiree Division classes and participated union’s Oral History Project in 1998, Leath you time and a half for regularly in division’s programs. He was an recalled, “I started as a laborer at the overtime, health insur- activist in Senior Summer in 1996 and ‘97, ‘Huts,’ a temporary project in Queens. ance, and other bene- the AFL-CIO’s pioneer program to involve They were later dismantled. I made civil ser- fits. The health benefits were most important retirees in union organizing drives and po- vice in 1951. to me, because by that time I had four chil- litical campaigns. He continued to be active “We had a union, the UPW [United dren. And he said 237 would fight for Social with the Alliance for Retired Americans. Public Workers]. It was during the Com- Security. That was very important, because at Leath went to work for NYCHA in Au- munist paranoia. The UPW was too pushy that time, if you worked for the Housing Au- gust 1947. Recently discharged from the ser- for some city fathers, so they said that the thority or were civil service, there was no So- vice, married to his childhood sweetheart, union was ‘communist.’ That was the end cial Security—pension only. and going to music school on the GI Bill, of the UPW. Then we got the CIO, but that “We voted for 237; we took a chance. . . . Leath said, “I got news that every man was a disaster.” Everything Sammy promised us, 237 deliv- wants to hear: I was going to be a father.” He Recounting how he became a founding ered. 237 is the best union on the planet began to search for steady employment.” member of Local 237 at NYCHA, Leath said, Earth—not just in the country, but on the He bumped into a friend from the ser- “One day during lunch a guy named Sammy planet. When I tell my friends what we get, vice who told him about jobs at the Author- Jackson came by. It was around 1952 or ‘53 they can't believe it.”

ATTENTION Retiree Personal Notes Congratulations to Robert Wolf of Macon, Georgia, who turned 67 on January 15 and is Florida Local 237 retirees getting remarried in July. Wolf, a NYCHA caretaker J, groundsman, truck driver, boiler technician, and maintenance man who retired in 1995 after 31 years of service, sends greet- ings to former co-workers at Highbridge and HOLD THE DATE Bronx River Houses . . . NYCHA retirees (photo at right) held their end-of-the-year March 26-27 luncheon December 14 at the Harbor Restau- rant on City Island in . If anyone is Retiree Division Conference interested in joining the group for future West Palm Beach functions, call Tony Cottone, 718-745-7576, or Roland Diaz, 516-931-3022 . . . Deepest Visit Local 237’s web site sympathy to Agnes Gibson and family on www.local237.org the passing of retired Special Officer Hiliary Gibson, Sr., who died January 7.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Paul Robeson RETIREE NEWS & VIEWS Periodicals postage 1881-1976 216 West 14 Street paid at New York, NY New York, NY 10011

20th Century Renaissance Man, son of an escaped slave, athlete, actor, singer, lawyer, cultural scholar, author, national symbol and leader in the war against fascism abroad and racism at home. AFFILIATE OF THE INDUCTED INTO THE NEW JERSEY HALL Alliance OF FAME IN JANUARY 2009 for Retired Americans Happy Valentine’s Day

February 2009