Local 237 NEWSLINE
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I April 2009 Vol. 43, No.4 R Our Union’s First Political Forum Puts City Candidates on Call
About 500 “early birds” 237 with me!” He had 237 gathered at 8 a.m. on April 18 with him again in 2007 when in the Hilton New York Hotel “When Teamsters make their minds up to elect President Floyd joined him in to do their part in changing someone, we do!” – President Gregory Floyd the Save Our Homes Initia - the future of this city for the tive, providing help to home - better. Shop stewards, mem - owners facing foreclosure. bers, retirees, union staffers, “We realized then that the and friends were guests of first people to lose their 237’s first-ever Political homes were African Ameri - Forum. Also in attendance cans and Latinos,” said were the NYC Press Corps, the Thompson, who attended our Daily News and NBC and CBS May 1 rally at City Hall last News. The event provided a year to protest cuts in public private preview of city candi - housing funds. He noted that dates for mayor, comptroller he and Patricia Stryker, Local and public advocate, who ad - 237 trustee and chair of the dressed union members and Candidates Political Forum, answered their questions. both members of the board of “We came here because NYCERS, have pressed the we care about this city,” af - board for greater investment firmed President Gregory in affordable housing. He said Floyd in his welcoming re - that more has been invested marks. “As the largest Team - in the past seven years than in ster Local in the nation, it is the last 20 years. our obligation to lead. We The Brooklyn born son of worked tirelessly to get Obama two civil-service workers and elected, and we did.” a product of public school ed - ucation, Thompson says he Floyd assured the audience wants to be “a mayor for all that 237’s voting muscle is New Yorkers.” To that end he flexed for city elections in No - plans to focus on small busi - vember, when we will work ness, growing jobs, and pro - tirelessly again to elect worker- Forum photos by Gerald Schultz gressive tax increases for the friendly candidates. Candidates for public advocate address the audience as moderator Errol Louis looks on. Following are highlights of the candidates’ wealthy. “Working New Yorkers need someone to The forum was moderated by Errol Louis, host comments: stand up for us,” said Thompson. Referring to of “The Morning Show,” WWRL Radio, and Mayoral Candidates Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who passed up the columnist for the New York Daily News, who also William C. Thompson Jr. , New York City opportunity to address Local 237 members, broadcast segments of the forum on his radio pro - comptroller, recalled that he was the underdog in gram following the event. 2001, but was elected to the post because “I had Continued on page 5
Floyd Throws Out First Pitch Photos by New York Mets For Mets Game at Citi Field As an honorary New York Met, President Gregory Floyd threw out the first pitch at Citi Field on April 19, when the Mets played the Mil - waukee Brewers. The Mets lost, 4-2. The loss went to New York Mets pitcher Nelson Figueroa, who could have used more help from Floyd, whose form, pictured here, is flawless. The catcher was Omir Santos, a rookie — like Floyd. It was a most exciting weekend for Floyd, who just a day before hosted Local 237’s first Political Forum. [Article above] And an hour before throwing out the first pitch, Floyd was a guest on Gil Noble’s “Like It Is,” Sunday public affairs program on WABC-TV, which aired part 2 of an interview on the impact of the economic crisis on the labor movement. [See article, page 4] Special thanks to EmblemHealth for sponsoring the Citi Field pitch. The See videos, photos and more information about Local 237 events parent company of HIP and GHI was also a sponsor of the Political Forum. online at www.local237.org. 2 NEWSLINE, April 2009 Local 237 Member Services
UNION HEADQUARTERS EXECUTIVE OFFICES, 5th Fl. 216 West 14th Street Gregory Floyd, President A Message From New York, NY 10011-7296 Richard Hendershot, the President 212-924-2000 Vice President LOCAL 237 DIVISIONS Ruben Torres, Secretary-Treasurer CITYWIDE DIVISION , 2nd Fl. Donald Arnold, Director PERSONNEL , 5th Fl. Peter Gutierrez, Deputy Director Edmund Kane, Director and Al Soto, Deputy Director Chief Negotiator Spring Brings Cautious Hopes for Recovery Randy Klein, Assistant Director COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND HOUSING DIVISION , 2nd Fl. SPECIAL PROJECTS, 5th Fl . Felipe Luciano, Director, fter a difficult winter, in which the represent our new members and protect their Remilda Ferguson, Director Assistant to the President Brooklyn, Queens & Staten country faced blizzards of both snow livelihoods, and I hope this is the first of Island POLITICAL ACTION & and bad economic news, the seasons many successful contracts we obtain for them James Giocastro, LEGISLATION , 6th Fl. A are beginning to change. As the weather warms in the future. Deputy Director Local 237 protects members’ and the leaves return to the trees, we are also To continue our efforts to defend our rights by helping to sponsor leg - LONG ISLAND DIVISION seeing signs that our harsh economic condi - members in this way, we must keep an open islation that is important to mem - 1727 Veterans Memorial tions may be starting to thaw: the nation’s dialogue with our elected officials. In April, bers, and by opposing initiatives Highway financial institutions are again reporting profits nearly 500 members attended our first Candi - that would hurt members. Suite 308 and home sales are rising. For the first time in dates’ Political Forum, where they heard di - Patricia Stryker, Director Islandia, NY 11749 months, there is reason to be hopeful. rectly from candidates vying for three major 631-851-9800 GRIEVANCES/DISCIPLINARY No doubt we still have a long way to go. public offices in New York City: mayor, John Burns, Director PROBLEMS , 6th Fl. Unemployment is still high and consumer comptroller and public advocate. The candi - Benedict Carenza , For grievances and job related Deputy Director spending is still low. It may take until next dates who participated provided answers to problems, first contact your shop year for our economy to fully recover, but questions generated by our members about is - John Sepulveda, steward and/or grievance repre - many experts are saying that we may have sues that impact the lives of city employees, Assistant Director sentative. If they cannot resolve reached the bottom of this financial freefall. including health benefits, pensions, personal Long Island Welfare Fund: the issue, they or you should While there are still many challenges ahead, income taxes, affordable housing, education For information on the various contact your business agent. we look to the future with less fear and dread, and transportation. We will remember what funds call 800-962-1145 Mal Patterson, Director of Grievances and Hearings knowing that things will be getting better. each candidate said, and use that information RETIREE DIVISION , 8th Fl. Todd Rubinstein, Esq. As we approach a turnaround, however, to guide our endorsements and votes as their Provides a variety of pre- and Grievance Coordinator our leaders must empower the workers who campaigns go public. post-retirement services, includ - Debbie Coleman, Esq. contribute so much to our city, not abandon As the largest Teamster local in the na - ing pension and health insur - them. The economy certainly hurt our city and tion, we played a major role in making sure ance counseling to members. Grievance Coordinator state budgets. Although those budgets need to President Obama was elected, and we are mo - (Pension counseling by appoint - CIVIL SERVICE BAR be cut, those cuts should not be at the expense bilized again to put our voting power behind ment, Thursdays only). General ASSOCIATION , 6th Fl. retirement counseling and of our members. Both our workforce and the candidates whose policies support our mem - 212-675-0519 retirement planning series dur - public would benefit far more if our workers bers’ interests. As public employees, we work ing spring and fall. Gloria Johnson, Esq., President had more money in their pockets and more for the government, but we can use our voices 212-807-0555 Aldona Vaiciunas, confidence in their minds. Now is no time to as a tool to make our democratic government Nancy B. True, Director Office Administrator and create more concern with threats of cuts and work for us. Grievance Coordinator layoffs. As your union’s president, I will make LOCAL 237 DEPARTMENTS John Picucci, Esq., it clear to our leaders that we cannot leave our Memorial Days (Citywide and Housing) Grievance Representative members behind when they need it most. At this writing, Workers’ Memorial Day is CSBA Welfare Fund SKILLED TRADES , 2nd Fl. For example, in our negotiations with the approaching. We are proud to participate in Alicare 212-539-5117 Donald Arnold, Director New York City Housing Authority, I have de - the solemn commemoration of our country’s COMMUNICATIONS, 8th Fl. HEALTH AND SAFETY , 2nd Fl. manded that we receive nothing less than a pat - workers who were severely injured or died as Donald Arnold, Director Tania M. Lambert, Editor tern contract with four percent raises over the a result of dangerous conditions on the job. Diane Stein, Coordinator Local 237 Newsline next two years. That raise would only be the Also, at the end of May, we will be joining Website: www.local237.org MEMBERSHIP, 2nd Fl. same as what other citywide union members with the entire nation on Memorial Day in Provides membership services EDUCATION, 8th Fl. received in September, before the economy fell commemorating our valiant soldiers who and records, including address Provides a variety of training off a cliff. NYCHA workers have already faced have given their lives in the service of their changes. and educational advancement tremendous cutbacks over the last decade, leav - country. I urge you all to join in these com - Laverne White, opportunities for members. ing them with 4,000 fewer staff members and memorations. Administrative Manager 212-807-0550 deteriorating facilities. These cutbacks have Especially in difficult times, we should look WELFARE FUND, 3rd Fl. Frederick Dunn, Director caused the workload of our members to double, to the resilience of earlier generations and the The Fund administers the eligi - USEFUL NUMBERS and they deserve to be compensated fairly. way they made America strong. Time will pass, bility, enrollment, disability, FOR PRE-RETIREES NYCHA is already essentially saving millions and more seasons will change, but the strength optical and death benefits by stretching our members’ workload, and so it of our citizens and our workers will ensure that directly by the Fund’s in-house NYCERS (New York City is ridiculous to ask them to sacrifice even more our fortunes will ultimately improve. staff, as well as prescription Employees Retirement System) by taking a cut in pay. and dental programs indirectly. By Mail: 335 Adams St., Suite B i l If we fight for our rights, we l 212-924-7220 K
2300, Brooklyn, NY 11201-3751 r e
Paul E. Juergensen, Director can be victorious. Case in point: s s
In Person: 340 Jay Street, e our union was recently success - LEGAL SERVICES, 4th Fl. Mezzanine, Brooklyn, NY 11201 ful in negotiating a pattern con - Lawyers advise and represent Gen’l Information: 347-643-3000 members on covered personal Outside NYC toll-free: tract for the Food Services title Good Jobs, legal problems, including domes - 877-6NYCERS of the Department of Education, tic relations (family court pro - raising their salaries four per - Safe Jobs – NYCERS Internet ceedings, divorce and separa - cent for two consecutive years. www.nyclink.org/html/nycers tion), purchase and sale of a pri - The members ratified the con - A Right, mary residence, wills, adoptions, NYC Department of Education tract with an unprecedented Retirement System credit and consumer problems, 100 percent vote. [See article on Not tenant rights and bankruptcies. 65 Court St., Brooklyn, NY 11201 page 3.] Having only joined 212-924-1220 718-935-5400 a Privilege! Office Hours: Local 237 last March, this was Social Security Administration Mon.- Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the first contract negotiation for Mary Sheridan Esq., Director 800-772-1213 the food service managers and Kenneth Perry Esq., NY State and Local Retirement associate food service managers. Deputy Director Systems I am extremely proud and 518-474-7736 happy that we could effectively Workersʼ Memorial Day, April 28 NEWSLINE, April 2009 3 Union Seeks ‘Hard’ Numbers From NYCHA
Local 237 held a second round of Administrative Trials and Hear - of contract talks with the New York ings (OATH) for disciplinary hear - City Housing Authority on April 3. ings. On the bright side, NYCHA NYCHA, repeating its position that said it plans to hire about 500 em - it faces a severe deficit, made the ployees, including some non- following demands: Teamster titles. • Extend the contract; President Gregory Floyd asked • Modify longevity differential for “credit that we’re doing more or payments; the same with less staff,” and called • Modify summer hours to take for “hard numbers,” to show how one hour back; many new hires are replacing em - • Modify the step-payment plan; ployees lost to attrition. • Create a seven-day work week. Separately, Floyd assured nego - NYCHA also turned down the tiating committee members that a union’s demand that it consider seven-day work week is not open for the cost savings of using the Office discussion. Shop steward Anthony Demeco, a Brooklyn plasterer, joins President Gregory Floyd and another steward in a post-meeting chat. DOE Food Workers Back Contract 100 Percent
In an unprecedented 100 per - A total 312 ballots were counted cent vote, Department of Education on April 16 at Local 237 by Election food services managers and associ - Services Solutions, including 274 ate food services managers ap - from food service managers and 38 proved their first-ever contract since from associate food service man - merging with Local 237 last year. agers. The contract is based on the City - Observing the ballot count were wide Division’s pattern of two 4 per - Edmund Kane, Local 237’s chief ne - cent raises over the course of two gotiator; Donald Arnold, Citywide years, from Dec. 3, 2007, through Division director, and Mal Patter - Dec. 2, 2009. son, grievance department director “I’m pleased that we can pro - and representative for DOE food vide the newest members of the services managers and associate Local 237 family with fair gains in a food services managers. contract similar to the one we Terms include a general in - Ballot counters are flanked, from left, by Citywide Division Director Donald reached for the Citywide Division crease of 4 percent, effective Dec. Arnold, Grievances/Disciplinary Problems Director Mal Patterson, and Chief just before the stock market col - 30, 2007, and a second increase of 4 Negotiator Edmund Kane. lapsed last September,” said Presi - percent, effective Dec. 30, 2008. Ef - dent Gregory Floyd. fective June 30, 2008, there will be a Local 237 Members in the food services ti - one-time lump-sum cash payment tles at DOE were formerly part of to the welfare fund of $200 for each NEWSLINE Teamsters Local 832, which merged full-time active member as of June 10, 2008. 216 West 14 St., New York, NY 10011 with Local 237 last March. 212-924-2000 Website: www.local237.org e-mail Newsline: [email protected] Apply for Summer Camp Now Local 237 Newsline (USPS 700-000 ISSN 1083-3536) is published 10 times a year in the following months: January, February, March, April, May, (June, July and August will be As summer gets closer, openings for children to attend the best day combined into one issue), September, October, November and December by Local 237, camps and sleep-away camps fill up quickly. Don’t wait until the last International Brotherhood of Teamsters, 216 West 14 Street, New York, NY 10011. Periodical postage paid at New York, NY. Postmaster: Send address changes to minute to take advantage of the $100 scholarship offered by Local 237 Local 237 Newsline, 216 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10011. toward any of the many participating camps in the AFL-CIO Central Labor Council’s program. Executive Board Members get the discount for each child sent to a participating Gregory Floyd Richard Hendershot Ruben Torres Patricia Stryker camp. There’s no cap for big families. President Vice President Secretary-Treasurer Recording Secretary To request an application packet, with information about all of the par - Noreen Hollingsworth Edmund Kane Steven Gordon ticipating camps in the program, including prices and descriptions of their Trustee Trustee Trustee activities, call George Geller, assistant to the president, at 646-638-8607 .
Newsline and www.local237.org Tania M. Lambert Editor CORRECTIONS Local 237 Telephone Numbers In the March Newsline article “Floyd Elected Trustee in Joint Coun - Citywide Division ...... 212-924-2000 Health & Safety ...... 212-924-2000 cil 16” on page 3, the name of Joseph Wojciechowski, a Joint Council 16 Housing Division ...... 212-924-2000 Retiree Division/ Board Member, was misspelled. Long Island Division ...... 631-851-9800 Pension Counseling ...... 212-807-0555 Welfare Funds ...... 212-924-7220 Membership ...... 212-924-2000 Also on page 3, the article “Skilled Trades Members Meet, Weigh Education Department ...... 212-807-0550 CSBA ...... 212-675-0519 Contract Options,” misstated the skilled trades committees’ decision re - Legal Department ...... 212-924-1220 garding contracts, which is to evaluate both the pattern and the pre - vailing wage to determine which is in their best interests. If you move... On page 14, the article “We Demand ‘4+4 Pattern’ Contract From Please send your change of address in writing to Membership to insure that you continue receiving your newspaper. NYCHA,” misrepresented a $3 billion loss in federal funding for public Metro NY housing nationwide since 2001. Labor Communications Council 4 NEWSLINE, April 2009 The Political Scene
Two Housing BAs Appointed Floyd and Toussaint
Paul D’Amato positive outcomes, and “will con - Interviewed on ‘Like It Is’ tinue to do that” as a BA represent - Local 237’s Housing Division ap - ing NYCHA workers in lower Man - pointed Paul D’Amato a full-time hattan and Staten Island. business agent. A 26-year veteran of the New York City Housing Authori - Abdul Hamid Jabir ty, D’Amato spent the last 20 years at The Housing Division appointed Louis H. Pink Houses in Brooklyn, Abdul Hamid Jabir a released-time where he was a maintenance worker business agent. A 28-year veteran at and shop steward. the New York City Housing Authority, “I’m a union Jabir brings 21 person, a Team - years experience as ster,” says D’Ama - supervisor of care - to. “Unity and trust takers to the table. is the backbone of His career began the union.” in Brooklyn as a His actions as a caretaker at Borin - union member re - quen Plaza. Jabir flect this philoso - went on to become phy. He attends ral - a heating plant lies, marches in pa - technician, and Paul DʼAmato Abdul Jabir rades and has participated in two ne - rose through the ranks to become vice gotiating committees with the union president of Supervisor of Caretakers as well as being a delegate to a Team - Benevolent Association; a negotiating President Gregory Floyd and Roger Toussaint, president of Transport Workers ster convention. committee member for supervisor of Union Local 100, await questions from interviewer Gil Noble, right. Last October D’Amato received caretakers; and shop steward for the Award-winning journalist Gil Both union leaders responded to the President’s Award from Gregory title in the Bronx, where he worked Noble interviewed President Grego - Noble’s questions about the impact Floyd at the Italian Heritage Cele - 11 years at Soundview Houses and ry Floyd on his public affairs pro - of the economic crisis on labor. bration, an honor reserved for mem - the last 10 years at Baychester. gram, “Like It Is,” which aired in Bringing up the issue that bers with outstanding leadership Jabir lives upstate with his wife, two parts on WABC-TV on Easter Mayor Michael Bloomberg had qualities and commitment to the three daughters and a son. He says Sunday, April 11, and again April threatened to layoff 7,000 public union’s goals. he looks forward to helping mem - 18 from 12 to 12:30 p.m. employees if unions did not agree to Married with five children, bers with the experience and skills Joining Floyd for the interview pay 10 percent of their health pre - D’Amato notes that he is skilled at he gained on both sides of the aisle, was Roger Toussaint, president of miums, Floyd said, “We have been diffusing situations and promoting as a supervisor, and a worker. Transport Workers Union Local 100. sacrificing over the years and we are being asked to do too much.” He emphasized that once you start giv - ing back benefits, “you never catch Forum Held on Future of NYCHA up,” adding that none of our mem - bers receives 15 percent annual pay President Gregory Floyd served as a panelist in a to right: Victor Antonio Gonzales, co-chair of the increases and that’s the rate at forum on the future of the New York City Housing Au - Housing Committee from Community Board 7; Floyd; which health costs are rising. thority, sponsored by Manhattan’s Community Board Ricardo Elias Morales, NYCHA chairman; Ethel Velez, Floyd also noted that we should 7 with John Jay College of Criminal Justice. director of the New York City Public Housing Resi - be working to lower health premi - The forum, named “NYCHA: The next 75 years,” dents Alliance; Victor Bach, senior housing policy an - ums through preventive measures held at John Jay on March 29, brought city, state and alyst, Community Service Society; Aixa Aleman-Diaz, and encouraging healthy lifestyles. federal legislators together with educators, labor and senior legislative assistant from the office of Congress - Toussaint said, “It’s the same community leaders to share their visions for preserv - woman Nydia M. Velasquez. old story,” with workers being asked ing the city’s public housing. Also, Prof. Fritz Umbach, John Jay College; Brodie to give up raises, pensions, and ben - Topics included how to collectively redefine Hefner, senior public housing revitalization specialist, efits. “The mayor dusted off his NYCHA’s image to build political support for its fi - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; nancial future; developing data to support the goal of Rebecca Bursansky, Pratt Center for Community De - wish list of givebacks.” “rebranding” the agency; determining ways to advo - velopment; Nicholas Dagen-Bloom, professor and fa - Replying to concerns about the cate as a group, and brainstorming a new financial cilitator; Rep. Jerry Nadler, New York City; Helen creation of a new Tier 5 pension model to meet NYCHA’s challenges. Rosenthal, chair, Community Board 7; and Charles plan, that would raise the retirement Pictured below are all the panelists and the two Simon, co-chair of the Housing Committee from Com - age for future city employees by at co-chairs who organized the event. They are, from left munity Board 7. least five years, Floyd said “It won’t help the crisis now; perhaps 25 years down the road.” The pension plan, said Floyd, is shortsighted and tar - gets benefits that union’s fought for years to secure for public employees who traditionally earn less than their private sector counterparts. To see a video segment of “Like It Is” with Noble interviewing Floyd and Toussaint, sign on to Local 237’s website at www.local237.org. “Like It Is” has been on the air for about 30 years focusing on pub - lic affairs that concern African Americans. Noble has interviewed many of the world’s prominent fig - ures, including: Robert Mugabe, Adam Clayton Powell Jr., Jesse Jack - son, Arthur Ashe, and Stokely Carmichael. NEWSLINE, April 2009 5 The Political Scene Candidates Seek Support at Political Forum
Continued from page 1 billing NYCHA for services private buildings get for free. When asked if Thompson said, “How do you beat the richest he would question workers when person in New York? With you!” conducting an audit as comptroller, Tony Avella , a city councilman representing the Taiwan-born councilman replied Bayside, Whitestone and College Point, said he that he held more oversight hearings would be “a hands-on mayor,” who will attend inviting public employees to testify negotiations. than any other councilmember. “There should never be a situation where a Candidates for Public Advocate union goes years without a contract,” said Avella, who also called for eliminating waste in govern - Bill de Blasio , a city councilman ment, and proposed two alternative sources of representing Brooklyn neighbor - revenue for the city. One is legalized sports bet - hoods, including Borough Park, Car - ting, which may generate between $15 and $20 roll Gardens, and Park Slope, served billion a year. “I’m not encouraging gambling,” he in the Department of Housing and said, “but all of this money is now going to or - Urban Development under President President Gregory Floyd greets candidates for public advocate, ganized crime.” The other is to bill people who Bill Clinton. He was also Hillary from left, Eric Gioia, Mark Green, Bill de Blasio and Norman Siegel. cause damage to city property. Clinton’s campaign manager in her successful run for the U.S. Senate. Comptroller Candidates De Blasio emphasized that he is David Yassky , a city councilman represent - “passionate about child care,” ing Brooklyn neighborhoods including Brooklyn adding, “if city workers have child Heights, Greenpoint and Williamsburg, said, “I care, they will be more productive.” know how to use tools.” He said he would fight He also noted “a major imbalance of for additional stimulus funds for public housing; power in the city,” where layoffs are invest in pension funds to stimulate the local part of continued efforts to reduce a economy, seek diversified industries to boost the union’s former power. “Layoffs city’s economy, and enact a plan, which he cred - should be a scandal,” he said. He ited Comptroller Thompson for, to add an extra also called the NYCHA budget a charge to car registration fees to boost the MTA. scandal, and credited Floyd as “one of the first to call attention to it.” John Liu , a city councilman representing Northeast Queens, including Flushing and Kisse - Norman Siegel , a civil rights attor - Mayoral candidates William Thompson, left, and Tony Avella. na Park, said that as comptroller he would “be on ney and former executive director of top of the numbers, but it’s people we rely on to the New York Civil Liberties Union, called for “free - Eric Gioia , a city councilman who represents keep our schools and hospitals safe.” dom, justice and equality for all,” adding, “I love communities in Queens, an area which includes Previously a manager at Price Waterhouse shaking it up….That’s what an advocate does.” NYCHA complexes in Ravenswood, Woodside and with a math physics degree, Liu notes his experi - Siegel proposed more activism, saying he was Queensbridge, said his commitment “is personal.” ence is “as fiscal as it gets.” He says he will use it involved in a protest against Yankee Stadium’s Gioia grew up in Woodside and was the first to look at all developer deals that did not deliver use of Bronx parkland. He said “We should have family member to graduate from college. “I know jobs and affordable housing as promised. acted” when Mayor Michael Bloomberg extended what it’s like to struggle,” said the son of a Wood - Liu also would reform the city’s practice of his bid for a third term without a referendum. side florist. “People in public housing are too Mark Green , a Brooklyn-born often ignored,” he said, adding that as public ad - lawyer, author and commentator, vocate he will “take action.” was elected the first public advocate He set off some fireworks when he told Mark for New York City in 1993, and was Green, “I don’t hold it against you that you’re re-elected in 1997. wealthy, but it’s offensive when you look at this “I’m back seeking a position I audience and pretend that you have any idea love,” said the president of Air what they’re going through, because you don’t.” America Radio, a familiar face on TV Green shot back that it was a “petty personal at - talk shows. tack,” adding, “I think it’s odd.” Green brings strong name recogni - tion to the race and narrowly lost his bid for mayor against Bloomberg in Watch for the next issue of Newsline, featur - 2001. “I help people who can’t hire big ing Part II of the Candidates Political Forum report, lawyers,” he said, underscoring that he with photos of participating Local 237 members did the first investigation of NYCHA and all-star Motivational Speaker William Hay - Comptroller candidate John Liu, left, and David Yassky flank elevators breaking down. ward “Mookie” Wilson. President Floyd. Patricia Stryker Receives Award for Investment Leadership Patricia Stryker, Local 237’s er & Rice (CD&R), owns ference calls with both said Styrker, who has communicat - recording secretary, received the U.S. Foodservice. owners about manage - ed to both NYCERS and KKR that General Secretary-Treasurer’s Trustee Staunchly antiunion, ment oversight. She was she will not support the retirement Leadership Circle Award from the In - U.S. Foodservice is noto - reassured by KKR and system investing with KKR. ternational Brotherhood of Teamsters rious for violating the CD&R officials that they “I will continue to raise my recently for her investment leader - rights of its workers to would clean up the act of concerns and press this issue unless ship. form or join unions and their portfolio company. I see meaningful change,” Stryker The award recognizes Stryker, a often engages in harass - Over time, however, said. “This ongoing problem of designee of President Gregory ing and intimidating be - Stryker learned that U.S. rights violations and disregard for Floyd, a trustee to the Board of havior. Foodservice manage - the law raises serious questions NYCERS, for raising concern over When Stryker learned ment was getting worse. from the perspective of an investor an investment opportunity with that U.S. Foodservice is “As a trustee and fi - about just how well KKR can man - Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co. not just aggressive, but unlawfully in - duciary, it is my duty to promote re - age not only U.S. Foodservice, but (KKR). A private equity firm, KKR fringes on its employees’ rights, she sponsible investment choices for any other company within its con - in partnership with Clayton, Dubili - raised concerns at meetings and con - the pension security of NYCERS,” trol.” 6 NEWSLINE, April 2009
The ABCs of Workers’ Compensation
By Neil Abramson pensation Board. Your employer or union WCB of a hearing at the WCB, which has will not do this for you. offices in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, This article is meant to be a general in - Our firm has over fifty years of experi - Hempstead, Hauppauge, Patchogue and troduction to the Workers’ Compensation ence in handling injured workers’ claims. Staten Island. At the hearings a law judge system and how to make a claim for a The claim is filed by sending a C-3 form or conciliator will be present to decide all work related injury, illness, or occupa - with a medical report to the Workers’ issues. The law judge or conciliator will tional disease. Compensation Board. You have two years decide whether another hearing needs to An injury is an accident at work in from the date of injury to file the claim. If take place or the case can be closed. which you can identify the date, time, and you do not send a medical report with the The law judge’s decision can be ap - place. An example is that you lifted some - C-3 form, you will not get a hearing before pealed within 30 days of the receipt of the thing at work and felt pain in your back. the WCB and it will not be established decision by either the injured worker or the This type of case must be filed with the that you had an injury at work. If you in - insurance company. When the case is New York State Workers’ Compensation jured that same body part before, you closed it may be reopened for 18 years from Board (WCB) within two years of the date must sign a C-3.3. A C-3.3 releases your the date of accident. If you receive a notifi - of accident. prior medical records solely for that prior cation from the Workers’ Compensation An occupational disease develops injury. If you do not release the prior med - Board of a “Proposed Conciliation Agree - over time. An example would be asbesto - ical records the WCB will not hear your ment” or “Administrative Determination,” sis. You get asbestosis many years after case and you might not be paid any mon - contact your attorney immediately. This you are exposed to it. You must file the in - etary benefits. By filing the claim, and it must be responded to within 30 days. jury case within two years of the date of being approved by the WCB, you will be If you receive a C-7 (Notice of Contro - injury with the WCB. protected medically for the rest of your versy) form it means that the employer or An occupational disease case must be life for those parts of your body that you insurance company is disputing your filed with the WCB within two years from injured at work and you might be eligible claim. You will not be paid compensation when a doctor told you the disease is re - for a small settlement, depending on what benefits until a judge makes a decision. lated to work. you injured and if you are working. You should take the C-7 form and bring it Replaces Wages to your union. The Welfare Fund will re - Must File a Claim With WCB view your disability claim to determine if Workers’ Compensation is a system If you do not file the claim with the you are eligible for payment. Disability that replaces wages and pays for your WCB, you will not be eligible for these benefits are taxable and only last 26 weeks. medical bills that are related to your work benefits. And if you do not file such a Workers’ Compensation is non-taxable injury. Workers’ Compensation will pay claim, your medical bills might not be and can pay you for up to 10 years. You two-thirds (2/3) of your salary not to ex - paid by the insurance carrier either; you must file your disability claim within 30 ceed $550 per week for accidents on or will then be responsible for them. Nor days. If the Workers’ Compensation case is after July 1, 2008, if you are totally dis - will your major medical coverage pay for won, then whatever you received in dis - abled. The medical bills are paid from the Workers’ Compensation medical bills. ability benefits is paid back with the date of the accident by the employers’ in - If you decide to retain an attorney, the Workers’ Compensation award. This is surance company. There is a one week attorney does not receive a fee unless you known as a lien. waiting period before an injured worker receive an award of compensation. The If the case is controverted it will be will be paid monetary benefits. Workers’ Compensation Law Judge deter - placed on what is known as the “Rocket Your employer may choose to pay your mines the fee. If a fee is approved it is di - Docket” calendar. This means that the full salary while you are out of work but it rectly deducted from your award. It is illegal case will be decided within 90 days in - is not a requirement of the law and is op - for an attorney to take a fee or money from stead of the usual 180 days or more. It is tional by the employer. The employer may an injured worker without an approval of a recommended that you hire an attorney if use your sick and vacation time before Workers’ Compensation Law Judge. your case is controverted. benefits will be paid. This time will be re - A few weeks after your claim is filed stored once the case is established by a with the WCB you will receive a case Regarding 9/11 Workers’ Compensation Law Judge. Once number. The insurance carrier will also Lastly, I want to inform you about the injury is established by the WCB you contact you with their case number. These 9/11. I have personally registered 800 will have lifetime medical protection for numbers should be given to your doctor workers with the WCB who did rescue, re - that injured body part or disease. and attorney as soon as they are received. covery, or clean-up at ground zero, the When you get injured, immediately If you are not able to work because of piers, the Staten Island land fill, and the seek medical attention. Tell the medical your injury you must see your treating doc - NYC morgue between September 11, provider how you were injured and that it tor at least every 45 to 60 days. Everytime 2001, and September 11, 2002. You do not happened at work. You may choose any you see your doctor he or she must send a have to be sick to register. If you meet the doctor to treat you who accepts Workers’ medical report — a C-4 form — to the in - above requirements you must register Compensation. Do not pay the doctor. surance company, the WCB, and your at - with the WCB by September 11, 2010. If Doctors’ bills will be paid by the employ - torney. If you are out of work and the med - you do not and you become ill from expo - ers’ insurance company. You must notify ical report (C-4) is not filed with the insur - sure during 9/11, you and your family your supervisor as soon as possible of ance carrier you will not receive Workers’ will not receive any benefits. your injury or within 30 days of the in - Compensation benefits. If you return to In summary, if you are injured: jury. Either fill out an accident report or work and you still need medical treatment 1. Seek medical attention immediately. tell your supervisor how you were in - you may continue to see your doctor. 2. Notify your supervisor as soon as jured. possible that you were injured. You or your attorney must file a claim You Will Have a Hearing 3. File a claim with the New York with the New York State Workers’ Com - You will receive notification from the State Workers’ Compensation Board. NEWSLINE, April 2009 7 Heating Plant Technicians Graduate fter completing the nine-month longest education program — “puts you in edged the “ebb and flow” of staffing at training program, 89 certified a nice place to become assistant superin - NYCHA. He said that “the call may not Heat Plant Technicians (HPT) tendent then superintendent.” Dunn also come tomorrow,” but assured the graduates A participated in a graduation cer - urged the graduates to encourage other that their names will be put on a “preferred emony hosted by Local 237’s Education members to take the HPT tests. hiring list” and that their studies “will not Department at union headquarters on be in vain.” Housing Division Director Remilda Fergu - March 5. son congratulated the group. “You could Instructors Frank Aiello, Sean Blount, Fer - Addressing the graduates, Frederick Dunn, have been hanging out, but instead you nando Quintero and Michael Tartaro were director of the Education Department, planted a seed for your future,” she said. on hand to distribute certificates, along greeted them on behalf of President Gregory with part-time instructor Rick Swarthe, and Focused on the future, Herman Thomas, Floyd, who was unable to attend, and Local 237 staff members Bertha Aiken and New York City Housing Authority’s deputy noted that the HPT training — the union’s Dorothy Madrid. director of staff development, acknowl -
A proud group of graduates dis - play their certificates.
Above, Instructor Sean Blount congratulates a graduate. Below, From left, instructors Sean Blount, Fernando Quintero, Frank Aiello and Michael Tartaro pose for a portrait.
Left, Graduate Lillian Hernandez is joined by her hus - band, Edgar, and son, Jaden.
Right, Graduates huddle and smile for the camera.
Seated together, from left, are: Frederick Dunn, Director, Education Department; Remilda Ferguson, Director, Housing Division; Herman Thomas, Deputy Director, Staff Development, NYCHA.
More pictures on page 10 8 NEWSLINE, April 2009 Local 2 37’s First Irish Herit Toa st s a New Tr aditio n
ith smiling eyes and green accessories, Guest speakers Daniel J. O’Donnell, New York State Assem everyone was Irish on March 13 at man; Catherine Nolan, New York State Assemblywoman; a WLocal 237’s first-ever Irish Heritage Lucas, sports journalist and motivational speaker; confirme Celebration. Union officials, staff, members and Kane’s promise. They also received Golden Teamsters awa their families filled the conference room, and a Trailblazer award from Floyd. which was transformed for the event into the O’Donnell recalled his large family of five children, includi place to be, if not the Emerald Isle itself. celebrity sister, Rosie O’Donnell, and he emphasized their President Gregory Floyd greeted guests, noting gle for a better life. “I was the first person in my family to g that Irish culture is dear to his heart because his doctorate,” he said. “That’s what America should be.” mother was born on St. Patrick’s Day, the patron saint of Irish Catholics and the New York City Diocese. Assemblywoman Nolan praised Local 237 and Recording In the shamrock, from left, tary Patricia Stryker, an Irish descendant herself, for workin are: Martin Haggarty, brick - Second-generation Irishman Edmund Kane, a Local 237 trustee gether to get member-friendly bills passed. layer; Ronald Bachelber, and chief negotiator, welcomed guests with the promise of “good supervisor of grounds at talk — what we’re known for.” Lucas, who lost his sight at age 12, shared his powerful vis Wise Towers; and Nick Greenaway, plasterer.
Edward Masterson, supervisor of plaster - ers and Housing Division Presidentʼs Award winner, is flanked by friends and family.
Above, Donald Arno Director, is flanked Edwards, retired ho Catherine Nolan, New and shop steward, York State assembly - maintenance worke woman, is presented with a Golden Teamsters Right, Pres Award by Gregory Floyd William OʼBrien, a as Patricia Stryker, for DCAS, is Political Action and Elizabeth Susalis Legislation director, Below, Winston Ge looks on. tor of the Retiree D
John P. Gallagher Jr., left, a night custodian in the Long An Irish-themed Island Division, is congratulated on his Presidentʼs Award mascot has its by John Burns, Long Island Division Director. place at the table.
Right and far right, in keeping with tradition, corned beef, cabbage and potatoes are served. NEWSLINE, April 2009 9 tage Celebration
mbly - life as providing many communities “to get you through the dark - and Ed est days.” Noting that Local 237 is one of those communities, ed Lucas added, “We all have obstacles, but it’s your job to get up, rds get around them and persevere.” Several Local 237 members of Irish descent received President’s ng his Awards for their contributions, including Edward Masterson of strug - the Housing Division; John Patrick Gallagher Jr. of the Long Is - get a land Division; and William Patrick O’Brien of the Citywide Di - vision. Floyd presented a surprise award for Outstanding Service to Re - Secre - tiree Division Director Nancy B. True, who traced her Irish roots ng to - as far as Scotland. True, who coordinated several events for the union, including the Irish Heritage Celebration, affirmed that the New Yorkʼs finest Pipes and Drums provide a musical treat. sion of union is a family, “diverse and together.”
Photos by Pat Arnow Talk of the Town
Clockwise from the right, President Gregory Floyd applauds an honoree; Nancy B. True accepts an unexpected award; Daniel J. OʼDonnell, New York State Assemblyman, addresses the audience; Ed Lucas, sports journalist and motivational speaker, emphasizes a point; Edmund Kane, chief negotia - tor and master of ceremonies delivers a punch line. old, Citywide Division from left by Winston ospital police officer and Macky Kahn, er for DCAS. sidentʼs Award winner an elevator mechanic joined by his mother, s, and daughter, Sara. eorge, deputy direc - Division, does a jig.
Above, Irish musicians play traditional instru - ments, courtesy of CATF Inc. Below, Retiree Milton Wadler, a former school safety agent, left, greets L3 Kevin Gerald. 10 NEWSLINE, April 2009 Heating Plant Technicians Graduate — Continued from page 7 —
Graduate Elizabeth Rosario is joined by her mother, Graduates enjoy a speakerʼs comments. Maria Rosado, and daughter, Kiara Washington.
Left, David Gonzalez, business agent for the Housing Division, congratulates grad - uate Ismael Lopez on his achieve - ment. Right, Bertha Aiken, assistant director, Education Department, addresses the grad - uates as instructor Michael Tartaro looks on.
Left, Happy grad - uates surround instructor Frank Aiello.
Right, Herman Thomas, NYCHAʼs deputy director, staff develop - ment, addresses the graduates. NEWSLINE, April 2009 11 LONG ISLAND REPORT
James Barger Receives State Law Backs Islip 237 President’s Award Workers in Privacy Suit
James Barger, automotive me - “Jimbo is an individual who has A state administrative law judge Islip workers, Administrative Law chanic III for the Town of Babylon, always been faithful to this union,” ruled in favor of Local 237 members Judge Philip Maier ruled that the town received the President’s Award from said John Burns, director, Long Is - employed by the Town of Islip, could not unilaterally force employees President Gregory Floyd at the land Division. “I value his commit - which tried to impose a requirement to disclose personal financial informa - Black History Month celebration ment, his loyalty and his friendship.” last year that workers disclose per - tion without the union’s agreement. held at Teamsters Local 237 head - A serious racecar fan, Barger sonal financial information. “I’m elated that the members’ quarters in Manhattan on Feb. 27. was listed in the 1979 Guinness Ruling on a grievance filed by the rights have been protected under Barger, an active union member Book of World Records after he set a union with the Public Employment civil service law,” said John Burns, who participates in meetings, record as the World Champion Tire Relations Board on behalf of Town of Long Island Division director. events and rallies, was recognized Changer at the Bath, New York, for his support. Tractor Tire World Championship. Kitchen Crew
Half Hollow School District employees gathered in the kitchen are, from left, Thelma Richardson, a food service worker; Lynn Platt, a cook and shop steward; and Latoya Jordan, a food service worker.
Meeting Time James Barger, automotive mechanic III, is flanked, from left, by John Burns, director, Long Island Division; Tom Coppola, shop steward; Mike Sollo, shop steward; and Benedict Carenza, deputy director of the Long Island Division. Toasting Islip Retirees
Local 237 Vice President Richard Hendershot and Long Island Division Assistant Director John Sepulveda join Lawrence School District members at a union meeting. Marilyn Capone, liaison at Lawrence, stands right of center.
Spring Break
Recently retired Antoinette Prokopiak is flanked, from left, by Allison Power, recreation program coordinator and negotiating committee member for the Town of Islip; Ann Marie Vallone, account clerk and shop steward; and Judy Campbell, business agent for the Town of Islip white collar members. The group celebrated at Shandon Court in East Islip on March 25 to send off Prokopiak, a former senior clerk, who retired with 20 years of service, and Supervisors for the Center Moriches School District pause for a group por - also Barbara Prisco, not pictured, a senior clerk typist, who retired with 27 trait. Pictured, from left, are Frank Paone; Tom Kelly; Bob Schafer, district years of service. shop steward, and Gary Crowell. 12 NEWSLINE, April 2009 Top Performers Recognized Floyd Presents Awards SSA Whitlock Nabs Mugger To 3 Longtime Members
On his day off, School Safety Agent L3 John Whitlock was work - President Gregory Floyd presented Local 237 President’s Awards to ing on his car parked on East 56 three longtime members at the recent Irish Heritage Celebration. [See pages Street in Brooklyn. Just before 1 8 and 9] The honorees are Irish descendants with a strong history of union p.m. that Saturday afternoon, Whit - activism and leadership in their titles. Get to know them better below: lock and his neighbor, Howard Hamilton, saw a woman exiting a car parked five cars ahead. She was Edward Masterson, Housing Division approached by a man who spoke to her. Suddenly the woman was strug - A supervisor of plasterers with the New gling with the man, who grabbed York City Housing Authority, Masterson her purse. She yelled “help” twice works out of the Manhattan Borough Office and “We gave chase,” said Whit - and has been a member since March 1993. He lock, recalling how he ran after the says he loves his job and comes from a union mugger with Hamilton. family. They pursued the mugger for Masterson’s mother worked for NYCHA about 100 yards, tackled him to the for 28 years and was a member of District ground, and held him down until po - Council 37, where she worked closely with lice officers from the 63rd Precinct the skilled trades section. His brother, Ger - arrived on the scene minutes after ald, also worked for NYCHA, for 18 years, another neighbor dialed 911. and was a Local 237 member. As a result of Whitlock and Masterson grew up on the Lower East Hamilton’s courageous and swift ac - SSA John Whitlock Side and was a member of the Madison tions, the woman remained safe, as a trainer, was presented on March Square Boys Club, where he developed a suffering only minor injuries, and 25 with a Recognition Award from love of the outdoors. He ran the New York recovered her purse, which the the 63rd Precinct. He also received a City Marathon in 1988 with a finishing time mugger dropped during the chase. City Council Citation and a Certifi - of 3 hours and 43 minutes. He enjoys fishing, camping and bicycling with The mugger was arrested. cate of Merit from the State Assem - his wife, Nina, and adult children, Christina and Edward. Whitlock, a veteran SSA with 35 bly. Hamilton also received the years of service, who is assigned to Precinct’s Recognition Award and William Patrick O’Brien, Citywide Division School Safety’s Central Headquarters State Assembly Certificate of Merit. An elevator mechanic for DCAS, O’Brien celebrates 25 years of service this month. He CPO Thigpen Saves a Life began his career as an elevator helper, with previous stints in construction, shipyards It was Friday the 13th of March “I’m grateful that God had me and elevator work as a Navy Seabee. at Medgar Evers College in Brook - here to do what I had to do,” says “I wouldn’t want to be without a union,” lyn, when psychology professor Thigpen. says O’Brien, whose favorite activity outside Nancy Oley ran up to Campus Peace When Oley recovered, she told of work is spending time with his six-year- Officer Minnie Thigpen seeking Thigpen that while she was choking old daughter, Sara. His mother, Elizabeth help. Thigpen recalls that she was at she bypassed other workers at the Susalis, joined him at the union event, just her post at the main doors when school to reach Thigpen because she before celebrating a birthday on a great day Oley, who had been eating peanut knew that campus peace officers are for the Irish…St. Patrick’s Day. butter, ran out to her and made a trained to handle such emergencies, In a letter O’Brien sent to the Irish Her - motion that she couldn’t breathe. such as the use of CPR and Heim - itage Celebration Planners, he wrote: Thigpen immediately per - lich. “I want to thank President Greg O’Floyd formed the Heimlich maneuver, A few days later, Thigpen re - for presenting this [award] to me. Also I which dislodged the food from ceived a letter of thanks from a would like to thank those behind the scene, Oley’s throat. Then she sat her down grateful Professor Oley. like Donald O’Arnold….and Nancy O’True who was very involved and sur - and got her warm water to drink to “We’re here to give the best prised to get the award herself.…I know my little girl will have good mem - make sure the airway was clear. service we can,” says Thigpen. ories of this night. So I thank you all from my heart and keep doing good things like this.” What’s Up Online @ www.local23 7.org John Patrick Gallagher Jr., Long Island Division A night custodian at Half Hollow Hills See updated lists of Welfare Fund dental and optical plan providers at Central School District, Gallagher has been a www.local237.org. Local 237 member for 23 years, and a shop • First, click on “Benefits” in the menu bar on top of the home page. steward for 16. He notes with pride that he Then click “Overview.” In “Overview,” scroll down to “Health, Welfare attended the first ever Shop Stewards Semi - and Pension Benefits” and click on the link under your employer for updat - nar in Atlantic City. ed information. Gallagher says that one of his favorite as - pects in being a steward is listening to mem - • Also on the home page, enjoy new videos and photos. bers’ problems and finding the best solution • Under “Latest from Local 237,” read news reports and bulletins on for the situation at hand. He believes in vo - union activities. calizing the rights of members, especially as management tries to remove hard won gains. • The “Union Reps & Division” tab on the menu bar opens to Union membership is the key to preserving “Overview” for a list of union officials and business agents along with their them, says Gallagher. e-mails; or “Who’s My Rep,” to search for your business agent. Both his parents are Irish natives. In America, his mother was a nurses’ aide and • “Take Action” on the right side of the home page is where you’ll find a member of 1199. His father was a schoolteacher in East Harlem and on “Support the Employee Free Choice Act,” the No. 1 legislative priority for Riker’s Island. the labor movement and for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. In his spare time, Gallagher, who is single and a graduate of St. • You can also “Take Action” on IBT’s website, posted under “Useful John’s University, enjoys saltwater fishing and is a part-time profession - Links,” on the left side of the home page. al photographer. He also volunteers at the Huntington Homeless Inter- Faith Initiative. NEWSLINE, April 2009 13
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R The New York City Hospital Po - dered while off duty. Congratulations to… lice Division 1 at Kings County Hos - Captain Jacqueline Purser, chief ... SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE MANAGER EVAN HAFFNER and his wife, Anjali, on pital Center in Brooklyn held a cer - of operations, Division 1, presided their first child, Noah Adam, born Nov. 25, 2008. emony April 1 to dedicate a new ve - over the dedication. Also in atten - • • • hicle in memory of three deceased dance were George Serrano, City - ... SPECIAL OFFICER LLOYD HOUSE , who celebrated 28 years of service for co-workers: HPO Nubien Knight, Lt. wide Division business agent; Anto - the Health Department Police on March 9. Lloyd works in Manhattan’s Vincent Faccilonga and HPO Leroy nio Martin, the hospital’s executive Lower West side. Gillis. director; Roslyn Weinstein, chief ex - • • • The vehicle, a 2009 Ford Ex - ecutive, and John Perfetto, director ... HOSPITAL POLICE DET . L IXANDRO COLON , of Woodhull Hospital in Brook - plorer marked “4491/Div. 1,” bears of the hospital police. lyn, for completing the counter-terrorism training at NYPD’s regional the combined shield numbers of Mrs. Faccilonga and daughters training center. Colon, a retired U.S. Army sergeant and Iraqi War com - each late officer, two of whom died were on hand to cut the ribbon dec - bat veteran, has two sons in military service. One is based in of natural causes. Knight was mur - orating the new vehicle. Afghanistan with the Air Force; another will be deployed overseas soon. • • • .. STOCKWORKER I H ARVEY LEVINE , at the Central Storehouse in Middle Village, Queens, and his wife, Priscilla, on their upcoming 25th wed - ding anniversary May 11. • • • ... SCHOOL SAFETY AGENT L3 O SCAR PEREZ , of Brooklyn North Command, who retired March 2009 with 22 years of service. Perez was in the Mo - bile Task Unit, where, his co-workers say, he will be missed and “will always be a part of our family.”
We’d like to hear from you. If you’d like us to report on what’s happening in your life, drop a line to Teamster Notes, Newsline, 216 W. 14 Street, NY 10011, or call 646-638-8636, or e-mail [email protected].
Added to the Roster of Retirees Above, the wife of the late hospital police officer, Vincent Faccilonga, is flanked by daughters as she cuts the ribbon. Below, hospital police officers flank the new vehicle. The Life of Bondy
Raises and Promotions ABDUL HAMID JABIR was appointed the new released-time busi - Richard Bondy, former food service manager at Rikers Island and shop ness agent for the Housing Division as of March 30, 2008. His salary is steward, is congratulated by co-workers at his retirement party. The 25-year $314 per week ($16,328 per year). His expense allowance is $860 per veteran member, who retired on March 26, plans to do some traveling. month ($10,320 per year). PAUL D’AMATO was appointed a full-time business agent for the New Beginnings Housing Division as of April 13, 2009. His salary is $1,320 a week ($68,640 per year) with an expense allowance of $860 a month ($10,320 per year).
CONDOLENCES TO...
…SCHOOL SAFETY AGENT L3 B OSTIC ZENNER , on the death of her father, Charlie McDuffie, who was laid to rest on March 25. • • • …the family of the late ANGEL MOYA , former Taxi & Limousine Commis - sion Inspector, who died April 1 of pancreatic cancer. Moya, who retired in February 2008 due to illness, is survived by his daughter, Denise, granddaughters Stephanie and Alex, sister Maribel, and significant other, Minerva. • • • …GEORGE SERRANO , Local 237 Citywide Division business agent, on the death of his mother, Gladys Santana, on April 9. The funeral service was held in the Bronx. Ronald Domanico, former captain at Taxi & Limousine Commis - • • • sion, is congratulated by co-workers on his March 31st retirement. Pic - ... RICHARD HENDERSHOT , 237’s vice president, on the death of his mother, tured, from left, are Inspectors Joseph Laduca, David Emert, Domani - Florence, April 16. The funeral service was held in Brentwood, New York. co, and Lt. Robert Lopez. 14 NEWSLINE, April 2009 • National Poetry Month APRIL IS • National Alcohol Awareness Month
What better way to usher SpringSnap in Spring? It is time to hear the snap of spring/ “Poetry is the language in which man ex - the unfolding of matted winter layers. plores his own amazement,” as the saying goes. The fear that made us huddle together/ for warmth / to live, April is the month designated to appreciate this gently melts into puddle-pools of sweetwater clear. ancient art form that bares the soul of spoken The new soft sun slips long golden fire needles into souls, words. into skin/ into thighs coiled and cramped too long in the cold National Poetry Month was inaugurated by and thaws the taut muscle and tendon into giving up its defense the Academy of American Poets in April 1996 by gently peeking under the masks of snow/ to celebrate poetry and its vital place in Ameri - placing towels of heat can culture. Here at Local 237, we have our right where the wrinkles are, own poet in residence: forcing the heart to leap, Felipe Luciano , Local 237 director of Commu - the face to smile, nity Affairs, who contributed the adjacent poem the eyes to love, for the occasion. the spirit to swoon and dream and collapse in love. It is time to hear the snap of spring. – Felipe Luciano, 2009 You Can Mix Your Drinks, But Not Drinking and Driving
“If you get drunk and kill some - tragedy and Rice’s crusade against one, that’s murder and you will be drunk drivers. held accountable,” said Nassau “The issue of drunk driving is County District Attorney Kathleen an epidemic,” Rice told Local 237 Rice after a guilty verdict was members, urging them to push for reached in the case of Martin Heid - legislative and societal changes to gen in October 2006. stop these “violent crimes.” In the rare and hotly debated de - One third of New York State’s cision, Heidgen was convicted of fatalities involve intoxicated drivers second-degree murder for driving or pedestrians, and many of them drunk the wrong way on the Mead - are repeat offenders. owbrook Parkway on Long Island in July 2005, smashing into a limousine 18 Years to Life and killing two people: limousine Heidgen, now 27, is currently passenger Katie Flynn, a 7-year-old serving 18 years to life behind bars. flower girl returning from a wed - His blood-alcohol level shortly after ding, who was decapitated, and lim - the crash was determined to be ousine driver Stanley Rabinowitz. more than three-and-a-half times Rice, the first woman to be the legal limit. elected DA in Long Island’s history, Anyone driving while intoxicat - has sealed her reputation as a war - ed is committing a crime. In New rior in the fight against drunk driv - York State, the penalties include the ing, was a guest speaker at Local loss of driving privileges, fines, and 237’s Women’s History Month Cele - a possible jail term, for those of - bration on March 20. At the event, fenders lucky enough not to kill members viewed a powerful video, themselves or others. which was broadcast on “60 Min - Think! If you’re drinking, don’t Pat Arnow utes” covering the Katie Flynn drive. If you’re driving, don’t drink. Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice addresses Local 237 members at the Womenʼs History Month event. Workers Memorial Day, April 28 Safety and Health Course Set for June
By Diane Stein our local has hired a full-time safety and health couraged to attend. For more information and coordinator and is sponsoring dozens of training to register, please contact me, Diane Stein, Safe - Safety and Health Coordinator sessions, both at work locations and the union ty and Health Coordinator, at 212-924-2000 , or April 28 commemorates Workers Memorial hall, to give members more information about e-mail at [email protected] . Day. Each year, nearly 6,000 workers die because the hazards they face and about their rights to a of injuries they suffered on the job. safe and healthy workplace. Remembering SSA Samuels Local 237 is fortunate that we do not have “In these hard economic times, cutting cor - School safety agents at Brooklyn North any work-related deaths to mourn in our local ners on safety is a step that some of our employ - command encourage Local 237 members to this year. But we are still affected by hazards on ers will try to take,” said Gregory Floyd, Presi - visit NYPDAngels.com, a website that lists the job at many of our work locations. dent of Local 237. “We cannot allow that to hap - New York Police Department officers who Slips and falls, back injuries, unsafe vehicles, pen. Our members work hard for New Yorkers have died in the line of duty. threat of workplace violence and lack of proper and we want everyone to go home at the end of Among the many names is our own personal protective equipment are a few of the dan - the day just as healthy as when they came to School Safety Agent Vivian Samuels-Ben - gers Local 237 members may face each day at work. work at the start of their shift.” jamin, who died December 16, 2005, after suf - This year the local has expanded its safety There will be a safety and health training fering a heart attack while escorting an unruly and health program in an effort to better protect program at the union on Saturday, June 6, from student from a school dance. The site is not our members from workplace injuries and ill - 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Shop stewards and oth - sponsored by the NYPD. nesses. Funded by a grant from New York State, ers with an interest in safety and health are en - NEWSLINE, April 2009 15 Resumen en Español
Resumen de Procedimientos: Compensación a Obreros
Por Neil Abramson, Abogado sindicato no harán esto por usted. Junta WCB tiene oficinas en Brooklyn, Queens Nuestra compañía tiene más de cincuenta Manhattan Hempstead, Happauge, Patchogue Este artículo tiene como propósito presen - años de experiencia manejando los casos de y Staten Island. En la audiencia, un Juez de tar una introducción general al sistema de demandas de trabajadores lesionados. La de - Leyes o conciliador estará presente para hacer Compensación al Obrero y cómo poner una de - manda se somete enviando un formulario C-3 decisión sobre todos los asuntos. El Juez de manda por heridas relacionadas al trabajo, en - con un reporte médico a la Junta de Compen - Leyes o conciliador decidirá si hay necesidad fermedad, o enfermedad ocupacional. sación Obrera (WCB). de tener otra audiencia o si el caso puede ser Una herida ocupacional es un accidente en Usted tiene dos años desde la fecha de cerrado. La decisión del Juez de Leyes puede el trabajo en el cual usted puede identificar la sufrir herida para someter su reclamo. Si ser apelada dentro de 30 días del recibo de la fecha, hora, y el lugar. Un ejemplo sería que usted no envía un reporte médico con el for - decisión ya sea por el trabajador herido o por usted levantó algo en el trabajo y sintió dolor mulario C-3, no podrá obtener una audiencia la compañía de seguros. Cuando el caso es cer - en la espalda. Este tipo de caso debe ser ante el WCB y no podrá establecer que fue rado, puede ser reabierto por 18 años desde la sometido a la Junta de Compensación Obrera herido en el trabajo. Si usted anteriormente fecha del accidente. Si usted recibe una notifi - del Estado de Nueva York dentro de 2 años de fue herido en la misma parte del cuerpo, debe cación de la Junta de Compensación Obrera de la fecha del accidente. firmar un formulario C-3.3. Un formulario C- un “Propuesto Acuerdo de Conciliación” o Una enfermedad ocupacional se desarrolla 3.3 autoriza absolver sus archivos médicos “Determinación Administrativa” usted debe durante un período de tiempo. Un ejemplo sería anteriores para esa herida anterior. Si usted contactar a su abogado inmediatamente. Se asbestosis, que resulta en enfermedad muchos no autoriza absolver los archivos médicos an - debe dar respuesta a esto dentro de 30 días. años después de haber estado expuesto al as - teriores la Junta WCB no oirá su caso y quizás Si usted recibe un formulario C-7 (Notifi - besto. Usted debe entablar un caso de haber no será pagado ningún beneficio monetario. cación de Controversia) esto significa que su sido lesionado con la Junta de Compensación Al someter su reclamo y ser aprobado por la empleador o la compañía de seguros esta Obrera dentro de 2 años de haber sido expuesto. Junta WCB usted será protegido médicamente poniendo en debate su demanda. Usted no Un caso de enfermedad ocupacional debe ser por el resto de su vida para aquellas partes de recibirá pago de beneficios de compensación entablado con la Junta de Compensación dentro su cuerpo que fueron heridas en el trabajo y hasta que un juez haga una decisión. Usted de - de dos años de haber sido notificado por su médi - usted podría ser elegible para una pequeña bería llevar el formulario C-7 a su sindicato. El co que su enfermedad se relaciona al trabajo. resolución monetaria, dependiendo de cual Fondo de Bienestar (Welfare Fund) de la union fue su herida y si está trabajando. Reemplaza Sueldo revisará su reclamo de incapacidad para deter - Si usted no pone un reclamo con la Junta minar si usted es elegible para el pago de ben - El sistema de Compensación Obrera es una Worker’s Compensation Board usted no será eficios. Los beneficios de incapacidad son suje - entidad que reemplaza el sueldo y que paga sus elegible para estos beneficios, y sus cuentas tos a impuestos y duran solamente 26 semanas. cuentas médicas relacionadas a sus heridas de médicas quizás no serán pagadas por la com - La Compensación Obrera no es sujeto a im - trabajo. La Compensación Obrera le pagará dos pañía de seguros y usted será responsable por puestos y usted podría recibir pagos por hasta tercios (2/3) de su sueldo sin exceder $550 por ellas. El seguro que cubre su seguro de salud diez años. Usted debe poner su reclamo de in - semana por accidentes ocurridos después de no pagará las cuentas médicas de compen - capacidad dentro de 30 días. Si usted gana el Julio 1, 2008, si usted está totalmente discapac - sación al obrero. caso de compensación obrera, entonces lo que itado. Las cuentas médicas son pagadas por la Si usted decide contratar un abogado, este haya recibido en beneficios de incapacidad compañía de seguro del empleador desde la no recibirá pago a menos que usted obtenga será reembolsado del pago de compensación fecha del accidente. Hay una semana de espera orden de compensación. El Juez de Leyes de otorgado. Esto es conocido como un gravamen. antes de que el trabajador lesionado pueda Compensación Obrera determinará los hono - Si el caso es controvertido, será puesto en un recibir beneficios monetarios. rarios del abogado. Si un honorario es aproba - calendario acelerado, lo que llaman “Rocket Su empleador puede decidir pagarle su do, la cantidad será deducida directamente de Docket,” que significa que el caso será decidido sueldo completo mientras que usted está fuera su orden de compensación. Es ilegal que un dentro de 90 días, en vez de 180 días o más, que del trabajo, pero no es requerido por ley y es abogado le cobre un honorario o dinero a un es lo usual. Si su caso es controvertido, se re - por opción del empleador. El empleador puede trabajador herido sin la aprobación de un Juez comienda que usted contrate a un abogado. usar su tiempo acumulado de enfermedad y va - de Leyes de Compensación Obrera. caciones antes de pagarle beneficios. Este tiem - Unas semanas después de someter la de - Acerca 9/11 po le será restaurado una vez que el caso es es - manda con la Junta WCB, usted recibirá notifi - Por ultimo, quiere escribir acerca del 9/11. tablecido por un Juez de Leyes de Compen - cación de su número de caso del WCB. La com - Personalmente he inscrito a unos 800 traba - sación Obrera. Una vez establecido el caso de pañía de seguro del empleador también le con - jadores con la Junta de Compensación Obrera herida por la Junta de Compensación usted ten - tactará con su número de caso. Usted debe dar - que trabajaron en rescate, recobro o limpieza drá protección médica de por vida para aquella les estos números a su doctor y a su abogado lo en la Zona Cero, los muelles, el terraplén de parte del cuerpo herido o por enfermedad. más pronto posible después de recibirlos. Staten Island, y la morgue de la Ciudad de Cuando usted resulte herido, inmediata - Si usted no puede trabajar a causa de su Nueva York entre Septiembre 11, 2001, y Sep - mente debe buscar atención médica. Dígale a su herida usted debe consultar al doctor que le tiembre 11, 2002. Usted no tiene que estar en - proveedor médico cómo fue herido y que pasó está tratando por lo menos cada 45 a 60 días. fermo para inscribirse. Si usted llena los requi - en el trabajo. Usted puede escoger a cualquier Cada vez que usted ve al doctor, este debe en - sitos mencionados anteriormente, usted debe doctor para su tratamiento que acepte compen - viar un reporte médico, formulario C-4, a la inscribirse con la Junta de Compensación Obr - sación al obrero. No le pague al doctor. Las cuen - compañía de seguros, a la Junta WCB y a su era a más tardar Septiembre 11, 2010. Si no lo tas de tratamiento médico serán pagadas por la abogado. Si usted está fuera de trabajo y el re - hace y se enferma por haber estado expuesto compañía de seguro del empleador. Usted debe porte médico C-4 no ha sido recibido por la durante el 9/11, ni usted ni su familia podrán notificar a su supervisor de su herida lo mas compañía de seguros usted no recibirá benefi - recibir beneficios. pronto posible o dentro de 30 días de ser herido. cios de compensación obrera. Si usted regresa En resumen, si usted resulta lesionado: Puede completar un reporte de accidente o de - al trabajo y todavía necesita tratamiento médi - cirle a su supervisor como fue lesionado. co, usted puede continuar viendo a su doctor. 1. Busque atención médica inmediatamente. Usted o su abogado debe someter un reclamo 2. Notifique a su supervisor lo más pronto con la Junta de Compensación Obrera del Estado En la Audiencia posible de haberse lesionado. de Nueva York.(Worker’s Compensation Board, Usted recibirá notificación de la Junta de 3. Ponga un reclamo con la Junta de Com - WCB, por sus siglas en inglés). Su empleador o el Compensación acerca de su audiencia. La pensación del Estado de Nueva York. NEWSLINE Ma Housing PERIODICALS Local 237, IBT POSTAGE PAID AT NEW YORK, NY
216 w. 14 Street ter New York, NY 10011
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DATED MATERIAL APRIL 2009 237’s working, Are you moving? isue To change your address, fill in the form below, cut it out, and mail it back to Newsline at the above address. Housing Name ______and Address ______negotia,
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