Local 237 NEWSLINE
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I December 2010 Vol. 44, No. 10 R IT’S ALL ABOUT JOBS NOW! Exploring Partnerships to Put America Back to Work
President Gregory Floyd moderated a recent President Gregory Floyd addresses seminar participants from the public and pri - vate sectors; and, below, Vincent Pitta, Managing Partner, Pitta and Giblin LLP, a seminar, “Putting Ameri - labor law firm, emphasizes a point. ca Back to Work,” which brought together repre - sentatives from unions and investment firms to explore public-private partnerships for invest - ing in infrastructure and creating union jobs. “The bailout was wonderful who are out of work, who can go for the banks, insurance compa - to work on these projects.” Af - nies and Wall Street, but regular firming Labor’s position that folks were left behind,” Floyd public/private partnerships can said at the seminar, held in New be successful, Floyd declared, York City District Council of “We’re willing to invest from Carpenters headquarters in our pension funds to put Amer - Manhattan on Nov. 10. ica back to work.” railroads need repair. ment of these funds.” Hughes With unemployment contin - Exploring how Labor can col - “We need a mechanism,” also proposed partnerships uing at around 10 percent and lectively invest in putting union urged Hughes, to put pension with state agencies, such as the the slow pace of economic re - workers back to work, Denis money in a fund that is able to Port Authority. covery, “We can’t always look to Hughes, president, New York invest the money in govern - Unions will insist, of government for solutions; we State AFL-CIO, noted that while ment infrastructure projects. course, that projects they help need to come forward,” empha - the newly elected Congress leans But, he added, “We have an ob - fund employ union labor and sized Floyd, adding, “We have toward anti-stimulus policies, ligation to make sure no one is guarantee returns on invest - the resources and the people our nation’s roads, bridges, and disadvantaged by private place - ment for public pensioners.
ITALIAN HERITAGE CELEBRAZIONE – The annual Local 237 event in October when we celebrated the cultural contributions of our Italian brothers and sisters was favoloso ! See more great photos on pages 6 and 7. 2 NEWSLINE, December 2010 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, Law Enforcement Chief Negotiator Closing 2010 With Grace and Hope Director POLITICAL ACTION & Randy Klein, Assistant Director LEGISLATION , 5th Fl. HOUSING DIVISION , 2nd Fl. Local 237 protects members’ e can be proud of another year ing a better government will be disappoint - Remilda Ferguson, Director rights by helping to sponsor leg - well spent! I am always amazed, ed by even more political games and grand - Brooklyn, Queens & Staten islation that is important to mem - excited and a little relieved standing in the near future. bers, and by opposing initiatives W Island when December arrives. It’s a time to look It will be up to incoming Governor An - James Giocastro, that would hurt members. back on all that we have accomplished and drew Cuomo to try to control the political Deputy Director Patricia Stryker, Director look forward to new opportunities and circus in Albany. Cuomo has expressed the GRIEVANCES/DISCIPLINARY LONG ISLAND DIVISION alliances in the face of future challenges. best of intentions to bring order to Albany PROBLEMS , 6th Fl. 1727 Veterans Memorial The Holidays are also a time for celebra - and bring a tough, prosecutorial attitude to Highway For grievances and job related Suite 308 problems, first contact your shop tion and coming together with friends and the position. Unlike some of his predeces - Islandia, NY 11749 steward and/or grievance repre - family, as well as a time of change and re - sors, however, he also knows how to work 631-851-9800 sentative. If they cannot resolve birth. We all promise to be kinder, better within the political system. John Burns, Director the issue, they or you should people and make our New Year’s resolutions I hope that the new governor addresses Benedict Carenza , contact your business agent. to stay in shape or spend less money. Even the real problems in our government and Deputy Director Mal Patterson, Director of John Sepulveda, Grievances and Hearings if we don’t keep those promises as time doesn’t blame organized workers for every - Assistant Director Todd Rubinstein, Esq. moves forward, we always appreciate the thing that is wrong with the state. So far, he Long Island Welfare Fund: Grievance Coordinator sense of hope and optimism that the prom - has made a serious effort to include minori - For information on the various Debbie Coleman, Esq. ise of renewal brings. ties and friends of labor on his transition funds call 800-962-1145 Grievance Coordinator Our resolutions for 2011 as individuals team and initial staff hires. He will have to RETIREE DIVISION , 8th Fl. CIVIL SERVICE BAR and as a nation can impact our economic re - make many difficult choices next year, but Provides a variety of pre- and ASSOCIATION , 6th Fl. covery. November’s elections proved voters they must be made based on the best inter - post-retirement services, includ - 212-675-0519 resolved to change, in only two years since ests of all the people in New York and not ing pension and health insur - Gloria Johnson, Esq., President ance counseling to members. President Obama’s election, the direction our motivated by the political winds. Aldona Vaiciunas, (Pension counseling by appoint - government has been taking. They want to Cuomo’s main concern should be jump - Office Administrator and ment, Thursdays only). General spend fewer taxpayer dollars and stop the Grievance Coordinator starting the still sputtering economy. While retirement counseling and corruption that runs rampant in Washington. many private companies and banks are now retirement planning series dur - John Picucci, Esq., ing spring and fall. Grievance Representative Republicans took back control of the House prospering, unemployment is still too high. 212-807-0555 CSBA Welfare Fund and made big gains in the Senate by telling The government needs to help both private Nancy B. True, Director Alicare 212-539-5117 the country that they would bring real and public sector workers by encouraging COMMUNICATIONS, 8th Fl. change to Washington. But people don’t nec - spending and hiring. This plan will pump LOCAL 237 DEPARTMENTS Tania M. Lambert, Editor essarily know how to fix Washington; they more tax money into the state budget and (Citywide and Housing) Local 237 Newsline just know they don’t like what they see. ultimately be better for all New Yorkers. Ac - SKILLED TRADES , 2nd Fl. Website: www.local237.org Much like our personal New Year’s res - complishing that goal is easier said than Donald Arnold, Director EDUCATION, 8th Fl. olutions, it remains to be seen if the incom - done, and there will be many challenges HEALTH AND SAFETY , 2nd Fl. Provides a variety of training Donald Arnold, Director and educational advancement ing Congress will actually keep their prom - along the way. Diane Stein, Coordinator opportunities for members. ises to the American people. The fight that I have high hopes for our government, MEMBERSHIP, 2nd Fl. 212-807-0550 took place earlier this month over extend - our union and our members. I pray that the Provides membership services Frederick Dunn, Director ing tax cuts for the rich signals another government keeps those resolutions that are and records, including address USEFUL NUMBERS tough year ahead, full of political bickering for the greater good, as we will try to keep changes. FOR PRE-RETIREES and backroom deals. There will be many Laverne White, ours. As we move into 2011, let us also be Administrative Manager NYCERS (New York City battles in Washington, but the question is thankful for the gifts we received in 2010. It WELFARE FUND, 3rd Fl. Employees Retirement System) whether anything will get accomplished for was at times frustrating and even worrisome, The Fund administers the eligi - By Mail: 335 Adams St., Suite the American people. but we made it through the year together. I bility, enrollment, disability, 2300, Brooklyn, NY 11201-3751 In New York, the situation is very simi - know we will do the same next year. Happy optical and death benefits In Person: 340 Jay Street, lar to Washington. Voters, fed up with the Holidays to you and your family. directly by the Fund’s in-house Mezzanine, Brooklyn, NY 11201
dysfunction of the State B i
staff, as well as prescription l Gen’l Information: 347-643-3000 l K
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Outside NYC toll-free: s s 212-924-7220 877-6NYCERS ed the chamber over to e Carnell Joyner Jr., Director Ya R 2011 NYCERS Internet the Republicans. When N LEGAL SERVICES, 4th Fl. in power, Democrats ... www.nyclink.org/html/nycers W c Lawyers advise and represent failed to pass many members on covered personal NYC Department of Education A Sab b legal problems, including domes - Retirement System meaningful laws and re - A L a tic relations (family court pro - 65 Court St., Brooklyn, NY 11201 forms — like saving the A G d a b a ceedings, divorce and separa - 718-935-5400 New York City OTB and A D d A Vaca a d da tion), purchase and sale of a pri - Social Security Administration instituting new ethics mary residence, wills, adoptions, A S a 800-772-1213 credit and consumer problems, rules — and it will only A S da tenant rights and bankruptcies. NY State and Local Retirement be more difficult now A D 212-924-1220 Systems that the Republicans ap - ...F A W ! 518-474-7736 Office Hours: pear to be in control. I Mon.- Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. fear that the citizens who Mary Sheridan Esq., Director Kenneth Perry Esq., voted to change the legis - Deputy Director lature in hopes of creat - NEWSLINE, December 2010 3 Harlem HPO Helps Nab Con Floyd Meets With HPO LaTanya Brooks, a Harlem Hos - arrest for criminal possession of a pital police officer, was on her way firearm. Captains for Updates home after work with co-worker After the incident, Timothy Wanda Moore, a hospital watchper - Kennedy, director of the Harlem President Gregory Floyd wel - forcement Unit; Pete Gutierrez, son, when duty called. Hospital police, said, “I’m really comed several hospital police offi - deputy director, and Todd Ruben - They were at the Times Square proud of LaTanya, who has less than cer captains, who visited the union stein, Esq., grievance coordinator. ubway station early on a Sunday year of service.” He said that both s a on Nov. 9, for a brief discussion and morning in October when they saw hospital employees were recognized updates for the New Year. HPO George Ortega two female Transit Bureau officers for performing in an exemplary The meeting was also an occasion Hospital Police Captain George struggling to arrest a 275 pound, 6- manner without regard for personal to congratulate Captain George Orte - Ortega became a Local 237 member foot-tall robbery suspect. safety and for helping prevent fur - ga, a President’s Award Winner. Due in 1998 when he began his career at hey watched as the suspect her injury and a possible escape by T t to a scheduling conflict, Ortega was Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx. In threw the officers’ handcuffs onto a dangerous man. unable to attend the Latino Heritage 2002, he was promoted to detective, the tracks and grabbed a stick to hit Brooks and Moore received Ex - event in October to receive his award. and in 2006 he was promoted to Ser - them. Fearing that the suspect might emplary Police Service Medals and When Floyd presented the geant, based in Bellevue Hospital throw one of the officers onto the Certificates from the Hospital Police awards to him, Ortega, visibly Center. In April of this year, he was racks, Brooks identified herself as entral Office; Meritorious Service t C moved, said, “I’ve never received an promoted to captain at Bellevue. “I an HPO. She and Moore grabbed the Awards from Harlem Hospital; and award related to my culture. I’m like the family orientation of the suspect’s legs and took him to the Certificates of Appreciation from honored and grateful.” Also on hand union,” says Ortega, married with ground, where they gained control NYPD Transit Bureau. to congratulate Ortega were Al Soto, two sons. “Members are all treated over him. Both transit officers that Brooks director, Citywide Division Law En - as part of the family.” It turned out that he had an ex - and Moore assisted sustained minor tensive rap sheet, including a prior injuries during the arrest.
Hospital Police Captains pose for a portrait with President Gregory Floyd, second row center, and union officials. From left, Todd Rubenstein, Esq., grievance coor - dinator; Pete Gutierrez, Citywide Division deputy director; and Al Soto, director, Law Enforcement Unit, Citywide Division. George Ortega, Presidentʼs Award win - Harlem Hospital Police Director Timothy Kennedy is flanked, from left, by ner, is front-row-center in uniform. Hospital Police Officer LaTanya Brooks and Watchperson Wanda Moore.
Local 237 NEWSLINE ON AIR Reaching Out With Greg Floyd 216 West 14 St., New York, NY 10011 212-924-2000 Stay tuned for a new season of recording artist John Legend . Sev - Website: www.local237.org “Reaching Out With Greg Floyd ,” eral labor leaders and elected offi - e-mail Newsline: [email protected] Local 237’s public affairs radio pro - cials, including Congressman Peter Local 237 Newsline (USPS 700-000 ISSN 1083-3536) is published 10 times a year in the gram, which airs on WWRL AM King (R-Nassau/Suffolk) and City following months: January, February, March, April, May, (June, July and August will be combined into one issue), September, October, November and December by Local 237, 1600 every 2nd and 3rd Saturday Council Speaker Christine Quinn , International Brotherhood of Teamsters, 216 West 14 Street, New York, NY 10011. of each month at 3 p.m. are also on the guest list. Periodical postage paid at New York, NY. Postmaster: Send address changes to Starting in January, guests will If you miss a program, you can Local 237 Newsline, 216 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10011. include former NBA stars Magic see video excerpts on Local 237’s Executive Board Johnson and James Donaldson , and website at www.local237.org . Gregory Floyd Richard Hendershot Ruben Torres Patricia Stryker President Vice President Secretary-Treasurer Recording Secretary Local 237: On the Air Edmund Kane Steven Gordon Curtis Scott Our Cable TV series airs week - Time Warner Ch. 34, RCN Ch. 82 Trustee Trustee Trustee ly on several NYC cable TV sys - and Verizon Ch. 33 tems. Air times for your borough Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. Newsline and www.local237.org are listed here: Brooklyn Community Access Tania M. Lambert Editor Staten Island Community (BCAT): Television (CTV): Time Warner Ch. 35, Cablevision Local 237 Telephone Numbers Time Warner Ch. 57 and Verizon Ch. 68, Verizon Ch. 43 and RCN Citywide Division ...... 212-924-2000 Health & Safety ...... 212-924-2000 Ch. 37 Ch. 83 Housing Division ...... 212-924-2000 Retiree Division/ Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. Long Island Division ...... 631-851-9800 Pension Counseling ...... 212-807-0555 Fridays at 6 p.m. Welfare Funds ...... 212-924-7220 Membership ...... 212-924-2000 Queens Public Television (QPTV): Education Department ...... 212-807-0550 CSBA ...... 212-675-0519 Bronxnet: Time Warner Ch. 35, Verizon Legal Department ...... 212-924-1220 Cablevision Ch. 67 and Verizon Ch. 35 and RCN Ch. 83 Ch. 33 Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. If you move... Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Time Warner Ch. 56, Verizon Please send your change of address in writing to Membership to insure that you Ch. 36 and RCN Ch. 84 continue receiving your newspaper. Manhattan Neighborhood Network Metro NY (MNN): Sundays at 10:30 p.m. Labor Communications Council 4 NEWSLINE, December 2010 Recognition Keeps Coming for 237 Members NYCHA Ceremony Honors Caribbean Association ‘Outstanding’ Workers Gives Award to Peter Morici
The Labor-Management Quality family like no other I’ve seen in the Peter Morici, evidence and prop - participants/trainers many critical of Work Life Committee of the New country, where 12,000 employees erty control specialist at the NYPD’s strategies, including how to prepare a York City Housing Authority, to - and management work together.” Gowanus Evidence Vehicle Facility disaster kit and conduct medical gether with Local 237; DC 37, AF - Reflecting the stability of in Brooklyn, received the Humanitar - triage in the event of a disaster in SCME; and CWA, Local 1180, held NYCHA’s workforce, more than 100 ian Award from the Caribbean Law their communities or in Caribbean the 21st Annual Employee Recogni - employees marked more than 30 years Enforcement Association (CLEA) for nations. The team graduated in April tion Awards Ceremony on Nov. 5. of service; Maintenance Worker Au - his work as a disaster-preparedness as certified FEMA CERT trainers. The event recognized about 550 gustus Davis counted about 42 years. instructor for the first Caribbean In July, Morici joined New York outstanding employees for their Commenting on the recent elec - Emergency Response Team (CERT) State Sen. Eric Adams, CLEA and service and achievements. It also tions, Chairman John B. Rhea ex - based in Brooklyn. the Ex-Police of St. Vincent Associ - celebrated improvements in work - pressed confidence that even in An 18-year peace officer, Mori - ation in New York on a trip to St. ers’ quality of life, attributed to pos - tough times NYCHA, in collabora - ci is certified by the Federal Emer - Vincent and the Grenadines, where itive collaboration between labor tion with its labor partners, could gency Management Agency and the they showed support for the local and management. “pursue a legislative strategy to Department of Homeland Security police force with equipment dona - Addressing honorees, President make sure that public housing sur - as an emergency response trainer. tions and trained 13 police supervi - Gregory Floyd noted, “This is a vives in New York.” He taught the team of eight CERT sors and fireman as CERT trainers.
Peter Mikoleski, Sr. Photographer, NYCHA President Gregory Floyd and NYCHA Board Member Earl Andrews flank employ - Evidence and Property Control Specialist Peter Morici, third from right in top ees David Graham and Monique Jackson, who were recognized for educational row, is flanked by graduates of the first Caribbean Emergency Response Team achievements. (CERT), which he trained. Superintendents: Elections & Fishing Lehman Honors Stock Worker New officers were elected by the Superintendents/Assistant Su - Bharat Sharma, a supervisor of stock workers Level 3, received the perintendents Chapter at the group’s September meeting in Union President’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Lehman College Hall. James Giocastro, deputy director, Housing Division, oversaw the for exceptional service. election process. Elected were Jellemonia Graham, recording secretary; The award was presented to Sharma by Lehman President Ricardo Salvatore Montalbano, treasurer; James Artis, 2nd vice chairman; Fe - R. Fernández at a Convocation ceremony held in September. lipe Sanchez, 1st vice chairman; and Stanley Davis, chairman. Officers Fernandez noted that Sharma has served Lehman, based in the serve two-year terms Bronx, for the past 24 years “with superb dedication, no matter how In October, the Chapter held its annual trophy fishing trip at Point reorganizations, a change in administrators, and budget restrictions Lookout on Long Island. Davis reports that “everyone caught fish — have impacted his department.” porgies, sea bass, black fish and some striped bass, too.” Sharma, also known as “BB,” began his Lehman career in 1986 as The trophy winner was Evelyn Griggs, emergency service aide, a senior storekeeper and moved up the ranks through hard work, at - who won the pool money. tention to detail and strong leadership skills. This is the second time Sharma was honored by the college. In 1993, he was recognized for starting a skills-training program at the college that still serves low- functioning high school youths.
Lehman College President Ricardo R. Fernández, right, presents Bharat Sharma, supervisor of stock workers, with a Presidentʼs Award.
Virgil Fincher Stanley Davis, chairman of the Superintendents chapter, center left, and Felipe Sanchez, 1st vice chairman, flank Evelyn Griggs, who won the annu - al fishing-trip pool, as chapter members look on. NEWSLINE, December 2010 5 Big Chill Spreads in Washington Obama Announces Pay Freeze for Federal Workers
Announcing it in terms of mak - pointed by the White House judges and workers, but it ing sacrifices for the greater good, to reduce the nation’s grow - would affect all others on President Barack Obama called for a ing deficit, now at $13 tril - the Executive Branch pay - two-year pay freeze for federal em - lion in debt. The salary roll. The federal govern - ployees. The announcement got a freeze represents a savings ment is the nation‘s largest cold response from federal unions. of $2 billion in fiscal year employer with 2 million John Gage, president of the 600,000- 2011; $28 billion over five workers. About 85 percent member American Federation of years and $60 billion over of them work outside of the Government Employees, called the 10 years. Washington, D.C., area. freeze “a slap at working people.” “I did not reach this de - Union officials would The freeze cancels only cost-of- cision easily, this is not a try to derail the proposal in living adjustments for two years, line item on a federal ledger, Congress, said Colleen Kel - while regularly scheduled step in - these are people’s lives,” ley, head of the 150,000- creases in the 2.6 percent range will Obama was quoted as saying President Obama announcing the pay freeze. member National Treasury continue for most of the civilian by the Associated Press. “Getting civil servants “to do what they’ve al - Employees Union. work force, according to Federal this deficit under control is going to ways done — play their part.” If Congress, where labor-friend - Times.com. require some broad sacrifice, and The proposal would not apply ly Democrats still maintain control, The two-year freeze is less than that sacrifice must be shared by the to the military, members of Congress doesn’t approve the pay freeze by a three-year freeze proposed by the employees of the federal govern - or their staffs, defense contractors, the end of December, a 0.9 percent bipartisan deficit commission ap - ment.” He said he was just asking postal workers or federal court increase will go into effect. Deal on Bush Tax Cuts for Rich Leaves Bitter Taste
In a bid to secure lower tax rates ity and will likely be approved on surd, totally absurd to give huge tax for the middle class and win an ex - the strength of Republican votes. breaks, millions of dollars in tax tension of unemployment benefits, Most Democrats wanted lower tax breaks, to the very richest people in President Obama proposed a com - rates extended only for incomes up this country who are already doing promise deal that would extend all to $250,000 per couple. At press very, very well.” Bush-era tax cuts for two years. The time, House Democrats voted in cau - On the other hand, Lawrence H. deal would offer a tax cut for most cus not to support the tax package Summers, director of the White Americans, including the wealthiest and called for a bill more favorable House National Economic Council, ones and would reduce the payroll to working-class Americans. warned that “failure to pass this bill tax for nearly all workers for one Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), an in the next couple of weeks would year. It would also reduce the estate Sen. Bernie Sanders denouncing Independent who caucuses with the materially increase the risk that the tax. the overall compromise package. Democrats, and who is one of the economy would stall out and we “There are things in here that I equality between rich and poor most vocal opponents of the tax cut would have a double-dip” reces - don’t like,” Obama said, “namely among all Western industrialized na - compromise with Republicans, was sion. the extension of the tax cuts for the tions. Democrats in Congress ex - quoted as saying in The New York If no deal is passed by the end of wealthiest Americans.” pressed anger and disappointment Times “People understand that with December, taxes will increase across The U.S. has the greatest in - with the deal, which favors inequal - a $13 trillion national debt, it is ab - the board on Jan. 1.
Emergency Message from President Floyd ‘Our Benefits Are Under Attack’ President Gregory Floyd mailed an urgent nually for their family medical coverage, and letter to members last month to keep them in - close to $1,000 for individual coverage. In ef - formed about the ongoing attack on public fect, many union members will be forced to give workers’ benefits. As union members, we must up over 10% of their take-home pay for their in - be vigilant and be prepared to fight back with surance. facts each time we are confronted with lies. Local 237 is unequivocally opposed to this Below is a reprint of Floyd’s letter: raid. It is outrageous to speak of “privileged” union members when the wealthy of New York Dear Brothers and Sisters: City are enjoying historically low tax rates, in - For several months, I have warned members cluding a fat Bush tax cut. Local 237 is prepared that a push will be made by the politicians to at - to resist. tack our union benefits as too “expensive.” That We will keep members updated on our ef - attack has now been officially opened by the forts to counter the anti-labor push being front - New York Post. [See Post article] ed by the Post. But we have now entered a peri - In its lead editorial of Saturday, November od in which the members must be on high alert 13, the Post demands that the burden of solving for mobilization. Members are encouraged to at - New York City’s budget deficit be placed on the tend their title meetings for further information. backs of union members. The Post demands I urge you to contribute to DRIVE, our political that city employees be made to pay 10% of the action fund. Your Business Agent carries DRIVE cost for their individual medical coverage and cards and is prepared to sign you up. 25% for family medical coverage. Our enemies are strong. But I have the con - This outrageous proposal is a declaration of fidence that united forces of labor have yet to war on City labor. If the Post’s agenda is adopt - make our voices heard. This will be our goal in ed by the right-wing politicians that paper the months ahead. speaks for, Local 237 and other public union Fraternally, members will be forced to pay over $3,000 an - Gregory Floyd New York Post, Saturday, November 13, 2010 6 NEWSLINE, December 2010 A Toast to Italian Heritage…That’s Amore!
President Gregory Floyd pres - ents Lou DiBella, CEO and President of DiBella Entertainment and a boxing promoter, with the Golden Teamster Award.
School Safety Agent L3 Cheryl Mauro, a grievance representative at the Michael J. Petrides Complex in Staten Island, and Presidentʼs Award recipient, is congratulated by her husband Bob, sister, Jodie Pagliaro, and brother-in-law Michael.
Anthony Saturno, a custodial workers at North Babylon High School and Presidentʼs Award recipient, is congratulated by his Salvatore Lombardo, a school food service manager in Queens District 25, and wife, Karen, and their daughter. Presidentʼs Award recipient, is flanked by his daughters.
Michele “Mike” Conenna, a plasterer at Riis Houses in Winston George, deputy director, Retirees Division, greets guests. Manhattan, hits a high note. NEWSLINE, December 2010 7 A Toast to Italian Heritage…That’s Amore!
ighlights of the Italian American experience were on the menu at Local 237’s Italian Heritage Celebration, HOct. 22, at Union Hall. In addition to great music, food, and camaraderie, honorees expressed great pride in their ancestors’ contributions to the New World and the Old. President Gregory Floyd presented awards to four deserving members and a Lifetime Achievement Award to Ralph Prossimo, a former Local 237 trustee and legislative director. Floyd also presented Golden Teamsters Awards to State Sen. Diane Savino and Lou DiBella, boxing promoter, film pro - ducer and head of DiBella Entertainment. Addressing the guests, DiBella, who played himself in the last “Rocky” film, said, “This means so much to me.” He added that his grandfather, an Italian immigrant, was an Ralph Prossimo, retired trustee and legislative director for Local 237, poses with his opera singer and a union activist, who helped organize the famiglia following acceptance of a Lifetime Achievement Award. International Ladies Garment Workers Union. Sen. Savino, who is half Italian and half Irish, focused on the negative media portrayals of Italians as mobsters or air - Frank heads, as in the “Jersey Shore” program. Savino noted with Spallino, great pride that there are 51 New York State legislators and a supervisor governor-elect, Andrew Cuomo, who are all Italian Ameri - plasterers at cans. She called for the media to “treat us with dignity.” NYCHAʼs Manhattan Management office and a Presidentʼs Award recipi - ent, poses with his family and President Floyd.
Giovanni Gregori and partner serenade guests Italian style. State Sen. Diane Savino, a Golden Teamster Award recipient, addresses the audience.
Nancy B. True, director Retiree Division and event coordinator, shares a smile with Paul Joseph DʼAmato, business agent, Housing Division, a former Presidentʼs Award recipient. 8 NEWSLINE, December 2010 LONG ISLAND REPORT
GGiivviinngg TThhaannkkss Creative Custodian Cuts Costs A talented carpenter, who serves as a custodian at Half Hollow Hills High School, Mike Valenti made a beverage stand for the Students BByy GGiivviinngg Senior Banquet out of scrap wood. It didn’t cost a dime and it repre - sents a savings of $500, which is what the school had paid in previous years to rent one, according to John Carolan, chief custodian at the school. Local 237 joined with the Lin - District. denhurst Rotary in a food drive out - To Gallagher’s left are Andrew side Pathmark in West Babylon on Viegas, business agent, and Antho - Saturday, Nov. 6, to benefit local ny Saturno, a custodial worker at food pantries. North Babylon High School, who Among the volunteers at the col - was recently honored with a Presi - lection tables were Benny Carenza, dent’s Award at Local 237’s Italian deputy director, Long Island Divi - Heritage Event. [See centerspread] sion, a Rotary member; and, second The foods collected were donat - from left, John Gallagher, night cus - ed to two local churches for distri - todian at Half Hollow Hills School bution prior to Thanksgiving.
Kenneth Quarles Packs It In After 20 Years Islip white collar member Kenneth Quarles, formerly a drug abuse educator and prevention specialist for the Town of Islip Access Program, retired recently with 20 years of service. Quarles was a recipient of the coveted President’s Award at Local 237’s 2010 Black History Event. His career was one of dedication to young people and adults at high risk. Prior to becoming a member, he worked with youths in a federal cor - rections facility and taught art in the Smithtown Central School District. His humanism extends to commitments outside of work. Quarles has served as president of the Suffolk County Perinatal Coalition. Under his leadership, the coalition obtained a million dollar grant to ensure that ba - bies born in Suffolk County had the optimal chance for survival.
Kenneth Quarles holds his retirement plaque and is flanked, from left, by John Burns, director, Long Island Division, and Richard Hendershot, vice president, Local 237. NEWSLINE, December 2010 9
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S N I Dare You Leave Us? R Congratulations to…
…RENÉ CARBELLO , a caretaker J at Drew Hamilton Houses in Manhattan, and his wife, Erica, on the birth of their first child, Eliana Rae, on Oct. 25. The baby weighed 5 pounds 5 ounces. Her proud grandfather, ED- UARDO SANTIAGO , Erica’s dad, is a supervisor of grounds at Red Hook Houses in Brooklyn.
…SCHOOL SAFETY •I N•S •TRUCTORS L3 L ISA GOODHOPE and VERNON HOUSE , both assigned to School Safety Training Unit, who were asked to help train 67 newly hired police administrative aides in Criminal Justice; also SSA L3 L ARRY CUMMINGS and SSA L3 Goodhope KEITH FLANDERS , both assigned to the Physi - Flanders cal Training Unit, who were asked to help train newly hired probationary police offi - cers. Each officer received a letter of com - mendation from the New York Police De - partment for their outstanding work.
House Cummings Maurice Montgomery, a former maintenance worker and shop We’d like to hear from you. If you’d like us to report on what’s steward at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, who retired with 35 happening in your life, drop a line to Teamster Notes, Newsline, years of service last month, is congratulated, from left, by Ruben Tor - 216 W. 14 Street, NY 10011, or call 646-638-8636, res, secretary-treasurer, and Donald Arnold, director, Citywide Divi - or e-mail [email protected]. sion. Montgomery says he plans to start his own theater company. “I’m stepping out on faith while I still have some youth,” says Montgomery, who wrote a play, “Dare You to Love Me,” about his relationship with his father. He is also a father of two sons and has one grandson, 3 years Know Your Rights old. By Sanford Rubenstein ‘Gone Fishing’
Medical Malpractice f you are sick or injured, you the surgery went well and her post- should get medical attention as operative complaints were normal. Isoon as possible. Talk to those When she returned to the emer - medical personnel who are render - gency room the next day complain - ing care. If you have any concerns or ing of continued pain, medical tests doubts about your condition or the revealed a hole in her bowel, creat - quality of care you are receiving, ask ed by the surgical team. questions. If you are not satisfied In the two days that passed be - with the responses, you should fore the damage to the claimant’s demand further explanation. If pos - bowel was repaired, fecal matter en - sible, get a second opinion. You tered the hole, contaminated her ab - have a right to receive complete domen and resulted in sepsis and information about your diagnosis, gangrene. These complications re - treatment and prognosis. quired amputation of both legs If you believe that you or a below the knee. She also suffered loved one has been the victim of in - deafness in one ear due to toxicity adequate or careless medical care from the antibiotics that were ad - Ralph Florio, a former cement mason for the technical services and treatment, you should consult ministered. We commenced a law - unit of the Parks Department in Manhattan, who retired recently with an attorney. We are available for you suit alleging that the medical care 27 years of service, is congratulated by union officials Ruben Torres at no charge for a consultation. A rendered was negligent and thereby and Donald Arnold. All Florio had to say about his plans was “Gone timely phone call to an attorney caused these devastating injuries. Fishing.” may prove important to protecting That action is presently pending. your rights. In one case of medical malprac - Sanford Rubenstein, Esq., is the tice, our attorney was retained by a senior partner at the Brooklyn law young mother whose bowel was firm of Rubenstein & Rynecki, which Apply for Hoffa Scholarship perforated during a simple gynecol - handles all types of cases for per - ogical procedure. To make matters Applications for the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarships for the sonal injury, medical malpractice worse, the hospital and its doctors and cases involving police miscon - 2011-2012 school year are now available from Local 237’s Education failed to diagnose this problem and duct. The law firm can be reached at Department. Scholarships are awarded annually to outstanding high sent her home with the advice that 718-522-1020. school seniors who are children or grandchildren of a Teamster and who meet other eligibility criteria. One hundred scholarships will be awarded this year. Of these 31 CONDOLENCES TO... are $10,000 each; and 69 are one-time $1,000 grants. …CHARLES CHAPPELL , supervisor of stock workers L2 at Housing Authori - The application deadline is March 31, 2011. To request an appli - ty’s Long Island City warehouse, on the death of his father, Edward, on cation or more information contact our Education Department: Nov. 28. The late Chappell is survived by three sons and several grand - 212-807-0550 children. 10 NEWSLINE, December 2010
he School Safety Division of the New York Police Department hosted a Recognition Ceremony for school safety agents on Oct. 19 at their Manhattan headquarters. Addressing Tthe audience, NYPD Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly noted the courage and dedication Pride in SSAs of several outstanding school safety agents who risked their lives to protect others. “We celebrate you for your contributions to the team and to New York City,” said Kelly, Is a Family who also presented the awards. On hand to congratulate the honorees were President Gregory Floyd, who sat on the dais; Steven Gordon, trustee; Al Soto, director, Law Enforcement Unit, Citywide Division; and Affair Charles Cotto, business agent.
Above, President Gregory Floyd congratulates School Safety Agent Earl Jones Jr., Bronx West Command, who is joined by his wife, Cynthia and his dad, Earl Jones Sr. Right, SSA L3 Frances Gonzalez of Staten Islandʼs Michael J. Petridis Complex, is congratulated for her Meritorious Award by her husband, mother and daughter.
Left, honorees listen to a guest speaker.
Right, Al Soto, director Citywide Division, Law Enforcement Unit, is sur - rounded by some of New Yorkʼs finest school safety agents.
Brooklyn South Hosts Awards Ceremony
SSA Sen Julon is flanked by Vincent M. Googan, deputy chief, School Safety SSA George Ward of Francis Lewis High School in Queens is congratu - Division, left, and Floyd, at an Awards Ceremony last July. lated by Floyd on his Meritorious Award. NEWSLINE, December 2010 11 Resumen en Español Explorando Asociaciones Para Que América Vuelva a Trabajar
Recientemente el Presidente de Nueva York notó que mientras Floyd moderó un seminario: que el nuevo Congreso electo se in - Poniendo a América a Trabajar Nue - clina hacia políticas en contra de es - vamente, lo cual atrajo a represen - tímulos financieros, las carreteras tantes de los sindicatos y de firmas de nuestra nación, los puentes y vía inversionistas para explorar asocia - ferroviarias necesitan ser reparadas. ciones públicas-privadas que inver - “Necesitamos un mecanismo,” tiría en la infraestructura y crearía urgió Hughes, para poner los fondos empleos sindicales. de la pensión en un fondo que sea “Este rescate fue magnífico para capaz de invertir el dinero en los bancos, la compañías de seguros y proyectos de infraestructura del go - Wall Street, pero la gente común y bierno. Pero, añadió él, “Tenemos la corriente se quedaron atrás,” dijo obligación de asegurarnos de que Floyd en el seminario., que tuvo lugar nadie sea ultrajado por que ese en la sede del Concejo de Distrito de dinero llegue destinos privados.” Carpinteros de la Ciudad de Nueva Los participantes del seminario Poniendo a América a Trabajar Nuevamente Hughes también propuso asocia - York en Manhattan, Noviembre 10. escuchan al Presidente Gregory Floyd. ciones con agencias estatales, tal Con la continuación del nivel de recursos y la gente que están fuera de de nuestros fondos de pensión para como la Autoridad de Puertos. desempleo en un 10 por ciento y el trabajo, quienes podrían ponerse a tra - que América vuelva a trabajar.” Los sindicatos insistirán, segu - paso lento del recobro económico, bajar en estos proyectos.” Afirmando Explorando como el movimien - ramente, que los proyectos que ayu - “No podemos contar siempre con que la posición del movimiento laboral to Laboral puede colectivamente in - den a financiar emplearán traba - el gobierno vendrá con las soluciones; que las asociaciones públicas-pri - vertir en poner a trabajar a los jadores sindicales y que garanticen nosotros tenemos que avanzar,” enfa - vadas pueden ser exitosas, Floyd de - miembros sindicales, Denis Hughes, ganancias sobre las inversiones para tizó Floyd, añadiendo, “Tenemos los claró, “Estamos dispuestos a invertir presidente de la AFL-CIO del Estado los pensionados públicos.
CONOZCA SUS DERECHOS Por Sanford Rubenstein, Esq.
Negligencia Médica Una consulta telefónica a tiempo con fecal había entrado por el hueco, cidad de los antibióticos que le un abogado puede ser de suma im - contaminando su abdomen, resul - fueron administrados. Comenzamos Si usted está enfermo o herido, portancia en proteger sus derechos. tando en una sepsis y gangrena. una demanda legal alegando que el debe buscar atención médica lo más En un caso de negligencia médi - Estas complicaciones requirieron la cuidado médico que le brindaron pronto posible. Hable con el personal ca, una joven madre contrató a nue - amputación de ambas piernas deba - fue negligente y causante de estas medico que lo atiende. Si usted tiene stro abogado cuando sus entrañas jo de las rodillas. Ella también sufrió heridas devastadoras. Esa acción alguna preocupación o dudas en fueron perforadas durante un sim - sordera en un oído debido a la toxi - corrientemente está en proceso. cuanto a su condición o por la cuali - ple procedimiento ginecológico. De dad de cuidado que está recibiendo, mal a peor, el hospital y sus doc - haga preguntas. Si no está satisfecho tores no diagnosticaron este proble - Aplique Para la Beca Escolar Hoffa con las respuestas, usted debe deman - ma y la mandaron a su casa con in - Las solicitudes para la Beca Escolar James R. Hoffa para el año esco - dar más explicación. Si es posible, strucciones de que la cirugía fue ex - lar 2011-2012 están ahora disponibles y se pueden obtener del Departa - obtenga una segunda opinión. Usted itosa y sus quejas post-operativas mento de Educación del Local 237. Las becas escolares son dados anual - tiene el derecho de recibir informa - eran normales. Cuando ella regreso mente a estudiantes con calificaciones superiores de escuela secundaria ción completa sobre su diagnóstico, a la sala de emergencias el día sigu - que cursan su último año, que sean hijos o nietos de miembro Teamster los tratamientos y su prognosis. iente quejándose de fuertes dolores, y quienes reúnen otros criterios de elegibilidad. Si usted cree que usted o un ser las pruebas médicas indicaron que Este año se otorgarán cien becas escolares; de estos 31 son de $10,000 querido ha sido víctima de cuidado tenía un hoyo en las entrañas, crea - cada una; y 69 son subvenciones únicas de $1,000. médico inadecuado o con poco es - da por el equipo quirúrgico. La fecha tope para someter una solicitud es Marzo 31, 2011 . Para fuerzo, usted debe consultar un abo - En los dos días que pasaron obtener una solicitud o para más información, llame al Departamento de gado. Estamos disponibles para una antes de que le repararan el daño en Educación del Local 237 al 212-807-0550 . consulta privada sin costo alguno. el vientre de la demandante, materia
Mensaje de Urgencia del Presidente del Local 237: ‘Están Atacando Nuestros Beneficios’ Para contrarrestar los ataques crecientes en tura médica para la familia. Mantendremos informados a los miembros contra de los beneficios de empleados públicos, Esta propuesta ultrajante es una declaración sobre nuestros esfuerzos pro contrarrestar el em - el Presidente Gregory Floyd envió la siguiente de guerra en contra de empleados de la Ciudad. puje anti-laboral que lidera el periódico Post. carta a todos los miembros el mes pasado: Si la agenda del Post es adoptado por los políti - Pero ahora hemos entrado en un período en que cos de la derecha, por los cuales es vocero, el los miembros deben estar en alta vigilancia para Estimados Hermanos y Hermanas: Local 237 y otros sindicatos de empleados movilización. Se les anima a los miembros a asi - Durante varios meses he estado advirtién - públicos se verán forzados a pagar más de stir a las reuniones de sus títulos para más in - doles a los miembros que habrá un empuje de $3,000 anualmente por cobertura médica para formación. Les animo a hacer contribución a parte de los políticos que atacarán nuestros ben - sus familias y casi $1,000 para cobertura indi - DRIVE, nuestro fundo de acción política. Su eficios sindicales como “demasiados caros.” Ese vidual. En efecto, muchos miembros sindicales Agente de Negocios tiene tarjetas de DRIVE y ataque ahora ha sido abierto oficialmente por le se verán obligados a pagar más del 10% de su puede ayudarle a completarlas. diario The New York Post. En su editorial prin - sueldo para pagar por su seguro. Nuestros enemigos son fuertes. Pero tengo la cipal del Sábado, Noviembre 13, el Post deman - El Local 237 está totalmente opuesto a este confianza de que las fuerzas unidas del da que la carga para resolver el déficit pre - asalto. Es ultrajante que hablen de miembros movimiento laboral todavía debe levantar nues - supuestario de Nueva York sea puesto en las es - sindicales “privilegiados” cuando los ricos de la tras voces para que sean escuchadas. paldas de los miembros de sindicatos. El Post Ciudad de Nueva York están disfrutando de Esto será nuestra meta en los meses demanda que a los empleados de la Ciudad se índices bajísimos de impuestos, incluyendo la venideros. les obligue a pagar el 10% del costo de cobertu - gran rebaja de impuesto de Bush. El Local 237 Fraternalmente, ra médica individual y 25% del costo de cober - está preparado para resistir. Gregory Floyd NEWSLINE HERH OT O R O PERIODICALS D B O L F A
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