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Union Takes the Lead at AFSCME Convention Story by MIKE LEE, Photos by THEA SETTERBO The mood was as bright as the California sun as members and union activists gathered Aug. 12-16 for the 46th International Convention of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). With the theme of “Front Line & Fearless,” the Los Angeles Convention Center was filled with union leaders and member delegates, including a large District Council 37 contingent. The very first delegate to register onsite was DC 37’s own Deborah Allman, President of the New York Public Library Guild Local 1930, and one of the fiercest advocates for library workers during City budget negotiations. During the Convention, she stood for a resolution defending Affirmative Action and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), which was overwhelmingly approved by convention attendees. “The problem lies with the people who use discrimination to keep their edge in education, the workplace, and in life,” Allman said. “The fault lies with those who don’t see that diversity enhances creativity and productivity in the workplace, and in decision-making for the betterment of everyone. The fault lies with those who don’t understand equality means creating opportunities for all.” Delegates immediately got down to business in choosing the leadership [...] — Sep 23
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Labor Day Parade: A Celebration of Hope By MIKE LEE, Photos by MIKE LEE and JUSTINA RAMLAKHAN With this years’ theme of “All Workers, Many Voices, One Fight,” thousands representing New York City-area unions marched up Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan on Saturday, Sept. 7 for the annual New York City Central Labor Council Labor Day Parade. Despite intermittent drizzle, hundreds of DC 37 members, families, and allies gathered at the assembly location before stepping off to mingle, dance, and mark the upcoming occasion of the union’s 80th anniversary. Many elected officials, including U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, stopped by to greet members decked out in DC 37 green. The marchers celebrated several significant victories of the past year, including budget restorations, alternate work schedules, multiple unit contracts, and newly organized members, all contributing to the union’s power and influence. Taking place just before the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, the march was also an opportunity to honor public sector workers who gave their lives while performing their duties. “Our members are always there to help all New Yorkers, including on that tragic day,” said Henry Garrido, DC 37 Executive Director. “We [...] — Sep 23
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“Green Machine” Stands Against Project 2025 DC 37 Political Action & Legislation Department There’s a lot at stake for DC 37 members and their families in the upcoming general election. This November, we are called upon to elect leaders at the local, state and federal levels who will shape the future of our wallets, our homes, our workplaces, and our country. Dangers of ‘Project 2025’ Project 2025 is Donald Trump’s plan if he wins a second term. This 900-page radical agenda, written by multiple members of Trump’s prior administration, aims to transform the federal government and take away power from working people, giving the president unprecedented levels of control over our lives. Project 2025 will affect all Americans, but especially employees in public service by canceling our collective bargaining contracts, banning our unions, and cutting billions of dollars in funding for essential programs that working families need and that our jobs depend on. Here are just a few ways Project 2025 and a second Trump term would impact your bottom line: The right to unite with your coworkers to negotiate your pay, benefits, retirement, and working conditions will disappear. Project 2025 aims to ban public sector unions and make it easier for private companies to fire [...] — Sep 23
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The Journey of a Drop of Water: Data-Driven Decision-Makers Deliver Quality Water By ACACIA RODRIGUEZ, Photo by TIFFANY CAREY Before water from New York’s reservoirs flow through aqueducts, tunnels, and pipes connected to the city into kitchen sinks, showers, and drinking fountains, a team of researchers, chemists, and data scientists ensure the water is clean and safe to use. With 9.5 million+ customers relying on the fruits of their labor, members of Local 3599 Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) compose just the right water recipe using data they collect from New York’s reservoirs. Dispersed throughout the upstate watershed, Local 3599’s technical and professional members play an essential part in sending one billion gallons of high-quality drinking water daily to the city and its outlying districts. The DEP ensures the scientifically defensible data collected meets the requirements set by the state and federal government. In order for water in the system to become drinkable, experts must know as much as possible about what is in it. Field Supervisor Jake Waruch taking samples from a stream in upstate New York. Dave Van Valkenburg, Data Scientist and Modeler, compiles and analyzes data collected by field scientists who bring samples of water from all over the watershed to laboratories for testing. The field scientist’s readings, done [...] — Sep 23
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DC 37 NEWS, EVENTS and SERVICES YOU CAN USE in SEPTEMBER 2024 MONTHLY NEWSLETTER LABOR DAY PARADE – SEPT 7 Are you ready to show off your Union Pride? March with DC 37 in this year’s Central Labor Council Labor Day Parade on Saturday, Sept. 7! You may register to march by clicking HERE. There is no limit to the number of participants who can march with DC 37—the more, the merrier so we can show this city WHO RUNS NEW YORK! Saturday, Sept. 7 at 11:30 a.m. | Assemble at West 47th Street between 5th & 6th Aves WEST INDIAN DAY PARADE – SEPT 2 Join your union siblings as we honor the Caribbean Heritage by marching in this year’s West Indian Day Parade. RSVP to Doris Murphy to reserve the required wristbands. Monday, Sept. 2, 2024 at 10 a.m.| Assemble at McDonald’s (1133 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213) LATINO HERITAGE CELEBRATION – SEPT 27 Please join SSEU Local 371 and DC 37 as we celebrate this year’s theme for Latino Heritage Month, Preserving Latino Heritage: Our Identity, Legacy, and Resistance. Music and entertainment will be provided by Francisco “DJ Cisco” Navarro and keynote remarks will be delivered by DC 37 Executive Director Henry Garrido. You won’t want to miss this special [...] — Aug 30