District Council 37

  • On the Frontline of Climate Crises
    By ACACIA RODRIGUEZ DC 37 members are often first in line to prepare for and respond to climate disasters. In recent years, members of Local 1506 New York City Parks Department Climbers and Pruners and Local 1322 New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Supervisory Employees have used their expertise to adapt to the effects of climate change despite experiencing vacancies in their respective departments. Parks on Fire In November 2024, after weeks of rainless skies and a record number of brush fires, Local 1506 members were called to assist the NYC Fire Department (FDNY) in combatting park wildfires worsened by drought conditions. Well-acquainted with smaller fires from hot barbecue charcoal discarded at the base of flammable trees, Local 1506 Vice President Jose Torres had never experienced fires of such scale in more than a decade of service. His team faced a large blaze in Inwood Hill Park alongside firefighters. “FDNY needed experts to assist because they’re unaccustomed to safely dealing with so many large trees,” Torres said. “They tried to put out the fires but trees were still burning inside while wind spread the fire to brush on the ground.” Flames quickly engulfed thirsty trees, often shooting up [...] — Mar 18
  • A Corpse Flower Blooms in Brooklyn
    By ACACIA RODRIGUEZ Local 374 Gardener Chris Sprindis and ‘Smelliot’ during the historic event at the Aquatic House. Local 374 Quasi Public Employees at Brooklyn Botanic Garden welcomed a fragrant new bloom to their steamy indoor garden on Jan. 24. Dubbed ‘Smelliot’ by denizens of the internet via Instagram, the Amorphophallus gigas — better known as a ‘corpse flower’ due to its distinctive scent — lured hundreds of visitors to the garden, people and insects alike. Although the weekend was a flurry of long lines and nosey spectators, President Leonard Paul and members of Local 374 kept the crowds organized, informed, and moving quickly. “When it first opened, the smell was kind of like dead rat, garlic, and burnt rubber,” Gardener Chris Sprindis said. Proudly tended to by Sprindis and several union members in the humid Aquatic House in the Steinhardt Conservatory, Smelliot gave off waves of an acrid, fermented cheese scent, engineered to attract insects that aid the plant’s pollination. Unlike their cousin the peace lily, corpse flowers typically grow in a tropical environment, but Smelliot arrived at Brooklyn Botanical Garden as a tiny seedling expat. “We acquired the plant in 2018 as a one- to two-year-old seedling from [...] — Mar 18
  • How to Win Elections & Influence Policy
    By JUSTINA RAMLAKHAN With races on the line this year for New York City mayor, comptroller, public advocate, several City Council seats, and District Attorney in Manhattan and Brooklyn, DC 37’s 150,000 active members and 89,000 retirees hold significant weight. An endorsement from District Council 37 is more than a stamp of approval — it’s a commitment of time, resources, and mutual support, which is why the union’s endorsement process ensures members’ issues and concerns are the focal point in decision making. To be considered for a DC 37 endorsement, declared candidates must first express interest by contacting the union’s Political Action Department. Candidates then fill out a questionnaire sharing what they would like to accomplish as an elected official and where they stand on issues of importance to DC 37 members, such as housing affordability, health care, child care, and collective bargaining rights. The questionnaires are then reviewed by a screening committee, which consists of 15 local presidents and Political Action Committee Chair Donald Nesbit, who are appointed by DC 37 President Shaun D. Francois I. “A union that represents such a diverse variety of job titles must have an endorsement process that is democratic,” Nesbit said. “Members who [...] — Mar 18
  • DC 37 at Work: Health Care Justice
    By JUSTINA RAMLAKHAN New York spends more money per patient on medical care than anywhere else in the U.S. Rising health care and hospital prices are a burden on everyone, from individuals and families to businesses and government employers. As the second-largest purchaser of private health insurance in New York State, the City of New York’s procurement decisions have a great impact on the health care market and the players within it. DC 37 and other public sector unions bear the responsibility of representing the interests of working people in those negotiations, including fighting for equitable and affordable health care for all. “Unions are at the forefront of the social justice issues that affect not only our members but the majority of society,” said Henry Garrido, DC 37 executive director. “It’s important for us to fight for equity and inclusion, for access to quality care, and to not allow insurance companies to profiteer off the health and wellness of our members.” DC 37 works to influence the health care industry through a number of methods to lower costs, eliminate price gouging, and create more equitable access for members and working families. Fighting for What’s Right At the Bargaining Table When [...] — Mar 18
  • The Labor Movement Begins with You
    2025 is well underway, and with it are many challenges and opportunities facing our union. This is my 10th year serving as your Executive Director. Thank you for your trust in the leadership of the DC 37 Executive Board. I’m confident we are poised and ready for this next chapter in our union’s story. DC Executive DirectorHenry Garrido This is a critical time for all of us, with political uncertainty and a resurgence of anti-union activity. In this reactionary age, with social media and a 24/7 news cycle often flooding our communities with misinformation, it is imperative to focus on the great work ahead of us. President Donald J. Trump’s return to the White House, Republicans’ control of Congress, and the chaos led by Elon Musk in federal agencies is wreaking havoc on unionized workers across the country and here at home, particularly on our members in the social services sector whose funding was threatened within the first 48 hours of President Trump’s swearing in. As these attacks ramp up, so too have reports of third parties that are reaching out to members and trying to steal your information. If such people solicit you, please contact your Union Rep. This [...] — Mar 18