Official Publication of Social Service Employees Union Local 371-DC 37 AFSCME, AFL-CIO

the Volume 38
Number 9
October 2008

Vote for Barack Obama

for President on
November 4
Local 371’s Executive
Board endorsed the
Obama/Biden ticket
along with many other
candidates for National
and State offices.

See endorsements
on Page 8.

Unions Join With City Council Leaders to

Oppose Community and Senior Center Cuts

A n overflow crowd of City Council

members and their staff, labor leaders
and union staff, community leaders,
NYCHA workers, and others filled the 16th
Floor Hearing Room at 250 Broadway on
October 7 to discuss ways to stop potential
cuts in the New York City Housing Authority’s
senior and community centers because of a
budget shortfall. The forum was organized by
Rosie Mendez, chair of the Council’s Public
Housing Authority Committee, and
Councilmembers James Vacca, Erik Martin
Continued on page 4

what’s
INSIDE
Union Continues to Oppose
DCAS Plan to Reclassify Titles
Although welcoming an increase in competitive
exams, the Union has been adamant in its
opposition to the DCAS plan, which relies heavily
on reclassification of titles from competitive to
non-competitive status. (Story on page 3.)

Union Objects to ACS Plan

for IOC Phase II
Photo by Charles Brown

The Union voiced strong objections to the IOC

Phase ll plan as ACS announced a seven-month
timetable at a meeting on September 23.
(Story on page 3.)

City Councilwoman Rosie Mendez addresses packed meeting as Local 371 President Faye Moore and others listen. Make Your Vote Count on Election Day
The Unionist

Moore Testifies at City Council

Hearing on Residency
October
BCW CHAPTER MEETING, 6:30 p.m., Union Office,
20 817 Broadway, 12th Floor, Manhattan

21 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MEETING, 2:00 to 4:00

p.m., Union Office, 817 Broadway, 12th Floor,
Manhattan
POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING,
22 6:30 p.m., Union Office, 817 Broadway, 12th Floor,
Manhattan
HERITAGE COMMITTEE, 6:00 p.m.,
23 JEWISH
Union Office, 817 Broadway, 12th Floor, Manhattan
29 WOMEN’S COMMITTEE EVENT: DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE “SAFETY AND SELF-PROTECTION”,
6:30 p.m., Union Office, 817 Broadway, 12th Floor,
Manhattan
November
4 ELECTION DAY (an official City holiday)
COMMITTEE MEETING, 6:30 p.m.,
5 EXECUTIVE
L ocal 371 President Faye
Moore testified on October
6 at a City Council
Hearing on changes in the resi-
dency requirements for City
for people that choose a career in
other parts of the public sector to
have the option of living where they
choose is unfair and unacceptable.”
Larry Seabrook, Helen Sears, and
Michael Nelson were among the
employees. This was the first
hearing on the subject since the City Council members who
2005 DC 37 Economic expressed support for the Union’s
Agreement, in which the Union position on residency, citing issues of
and the City agreed to jointly fairness to workers, lack of afford-
support legislation that would
expand the limits on residency
to include Nassau, Westchester,
Suffolk, Orange, Rockland and Putnam
counties. A large group of Union mem-
bers filled City Hall Chambers in support
of the legislation.
Joseph Addabbo, Chair of the Civil Ser-
vice and Labor Committee, presided over
the hearing, which included two separate
proposals: Intro 452-A and Intro 837. City
Labor Commissioner James Hanley testified

Photos by Charles Brown

Union Office, 817 Broadway, 12th Floor, Manhattan
in support of a modified version of Intro
COMMITTEE OF CONCERNED SOCIAL WORKERS,
10 6:30 p.m., Union Office, 817 Broadway, 12th Floor,
452-A, so that City employees who are not
represented under the DC 37 agreement
Manhattan
could be included. Hanley did not support
11 VETERANS’ DAY (an official City holiday) Intro 837, requiring two years of City service Top photo: President Faye Moore testifies at hearing as Local 154
COMMITTEE MEETING, 6:30 p.m., for exemption from residency requirements,
12 WOMEN’S
Union Office, 817 Broadway, 12th Floor, Manhattan since, “a two-year rule was never discussed
President Juan Fernandez listens. In bottom photo Local 371 officers,
staff and members pose on steps of City Hall following the hearing.
ASSOCIATION, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Union or agreed to in collective bargaining.”
18 ALUMNI
Office, 817 Broadway, 12th Floor, Manhattan Local 371 President Faye Moore testified in favor able housing, and class discrimination. Others,
of Intro 452-A, as did several other Union leaders including Melissa Mark-Viverito and Robert Jack-
DELEGATE ASSEMBLY, 6:30 p.m., Union Office,
19 817 Broadway, 12th Floor, Manhattan
and Local presidents including DC 37 Executive son, expressed concerns that the City Council had
Director Lillian Roberts; Juan Fernandez, Local 154; not been consulted prior to the contract agreement,
Jon Forster, VP, Local 375; Mark Rosenthal, Local and the need for jobs for City residents.
983; James Tucciarelli, Local 1320; Michael DeMar- The Union will continue to advocate for mem-
the co, Local 1455; and Eddie Rodriguez, Local 1549;
among others. Moore stated, “The concept that it is
bers to have the opportunity to live outside the
five boroughs. Additional discussion is expected
permissible for people to come in from other places on this issue before further action is taken by the
to police us and educate us, but it is not permissible City Council.
Published monthly except for a combined issue in July/August by
the Social Service Employees Union Local 371, District Council 37,
AFSCME, AFL-CIO. Subscription Price $2.00 annually. Periodical
postage paid at New York, N.Y. Full Text of President Faye Moore’s Testimony at
POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: The Unionist, SSEU
Local 371, 817 Broadway, New York, New York 10003. City Council Residency Hearing
USPS# 348990 (212) 677-3900
President Good afternoon. My name is Faye Moore and I without resolution for more than two years. In
Faye Moore am president of the Social Service Employees these two years, municipal employees have
Executive Vice President
Yolanda Pumarejo Union Local 371. Local 371 represents approxi- watched as affordable housing stock has disap-
Secretary-Treasurer mately 18,000 professionals that provide social ser- peared from our neighborhoods, and opportuni-
Joe Nazario
vices to New York City’s most vulnerable citizens. ties for decent housing remain out of their grasp
V.P. Negotiations & Research
Anthony Wells I am here to support Intro. 452. Within the by virtue of their career choice. Yesterday, the
V.P. Organization & Education membership of Local 371, approximately 50 per- Mayor told Wolf Blitzer of CNN that New Yorkers
Beverly Mallory-Brown
cent of our members work in titles that are exempt pay more in taxes for a better standard of living
V.P. Grievances & Legal Services
Lloyd Permaul from meeting the current residency requirement. and a better quality of life. Unfortunately, many
V.P. Legislation and Political Action These titles: Caseworker series, Child Protective civilian employees do not enjoy this “better stan-
Michelle Akyempong
V.P. Publicity & Community Relations and Child Welfare, and the Job Opportunity Spe- dard” because our wages have not kept up with
Michelle Conklin cialist have been determined to be “hard-to- inflation and, as a result, a large proportion of
Trustees recruit” or “hard-to-retain” due to the nature of take-home pay is dedicated to housing costs.
Michael Ballesteros
Yolanda DeJesus the work of the titles. However, the other half of Beyond the affordablity issue, is the issue of
Melva Scarborough
our membership, many performing similar work, fairness and equal treatment. The concept that it
Editor
Martin Fishgold is required to reside in the five boroughs, creating is permissible for people to come in from other
Director of Communications a huge inequity within the Union and in the social places to police us and educate us, but it is not
Linda Schleicher
Photographer
service profession. The largest group of members permissible for people that choose a career in
Charles Brown
Metro NY required to live in the five boroughs are in the other parts of the public sector to have the option
Editorial Associate Labor Fraud Investigator and the Community titles. of living where they choose is unfair and unac-
Jessica Ramos Communications
Council The negotiated economic agreement of 2005 pro- ceptable. People that choose public service
vided language to finally address this inequity. should be afforded as many options as possible
Visit us on the Web at www.sseu371.org For many different reasons this issue lingered so that they stay in service.

2
 October 2008

Union Continues to Oppose DCAS

Plans to Reclassify Titles
T he State Civil Service Commission on
September 22 granted approval, with some
recommended changes, of the DCAS plan
to reduce the number of provisionals in New
York City. The five-year plan was developed by
DCAS in response to a January 2008 amendment
to the New York State Civil Service Law,
addressing excess provisional appointments in
New York City. Although welcoming an
increase in testing, the Union has been adamant
in its opposition to the DCAS plan, which relies
heavily on reclassification of titles from competi-
tive to non-competitive status.
The lack of Union input in the development of
the plan resulted in stiff opposition to the propos-
al, which favors managerial discretion in hiring
over testing for merit and fitness. Letters and
phone calls from Union leaders prompted hear-
ings before the Civil Service Committee of the
New York City Council and the New York State
Civil Service Commission in Albany, providing a
public forum to expose the drawbacks of the plan.
In the hearing before the City Council on June
11, Union President Faye Moore testified regarding
the Child Protective Specialist, Fraud Investigator,
Counselor (Addiction Treatment) and Community
Liaison Worker title series, which the plan proposes
to reclassify. “All of these dedicated civil servants,
incumbents and those yet to be hired would lose
certain rights and benefits as a result of a reclassifi-
cation. As you are aware, non-competitive
employees do not enjoy certain leave rights and do
not have the right to due process until they achieve
five years of service, unless negotiated by their
Union. To reclassify workers who have earned
these rights by demonstrating merit and fitness in
accordance with the State Constitution is unfair to
them and to the public that expects demonstrably
qualified workers to run their city.”
The Commission’s decision instructs DCAS to
comply with civil service law by taking certain
actions no later than January 1, 2009, including cer-
tification of existing lists where provisional
employees are currently in place, and establish-
ment of lists for exams already completed. DCAS
is then required to make permanent competitive
appointments from these lists.
The decision goes on to state that eligible lists
should be established within 90 days of comple-
tion of a civil service exam, and appointments
made according to civil service law.
The Commission declined to take a stand on
the critical issue of reclassification of titles from
competitive to non-competitive status, taking the
position that such changes must be done in
accordance with New York City laws and rules.
This means official notification and public hear-
ings must be held on each proposed reclassifica-
tion. The City has already sent a letter to the
Union indicating that it wants to begin the reclas-
sifying process for the Community Liaison
Worker title series. The Union, with its attorneys,
will be submitting an answer to DCAS and
requesting a public hearing date. President
Moore vowed to challenge any attempts to
reclassify titles represented by Local 371, using
all legal means at the Union’s disposal.
—Michelle Conklin

Union Objects to ACS Plan for IOC Phase II

A dministration for Children’s Services
Commissioner John Mattingly presented
the agency’s plan to proceed with Phase II
of his Improved Outcomes for Children (IOC) at a
labor management meeting September 23 at the
City’s Office of Labor Relations. Implementation
of Phase II means the closing of the Office of Case
Management (OCACM) and the elimination of
390 Child Welfare Specialist and Child Welfare
Specialist Supervisor jobs. The Union has continu-
ally voiced strong objections to the plan.
An e-bulletin from the Commissioner in Septem-
ber announced State approval for Phase II. Howev-
er, a letter to Commissioner Mattingly from the State
Commissioner of Children and Family Services,
Gladys Carrion, on July 22 gave ACS permission
only to “begin the Planning period for Phase II,”
specifically prohibiting any reductions in staffing
levels or the transfer of case management to the pri-
vate agencies until final written approval is given by
the State. The State so far has not given its approval.
Again, seemingly without regard to the State’s
role, ACS proceeded to give the Union a detailed
timeline for implementation on September 23, stat-
ing it expects final approval from the State in
November. According to the timeline, the termina-
tion date for staff is projected to be April 17, 2009.
Union President Faye Moore told the City that this
was an “outrageous and unacceptable way to treat
professional staff.”
In addition, Union representatives warned that
the process of layoffs would disrupt the function-
ing of the entire agency, since seniority rules will
mean bumping of junior staff in the title wherever
although a number of these titles will not be repre-
sented by Local 371. Job specs were given to the
Union for these new positions. The City also indi-
cated that workers could apply for Child Protective
Services jobs, an area where ACS continues to hire.
The Union also urged the City and State to slow
down implementation after private agencies
reported a number of problems implementing the
requirements, including hiring and training staff,
difficulties holding conferences and “initiative
The IOC plan was first announced by Mattingly in fatigue” with too many changes in a short time.
March 2007. It reorganizes the way the City provides Commissioner Mattingly, however, was adamant
oversight of foster care and preventive service agen- about proceeding quickly.
cies, transferring the responsibility of individual case According to the timeline, the City will select
management from the City to the private agencies internal candidates for IOC positions on December
and initiating a statistical auditing function of a per- 1. These individuals will begin their new assign-
centage of cases on the part of the City. It also requires ments in late January. The Union will continue
extensive case conferencing for foster care cases. fighting for all Child Welfare Specialists and Super-
Phase I of the plan, begun last year, included 9 visors. “Every worker is valuable to us and we will
participating foster care and 14 preventive agen- fight for the jobs of every one,” said Union Vice
cies. Of the 305 new positions in Phase I, 263 were President of Negotiations Anthony Wells.
eventually filled by incumbent ACS staff after insis-
tence by the Union. —Linda Schleicher
Celebrating African American Day with Local 371
C lose to 100 Local 371 members
and their families marched in
the annual African American Day
371 banner. President Faye
Moore led the contingent and
Vice President of Organization
Beverly Mallory Brown coordi-
nated Local 371’s participation in
the parade.
Parade on September 21 along
Seventh Avenue(Adam Clayton
Powell Jr. Boulevard) from 112th
Street to 145th Street. Groups rep-
resenting a multitude of civic, fra-
ternal, union and educational
organizations along the East Coast
marched along with bands and
floats in celebration of the contri-
butions made by African
Photo by Charles Brown

they happen to work in the agency. Americans to the history of the

The City’s first step, after the meeting, was to post United States. Many of the
for 218 new positions under the IOC plan. Current marchers pose in the photograph
staff was encouraged to apply for these positions, with the green and orange Local

3
The Unionist

Unions Join With City Counci

Oppose Community and Senior
Continued from page 1
Dilan and Maria del Carmen Arroyo.
Mendez opened the meeting by stating that she
grew up in public housing and benefited directly
from the services under discussion. “As a young
girl in Brooklyn I’d walk one block to get my lunch
at the community center.” She stated that she and
Councilmembers Letitia James and Melissa Mark-
Viverito would be sponsoring legislation in the City
Council asking that the $74 million per year pay-
ment that NYCHA makes to the Police Department
for special services be vacated. “We’re also seeking
sponsors for a resolution asking New York State to
undo the PILOTS (payments by NYCHA for essen-
tial services like sanitation, water, fire and more) for
City and State housing complexes.” Seventy four
million dollars would keep the senior and commu-
nity centers open.
Local 371 President Faye Moore spoke next.
“We’re at a critical time in the history of the housing
authority. Local 371 represents 1,000 NYCHA
workers, and there is an immediate threat of 400
jobs being lost. Fif-
teen thousand Dis-
trict Council 37
members live in the
NYCHA housing,
and they depend on
the services that the
senior and commu-
nity centers provide.
We think the City
Council has it in its
power to craft legis-
From left to right: City Councilmembers Rosie Mendez, Melissa Mark-Viverito
and David Yassky join with Local 371 President Faye Moore at forum.
lation to ameliorate payments. NYCHA pays $30
million annually for senior center services. These
payments began after 2001 to help the City deal
with the 9/11 crisis. Now it’s time for the City to
help NYCHA.”
All the speakers emphasized the importance of
the services provided by the senior and community in the City Council.” The Council allocated $18 mil-
centers. Raglan George Jr., pres-
ident of DC 1707, whose mem-
bers work in NYCHA day care,
stated, “I’m a product of public
housing. It’s the superstructure
that’s supported our communi-
ty for years. When you take away
day care and elder care the com-
munities start to die.”
Darryl Ramsey, president of
Local 768 (DC 37) appealed to the
City Council to keep the senior
and community centers open. “I
represent 220 Community Ser-
vice Aides in the community cen-
ters. We want you to help stabi-
lize our communities. These
workers live where they work.
They’re committed.”
City Councilmember James
Vacca, who recently introduced
legislation requiring the Depart-
ment For The Aging (DFTA)to
notify the community 60 days in
advance of any senior center clos-
ing, relocation, or consolidation,
spoke about the need for immedi-
ate action. “We have a sense of
urgency. Our senior and community centers are on
the chopping block. This situation existed before the
economic collapse. We could see 75 senior centers
closed in the City. These are our poorest, most vul-
nerable residents. We have to protect them. I don’t
think we provided NYCHA with enough assistance

Sadie Saunders, Chair

of the Community
Service Workers
Chapter, attended the
forum.

City Councilwoman DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts. City Councilman Robert Jackson.
Letitia James (r) stat-
ed, “We can’t lay off
any more workers. We
can’t balance the bud-
get on the backs of
City Councilman
working people.”
James Vacca.
Photos by Charles Brown

From l-r: City Councilmembers Gail Brewer and Jessica Lappin with Local 371’s Vice
President of Legislation and Political Action Michelle Akyempong.
Local 768 President Darryl Ramsey.
DC 1707 Executive Director Raglan George Jr.

4
 October 2008

Local 371 handed out info

il Leaders to meeting that included a
rmational packets at the
9-point fact sheet with th
following information: e
Center Cuts 4Over 400,000 New York
ers live in the City’s 343 pu
4NYCHA is experiencing
blic housing complexes;
lion in the next budget after NYCHA requested $78
million to keep the centers open. a $170 million budget shor
million slashed by the Fe tfall, mostly due to $600
deral government in the
4NYCHA asked the New
The Union continues to work with a coalition of last eight years;
individuals and groups opposed to the New York
York City Council to alloc
City Housing Authority’s plan to address a $200 budget to keep the center ate $78 million in this year
s open, but the Council on ’s
4Without funding, NYCH
million budget shortfall by closing over 200 com- ly allocated $18 million;
munity and senior centers.
—Martin Fishgold A may be forced to close
community centers serv more than 200 senior and
ing thousands of seniors
centers provide hot meals , youth and families. Thes
and socialization for senio e
other youth-centered prog rs, after-school and
rams. Closing these cent
seniors and families in th ers would devastate
e community;
4The jobs of over 400 me
mbers of Local 371 are in
closed. Additionally, me jeopardy if the centers ar
mbers of Local 768 (DC 37 e
lose their jobs; ) and DC 1707 could also
4New York City charge
s NYCHA over $200 millio
like police, fire, sanitation n a year for basic service
, water, and more. These s
of agreements between payments are the result
NYCHA and the City datin
4A double standard exist
g back many years;
s because other State-ch
corporations such as the arted public benefit
Health and Hospitals Corp
Roosevelt Island Operating oration and the State’s
Corporation do not pay fo
4The Council of Large Pu
r public services;
blic Housing Authorities
that payments for munic in Washington, D.C. says
ipal services are waived
housing authorities in th in the majority of public
e United States;
4Local 371 urges the Ci
City Councilwoman Rosie Mendez, Chair
of the City Council’s Public Housing
Authority Committee, stated that she and ty Council to eliminate th
City charges NYCHA for e $200 million in fees that
Councilmembers Letitia James and Melissa basic services every year the
to balance its budget an . This would allow NYCH
Mark-Viverito would be sponsoring legis- d keep the senior and co A
lation in the City Council asking that the mmunity centers open.
$74 million per year payment that
NYCHA makes to the Police Department
for special services be vacated.

THE WORKERS SPEAK.....

Three members of Local 371 who work in NYCHA facilities spoke at the meeting.

VALERIE PYETT, MARTA COLON, DIANE HENDER-

Kings Towers, De Hostos Com- SON, St. Nicholas
Manhattan munity Center, Senior Center,
“I can’t stress Manhattan Manhattan
enough how impor- “The parents “Seniors especial-
tant the community depend on the ly need this pro-
centers are. Our community cen- gram. We cook for
children get a snack ters. They know them in the centers.
and a meal, and their children are in There are seniors
between 38 and 50 a safe place. It that are being
teens take advan- helps them keep abused. When they
tage of the evening their jobs. If the come in the centers
program. They centers close, they are safe. They
play scrabble, play where are these go on trips. They’re
basketball, get read- teens going to go? raising grandchil-
ing and homework A lot of people in dren. I thank Coun-
assistance. They’re the community will cilwoman Inez Dick-
not on the streets. suffer if the centers ens for the money
There’s going to be are closed.” she helped get us for
more violence if the programs.”
centers close.”

5
The Unionist

Bits & NYC Central Labor Council Tells Congress to Regulate Wall Street

T
he New York City Central Labor Council held
a noon rally in the Financial District on
September 25 to address the $700 billion
bailout proposed by the Bush Administration.
Over 1200 union members cheered the speakers
who urged Congress to ensure that the bailout
also protects working families and provides
greater scrutiny of financial institutions. With
many of labors’ concerns addressed, the bailout
was subsequently passed on October 3.
CLC Executive Director Ed Ott (r) stated, “Orga-
nized labor is here to wage a fight.” Contingents
from the Transit Workers Union, the Professional
Staff Congress (CUNY), the United Federation of
Teachers, the Communication Workers of America,
and the Teamsters, among others, joined together
to call for responsible public oversight, chanting,

Moore Speaks at Afro- “Responsible rescue yes! Wall Street bailout no!”

—Photo and Story by Jessica Ramos

Colombian Trade Unionist Event
O
n October 1, Local 371 President Faye Moore
spoke at the forum “The Colombian
Struggle: Afro-Colombian Community and
TASA Mothers Receive Educational Awards
Labor” held at SEIU Local 32BJ Headquarters.

O
ver a dozen teenage mothers were recognized on October 10 at the TASA Educational Awards pro-
The implications of a U.S.-Colombia free trade gram held in Brooklyn. The TASA or Teen Age Service Act program helps teen parents obtain
agreement were addressed, as was the displace- health services, public
ment of Afro-Colombians under President Alvaro assistance entitlements, edu-
Uribe. Featured speakers from Colombia were cation, parenting skills, and
Carlos Rosero of Black Community Process and job skills training. TASA
Raul Arroyave of the Worker’s Unitarian Center case managers help teenage
and included Dan Kovalik of the United Steel parents and their children
Workers of America, and Humberto Brown of get the services they need to
Global Afro-Latino and Caribbean Initiative. be healthy and continue their
The impact of a proposed free trade agreement education. TASA case man-
between the United States and Colombia, Arroyave agers, Local 371 members,
stated, “makes of both countries a paradise for capi- play a large role in the
talism and only leaves behind misery for the work-

Photo by Jessica Ramos

teenagers’ lives by guiding
er.” Current provisions of the agreement would them along the way.
exacerbate already compromising environmental Some of the following
conditions and encourage multinational corpora- Local 371 members appear in
tions to move jobs out of the United States and into the photo (r) with TASA
Colombia, where labor is cheaper. Additionally, the clients and their children: Abolore Arije, Karen Scott, Wanda Marrero, Titus Whyte, Cameron Brome, Starr
free trade agreement would force the 12% of Colom- Greer, Maria McIntosh, Evlyn Damon, Sandra Cancel, Gerlyn Franco, Edith Chilaka, Sowole Olumuyiwa,
bian land owned by Afro-Colombians out of their and Director Harriette Nieves.
hands for corporate ventures, according to Rosero.
Both Rosero and Arroyave brought with them
news of an ongoing strike of sugar cane cutters (most
of them Afro-Colombian) in the Valle del Cauca Five Awarded Social Work Scholarships
region, who earn $200 per month and have no medi-

S
cholarships were presented at the September photo) was the sole
cal benefits. Sugar cane cutters must also buy their
meeting of the Delegate Assembly to five recipient of the Sol
own work tools and uniforms. Their poor working
deserving Union members who are continu- Gorelick Memorial
conditions are unjustifiable as the Colombian sugar
ing their education in Social Work. To be consid- Scholarship - also an
cane industry has been most profitable in recent
ered for the award, applicants have to prove honorary award for
years, in fact selling domestically at three times the
themselves by submitting three letters of recom- continuing education
price of the exported product, cited Arroyave.
mendation and writing a personal essay. in social
Moore stated, “What happens to workers abroad
Four of the winners were presented with schol- work.
directly affects Union members, and the labor move-
arships on behalf of the Committee of Concerned The $2,000
ment has been typically silent on these issues.” A
Social Workers. Carla Cormick (in photo with scholar-
U.S.-Colombia free trade agreement would be a detri-
Executive VP Yolanda Pumerejo), Wale Lopido, ship was
ment to the American working class. Like the North
Photos by Charles Brown

Bridget Henry, and Nada El Saieh (in photo with estab-

American free trade agreement (with Mexico and
President Faye Moore and Pumarejo, who chairs lished by
Canada), more American jobs would be outsourced,
the CCSW) each received a $2,000 scholarship to the Dele-
while lands abroad would be raped of their resources
assist them in their goals of achieving MSW gate
and their workers forced into slave-like labor.
degrees. The CCSW raises money throughout the Assembly
Rosero and Arroyave also spoke at the Murphy
year to provide scholarships for Union members in remembrance of Gorelick, a longtime Union
Institute for Worker Education and at a Labor
who are attending MSW programs. activist and fighter for social justice, who died in
Council for Latin American Advancement mem-
Union member Beverly Butler (in group the spring of 2004.
bership meeting.
—Jessica Ramos
6
 October 2008

Local 371 Legal Services Fund Adds Prenuptial Agreement Benefit

T he Board of Trustees of the Union’s Legal ing counsel and intended spouse. Fund members
Services Fund has approved adding coverage of may receive a Consultation under the Prenuptial
legal services for the negotiation and preparation Agreement benefit at no cost. There is a $70 co-pay-
Do You Have Health Problems of a Prenuptial Agreement, effective immediately.
The new Prenuptial Agreement benefit provides
ment for an Uncontested or Cooperatively Agreed
Prenuptial Agreement with minimal negotiation,
Related to 9/11? coverage through a panel law firm for all necessary and there is a $250 co-payment for a Prenuptial
legal services which the negotiation and preparation Agreement with extensive negotiations.
T he World Trade Environmental Health
Center treats people who have health prob-
lems related to 9/11. The Center has locations
of a Prenuptial Agreement may require. The
Prenuptial Agreement may be prepared and execut-
To schedule an appointment for the new Prenuptial
Agreement benefit, or if you have any questions
ed with a minimum of consultation/negotiation or about the Legal Services Fund’s plan of benefits, call
at Bellevue Hospital on the East Side of
it may necessitate extensive negotiation with oppos- (212) 777-9000, Ext. 3064 or 3089.
Manhattan, Gouverneur Healthcare Services
in Lower Manhattan, and Elmhurst Hospital
in Queens. You can get treatment even if you
can't pay or don't have health insurance. For
more information or to make an appointment,
call toll free 1-877-982-0107, or contact
Deborah Williams in Local 371's Safety and
Health Department, (212) 598-7050.

Queens Childcare Subsidy

Project Now Open
S ave money on your daycare and after-
school costs by enrolling your child in the
Queens Childcare Subsidy Project. The eligi-
ble parent or parents must either work or live
in the zip codes served: Hollis 11423; Jamaica
11418, 11432, 11434; Maspeth 11378; Ozone
Park 11416, 11417; Queens Village 11427,
11428, 11429; Ridgewood 11385; South Ozone
Park 11420; St. Albans 11412; Woodhaven
11421. There are also family income guidelines
that must be met.
The subsidy is by a voucher for childcare
assistance or placement in an eligible child care
center. For many members, it cuts the cost of
childcare expenses in half. For more informa-
tion, call Deborah Williams at (212) 598-7050.
Please be sure to state your local affiliation
when leaving a message.

Condolences
Condolences are extended to Deborah Williams of the Union’s
Health and Safety Department, on the death of her grandmother,
Dorothy Ann Thomas. Condolences may be sent to Deborah
Williams 285 Riley Road, New Windsor, NY 12553.
Condolences are extended to Benedict Aikhuele, Caseworker at
HASA/HRA Greenwood Center #85, on the death of his mother,
Madam Lucy Ibhaguelo Aikhuele, on September 3. Condolences
may be sent to Benedict Aikhuele, 9 Kenswick Lane, Dix Hills,
NY 11746.

Swap, Buy & Sell

FOR SALE – 55 inch Panasonic television.
TV is 5 years old with original parts.
Asking $500.00. All serious buyers can
call (718) 978-7005. (7)
WANTED – Top cash for your old jazz, soul, R
& B and gospel albums. Call Howard at
212-873-4016. (1)
FOR SALE – Kenmore heavy duty 90 series
washing machine, electrician’s meters,
dolly, lady’s size small brown borghese
fake fur jacket in very good condition, gift
items, clown collection, tie rack, never
used cordless telephone with clock radio,
large ceiling fixture, large flags, and lots
more. Call Lisa at 718-430-1769. (9)
SWAP – Job Opportunity Specialist (JOS) at
Riverview Annex Model Center, 132
West 125 Street in Bronx, would like to
swap with JOS in Brooklyn or Downtown negotiable. Call 917-627-1320. (10) UNIONIST, 817 Broadway, New York,
Manhattan. If interested call Natela at N.Y. 10003. Include your work phone and
FOR SALE – 1999 Ford Taurus, 73,000 miles,
646-206-9309 or 347-713-1117. (9) social security number with ad copy, but
light blue sedan, 4 door, asking price $2,500-
work phone numbers will only be printed
SWAP – Caseworker at CASA X would like to $2,700 negotiable. Minor repair needed.
swap with Caseworker at CASA II. If inter- Contact Vivian at 917-842-6948. (10) with transfer ads. In no instance will ads
ested call Giovanny at 917-977-0012. (9) be run longer than three months. No real
CLASSIFIED ADS are free to Union members estate or business ads accepted. The
FOR SALE – 1999 Dodge Caravan in good and agency shop fee payers in writing
condition, AC, CD player and radio. Union neither endorses nor is responsible
only (typewritten if possible) to THE for these offerings.
Mileage 150,000 miles. Price $3,500,

7
The Unionist

Vote for Union Endorsed

Candidates on November 4
P r es id en t
B ara ck Oba ma
Vice President

Jo e Bid en
C o ng re s s
5th CD Gary Ackerman 12th CD Nydia Velazquez
6th CD Gregory Meeks 13th CD Michael McMahon
7th CD Joseph Crowley 14th CD Carolyn Maloney
8th CD Jerrold Nadler 15th CD Charles Rangel
9th CD Anthony Weiner 16th CD Jose Serrano
10th CD Ed Towns 17th CD Eliot Engel
11th CD Yvette Clarke

New York State Senate

11 SD James Gennaro 23 SD Diane Savino
12 SD George Onorato 26 SD Liz Krueger
13 SD Hiram Monserrate 27 SD Carl Kruger
14 SD Malcolm Smith 28 SD Jose Serrano Jr.
15 SD Joseph Addabbo 29 SD Tom Duane
16 SD Toby Ann Stavisky 30 SD Bill Perkins
17 SD Martin Malave Dilan 31 SD Eric Schneiderman
18 SD Velmanette Montgomery 32 SD Ruben Diaz Sr.
19 SD John Sampson 34 SD Jeff Klein
20 SD Eric Adams 35 SD Ruth Hassell-Thompson
21 SD Kevin Parker

New York State Assembly

23 AD Audrey Pheffer 54 AD Darryl Towns
24 AD Mark Weprin 55 AD William Boyland, Jr.
25 AD Rory Lancman 56 AD Annette Robinson
26 AD Ann Margaret Carrozza 57 AD Hakeem Jeffries
27 AD Nettie Mayersohn 58 AD Nick Perry
28 AD Andrew Hevesi 59 AD Alan Maisel
29 AD William Scarborough 60 AD Janele Hyer-Spencer
30 AD Margaret Markey 61 AD Matthew Titone
Inez Barron 31 AD Michele Titus 63 AD Michael Cusick
Assembly District 40
32 AD Vivian Cook 64 AD Sheldon Silver
33 AD Barbara Clark 65 AD Micah Kellner
Kenneth Parker 34 AD Vacant 66 AD Deborah Glick
Senatorial District 21 35 AD Jeffrion Aubry 67 AD Linda Rosenthal
36 AD Michael Gianaris 68 AD Adam Clayton Powell
Diane Savino 37 AD Catherine Nolan 69 AD Daniel O’Donnell
Senatorial District 23 38 AD Anthony Seminerio 70 AD Keith Wright
39 AD Jose Peralta 71 AD H. Denny Farrell
40 AD Inez Barron 72 AD Adriano Espaillat
41 AD Helene Weinstein 73 AD Jonathan Bing
42 AD Rhoda Jacobs 74 AD Brian Kavanaugh
43 AD Karim Camara 75 AD Richard Gottfried
44 AD James Brennan 76 AD Peter Rivera
45 AD Steve Cymbrowitz 77 AD Aurelia Greene
46 AD Alec Brook-Krasny 78 AD Jose Rivera
47 AD William Colton 79 AD Michael Benjamin
Eric Adams 48 AD Dov Hikind 80 AD Naomi Rivera
Senatorial District 20 49 AD Peter J. Abbate, Jr. 81 AD Jeffrey Dinowitz
50 AD Joseph Lentol 83 AD Carl Heastie
Joseph Addabbo 51 AD Felix Ortiz 84 AD Carmen Arroyo
Senatorial District 15 52 AD Joan Millman 85 AD Ruben Diaz, Jr.
53 AD Vito Lopez