Volume 42 Number 5 May 2012

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

www.sseu371.org

The Time is Now!

Elected Officials and Union Join Forces for Assault Bill

n an unprecedented collaboration between labor and the Bloomberg administration, more than 100 Union members joined City officials including Deputy Mayor Linda Gibbs at City Hall April 23 to fight for the rights of social service workers to be safe in their work environments and avoid future assaults. Workers spoke, and the media listened. SSEU Local 371 successfully advanced another step toward getting the Assault Bill passed as a New York State law at the well-attended news conference and rally.

Member Erica Pagan-Foy speaks to the press about being assaulted on the job. She is joined by Union members, elected officials and labor leaders.

The bill, if passed, would make it a felony to assault a social service worker, bringing SSEU Local 371 members in line with traffic enforcement agents and transit workers. Union officials, rank-and-file members, agency commissioners and members of the State Senate and Assembly acknowledged the importance of protecting social service workers, who are among the most vulnerable public employees. They noted that the Administration for Childrens Services, the De-

partment of Homeless Services and Human Resources Administration are essential assets to social services provided to families in need. They enter hostile environments every day to defend victims, keep them from harms way and create productive solutions for families. SSEU Local 371 President Anthony Wells told a crowd of reporters inside City Hall, Were not seeking to criminalize our clients, rather we want to ensure that our
Continued on page 8

Annual Union Audit

Pages 4-6

Stopping Layoffs at ACS

Page 6

Discharge: Not So Bad?

Page 7

Pat Arnow

cAlendAr
MAY
16 Delegate Assembly: 6:30 p.m. Advance Realty Building 235 W. 23rd Street, Manhattan 17 Caribbean Heritage Committee: 6:30 p.m. Union Office, 12th Floor Next Wave Committee: 6:30 p.m. Union Office, 12th Floor 23 Political Action Committee: 6:30 p.m. Union Office, 12th Floor Civilians in Law Enforcement: 6:30 p.m. Union Office, 15th Floor 24 Jewish Heritage Celebration: 5:30 p.m. DC 37, 125 Barclay St., Manhattan 31 Caribbean Heritage Committee: 6:30 p.m. Union Office, 12th Floor

Every Year of Service Counts

JUne
6 Executive Committee: 6:30 p.m. Union Office, 12th Floor 11 Latino Heritage Committee: 6:30 p.m. Union Office, 12th Floor 12 Committee of Concerned Social Workers: 6:30 p.m. Union Office, 12th Floor 19 Alumni Association: 2 p.m. Union Office, 12th Floor 20 Delegate Assembly: 6:30 p.m. Advance Realty Building 235 W. 23rd St., Manhattan 25 Membership Meeting: 6:30 p.m. Advance Realty Building 235 W. 23rd St., Manhattan 27 Political Action Committee: 6:30 p.m. Union Office, 12th Floor Civilians in Law Enforcement: 6:30 p.m. Union Office, 15th Floor 28 Committee of Concerned Social Workers: 6:30 p.m. Union Office, 12th Floor

ay marks the beginning of the Employee Recognition celebrations, when some agencies celebrate 25year milestones with a celebratory event at District Council 37 or agency headquarters. In many locations, workers are on committees to recognize various milestones by their coworkers of 10, 15, 20, 25 years and longer. It is a noble idea to take one day to have management and labor recognize workers for their contributions to City government. I wish the administration would keep it in mind the other 364 days of the year. At a recent HRA celebration with more than 100 workers, there were four workers who had 50 years of service, and one with 55 years. These are remarkable feats of commitment and dedication. Every worker should be appreciated for every year of service no matter what length. At the same time in May, the Mayor announced his Executive Budget. Once again, Child Welfare Specialists are at risk of being laid off. We must repeat our success of protecting 26 Child Welfare Specialists, and discussions have already begun with City officials and City Council Members to avert these layoffs. The budget dance is in full swing. It is unfortunate that as we celebrate years of service the City seeks to end years of service for other workers. The hard work that goes into planning these ceremonies is exhibited in the product, a wonderful day for those who participate. However, after the celebration, let us not forget the challenges and struggles that remain.

Let us not forget the challenges and struggles that remain.

The Struggle Ahead

Published monthly except for a combined issue in July/ August and a Supplement in January 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. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: The Unionist, SSEU Local 371, 817 Broadway, N.Y., N.Y. 10003. USPS# 348990 (212) 677-3900 ISSN# 0041-7092 President Anthony Wells executive vice President Yolanda Pumarejo Secretary-Treasurer Joe Nazario v.P. negotiations & research Rose Lovaglio-Miller v.P. organization & education Ingrid Beaumont v.P. Grievances & legal Services Lloyd Permaul v.P. Publicity & community relations Patricia Chardavoyne v.P. legislation & Political Action Michelle Akyempong Trustees Vincent Ciccarello Yolanda DeJesus Melva Scarborough editor Ari Paul Visit us on the web at www.sseu371.org

The fight back against layoffs and the contracting out of CASA continues. Our campaign to get the Assault Bill passed is in full gear. Workers have responded by signing thousands of letters to the Assembly urging lawmakers to pass it. (The State Senate has passed the bill. It was sponsored by Senator Martin Golden.) It is time for the Assembly to step up and pass it. Assemblyman Peter Rivera is the sponsor and many are supporting it. However, we need the Assembly leadership to push it. So in May, as we celebrate workers rights and service, we continue to demand and fight for dignity and respect. We fight back against those who want to interfere and reduce our rights. Something as simple but important as vacation time is treated like a privilege rather than a right. Many workers have given decadesor a lifetimeto serving this City. Their contribution means something profound and important. That is why we celebrate it and why we fight to protect its value. Anthony Wells

Facebook Page
sseU Local 371 has a new facebook page, which will better allow the Union to communicate with members. Please like our page and comment. The UrL is: https://www.facebook.com/sseu371.
The Unionist | May 2012

On the FrOnt Lines

hen Eduardo Sanchez was a clerk at the Bank of New York, he knew something was missing. Sure, he was making good money, but he knew he wanted the benefits and security of a unionized, civil service career. Besides, he wanted to serve the public. I always wanted to work for the City, he said. Nine years ago, he joined the Human Resources Administration as a Job Opportunity Specialist in Bushwick, Brooklyn, where he still works today. An immigrant from the Dominican Republic, people like Sanchez were in demand, because the City needed Spanish-speaking social service workers. In the decade Sanchez has been on the job, he has worked in all aspects of the job center. Currently, he works in an administrative position, but he wants to return to face-to-face work. Working with clients is a little more effective, because you can understand where theyre coming from, he said. The goal of the agency is to get them to break barriers. Hes also doing his job completely on his own, as he used to have the support of a second co-worker. I dont need supervision because I know the work, he said. Sanchez hopes that his mastery of the position will soon elevate him to a supervisory position. Its not a challenge for me, he said. Im ready for the next step.

Job Assistance Is His Joband Passion

Eduardo Sanchez: His job is finding work for the jobless.

For SSEU Local 371, the situation in the job centers has been dire, as the economic downturn has caused overcrowding and an overburdening of the membership. Unfortunately, we dont have enough workers, Sanchez said. It is tough, but right now with this economy the job has to be done, no matter what.

Active in Union
Sanchez has been a Delegate for five years, and is active in helping the Union pass the Assault Bill, which would make

assaulting social service workers a felony offense. Three of my workers were assaulted at my location, he said. We need protection. Were not asking for much. Were just asking for protection. In addition, Sanchez is active in many of the local and DC 37 heritage committees. When asked how he can work a fulltime job, be a Union Delegate and participate in so many Union committees, he responded, You have to manage. I like to be busy. I like to be involved in everything. I like to hear things from the horses mouth.

SSEU Local 371 and May Day

MeMbers froM sseU Local 371 joined the thousands of union members, immigration rights activists, occupy Wall street supporters and others in Union square May 1 to commemorate International Workers Day.

May 2012 | The Unionist

Photos: Pat Arnow

Pat Arnow

All Around the Job

2012 Union Audit

GoUld, KoBrIcK & ScHlAPP, P.c., CerTIfIeD PUbLIC ACCoUNTANTs empire state building, 350 fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10118-4309 To the officers and executive board of social service employees Union Local 371, American federation of state, County and Municipal employees, AfL-CIo

STATeMenTS of AcTIvITIeS yeArS ended JUne 30, 2011 And 2010

IndePendenT AUdITorS rePorT

We have audited the accompanying statements of financial position of the social service employees Union Local 371, American federation of state, County and Municipal employees, AfL-CIo as of June 30, 2011 and 2010, and the related statements of activities and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Unions management. our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United states of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Unions internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the social services employees Union Local 371 AfsCMe, AfL-CIo as of June 30, 2011 and 2010, and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United states of America. New York, NY March 5, 2012

STATeMenTS of cASH flowS yeArS ended JUne 30, 2011 And 2010 STATeMenTS of fInAncIAl PoSITIon JUne 30, 2011 And 2010

The Unionist | May 2012

noTeS To fInAncIAl STATeMenTS JUne 30, 2011 And 2010

noTe 1 GenerAl organization: The social service employees Union Local 371 AfsCMe, AfL-CIo (the Union) is a labor union comprised of employees of the City of New York in social services and other titles. The objectives of the Union are the attainment and maintenance of fair wage rates and hours and proper working conditions for its members. The Union is a chartered local of the American federation of state, County and Municipal employees International Union, AfL-CIo (A.f.s.C.M.e.) and is affiliated with District Council Number 37, A.f.s.C.M.e., the New York City Central Labor Council and the New York state organization of the AfL-CIo. The financial records of the Union include the Legal Assistance Committee, created to reduce the burden of legal fees and expenses incurred by the Union for the defense of members arising out of, or relating to the performance of their duties as employees. Tax Status: The Union is exempt from federal income taxes under section 501(c)(5) of the Internal revenue Code (IrC) under the International Unions (AfsCMe) group exemption. noTe 2 SUMMAry of SIGnIfIcAnT AccoUnTInG PolIcIeS basis of Accounting: The financial statements are prepared on the accrual basis of accounting. basis of Presentation: The financial statement presentation complies with fAsb AsC Topic 958, financial statements of Not-for-Profit organizations. Under Topic 958, the Union is required to report information regarding its financial position and activities according to three classes of net assets: unrestricted net assets, temporarily restricted net assets, and permanently restricted net assets. fixed Assets and Depreciation: furniture, equipment and improvements are stated at cost less depreciation accumulated since acquisition and does not purport to represent replacement or realizable value. All assets are depreciated over estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. expenditures for normal repairs of equipment are charged to current operations. All other expenditures for fixed assets are capitalized. Cash and equivalents: for purpose of the statement of cash flows, cash is considered to be all petty cash, checking and money market accounts, participation certificates and certificates of deposit with original maturities of one year or less. Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United states of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Combination: The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of the Union and the Legal Assistance Committee. All intra-organization transactions have been eliminated in the combination. noTe 3 concenTrATIon of credIT rISK financial instruments that subject the Union to concentration of credit risk are cash in bank accounts. The Union maintains accounts at high quality financial institutions. While the Union attempts to limit any financial exposure, its cash deposit balances may, at times, exceed federally insured limits. noTe 4 fIXed ASSeTS

The Union has a sub-lease agreement with the social service employees Union Local 371 Administrative fund (a related organization) whereby the fund will reimburse the Union for its pro rata share of office facilities and other expenses. reimbursements were $334,789 (2011) and $334,789 (2010). The following is a schedule of the estimated future minimum rental income under this sub-lease agreement:

noTe 6 relATed PArTy TrAnSAcTIonS The Union and the social service employees Union Local 371 benefit funds (the funds) share office facilities (see Note 5), personnel and other overhead expenses. These expenses are allocated based on estimated time and space usage. The Union receives a rebate of $69,179 per month from District Council 37 (see Note 1) as a reimbursement of per capita fees attributable to services provided to other affiliated locals but not required or used by the Union (such as legal fees, grievance representation, etc.). noTe 7 AccrUed PAyroll PAyABle The Union accrues unused sick pay and annual leave for staff and clerical employees. The liability is computed based on the number of days accumulated and unused at wage rates in effect at each year-end. No provision has been made for any possible increases arising from contractual increases in salaries subsequent to the balance sheet date. noTe 8 GenerAl And AdMInISTrATIve eXPenSeS

noTe 9 orGAnIZInG And oPerATInG eXPenSeS

noTe 5 leASe coMMITMenTS The Union is obligated under several operating leases for office facilities. These leases all expire on May 31, 2018 and include escalation adjustments for property taxes and operating expenses based on the 2010/2011 base year. rent expense before reimbursements by the funds (see Note 6) were $605,040 (2011) and $605,040 (2010). The following are the Unions future minimum lease obligations under these leases at June 30, 2011 (not including escalations):

Continued on page 6

May 2012 | The Unionist

2012 Union Audit

Continued from page 5 noTe 9 orGAnIZInG And oPerATInG eXPenSeS, conT. Delegations and Conferences: noTe 10 leGAl ASSISTAnce coMMITTee

noTe 11 PenSIon And SeverAnce The social services employees Union Local 371 funds staff Pension Plan (a defined contribution profit sharing plan) covers the Unions eligible clerical employees. Contributions to the Plan for the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 were $52,838 and $64,825 respectively. The New York City employee retirement system NYCers (a defined benefit retirement plan) covers the Unions eligible professional employees. Contributions to the Plan for the years ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 were $122,099 and $373,464 (included payments for prior years), respectively. eligible Union clerical employees are additionally covered by a collective bargaining agreement with Local 153. Under the terms of this agreement the Plan makes contributions to the Local 153 Health and Pension Plan on behalf of covered employees. Pension plan expenses for the years ending June 30, 2011 and 2010 were $6,552 and $6,534, respectively.

MIHAIl AKoPdJAnov:

Making the local 21st century

Still Fighting Layoffs at ACS

Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced his budget this month, and sadly it still contains a plan to lay off 26 of our hardworking members at the Administration for Childrens Services. But this fight is far from over. The Union has been meeting with key City Council Members to ensure that the final budget agreement reached this summer will not have one layoff in this agency, whose front-line workforce is already stretched too thin. Many of these lawmakers know the importance of having as many trained professionals in child welfare as we possibly can, Union President Anthony Wells said. The Union remains optimistic.

ihail Akopdjanov joined SSEU Local 371 this spring as the new web developer and all-around computer guru at Union headquarters. He brings with him more than seven years of experience in IT, network administration, web development, computer systems assembly, and network and systems troubleshooting. Before coming to the Union, Akopdjanov worked with such companies and organizations like United States Agency for

International Development, United Nations Organization, United States Embassy in Uzbekistan, and the Soros Foundation. So far, Akopdjanov has been integral to developing a strategy for the Unions social media outreach and for advancing its use of Internet technology. It has been a pleasure applying my knowledge here at the Union so far, he said. I look forward to expanding the Unions web presence and updating its electronic capabilities.

official 15-day election notices

Official 15-day notice is hereby given for the nomination and election of six (6) delegates and twelve (12) alternate delegates for the citywide delegation from the Health Department on Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at the Union office, 817 Broadway, 15th Floor, Manhattan. Official 15-day notice is hereby given for the nomination of eight (8) delegates and sixteen (16) alternates for the citywide delegation from the New York City Housing Authority on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Union office, 817 Broadway, 12th Floor, Manhattan. This also serves as a 15-day notice of the election of eight (8) delegates and sixteen (16) alternates Tuesday, July 10, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Union Office, 12th Floor, Manhattan.
The Unionist | May 2012

Ari Paul

Sometimes discharge Is the Best Medicine

embers on medical leave should think twice before resigning; it may be in your best interest to be discharged instead. Members tend to resign after receiving a letter from their agency warning them that, unless they return from medical leave, they will be terminated under Section 73 of the Civil Service Law. Without properly explaining the law, the agency letter also invites the member to resign. In most circumstances, members resign not because they no longer wish to return to City service, but out of concern that they may be fired because they are still too sick or injured to resume their job duties. Fearing the taint of a discharge upon their record, many workers faced with this situation simply give up and submit a resignation form. They are unaware that resigning for medical reasons is worse than being fired because the resignation waives their right to future reinstatement, a hidden gem under Civil Service Law Section 73.

And quite unlike a disciplinary discharge, a Section 73 discharge entitles an employee to reinstatement when a medical condition ceases to prevent him or her from working, so long as the employee adheres to certain procedures.

Section 73 has a two-fold purpose. On the one hand, it enables an agency to free up the civil service position occupied by a medically unavailable employee so that the work can be performed by another qualified civil servant. However, it can only replace that employee when he or she has been unavailable to work because of a medical condition for more than a year. On the other hand, the law seeks to balance an agencys need to maintain adequate staffing with

doctor has done so, the employee has up to a year to apply for reinstatement. Reinstatement applications must be submitted to the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), not to the agency where the employee previously worked, because only DCAS can consider Section 73 reinstatement applications (applications can be downloaded at www.nyc.gov/html/dcas/ html/resources/resources_old.shtml).

The Process Ahead

A certification from the employees physician that he or she is fit to return to work must accompany the reinstatement application. DCAS will then schedule a fitness to work examination with a Cityappointed physician, and the employee must attend. If the City-appointed doctor agrees that the employee is fit to return to work, then the employee must be reinstated to either the same civil service position or to a lesser title if there are no vacancies in the original position. The Union urges members on longterm medical leaves not to resign from their jobs, even if they think they will never be able to return to work. You should preserve your options and your right to return if able. If your agency sends you a Section 73 letter or you have any other concerns about how your medical leave may impact your employment status, please contact Grievances and Legal Services for assistance. Lloyd Permaul, VP of Grievances and Legal Services

no Stigma
This provision empowers the City to discharge a worker who has been on a medical leave of absence for a year or more. However, because the discharge is not for misconduct, such as when disciplinary action is initiated under Section 75, a Section 73 discharge is merely due to being medically disabled from working for more than one year. It has no other meaning or stigma. It is not evidence of permanent disability or of any misconduct. And quite unlike a disciplinary discharge, a Section 73 discharge entitles an employee to reinstatement when a medical condition ceases to prevent him or her from working, so long as the employee adheres to certain procedures. the civil servants need for job security when a medical condition may prevent him or her from working. So, even when employees are terminated under Section 73 for medical reasons, they retain a right to reinstatement. Once their medical condition improves to enable them to work again even if it is years after the Section 73 discharge then the job lost can be reclaimed. For employees who have already been discharged pursuant to Section 73, it is important to know how to apply for reinstatement. First, the employees doctor must determine that he or she is fit to return to work, and once the

May 2012 | The Unionist

Condolences
condolences are extended to Priscilla Paxton on the death of her daughter, Ayanah Monet Paxton, April 30. Condolences may be sent to Priscilla Paxton, 250 Livingston Street, Fourth Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201. condolences are extended to Clara Bassy on the death of her sister last month. Condolences may be sent to Clara Bassy, 250 Livingston Street, Sixth Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201. condolences are extended to Executive Committee Member Sylvia Quinones on the death of her mother, Anna Quinones. Condolences may be sent to Sylvia Quinones, 645 Prospect Ave., Apt. #106, Bronx, NY 10455. Social Service Employees Union Local 371 817 Broadway New York, N.Y. 10003

Periodicals Postage Paid at New York, NY

BULLETIN BOARD
SWAP- SUP I at Long Term Home Health Care Program at 30 Rockwell Place in Brooklyn would like to swap to a Sup I non-field position in Lower Manhattan or Midtown Manhattan. If interested, call (718) 330-2293. SWAP- JOS at (Center 17) 132 West 125th Street in Manhattan would like to swap with JOS at (Center 47) 275 Bergen Street, Brooklyn. If interested, call (917) 306-2030. SWAP- Caseworker at HHC at 3424 Kossuth Avenue in the Bronx would like to swap with Caseworker in Manhattan or Brooklyn. If interested, call (718) 642-7451. SWAP- Community Assistant at 78 Catherine Street would like to swap with Community Assistant at 300 Skillman Avenue, Brooklyn. If interested, call (212) 877-4434. SWAP- AJOS at (Center 67) 45 Hoyt Street, Brooklyn would like to swap with AJOS at (Center 54) 165-08 88th Street, Jamaica, Queens. If interested, contact (347) 995-6127. SWAP- Caseworker at OCSE in Manhattan would like to swap with Field Caseworker in HASA in Brooklyn or any non-field position in Brooklyn or Manhattan. If interested, call (917) 723-0956. SWAP- Caseworker at HASA in Manhattan Homemaking Unit non-field position. Would like to swap with Caseworker in Queens. If interested, contact (212) 620-9817. SWAP- AJOS worker at (Center 99) in Richmond, Staten Island would like to swap sites to 109 East 16th Street, Manhattan. If interested, contact (347) 398-4891. SWAP- Caseworker at HASA Queensboro Office located at 33-28 Northern Blvd, Queens, would like to swap to HASA/Greenwood or HASA/ Brownsville. If interested, call (917) 226-5931. SWAP- Supervisor I at APS in Manhattan (South) would like to swap with a non-field Supervisor I position in lower downtown Manhattan or upper midtown Manhattan. If interested, call (212) 971-2894.

MEMBERS

The Time Is Now!

Continued from page 1

members return home in the same condition that they left. Our members know all too well how dangerous this job can be. Last year, 61 employees at three different City agencies were assaulted on the job, a huge jump from the 29 reported incidents in 2009, and a 10 percent increase since 2010, according to Deputy Mayor Gibbs, who supports the bill. The bill (S641-B/A 4672-B) is sponsored by Senator Martin Golden and strongly supported by Senator Diane Savino, a former Administration for Child Services worker and SSEU Local 371 vice president. She noted that even though child welfare has changed drastically since she joined civil service 22 years ago, the dangers facing social service workers have not subsided. With the wave of violence against workers on the job, Senator Savino said, the time was right for the bills enactment.

Senate onboard
The Senate passed the bill in February and currently awaits approval from the Assembly. Assembly Member Peter Rivera told reporters that he was working hard to convince his colleagues to swiftly approve the measure, and he was confident that enough members could be persuaded. Senator Savino said the measure was common sense. Such protection should be extended to our social service employees, she said. Deputy Mayor Gibbs said, It is time that we showed our respect for their commitment by recognizing an assault on them as no less than an assault on a uniformed and armed employee. Homeless Services Commissioner Seth Diamond added, Our frontline staffers have extremely tough jobs, each day providing
8

homeless families and individuals with the highest level of service in shelter. They put their hearts into their work. He continued, It is essential that our employees feel safe in the workplace and have legal protections against violence by clients. Many members of the Senate and the State Assembly are in accordance with SSEU Local 371. I am proud to have sponsored this legislation that will rightly protect social service workers and juvenile detention agency employees, said Senator Martin Golden, who urges his colleagues in the State Assembly to approve the bill. The City Hall demonstration, which was covered by multiple broadcast news outlets, was only one part of a general spring-time lobbying push by SSEU Local 371 to not only pass the Assault Bill but quash the Governors Medicaid Redesign Teams plan to eliminate the CASA program. The devastating move could result in the termination of 700 of our members and put thousands of senior citizens currently receiving in-home care in nursing homes. In addition to writing letters to Assembly Members and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Union officials descended on Albany May 1 to lobby lawmakers. Assembly Member Rivera held a press conference in the afternoon once again demonstrating his support for SSEU Local 371. This support from members of both houses, from the deputy mayor and from the commissioners for the SSEU Local 371 agenda really shows how powerful rank-and-file political mobilization is, said Michelle Akyempong, the Unions Vice President of Political Action. We have proven, once again, that we are a mighty, mighty union.
The Unionist | May 2012