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Union’s New Research & Negotiations Director Daniel Katz Story and photo by MIKE LEE In January, the union announced Bronx-born Brooklynite Daniel Katz as District Council 37’s new Director of Research and Negotiations. Katz brings 40-plus years of experience as a labor organizer, educator, and historian to the department. Katz’s professional career includes work as an organizer and union rep for the Service Employees International Union, United Auto Workers, American Federation of Teachers, and Doctors Council of New York City. As an educator, Katz most recently served as Interim Associate Director of Worker Education and taught at the City University of New York’s Murphy Institute (now the School of Labor and Urban Studies). Before CUNY, he was Vice President of Academic Affairs at Metropolitan College, and Professor of History and Provost of the National Labor College. Katz was also an associate professor of history at the State University of New York, Empire State College, where he was chair of the Master of Arts in Policy Studies program. His focus on the labor movement reflects his vocation: a hardworking representative for transformative change. “When I attended the University of Wisconsin, I worked as a part-time dishwasher at the student union. It was unionized by an independent union called the [...] — Mar 27
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Contract Win for State Workers at Local 1359 In another big win for the union, District Council 37 and New York State agreed on a three-year contract for Local 1359 Rent Regulation Services Employees. On Feb. 1, members voted overwhelmingly in favor of the contract, which runs from April 2, 2023, to April 1, 2026. The agreement covers 316 workers at the New York State Division of Homes and Community Renewal who assist in administrating New York City’s rent control and stabilization laws. They include Accountants, Housing and Committee Renewal Specialists, Rent Examiners, Rental inspectors, Secretaries, and Office Assistants. “We’re proud to have negotiated this agreement for our Rent Regulation Services Unit members,” said DC 37 Executive Director Henry Garrido. “These workers make critical efforts to protect New Yorkers from harmful housing practices. We’re grateful to Gov. Hochul for her partnership in this negotiation and commitment to housing affordability, impacting all working families.” Dennis IfillLocal 1359 President The new contract includes compounded annual 3% salary increases, retro pay, up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, increases in location pay, and changes in health benefits consistent with other recently settled contracts. “It’s one of the best contracts that we have had for a long time, and we [...] — Mar 27
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PSU: Person-Centered Skilled Caregivers From left: PSU Clerical Support Staff members Shekeria Ferguson and Rosalind Colon-Jimenez, Director Stephanie Kleinberg, and Associate Director Rachel Edricks. Story and Photo by ACACIA RODRIGUEZ The first challenge for those seeking mental health services is finding a provider who will answer the call. In the age of automation, being able to get in touch directly with support staff for resources is rare. Eligible DC 37 members calling the Personal Services Unit (PSU) during business hours can expect to speak directly with an actual person, and within three days, be connected to a therapist ready to assist with resources, counseling, or referrals. With client confidentiality and a care-centered work ethos, PSU’s team of professionals is equipped to help all members who call. One of the supportive professionals who members may encounter during this process is Rosalind Colon-Jimenez, one of three clerical support staff members who answers calls and handles a range of requests. “When you’re calling for situations that may be a crisis, you just want to hear a person’s voice,” Colon-Jimenez said. “That connection is an important part of our service.” Colon-Jimenez joined the PSU team last year after 16 years of working with the Dental Unit and MELS, [...] — Mar 27
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PEOPLE Chair Appointed to Champion Union’s Political Action Fund Interview and photo by JUSTINA RAMLAKHAN Sharon Braxton, president of Local 436 United Federation of Nurses and Epidemiologists, was recently appointed new chair of the PEOPLE Program. PEOPLE, or Public Employees Organized to Promote Legislative Equality, is AFSCME’s political action committee. PEOPLE funds are used for lobbying, grassroots campaigns, and directly supporting pro-worker candidates committed to addressing the needs of DC 37 members and retirees. Recently, support from the PEOPLE program helped pave the way to victory for Congressmember Tom Suozzi in the Feb. 13 special election to replace expelled Congressmember George Santos, securing a pro-worker ally in the House of Representatives. By law, DC 37 is restricted from using money from members’ dues for political campaigns. Contributions to PEOPLE are voluntary and empower members to help fulfill the union’s mission of strengthening and defending working families by electing pro-labor candidates who champion the rights of workers. Braxton steps into the PEOPLE Chair role in her 29th year as a DC 37 member. She first joined the union when she became a Junior Public Health Nurse in 1995. She is currently a Supervising Public Health Nurse in addition to serving her second term as president of Local 436, which represents [...] — Mar 27
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DC 37 MELS Webinars and Workshops MELS Tax Filing Tips Webinar Tax season is here before you know it. On Jan. 24, 2024, the DC 37 MELS team discussed tips and tricks to get you to the finish line early, along with filing status, standard and itemized deductions, tax credits, and more! To watch, visit: bit.ly/3wHQ8Ec MELS Housing Webinar Knowledge is power! On Dec. 6, 2023, MELS Housing Attorneys answered questions about rent withholding, obtaining repairs, mold, lead paint, bedbugs and rodents, rent increases, lease renewals, and security deposits, noisy neighbors and construction, water and property damage, smoking, roommates, breaking your lease, legal notices, and much more! To watch, visit: bit.ly/3TmQetA MELS Bankruptcy Webinar Have you considered filing for bankruptcy? Do you have more questions than answers about the process? If so, this workshop is for you! On Dec. 13, 2023, the DC 37 MELS Department discussed what kinds of debts you can discharge, the difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, the potential impact on your credit, and much more! To watch, visit: bit.ly/3T4KTpJ — Mar 27