District Council 37

  • Behind the Wheel: Queens Public Library Guild Local 1321 Brings the Library to You
    Story & Photos By ACACIA RODRIGUEZ The Queens Public Library deploys a fleet of bookmobiles throughout the borough, providing library services to audiences unable to reach a physical library. Workers from Queens Library Guild Local 1321 connect with hospitals, shelters, veterans organizations, schools, community partners, and other underserved communities to bring books far and wide. Whether a local library branch is under renovation or there is a special event where books are a must, the library’s mobile fleet is available with rolling recommended reads, multimedia, and more. Each bookmobile contains a complete collection of materials, mimicking a library branch. Based on the audience the mobile is serving, the collection is further curated to include large print books, easy readers, books in Braille, and materials that support equitable accessibility. With 2,500 titles on board, including fiction, nonfiction, fantasy, romance, sci-fi, and children’s books, there’s something for everyone. Outreach specialists lead STEM activities, storytime, movies, and arts and crafts, depending on the audience. At each mobile library, customers are able to sign up for a library card, check out, return, or reserve materials, access digital resources, and speak to a librarian for reference services. Photo by Luis Aucapina Bookmobile STATS Vehicle Type [...] — Dec 10
  • CUNY’s school of labor: A training ground for activism
    By MIKE LEE The CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) educates student activists on how to become the next generation of union leaders and enables them to advance their careers as part of a partnership between DC 37 and the school. Eligible DC 37 members can receive tuition coverage for up to four courses (up to 16 credits where applicable) at CUNY SLU, funded by the DC 37 Education Fund. Students can apply for an Undergraduate Certificate in Labor Relations, Bachelor of Arts in Labor Studies, Advanced Certificate in Labor Relations, and a Master of Arts in Labor Studies. “We believe in the mission of CUNY SLU because it provides important educational opportunities for union members and other working professionals to further their career prospects in the public sector,” said Stephen Johnson, DC 37 Education Fund Administrator. SLU’s courses help students gain the practical skills and knowledge necessary for effective leadership in collective bargaining, organizing, union administration, and labor law. The agreement builds on DC 37’s existing education and workforce training programs that provide city workers with basic job skills, technical training, and leadership development, providing members with partial tuition reimbursement for college courses. “What moves me most [...] — Dec 10
  • DC 37 Women’s Committee Domestic Violence Symposium
    Panelists from left: MELS Attorney Michele Evans Arrindell, Esq.; MELS Social Worker Dorothea Lawrence, LCSW; MELS Social Worker Tessa Hackett-Vieira, LCSW; DC 37 Associate Director Rose Lovaglio-Miller; SSEU Local 371 Child Abuse Counselor Sierrah N. Smalls, LMSW; DC 37 Women’s Committee Co-Chair and SSEU Local 371 Grievance Representative Ruth Sabino; SSEU Local 371 Grievance Representative and President of the NYC Association of Black Social Workers Terrell Tate. Photo by Americo Reyes-Santiago The DC 37 Women’s Committee hosted a panel discussion on Oct. 20 on the signs of domestic violence, its effects on society, and how to combat it. Each panelist spoke on their area of expertise to bring awareness to domestic violence, how to identify it, how it impacts children and families, and resources to help end the cycle. DC 37’s Municipal Employees Legal Services (MELS) can assist with legal representation to secure a family offense petition (protective order) depending on the nature of the incident. A MELS social worker can also assist with short-term counseling and referring to partner agencies that specialize in domestic violence for potential relocation, trauma-informed care, long-term counseling, and child care resources. Members who are experiencing or suspect domestic violence are encouraged to contact MELS [...] — Dec 10
  • New Health Care Plan for NYC’s Public Workers
    By MIKE LEE For the first time in more than four decades, a new, comprehensive, and equitable health care plan will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, for New York City’s municipal workforce and pre-Medicare retirees. The NYC Employees PPO (NYCE PPO) Plan administered jointly by EmblemHealth and UnitedHealthcare will replace the City’s current health care plan for active employees currently held by GHI CBP/Anthem BlueCross and BlueShield. After more than two years of an extensive negotiated acquisition process, DC 37 and partner unions in the Municipal Labor Committee (MLC) voted overwhelmingly to approve the NYCE PPO Plan on Sept. 30. In a joint statement, the MLC said, “This is the outcome of years of research, deliberation, and negotiations to develop a health plan that addresses what matters most to our members: comprehensive medical coverage, accessible care, and zero premiums. We’ve been able to improve benefits, expand the network of providers while allowing our members to keep their existing doctors, and maintain premium-free health care without increasing out-of-pocket costs, especially important in an economic climate where every cent counts for our members’ bottom line.” During the process, the MLC maintained its stance that any new plan for the City’s [...] — Dec 10
  • Legislative Conference Encourages Member Participation In Crafting Union Agenda
    Story & Photos by MIKE LEE As part of the union’s efforts to engage its members in local and national politics, DC 37 hosted the inaugural Member Legislative Conference at its headquarters on Oct. 25. The day-long event, which also kicked off the first day of early voting in the citywide general election, featured panel discussions and breakout groups to explore political, social justice, and economic issues affecting working-class New Yorkers under the theme of “Our Voice. Our Power. Our Future.” DC 37 Political and Legislative Director Odetty Tineo created the day’s curriculum to inform members on how sharing their personal stories and workplace experiences can influence policy at all levels of government. After opening remarks by DC 37 Executive Director Henry Garrido, the conference got underway. The union’s Political Action and Legislation Department, led by Political Director Odetty Tineo, created the day’s curriculum to inform members on how sharing their personal stories and workplace experiences can influence policy at all levels of government. The morning’s presentation, “From the Workplace to the Capitol: Turning Issues to Action,” explained how a bill becomes a local or state law, as well as the timeline and process for next year’s New York City [...] — Dec 10