Volume 42 Number 7 July/August 2012

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

www.sseu371.org

A PaTH TO VICTORY

What the Assault Bill Passage Teaches Us

SSEU LOCAl 371 is pleased to announce that the Assault Bill, a main legislative priority, was passed by the State Legislature and is on its way to the governors desk. In recent years assaults on social service workers have risen sharply in numbers and have worsened in intensity all over the city. We believe these incidents are directly related to our troubled economy, and this new bill, which will make it a felony to assault these workers, aims to provide a deterrent effect.

Labor Unity
This bill wasnt solely about our Union, but all social service workers. Labor leaders such as DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts and Eddie Rodriguez, who serves as both DC 37 president and the head of Local 1549, stood alongside our leaders in pushing for this bill. The Union also had the support of Arthur Cheliotes, president of Communications Workers of America Local 1180, who represents members who work in the same agencies as our members.
Pat Arnow

SSEU Local 371 President Anthony Wells speaks at a press conference at City Hall in April, surrounded by City and State ofcials, in support of the Assault Bill. This labor/management effort was key to passing the bill.

A Management Alliance
By nature, unions spend a lot of time ghting the bosses, but when workers and management stand together for a political cause it gains support from a majority of voters. In April, SSEU Local 371 and other unions held a press conference at City Hall with agency commissioners, elected ofcials and Deputy Mayor Linda Gibbs, who all agreed that the Assault Bill was necessary for protecting City workers but also for allowing these agencies to run

smoothly and serve clients. Having the support of City ofcials showed Albany lawmakers that this wasnt about liberals versus conservatives or management versus labor, but rather a common sense solution, said Union Vice President of Political Action Michelle Akyempong. The press conference and rally afterwards made it harder for opponents of the Assault Bill to argue with us.

Support from Lawmakers

The Union spent months mobilizing its political resources, and built alliances with inuential lawmakers such as State Senators Marty Golden and Diane Savino (a former SSEU Local 371 vice president) as well as Assembly Member Peter Rivera, who were able to get the support of

other key legislators, including Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who played a critical role in advancing the bill. This is why the Unions political outreach efforts matter so much. The Union took members to Albany to visit State Senators and Assembly Members and explain why the Assault Bill was so important. Further, the Union brought members who had been victims and witnesses of assaults, giving lawmakers a human face for the issue. Union members wrote letters in support of the Assault Bill to key lawmakers who were delaying votes on the measure. Piles of physical letters and emails clogging up inboxes sent a clear message to Albany that the bill had broad, popular support.
Continued on page 6

hy the 2012 Election Matters W Page 3

AFSCME National Convention

Pages 4-5

Accommodation Rights
Page 7

CALENDAR
AuGusT
21 Alumni Association: 2:00 p.m. Union Ofce, 12th Floor 22 Political Action Committee Meeting Cancelled 22 Civilians Law Enforcement Meeting Cancelled

A Winning Streak

SePTeMBeR
5 Executive Committee: 6:30 p.m. Union Ofce, 12th Floor

10 Latino Heritage Committee: 6:30 p.m. Union Ofce, 12th Floor 11 Committee of Concerned Social Workers: 6:30pm Union Ofce, 12th Floor 12 Womens Committee: 6:30 p.m. Union Ofce, 12th Floor 13 Jewish Heritage Committee: 6:30 p.m. Union Ofce, 12th Floor 14 Latino Heritage Celebration: 5:30 p.m. DC 37, 125 Barclay Street, in Manhattan 18 Alumni Association Meeting: 2:00 p.m. Union Ofce, 12th Floor 19 Delegate Assembly: 6:30 p.m. Advance Realty Building, 235 W. 23rd St., in Manhattan 26 Political Action Committee: 6:30 p.m. Union Ofce, 12th Floor Civilians Law Enforcement Meeting: 6:30 p.m. Union Ofce, 15th Floor

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. 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

t was a great June for the labor movement and this local in particular. The State Legislature passed the Assault Bill, which will make it a felony to attack our members on the job. Thanks to the leadership of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, the bill passed unanimously in the Assembly and overwhelmingly in the Senate. We want to thank the membership, whose participation was crucial to the success of our campaign. We also thank our sister union leadership; DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts, Eddie Rodriguez of Local 1549 and Arthur Cheliotes of CWA Local 1180 were active partners. Finally, we also thank Deputy Mayor Linda Gibbs, Commissioners Robert Doar (HRA), Ronald Richter (ACS) and Seth Diamond (DHS) for their support of the legislation. Clearly, the work of Vice President Michelle Akyempong and Hank Sheinkopf led the campaign. It was the efforts of all involved that got this bill passed. We await the Governors signature. In June, the City Council passed the Mayors Executive Budget, and for the rst time in years, child welfare layoffs were taken off the table early in the budget process. Workers at risk of layoffs did not have to wait until June 30 to know whether or not they had jobs. They knew in May, taking away months of nervous anticipation. Furthermore, the City Council restored 73 ACS positions that will keep our members safe. We also scored an impressive victory in AFSCME. Lee Saunders was elected president and Laura Reyes secretary treasurer at the national convention held in Los Angeles. We supported them and many of our delegates, alternatives and members volunteered in the campaign. It was an exciting and invigorating convention. The Saunders/Reyes administration will bring that same energy to AFSCME. They will provide the leadership we need to ght against cutbacks, attacks on our bargaining rights and attacks on our pensions. We congratulate President Gerald McEntee on his retirement. We thank him for his three decades of service as president of AFSCME and his record of ghting for working Americans.

We need you, your voices, energy and strategy.

The Way Forward

As the summer begins to close, we are continuing the ght to save CASA and protect the nearly 900 workers at risk. The campaign against the Medicaid Redesign Teams privatization of CASA is on track. We have been organizing a eld operation that includes visiting senior centers to inform and form coalitions. We have met with ofcials to discuss alternative and supplemental programs. We have reached out to President Saunders, Executive Director Lillian Roberts, Senator Charles Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for their support and assistance. As always, we need you, your voices, energy and strategy. We can only be successful in any ght back if we all pull together. Anthony Wells

2 The Unionist | July/August 2012

Latino Heritage Celebration

Please join us Sept. 14 at DC 37 headquarters for a very special Latino Heritage Celebration. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the event is free. The kick-off will be a cultural presentation by Conjunto Nuevo Milenio, which the Brooklyn Arts Council describes as a group of dedicated, professional dancers, with a passion and love for Panamanian tradition and the mission to educate the public about the beauty, diversity and richness of its culture. We are also honored to have AFSCME Secretary Treasurer Laura Reyes, who previously served as president of Californias United Domestic Workers, as the events keynote speaker. She is also the rst woman to hold the Number 2 spot at AFSCME. Finally, members will be treated to the sounds of Ray Castros Conjunto Clasico, which BBKingblues.com describes as maintaining the traditions of Puerto Rican inuences and that aggressive New York style harmony vocals...The unique sound sets this band apart from all the rest.

Secretary Treasurer Laura Reyes

Bringing the Union Spirit to the DNC

Vice President of Political Action Michelle class or for poor people. Romney is for Akyempong. If we band together and the rich people. For me, President Bush speak loudly, I guarantee that the people in destroyed this country, so Obamas got to power will hear us. be elected. Rodriguez is going both in her capacities as an SSEU Local 371 retiree (she is going with other delegates from DC 37) and as a Democratic Party leader, but she noted that it was her time as a Union activist under the leadership of the late, former President Charles Ensley where she learned how to ght for working people. The Union urges members to register to vote and vote in November. This is how we as middle class people make our voices heard, said Julia Rodriguez admires a photograph of President Obama.

his will be Julia Rodriguezs sixth trip to the Democratic National Convention as a delegate, but this one in Charlotte matters a lot, she said. The SSEU Local 371 retiree, who still serves as a Democratic Party District Leader in the Bronx and works at a health care center, believes that President Barack Obama has been working hard to get the country on track, but has been stopped by Republicans in Congress. She also thinks working people need to stand up to the Republican agenda led by the partys candidate, Mitt Romney. Four years is not enough to change the whole system, Rodriguez said. He has to be reelected. Romney is not for the middle

Caribbean Heritage, 2012

Members were treated to a night of music and dancing at this years Caribbean Heritage celebration June 29 at DC 37 headquarters, which included several musical performances and a full spread of traditional West Indian food.
July/August 2012 | The Unionist

Photos: Pat Arnow

Ari Paul

AFSCME: A Landmark
large group of SSEU Local 371 rank-and-le members joined Union ofcers and staff to witness a landmark moment in the American labor movement in Los Angeles at the end of July: the election of a new president and secretary treasurer of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFCSME). Our Union is one of the many local afliates of this storied national union. The election of Lee Saunders as president and Laura Reyes as secretary treasurer breathed new life into this union. SSEU Local 371 sent a 100 percent united message that it believed Saunders had proven himself worthy of leading this great union. This new national leadership is ready to face the attack by right-wing governors around the country and their loyal talking heads in the media,

who have wrongly blamed the nations economic woes on hard working civil servants, rather than greedy bankers and socalled free market policies. This is a step forward for the labor movement and for working people, said President Anthony Wells as members rallied through the Los Angeles Convention Center upon hearing of Saunders and Reyess victory. Lee and Laura are going to bring this union together for the ght back from coast to coast. Saunders succeeds Gerald McEntee, who led AFSCME for three decades. During the convention, local leaders from around the country spoke from the convention oor to thank and commemorate his leadership and dedication to the labor movement and public service. SSEU Local 371 has a strong relationship with Saunders,

who, in his previous capacity as AFSCME secretary treasurer, aided our Union in various local campaigns. He also has deep roots in the New York City labor movement as well, working closely with DC 37 leadership. It is no small matter that we are going to have a direct line to the ofce of AFSCME president. This is going to make SSEU Local 371 stronger than ever before, Wells added. SSEU Local 371 played an enormous role, along with other unions, in getting Saunders elected as well, building coalitions with leaders from all across the country. In addition, Wells nominated DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts for her successful reelection as AFSCME vice president. Eddie Rodriguez, who serves as both DC 37 president and Local 1549 president, was also reelected to that position. This shows how strong the New York delegation is, Wells said afterwards.

Clarence Elie-Rivera

SSEU Local 371 members were front and center

Also at the convention, AFSCME settled outstanding charges of improper handling of the last ofcers election at SSEU Local 371. The national

Clarence Elie-Rivera

Laura Reyes, left, and Lee Saunders celebrate their victory.

4 The Unionist | July/August 2012

Ari Paul

Moment
Clarence Elie-Rivera

President Anthony Wells addressed the convention with fellow members and ofcers.

on the convention oor.

panel found no wrongdoing, thus upholding the ofcers election and ending the acrimony. We have gone through all the proper channels, heard all

sides and now it is over and we can concentrate on the ghts that affect our membership, Wells said. Were happy to have this behind us.

Joseph Vicinanca

Lee Saunders and Laura Reyes enjoyed support from the New York delegation. Below, the SSEU Local 371 delegation gathered at the convention center.

July/August 2012 | The Unionist

ON THe FRONT LINes

Protecting Adults, Willing to Go Anywhere

CAseWORKeR Terrence Thom of Adult Protective Services is responsible for representing the interests of a certain set of clients: hoarders. We do a lot of eviction protection, he said in an interview outside his downtown Brooklyn ofce building. So we do nancial management. People like Thom not only do home visits, helping to clean out clients residences, but also represent them in Terrence Thom says his job is rewarding. court to help them get proper guardians and legal protections. Basically, APS represents anyone over the age of 18 with mental or physical impairments, he explained. Thom works closely with psychiatrists, who treat the clients and suggest how the agency should work with them. We go out with them, Thom said of the psychiatrists. Thom, who has been working in APS since 1999, said that he has learned a lot about mental illnesses while on the job. It can happen to anyone, regardless of status, he said. We see all types of people. This makes each day on the job unpredictable, and Thom never knows what to expect when he meets a client for the rst time or enters a home. You have to have no fear, Thom said. Once you have no fear, youll go anywhere. Its a lot of work, but he unwinds by working nights as a vendor at both Yankee Stadium and Madison Square Garden. Thats a stress buster for me, he said. But, he added that the work itself is very rewarding. When you resolve a case, Thom said, it makes you feel good.

Upcoming Events
Labor on the March
Please join the Union and the rest of the labor movement Sept. 8 at this years Labor Day Parade, where we will march down Fifth Ave. Workers rights are under attack, and we need a big turnout to show the City that SSEU Local 371 will ght back. Meet at the Union ofce (817 Broadway) at 8:30 a.m., where members will receive t-shirts and we will gather for our annual photograph.

African American Day Parade

Come out with the Union on Sunday, Sept. 16 for the 43rd Annual African American Day Parade from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. We will be meeting at 112 Street and Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. at 1:00 p.m. For more information, call Debbie Pitts at (212) 815-1113.

Ari Paul

Election Notice
Ofcial 15-day notice is hereby given for the nomination and election of eight (8) members of the Delegate Assembly to the Executive Board, and will be conducted at the Delegate Assembly on Sept. 19, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at the Advance Realty Building, 235 West 23 St., between Seventh and Eighth Aves., in Manhattan.

Notices of Examination
Caseworker: Exam No.: 3337 3338 3339 Filing and Testing Period: July 6, 2012 - October 31, 2012 November 1, 2012 - February 28, 2013 March 1, 2013 - June 29, 2013

Assault Bill Win

Continued from page 1

Child Protective Specialist: Exam No.: Filing and Testing Period: 3340 July 6, 2012 - September 29, 2012 3341 October 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012 3342 January 2, 2013 - March 30, 2013 3343 April 1, 2013 - June 29, 2013 Juvenile Counselor: Exam No.: Filing and Testing Period 3000 August 1, 2012 - September 7, 2012

Power of Media
The Union reached out to reporters in both print and broadcast media, giving members the ability to express their views to a wider audience. The more the media covered the Unions support for the Assault Bill, the harder it became for politicians to ignore the need for this important legislation. In addition to news stories, the Union took out paid advertising in smaller newspapers to get our message out to the public. Central to this tactic was getting our message clear: Opponents of the Assault Bill erroneously claimed that it would criminalize clients. Using the press enabled the Union to show that the bill did not aim to do that. It would protect workers and make it easier for them to perform these vital social services.

Important Ofcer News

The Union would like to inform members that Ingrid Beaumont has resigned from her position as Vice President of Organization and Education. We wish her well. The Union will keep members informed about future changes in this section of the Union.

6 The Unionist | July/August 2012

Accommodation Rights: Disabled but Able to Work

or the creation of a completely unique position with either qualications or functions if providing the reasonable ac- tailored toward a disabled inAs most of our members commodation would enable the dividuals abilities. The agency employee to perform the esis also not required to provide are aware by sential duties of the employees a disabled employee with a now, under position. There appears to be particular accommodation the Federal considerable confusion among if doing so would create an (the Americans with Disabilithe membership regarding undue hardship on the agency, ties Act), State (the New York either in terms of cost or from State Human Rights Law), and what constitutes a reasonable an operational standpoint. New York City Human Rights accommodation, and what the employee is required to do to Of course, whether a reLaw, City workers who are obtain the needed reasonable quested accommodation would disabled may not be discrimiaccommodation. be reasonable, in which case nated against because of their it would have to be provided, disability, provided they are What Is a Reasonable or whether providing it would able to perform the essential Accommodation? constitute an undue hardship tasks of their position with or to the agency, in which case it A reasonable accommodawithout being provided with would not have to be granted, tion can take many forms. a reasonable accommodais a question that has to be reIt includes making existing tion. The term disability is solved on a case-by-case basis. dened restrictively under the workplace facilities readily accessible and usable to all federal Americans with DisReceiving a Reasonable employees who have a disabilities Act (ADA) as being Accommodation: the ability; changing an employees limited to individuals having a Interactive Process physical or mental impairment job requirements so that the In order to obtain a reathat substantially limits one or employee can still perform sonable accommodation, the more major life activities. The duties consistent with his or disabled employee must inform New York State Human Rights her job title, but eliminating certain duties that the employ- the agency that a reasonable Law denes disability more ee cannot perform because of accommodation is needed. broadly, as a physical, mental This should be done in writing or medical impairment result- the disability; modication of the employees work schedule; and given to both the location ing from an anatomical, physihead and the agencys Equal ological, genetic or neurologi- reassigning the employee to cal condition that prevents the another position that is vacant Employment Opportunity that has duties the employee (EEO) department. Once the exercise of a normal bodily can perform; obtaining or request for a reasonable acfunction, or is demonstrable modifying equipment, such commodation has been made, by medically accepted clinical and proof is provided demor laboratory techniques. The as purchasing an air purier for an employee with asthonstrating the need for the State law, unlike the Federal matic or related conditions, or accommodation (a doctors law, does not require a subproviding an employee with note or other medical docustantial limitation of one or a reader or an interpreter to mentation may be required), more major life activities for the burden then shifts to the an individual to be considered assist in the performance of the employees work. The agency to either provide the disabled. The New York City agency may also be required reasonable accommodation Human Rights Law denes the term disability the most to grant a disabled employee a requested, or demonstrate that leave of absence, even if doing it would be an undue burden broadly of all the laws, statfor it to do so. ing that a disability means any so would be contrary to the agencys usual leave policies. This also begins the inphysical, medical, mental or Reasonable accommodateractive stage, in which the psychological impairment, or tions do not include providemployee and the agency are history or record of such an ing non-work related aids, required to communicate with impairment. such as a personal hearing aid each other regarding the speThe Federal, State and City or wheelchair, which are the cics of the reasonable accomlaws all require the City of New York and its agencies and employees own responsibility, modation required and what is
July/August 2012 | The Unionist

What departments, to provide indiConstitutes a viduals having a disability with Disability? a reasonable accommodation,

to be provided. If the agency offers an accommodation but the employee believes it is not sufcient to provide him or her with what is needed to enable the employee to perform the job, the employee must respond to the agencys offer, explain why it is not adequate, and specify what is needed. Again, medical documentation may be required to support the specic reasonable accommodation requested. It is essential that the employee engage in this interactive process in a timely and meaningful manner in order to ensure that his or her legal rights will be protected and that the reasonable accommodation will be obtained. Of course, the agency is also legally required to engage in this interactive process, and if it fails to do so its failure will have adverse consequences for the agency in favor of the disabled employee. Of course, every case is different, and what the agency is required to provide will vary based upon the exact factual situation presented. The important thing is that you understand that if you are a person with a disability, you have a right to receive a reasonable accommodation. If you do all this and you are unable to obtain the reasonable accommodation you require, or if you have any questions about whether you are disabled or regarding the reasonable accommodation procedure in your agency, simply contact the Unions grievance section for assistance. The grievance staff and the Unions attorneys are experienced in dealing with these matters and they will assist you in obtaining the reasonable accommodation to which you are entitled. Lloyd Permaul, VP of Grievances and Legal Services
7

Condolences
Condolences are extended to family and friends of Mark Limerick, Caseworker at HASA Waverly Center, who died on August 7. Condolences can be sent to The Wiggins Family, 868 N. Man O War Dr., Inverness, FL 34453. Condolences are extended to the family and friends of Andrew Marum, Caseworker at HRA/APS, who died on July 13. Condolences can be sent to Lisa Marum, 3901 Independence Ave., Apt. 3L, Bronx, NY 10463. Condolences are extended to Nicholas De Jesus, Fraud Investigator I, on the death of his father, Nicholas De Jesus, who died on July 13. Condolences can be sent to Mr. Nicholas De Jesus Jr., BEV/IREA, 250 Livingston St., 6th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Condolences are extended to Victor Ochiobi, Job Opportunity Specialist I, at the Crotona Job Center #46, on the death of his mother, Mrs. Agnes Ochiobi, who died on June 2. Condolences can be sent to Mr. Victor Ochiobi, 927 East 220 St., Bronx, NY 10469. Condolences are extended to La Toscha Richmond, Child Protective Specialist II, at ACS 150 Williams Street, on the death of her mother, Ms. Patrice Marie Richmond, who died on May 24. Condolences can be sent to La Toscha Richmond, 1705 Purdy St,, #6A, Bronx, NY 10462. Condolences are extended to the family and friends of James Jim McKeon, a former Secretary Treasurer of SSEU Local 371, who died in May. Condolences are extended to Olukayode Oyeledun, Caseworker at HRA/ Emergency and Intervention Services at 180 Water Street in Manhattan, on the death of his mother, Janet Awawu Oyeldedun, who died on February 12 in Ilisan, Nigeria. Condolences are extended to Jackie Ramos, Delegate from Marcy Ave., on the death of her son-in-law. Condolences are extended to family of Dr. Annie Martin, president of the NY NAACP, who died in June.

Periodicals Postage Paid at New York, NY Social Service Employees Union Local 371 817 Broadway New York, N.Y. 10003

DelegaTe:

The Union Starts with You

want to say that as a Union Delegate, I listen to a lot of concerns and issues from workers. I also hear a lot of what members are saying. One of the things that members frequently say is What is the Union doing? I am compelled to speak to this comment, because it is clear that members believe that someone else is the Union. The Union, my brothers and sisters, is you. Each and every one of us is the Union. We are responsible for how management treats us and we are responsible for making changes occur. It bafes me when members think that someone else is supposed to ght their battles. It is all of us who must ght these various battles, whether it is one member who is at risk of losing his or her job, or one thousand, it is our ght. SSEU Local 371 has an awesome president, Anthony Wells, who is willing to listen and is ready for any battle that comes before

Congratulations
Congratulations to Diane Silver, retired Sup II and former Shelter Chapter person on the birth of her granddaughter Shifra Naoma Feldman, born January 19, and her great grandson Lucas Alexander Friedman, born July 4. Congratulations to Veronica Ferguson, Fraud Investigator I at BEV/IREA, who retired on June 29. Congratulations to Giovanny Lavezarri, Caseworker at Queens CASA, and Ms. Tri Linwati, on their marriage June 16. Congratulations to Lisa Turner, Fraud Investigator I, on obtaining her Masters Degree in Labor Studies June 5 from the CUNY School of Professional Studies. Congratulations to Ms. M. Taveras, Job Opportunity Specialist at FIA Crotona Job Center #46, who retired on May 29 after 22 years of service with HRA. Congratulations to Gail Whiteman, Associate Fraud Investigator II at HRA/BEV, on obtaining her Masters of Public Administration with honors from Long Island University in May.

this local. However it is usthe members who make this local strong. It is usthe memberswho must make people respect us as professionals. We have one of the best presidents a local could ask for, now it is up to us to keep it that way. SSEU Local 371 is a mighty union. This local is full of strong Delegates and Alternates, along with some tough, courageous and dedicated organizers. We must constantly strive to make this the best local it can be. That means that all of us as members collectively must work together. I charge every member in SSEU Local 371 to stop saying what is wrong and work to make it right. We ght back! -Tanya Hatcher, Delegate Do you want to write for the Unionist? Get in touch and send any essays, letters or photographs to apaul@sseu371.org.

NAACP Awards
DC 37 Local 1549 President Eddie Rodriguez presented NAACP awards to SSEU Local 371 President Anthony Wells and Local 372 President Santos Crespo (right) for their commitment to the labor movement.

Get Well Wishes

Get Well Wishes for Latesha Slater, Fraud Investigator, BEV/IREA, who had knee surgery in July.

Joseph Vicinanca

8 The Unionist | July/August 2012