Local 237

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July/August 2016

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Vol. 50, No. 2

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237 Challenges FlexOps, Wins Concessions Teamsters Local 237 President Gregory Floyd gave testimony in front of the City Council’s Housing Committee to reveal that NYCHA’s new plan, called FlexOps, which shifts working hours of our members, is nothing more than a “PR” trick that does not increase the number of workers nor improve services for residents. Plus, Floyd vigorously voiced safety concerns for our members, adding that FlexOps violates our contract, and is blatant union-busting. President Floyd told the City Council: “You, as elected officials are now being asked to support something called FlexOps at NYCHA. You have been told the lie that with no increase in its numbers, a largely minority women labor force of caretakers, with changed working hours, will somehow repair failed NYCHA management practices. You have also been told the additional lie that Local 237

President Floyd addressing the City Council. Seated with him is SecretaryTreasurer Ruben Torres.

Teamsters and its members agreed to those changes. Those who told you such things are liars. They are trying to pit you, public officials, against union members …NYCHA is union busting. FlexOps violates our contract. It is a public relations stunt that will actually provide fewer workers, not more. It will injure and endanger the largely minority women labor force by reduc-

ing existing day care options while forcing those women to work hours when more violence occurs at poorly managed and violence-prone NYCHA sites. It is just dumb, anti-union, anticommon sense.” Local 237 sought and obtained an injunction to halt the implementation of FlexOps based on security concerns. This is the first time that a

municipal union was granted an injunction based on safety. Ultimately, an agreement was reached with NYCHA for a pilot program that does not force current members to work alternate shifts and requires security issues raised by Local 237 to be fixed before and during implementation of the program. Among the security measures are: Requiring functioning indoor and outdoor lighting on all stairwells, roofs, walkways, parking lots and ramps to the basement; all broken windows and other access points must be repaired; all access doors must have functioning locks; all existing security cameras must be operational: and repairs to all of the above security-related equipment must be fixed within four days of Local 237 reporting the problem to NYCHA. FlexOps will begin July 5 at 11 NYCHA developments.

Floyd Forms NYCHA Labor, Residents & Advocates Task Force Among the measures President Floyd took to thwart NYCHA’s push to implement FlexOps — the plan to shift members’ working hours in violation of their contract and despite 237’s strong objections based on security concerns — was to invite resident and advocate leaders to his office to discuss not only the problems with the new plan, but also to initiate an open dialogue dedicated to improving conditions for people who live and work at NYCHA developments. As the meeting proceeded, it became apparent that there was one item everyone agreed upon: Safety is their number one concern. Everyone also agreed that this coalition of NYCHA stakeholders should continue strategies toward a better understanding and to develop ways of addressing problems each member faced. Floyd had an additional idea: Invite Patrick Lynch, President of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA), to the next meeting. Lynch had expressed the desire for PBA members to work more closely with NYCHA communities and re-connect with the residents — something that had fallen off since the merger of the Housing Police and the NYPD in 1995. Lynch sees the diminished numbers of police officers assigned to NYCHA developments as a major factor in the disconnect. Prior to the merger, there were 2,800 police officers assigned to public housing developments. Today, there are approximately 1,900 officers, many of whom are reassigned, depending on other staffing needs. Patrick Lynch attended the next meeting of NYCHA residents and advocates at Local 237 headquarters. He was well received and he too was told that safety and security concerns are a

PBA Joins Effort, Unites With 237 Calling for More Cops to Improve Safety

Two presidents shake on it: Patrick Lynch of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, and Gregory Floyd of Local 237.

common denominator. Lynch told the participants: “Our cops are there to protect you. But they also want to come home to their families at the end of the day. Knowing the residents is key to better policing. But, unfortunately, today, there are simply not enough cops to go around.” Shortly after the meeting, Floyd and Lynch launched a plan: They would write to the Mayor to demand more police officers for NYCHA developments. In a hand-delivered letter, the two union leaders wrote: “As U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara recently noted, the New York City Housing Authority has an obligation to provide its residents with housing that is ‘decent, safe, sanitary,

and in good repair.’ Whether or not this minimum legal standard has been met, it is clear to us that the already-unacceptable crime and public safety conditions in our NYCHA developments have only further deteriorated since your Administration took office. “While serious ‘index’ crimes have increased citywide by only 0.22% as of May 15, NYCHA developments had seen a year-to-date increase of 8.9% in index crimes, including an 18.8% increase in murders, a 14.7% increase in felony assaults, and a 22.1% increase in burglaries. These trends must not be allowed to continue. NYCHA residents need and deserve better. “We therefore call on your Administration to take meaningful action to improve the safety environment in NYCHA developments by restoring at least 900 police officers to the NYPD’s Housing Bureau as part of a citywide NYPD staffing increase…The recent increases in NYPD headcount have not been nearly enough to address the citywide decline in staffing levels, which have fallen by more than 6,000 since their pre-9/11 peak. It is imperative that additional hiring is authorized as soon as possible in order to meet the City’s obligations to the residents of NYCHA developments, which are still the best example of affordable housing for nearly 600,000 New Yorkers.” As Floyd and Lynch await the Mayor’s response and consider their next step, one thing seems certain: NYCHA residents and advocate leaders are willing to work with union members to improve public housing for the benefit of all parties. As Floyd noted: “We don’t need any filters. We want to work directly with the residents on a plan to fix the problems known best by those who live and work in these developments.”

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Local 237 Member Services UNION HEADQUARTERS 212-924-2000 216 West 14th Street New York, NY 10011-7296

A Message From Gregory Floyd

PERSONNEL, 5th Fl. 212-924-2000 Edmund Kane, Director and Chief Negotiator

President, Teamsters Local 237, and Trustee on the General Board of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters

LOCAL 237 DIVISIONS CITYWIDE DIVISION, 2nd Fl. 212-924-2000 Donald Arnold, Director Derek Jackson, Director, Law Enforcement Division Randy Klein, Deputy Director HOUSING DIVISION, 2nd Fl. 212-924-2000 LONG ISLAND DIVISION 631-851-9800 100 West Main Street, Babylon, New York 11702 John Burns, Director Benedict Carenza, Deputy Director Long Island Welfare Fund: For information on the various funds call 800-962-1145

POLITICAL ACTION & LEGISLATION, 5th Fl. 212-924-2000 Local 237 protects members’ rights by helping to sponsor legislation that is important to members, and by opposing initiatives that would hurt members. Patricia Stryker, Director

GRIEVANCES/DISCIPLINARY PROBLEMS, 6th Fl. 212-924-2000 For grievances and job related problems, first contact your shop steward and/or grievance representative. If they can’t resolve the issue, contact your business agent. RETIREE DIVISION, 8th Fl. Mal Patterson, Director of 212-807-0555 Grievances and Hearings Provides a variety of pre- and postTodd Rubinstein, Esq. retirement services, including penGrievance Coordinator sion and health insurance counseling to members. (Pension counseling by appointment, Thursdays CIVIL SERVICE BAR ASSN only). General retirement counsel- 6th Fl., 212-675-0519 ing and retirement planning series Saul Fishman, President during spring and fall. Aldona Vaiciunas, Nancy B. True, Director Office Administrator and LOCAL 237 DEPARTMENTS Grievance Coordinator (Citywide and Housing) John Picucci, Esq., SKILLED TRADES, 2nd Fl. Grievance Representative 212-924-2000 CSBA Welfare Fund Donald Arnold, Director Alicare 866-647-4617 HEALTH AND SAFETY, 2nd Fl. COMMUNICATIONS, 5th Fl. 212-924-2000 646-638-8501 Donald Arnold, Director Phyllis S. Shafran, Director Diane Stein, Coordinator Local 237 Newsline, Editor MEMBERSHIP, 2nd Fl. Website: www.local237.org 212-924-2000 Provides membership services and records, including address changes. WELFARE FUND, 3rd Fl. 212-924-7220 The Fund administers the eligibility, enrollment, disability, optical and death benefits directly by the Fund’s in-house staff, as well as prescription and dental programs indirectly. Mitchell Goldberg, Director LEGAL SERVICES, 4th Fl. 212-924-1220 Lawyers advise and represent members on covered personal legal problems, including domestic relations (family court proceedings, divorce and separation), purchase and sale of a primary residence, wills, adoptions, credit and consumer problems, tenant rights and bankruptcies. Office Hours: Mon.- Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mary Sheridan Esq., Director Kenneth Perry Esq., Deputy Director EXECUTIVE OFFICES, 5th Fl. 212-924-2000 Gregory Floyd, President Richard Hendershot, Vice President Ruben Torres, Secretary-Treasurer

EDUCATION AND TRAINING 8th Fl. 212-807-0550 Provides a variety of training and educational advancement opportunities for members. Bertha Aiken, Director USEFUL NUMBERS FOR PRE-RETIREES NYCERS (New York City Employees Retirement System) By Mail: 335 Adams St., Suite 2300, Brooklyn, NY 11201-3751 In Person: 340 Jay Street, Mezzanine, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Gen’l Information: 347-643-3000 Outside NYC toll-free: 877-6NYCERS NYCERS Internet www.nyclink.org/html/nycers NYC Department of Education Retirement System 65 Court St., Brooklyn, NY 11201 718-935-5400 Social Security Administration 800-772-1213 NY State and Local Retirement Systems 518-474-7736

Wrong Road to a Cure

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to perform many of their duties alone ast year, when Mayor de Blasio and at off-hours. issued his proposal for the City’s With NYCHA’s history of broken budget, he expressed concern about locks, windows, elevators, security cama growing deficit that would adversely eras, radios and lighting, we sought a impact millions of New Yorkers and remedy in legal action against NYCHA, the City’s ability to provide essential which was resolved with the Authority services. In his budget presentation, he committing to address the security iscited his greatest concerns. Public sues we raised for both workers and resihousing, home for nearly 600,000 residents. dents, was listed among the top probHighlighting the severity of this lems the City faced. problem is the recent arrest of more The Mayor went on to unveil a plan than 100 gang members — the largest his team devised to help reverse the gang takedown in New York’s history downward economic spiral of NYCHA, — by the NYPD and Federal agents in entitled: “Next Generation NYCHA.” northern Bronx, including crime activiCalling it a “10-year roadmap…to stabity in NYCHA developments. At the lize the (Housing) Authority,” NextGen press conference announcing the arincluded ideas to generate new funding as well as ways to improve management rests, US Attorney Preet Bharara said that NYCHA residents “are not getting efficiency and save money. the statutorily required level of housSounds good? Not really! It seems ing that is decent, safe, sanitary and in that NextGen was so focused on the fugood repair,” which helps “gang chaos ture that it forgot about the current generation of NYCHA residents and workers. to take root.” While we welcome this investigaOne of the “key strategies” that the plan tion, it is little comfort to the family of calls for is the selling or leasing of supSadie Mitchell, 92, who was killed by a posedly unused or underused playstray bullet at home in 2009 while grounds and parking lots, as well as the watching “Wheel of Fortune,” — a “better-use” of developments in some of death exemplary of the reasons for the the City’s most desirable locations, that gang arrests. could ostensibly generate huge sums of In the new budget to take effect money paid by developers to help fulfill July 1, 2016, the Mayor once again the Mayor’s plan for creating more afidentified areas of major concern. This fordable housing. time, public hospitals received the This is simply the privatization of “roadmap” treatment. Although a plan public housing for private profit. It for privatization and other questionwould leave current residents with few able cost-cutting remedies are not as guarantees and gentrification that raisclearly outlined as in NextGen es the question: For whom is this new NYCHA, once again we must be conhousing and community affordable? cerned that a new generation of probIn addition, for our 8,000 members lems will not be addressed by the prewho work for NYCHA — one third of scribed road to a cure. whom are residents too — privatization offers few employment guarantees. We have vehemently voiced our opposition to NYCHA’s land-grab plan and continue to use every opportunity to make our dissatisfaction known. Another one of NextGen’s key strategies is even more troubling. As part of the NYCHA efficiency plan, FlexOps was created. Publicized to residents as a way to deliver improved services, FlexOps changes caretakers’ work hours. This is not only a violation of their contract, but also presents safety and security concerns. Fifty-six per“Just taking a survey. Which presidential cent of that workforce are candidate do you dislike more?” women who would be forced

NEWSLINE, July/August 2016

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MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

74 Graduate in Department of Homeless Services

The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) held graduation ceremonies in April and May. On hand for both were Local 237 President Gregory Floyd; Charlie Cotto, Law Enforcement Business Agent; and Derek Jackson, Director of Law Enforcement. At the April graduation, above, Floyd is front row right, Cotto is front row left, and Jackson is in the second row left. At the May graduation, top right, Gregory Floyd and Derek Jackson are pictured second row right, and Cotto is first row left. Seventy-four cadets were certified as DHS Police Officers. Here is a list of the proud graduates: April Juan Almenas, Colin Baird, Danielle Baker, Stacey Beauchamp, Darren Browno, Wentworth Corbin, Ernst Desrameaux, William Dwyer, Bernie Faison, Nikki Footman, Robert Giscombe, Natasha Glaude, René Haynes, Gamel Holder, Zahir Jackson, Shantell Johnson, Andrew

Lovick, Stephanie Maximin, Vernordo McCoy, Leslie McPhaul, Kenneth Mends, Cliedy Ortiz, Irfan Patel, Edwin Rosario, Eric Schussel, Cheddi Sealy, Shelly Smith, Michael Velasquez, Takiera Young. May Denise Abraham-Sexius, Tabitha Acaba, Robyn Alexander, Philip Alleyne, Lesley Alvarez, Sharonda Anderson, Sean Andre, Andre Armstead, Steven Arriola, Tammara Bannister, Delroy Barbee, Jamal Barksdale, Christopher Bazile, Laquan Beauvil, Edwin Bello, Saeed Bernard, Shonette Best, Katrina Bethea, Ian Bourne, Kervin Bravo, Ashley Brown, Terish Brown, Shonda Burton, Diana Calixte, Walter Chang, Ashley Charles, Glenn Cherry, Julian Cherry, Latisha ColemanWhite, Joseph Collazo, Shavonne Conway, Ismaelite Dortelus, Stefanie Ellis, Elicio Flores, Evan Govan, Francisco Javier, Tania Joint, Kenyata Lamey, Vanessa Langrey, Tiffany Murray, Donna Ramsey, Destiny Shepp, Prabhjot Singh, Nicole Smith, Amos Woods.

Local 237

NEWSLINE

216 West 14th St., New York, NY 10011 646-638-8501 Website: www.local237.org e-mail Newsline: [email protected]

Gregory Floyd Richard Hendershot President

Vice President

Edmund Kane Trustee

Ruben Torres

Patricia Stryker

Secretary-Treasurer Recording Secretary

Curtis Scott Trustee

Jeanette Taveras

Newsline and www.local237.org

Phyllis S. Shafran

Trustee

Editor

Special thanks in the preparation of Newsline to Gisela (GiGi) Reyes, Executive Administrative Assistant, and Winston George, Deputy Director of the Retiree Division.

IF YOU MOVE – Please send your change of address in writing to Membership to insure that you continue receiving your newspaper. Metro NY Labor Communications

Council

Reaching Out With Gregory Floyd Tune in every Saturday at 8:30 a.m. to hear Local 237’s radio program, “Reaching Out With Gregory Floyd.” Listen at Radio AM 970 “The Answer,” or online at www.am970theanswer.com. Our TV series is carried on New York City and Long Island cable TV systems. “Reaching Out” features President Floyd in conversation with leading government and elected officials, union leaders and Local 237 members discussing key issues that impact all who live and work in New York City and on Long Island. Recent guests included U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, City Council Member Ritchie Torres, and police union chief Patrick Lynch, president of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA).

Pictured right, top to bottom, Gregory Floyd with U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, City Council Member Ritchie Torres, and Patrick Lynch, President of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA).

See video excerpts of “Reaching Out With Greg Floyd” on Local 237’s website at www.local237.org/videos. The complete programs air on the NYC cable TV systems and Cablevision Long Island systems listed below.

Local 237 Newsline (USPS 700-000 ISSN 1083-3536) is published bimonthly by Local 237, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, 216 West 14 Street, New York, NY 10011. Periodical postage paid at New York, NY. Postmaster: Send address changes to Local 237 Newsline, 216 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10011.

Executive Board

ON AIR

Local 237: On the Air STATEN ISLAND COMMUNITY TELEVISION (CTV): Time Warner Ch.34 & Verizon FIOS Ch.34 Tuesdays, 7 p.m. BRONXNET: Cablevision Ch. 70 & Verizon FIOS Ch. 36 Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Multiple program repeats during the week: Mondays, 7 a.m. & 11 a.m.; Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m.; Wednesdays, 11:30 p.m. MANHATTAN NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORK (MNN): Time Warner Ch. 34, RCN Ch. 82 & Verizon FIOS Ch. 33 Wednesdays, 8:30 p.m.

BROOKLYN PUBLIC NETWORK (BRIC): Time Warner Ch. 79, Cablevision Ch. 68, Verizon FIOS Ch. 43, & RCN Ch. 83 Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m. QUEENS PUBLIC TELEVISION (QPTV): Time Warner Ch. 79 & 1998 Verizon FIOS Ch. 35 & RCN Ch. 83 Mondays, 1 p.m., Tuesdays, 9 p.m. LONG ISLAND CABLEVISION: Hauppauge System Ch. 20 Sundays, 4:30 p.m. Woodbury System Ch. 20 Fridays, 7:30 p.m.

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MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Recognition Well Deserved

North Central Hospital’s Peace Officer Week 2016 award was bestowed on Sgt. Jones; Sgt. Gilliard; PO Gonzalez; PO Magnum; PO Cooper; PO Vargas; Sgt. Mayme; PO Velasquez; PO Khan and PO McCrae.

Hospital Police at Jacobi Hospital received the “Peace Officer of the Week Award” Recipients are: First row: PO James; Det. Frias; Sgt. Kocher; PO Morales; PO Pasilla; Capt. Suero; Interim Chief Executive Fugazy; HP Asst. Dir. Pagan; PO Noriega. Second row: PO Tyson; HP Dir. McMorrow; PO Monroe; PO Green; PO Khalil; Dr. Teperman; PO Hart; PO Johnson. Top row: Sgt. Vasquez and PO Gonzalez.

Hospital Police at Lincoln Hospital received the “Peace Officer of the Week Award” Recipients are: Lt. Cruz; PO Cole; PO Vives; PO Delione; PO Madrigal; PO Lainbright; PO Wilson; PO Wheaton; PO Nicholson; PO Jack; PO Rahman; Capt. Santiago; Lt. Marrero and PO Lay.

Right, North Central Bronx Hospital implemented a new program titled “Staff Engagement” to acknowledge employees who go above and beyond the call of duty. Receiving the honor are Sgt. Rosemary Maymi, left, and Officer Melissa Rivera, right, flanking Capt. Audrey Anthony-Lopez.

Public housing members at Pomonok, left, and Seth Low Houses, right, received a visit from Local 237 President Gregory Floyd, center in both pictures, who thanked the members for their dedication to a job well-done.

Congratulations to Hubert Evans, 87, Brooklyn College Campus Police Officer, here with Brooklyn College president Karen Gold. Evans achieved his lifelong dream of receiving a college diploma and recently graduated Medgar Evers College, where he majored in political science and minored in physics. He plans to begin a career as a college education counselor.

Metro New York Labor Communications Council bestowed two awards to Local 237 for journalistic excellence. One went to the Retiree Division for its video “Union Voices Create History,” and one was presented to President Gregory Floyd for best editorial: “The Need for Contracting Accountability and Transparency at NYCHA.”

CUNY Police Officer Curt Caesar, right, receives the “Peace Officer of the Year Award” from Chief Arnold Bernabe at Hostos Community College in May.

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The Political and Labor Scenes

Statewide $15 Minimum Wage Is Passed President Gregory Floyd and members of Local 237 were proud to have played a role in helping to achieve a $15 minimum wage and paid family leave for workers in New York State. Governor Cuomo, joined by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, signed the historic legislation into law at the Javits Center, following months of the statewide “Fight for $15” campaign — spearheaded by labor — to convince Albany lawmakers that dignity in the workplace begins with a decent wage. Throughout the campaign, our message was clear: If you work all day, you shouldn’t have to worry

about being able to afford food to put on the table for your family at night. Added to a $15 minimum wage, the passage of Paid Family Leave was also signed into law, placing our priorities where they should be — with our families and the things that really matter. Workers should not be forced to choose between taking care of a newborn or a sick loved one and losing their job. Now, in New York State, they won’t have this worry. We are very hopeful that our efforts also help send a powerful message throughout the nation: “Workers make this country run. Treat them fairly and the positive results will benefit everyone.”

Arms and thumbs up in victory! Leading the celebrants at the Javits Center were, on the left, Governor Cuomo and Hillary Clinton.

Bricklayers Contracts Signed Contracts for both Bricklayers and Bricklayer Supervisors were overwhelmingly ratified on May 23. The vote was 64 to 10. Among the contracts’ provisions are retroactive pay, a signing bonus and increases in the employer’s contribution to the Welfare Fund for active and retired members and the annuity fund for Bricklayers. In addition, as of June 1, 2016, premium overtime will be paid after 40 hours in pay status.

Below, ensuring an accurate count, are: Edmund Kane, Local 237 Executive Board Trustee; Michael Maiorano, Bricklayer Supervisor, Manhattan; Mirdersi Martinez, Local 237 Administrative Assistant; Richard Sale, Bricklayer, DCAS; Gilbert Rivera, Bricklayer, Shop Steward, NYCHA, Manhattan; Ruben Torres, Local 237 Executive Board Secretary-Treasurer, and Donald Arnold, Local 237 Director, Citywide.

Local 237 members attending the celebratory rally, left to right, were Diane Stein, Health and Safety Coordinator; Donald Arnold, Citywide Director; Curtis Scott, Housing Business Agent and Trustee; Derek Jackson, Law Enforcement Director; Dwayne Montgomery, Integrity Director; Paul D’amato, Housing Business Agent, and Jeanette Taveras, Law Enforcement Business Agent and Trustee.

Labor Council Honors Floyd

The Congressman Comes to Call

The New York City Central Labor Council held its annual awards reception in April to honor labor leaders who have distinguished themselves for their extraordinary efforts on behalf of their members. Local 237’s President, Gregory Floyd, was among this year’s honorees. On hand to help celebrate Floyd’s honor were, left to right: Phyllis Shafran, Director of Com-

munications; Donald Arnold, Director, Citywide; Derek Jackson, Director, Law Enforcement; Gregory Floyd, President, Teamster’s Local 237; Kevin Norman, Special Assistant to the President; Jeanette Taveras, Law Enforcement Business Agent and Trustee; Dwayne Montgomery, Director of Integrity, and Charlie Cotto, Law Enforcement Business Agent.

Congressman Peter King, center, paid a visit to workers of the Long Island Division, where he was greeted by Gregory Floyd, President, Local 237, left, and Benny Carenza, Deputy Director, Long Island Division.

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! ARRIBA! PUERTO R

The parade was a real family affair. Local 237 members brought their families and friends to enjoy the festivities.

Local 237 marchers getting ready to kick off with Curtis Scott, Housing Business Agent and Trustee on the Executive Board, left; President Gregory Floyd, wearing the blue hat; George Miranda, IBT International Vice-President-at large, wearing the white hat; Patricia Stryker, Recording Secretary on the Executive Board, and Ruben Torres, Secretary-Treasurer, Executive Board, right.

Left, Adrian Merced, Local 210 Business Agent, and Charlie Cotto, Local 237 Law Enforcement Business Agent. Right, Ruben Torres, 237 Secretary-Treasurer.

Left, Norberto Luna, Housing Business Agent and parade coordinator for Local 237. Right, More than 300 Local 237 members marched in this year’s parade.

Marching up 5th Avenue were, left to right, HHC retiree Kenneth Fox; Gregory Floyd, President, Teamsters Local 237; George Miranda, IBT International Vice-President-at-large; Jeanette Taveras, Law Enforcement Business Agent and Trustee on the Executive Board; Patricia Stryker, Recording Secretary on the Executive Board, and Ruben Torres, Secretary-Treasurer, Executive Board.

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RICO

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On Sunday, June 12, 5th Avenue came alive with the sights and sounds of this beautiful island. Over one million spectators lined the streets to enjoy the colorful floats and live music representing the rich culture and heritage of the Puerto Rican people. Members of Local 237 marched with President Gregory Floyd and the Executive Board in this parade of pride and celebration of tradition.

Governor Andrew Cuomo, holding the Puerto Rican flag, was among the dignitaries participanting.

The Explorers, an NYPD program supported by School Safety Agents, were among the youthful marchers.

Fifth Avenue was Salsa Avenue for a day.

Gregory Floyd, left, with George Miranda, IBT International Vice-Presidentat-large, and Adrian Merced, Local 210 Business Agent.

From the Long Island Division were, left, Benny Carenza, Deputy Director; Peggy Conroy; Louise Lorde and Nancy Provenzano from the Brentwood school district, with Gregory Floyd, President, Local 237.

Curtis Scott, Housing Business Agent and Trustee on the Executive Board.

Gregory Floyd, President, Local 237, left, and George Miranda, IBT International Vice-President, stopped by St. Patrick’s Cathedral and was greeted by the Reverend Monsignor Robert Ritchie.

Local 237’s float as it passes by St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Left to right: Benny Carenza, Long Island Deputy Director; Lenny Welch, School Safety Agent L3; Jeanette Taveras, Law Enforcement Business Agent and Trustee on the Executive Board; George Miranda, IBT International Vice-President-at-large, and Gregory Floyd, President, Local 237.

Retirees:(left to right) Cejester Walker; Jose Alicea; Bandleader Papo Pepin (who also performed on the float); Nancy True, Director of the Retiree Division; Elsa Nias; Nora Davilla; Olga Vasallo Perez and Leroy Nias.

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LONG ISLAND REPORT German Pride on Display The Long Island Division hosted its first-ever celebration of the German heritage. The evening included terrific food and music highlighting German

Enjoying the festivities are, left to right, Frank Rella, Local 237 Law Enforcement Business Agent; Benny Carenza, Deputy Director, Long Island Division; Gregory Floyd, Local 237 President; Richard Hendershot, Local 237 Executive Board Vice President; Trisha Wade; Cathy Rice, Business Agent, Long Island Division; Midersi Martinez, Administrative Assistant, Law Enforcement and Citywide and, seated, are Jeanette Taveras, Law Enforcement Business Agent and Executive Board Trustee, and Gisela Reyes, Executive Assistant.

Richard Hendershot, left, Local 237 Executive Board Vice President, received The Lifetime Achievement Award from Local 237 President Gregory Floyd.

Nancy Provenzano was among the honorees. She is pictured with, left to right: Richard Hendershot, Local 237 Executive Board Vice President; her husband Russell; sons Brian and Peter; Gregory Floyd, President Local 237, and Benny Carenza, Deputy Director, Long Island Division.

Robert Verch, from the Town of Babylon, left, joined Gregory Floyd, President, Local 237, right, to thank members of the VFW, Martin Kessler, Post 2912, for donating their hall for the German heritage celebration.

culture and pride. Several members also received awards in acknowledgement of their dedication to a job well done. A great time was had by all.

Robert Prager was unable to attend the event, but was well represented by his daughters Jessica and Ashley, who received the award on his behalf from Local 237 President Gregory Floyd.

John Hoffmann, left, received the President’s Award. He is pictured with Gregory Floyd, Local 237 President, center, and Benny Carenza, Deputy Director, Long Island Division.

Members in the News Brentwood schools food service workers attending their quarterly meeting, along with Jeanette Taveras, Law Enforcement Business Agent and Executive Board Trustee, first row, left. Second row: Len Proctor, Local 237, Deputy Director of the Welfare Fund; Gregory Floyd, President, Local 237; John Burns, Director, Long Island Division; Charlie Cotto, Local 237 Law Enforcement Business Agent; Midersi Martinez, Administrative Assistant, Law Enforcement and Citywide, and Benny Carenza, Deputy Director, Long Island Division. Food service workers from the Brentwood school district, Pine Park Elementary School, celebrated the birthday of Sonia Lemus, pictured to the right of Benny Carenza, Deputy Director, Long Island Division, who was on hand to extend his congratulations.

Congressman Peter King, center, paid a visit to the Long Island Division’s Brentwood workers. He was greeted at the Brentwood American Legion by Gregory Floyd, President, Local 237, left, and Scott Dimperio, who works in the Brentwood school district as a MM3/Electronics member.

Retirees from the Brentwood school district. Left to right: Carmello Sancetta; James Johnston and Jose Gonzalez.

Brentwood school district, Hemlock Park Elementary School food workers.

Half Hollow School District members from the Buildings & Grounds group.

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Lending A Helping Hand

Members in the News

School Safety Agents from Port Richmond High School were the first on the scene to aid a stabbing victim, her injured 2-year-old son and traumatized 3-year-old daughter. They applied a medical triage kit and called the NYPD and EMS. Pictured from left to right: SSA1 Malaynee Feliberti; SSA1 Saju Varghese; SSA 3 Horlad Wise; SSA1 L.C Williams; SSA1 Danielle Caserta; SSA1 David Perez and SSA1 Jasmine Galarza. Human Resources Administration (HRA) Police Officer LeVarr Greenfield successfully intervened when a menacing client tried to stab other officers at an HRA site. His heroic effort helped lead to the arrest of the client.

Gerard J. Martuscelli, has retired after 36 years as a DOT Mason Helper. We wish him all the best! He is flanked, left, by Joseph Saverino, DOT Cement Mason, and Donald Arnold, Director of the Citywide Division. Also, Local 237 joins Nittie Johnson to wish her husband, Norris Johnson, congratulations as he retires after 25 years as a Queens South School Safety Agent at MS 137.

SSA3 Frankienette Roberson, with the assistance of SSA1 Justin Capote, confiscated a large meat cleaver and a razor blade from the backpack of a female student attempting to enter The High School of Fashion Industries. This school has no metal detectors. The quick actions of the school safety officers resulted in the Superintendent Suspension for the student.

Keeping Our Members Informed Is an FHA Mortgage Right For You? Mary E. Sheridan, Esq., Director of Local 237 Legal Services Plan

T Opera singer and School Safety Agent Daniela Taormina, center, who has worked 13 years at PS 36 in Staten Island, sang the Star Spangled Banner at the City Council in April, kicking off “Women’s Herstory Month.” She has performed in many other venues, including the Mets’ Citifield. Taormina comes from a musical family — her father is a tenor at the Metropolitan Opera House.

CONDOLENCES It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of the following Local 237 members or members of their family. They will be missed. To the family of KIMBERLY L. GARRETT, a dedicated and much-loved School Safety Agent l, working in the Manhattan South Command, who died in May. ••• To BETSY RAMJATTAN, Members Services Manager, on the passing of her most cherished grandmother, Isaura “Sarah” Torres, in June. ••• To ALFRED BROWN, School Safety Agent lll, on the death of his beloved brother, Lawsie Brown in June. ••• To SCHOOL SAFETY AGENT III ANDRE WILLIAMS (formerly known as SALLEY) upon the death of his devoted father, Norris McAdoo, who passed away in April. SCHOOL SAFETY AGENT SANDRA CRANFORD was posthumously honored for 28 years of dedicated service at PS 14, in the Stapleton section of Staten Island, with a street named in her memory. Sandra was a revered mentor and friend to countless people and known as a permanent fixture in the community. Now that she is gone, her name, on a street sign, will be a permanent reminder of a life that touched so many.

he American dream of owning a home is alive and well. Here at Local 237 Legal Services Plan, we have been very busy representing members eligible for our legal services who are interested in buying a coop, condo, one or two family home to live in. One of the most common questions confronting a first-time home buyer is whether or not an FHA mortgage is the best financing option for buying a home. Unlike conventional mortgages, FHA mortgages allow you to borrow up to 96.5% of the purchase price of the home resulting in a cash contribution of as little as 3.5%. A benefit for many is that those with lower credit scores may qualify for FHA mortgages. But when it comes to FHA mortgages, where there is good there is bad. If you borrow 96.5% of the purchase price of a home it means you must pay a Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) in order to secure the loan. This MIP is paid in two ways: an upfront yearly premium and also monthly for the life of the loan. The upfront premium is rolled into your mortgage and is currently 1.75% of your total loan amount. So, for a $350,000 mortgage, that is an additional $6,125 added into your total mortgage. Where you pay MIP on an initial mortgage of over 90% of the purchase price, that monthly mortgage insurance premium will be paid for the life of your mortgage — even when your equity in the home exceeds 20% of the home’s appraised value. Your only way out of that monthly MIP will be to apply for an FHA streamline, or refinance your mortgage at some point. FHA is great for those with little cash saved to buy and those with less than excellent credit scores. However, the more cash you have to contribute to your home purchase, the less interest and mortgage insurance you will pay, saving you substantial money in the long run. The Kianga House Festival will take place on Saturday, August 20, from 10am to 4pm at 1504 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn. Proceeds from the sale of food will go to aid the homeless young mothers and their children at that shelter. The children will also perform starting at 1pm. To lend your support and make a contribution, contact School Safety Agent Jacqueline Dowd at 3foodllc.com

PROMOTION As of April 4, Jean C. Stokes was promoted to Director of Membership Department and Employees Relations. Her salary is $1,687.00 per week ($87,724 per year.)

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NEWSLINE, July/August 2016

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS Recognition Well Deserved

The 2nd Annual School Safety Agent Recognition Ceremony held in May at the headquarters of the Department of Education honored 47 School Safety Agents, pictured with Chancellor Carmen Fariña, first row, third from the right, and members of the NYPD and the DOE.

Twenty-two School Safety Agents from the Bronx East and the Bronx West Commands were acknowledged at the UFT Recognition Dinner in June. They are pictured with officials from the NYPD and the DOE as well as the new Bronx District Attorney, Darcel Clark, fourth from the left, and Derek Jackson, Local 237 Director of Law Enforcement, is third from the right.

Changes to Health Care Insurance for NYC Employees By Mitch Goldberg Director, Welfare Fund

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here have been several changes to health care insurance for New York City employees. By now you should have received a mailing from EmblemHealth outlining the changes. Since these changes may have an impact on your personal health care coverage, you are urged to review these changes carefully. All changes become effective on July 1, 2016. Here’s an overview of some of those changes: GHI CBP Medical Plan The GHI CBP program will enhance coverage to provide for in-network preventive services such as Routine Physicals, Immunizations, Colonoscopies and Mammograms. Certain prescription drugs, including some preventive prescriptions currently covered by the Teamsters Local 237 Welfare Fund, will now be covered by your GHI plan. These services will be available with $0 copayments. In addition, copayments have been reduced when you visit a primary care physician (PCP) or specialist affiliated with the multi-specialty physician practice of AdvantageCare Physicians (ACPNY). For more information, visit acpny.com. Empire BlueCross BlueShield Hospitalization Plan The current copay for the Emergency Room is $50. Starting on July 1, 2016, this will increase to $150, which will be waived if you are admitted to the hospital within 24 hours. Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP) MOOP refers to the maximum amount of innetwork cost-sharing expenses that you will pay in each plan year for covered services/essential

health benefits received from Participating Providers under the GHI/Empire BlueCross BlueShield plans combined. MOOP includes deductibles, coinsurance and copay charge amounts that you must pay for covered in-network services and any applicable riders in a policy year. Cost-sharing amounts attributable to services received from Non-Participating Providers generally do not count toward MOOP. Amounts incurred for non-covered services and other non-covered expenses, such as amounts in excess of plan allowances as well as any financial penalties, do not count toward MOOP. Premiums and/or premium contributions also do not count toward MOOP. The MOOP amount may change from plan year to plan year, as determined by the Federal Government. For July 1, 2016 – December 31, 2016, the GHI Medical MOOP is $2,175 for an individual and $4,350 for a family. The EBCBS Hospital MOOP is $1,250 for an individual and $2,500 for a family. Telehealth Effective July 1, you will have access to a Telehealth benefit through American Well (AmWell) for a $15 copayment. This is a Telehealth company which uses technology that allows you to access remote clinical health care via online video interaction or telephone. This service is not a substitute for visiting your PCP, but rather an alternative method for receiving care for minor, everyday ailments which may not require a visit to your doctor. HIP HMO Members Your HIP HMO plan continues to offer you $0 copayments for office visits when you choose a Preferred Primary Care Physician (PCP) provider from the Prime Network. If you choose a non-preferred PCP provider within the Prime Network, you will have modest copayments for services. As a HIP HMO member, you are required to select a participating PCP. When you choose a pre-

ferred PCP from among the participating providers, you will have no copayment for primary and specialty care office visits. Additional services, such as diagnostic and lab tests, will also be provided with no copayment. If you choose a PCP that is not a preferred provider, you will have a $10 copayment for primary care and specialty office visits, and diagnostic and lab tests. Member ID Cards Preferred PCP: If you are currently using a preferred PCP, you may continue to use the member ID card you already have. Non-Preferred PCP: If you choose a non-preferred PCP, your new member ID card will be mailed to you approximately 10 days prior to the July 1, 2016, effective date of your new plan. Please begin using it when claiming benefits, and be sure to destroy your previous card once you receive your new one. Additional Enhancements for both GHI/CBP and HIP HMO Plans Zocdoc This is an online service you can use to find and book in-network doctors’ appointments, often for the same day. For more information regarding this new benefit, visit zocdoc.com/nyc. Questions? If you have any questions about the changes to your GHI CBP medical benefits, please call EmblemHealth Customer Service at 1-800-6242414, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm (closed on weekends.) If you have a hearing or speech impairment and use a TTY/TDD, please call 711. Or, visit the website at emblemhealth.com/city. If you have any questions about changes to your Empire BlueCross BlueShield hospital benefits, call 1-800-433-9592. Or visit the website at empireblue.com/nyc. You can also visit the City of New York Office of Labor Relations at NYC.gov/olr.

NEWSLINE, July/August 2016

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Resumen en Español Cambios al Seguro de Salud Para Los Miembros Sin Medicare Ha habido varios cambios al plan de seguro de salud para los empleados de la Ciudad. A la fecha, Ud. debió de haber recibido un comunicado por correo de EmblemHealth sobre los cambios en los Planes de Salud para los miembros empleados de la Ciudad de Nueva York. Ya que estos cambios pueden tener u impacto sobre la cobertura de su salud personal, usted debe revisarlas cuidadosamente. Todos los cambios entran en vigor Julio 1, 2016. Lo siguiente es un resumen de esos cambios:

1, 2016 esto aumentará a $150, que no se aplicará si usted es admitido al hospital dentro de 24 horas.

El Plan GHI CBP El programa GHI CBP tendrá mejor cobertura, para proveer servicios preventivos dentro de la red tal como vacunas, exámenes físicos de rutina y mamografías, colonoscopías. Ciertos medicamentos, incluyendo algunas prescripciones preventivas actualmente cubiertas por el Fondo de Assistencia Social de Teamsters Local 237, ahora serán cubiertos por el plan GHI. Estos servicios estarán disponibles por $0 de copago. Además, los copagos han sido reducidos cuando usted visita un médico de atención primaria (PCP) o un especialista afiliado a la práctica médica multi-especializada AdvantageCare Physicians (ACPNY). Para más información. Visite acpny.com.

Desembolso Máximo (MOOP) MOOP se refiere a la máxima cantidad de dinero que usted pagará anualmente en gastos dentro de la red para servicios cubiertos/beneficios esenciales de salud recibidos de Proveedores participantes bajo los planes combinados de GHI/Empire BlueCross Blue Shield. MOOP incluye las cantidades de deducibles, coseguros y copagos que usted debe pagar para servicios cubiertos dentro de la red y cualquier cláusula aplicable en un año de contrato. Importes de gastos atribuibles a servicios recibidos de los proveedores No Participantes generalmente no cuentan para MOOP. Importes incurridos por servicios no cubiertos y otros gastos no cubiertos, como cantidades superiores a los subsidios del plan así como las sanciones financieras, no cuentan para MOOP. Primas o contribuciones hacia primas también no cuentan para MOOP. La cantidad de MOOP podrá cambiar cada año del plan, según lo determine el Gobierno Federal. Para julio1, 2016 – Diciembre 31, 2016 el MOOP de GHI es 42175 para una persona y $4350 por familia. El MOOP de EBCBS es 1250 para una persona y 2500 por familia.

Plan de Hospitalización Empire BlueCrossBlue Shield El actual copago para sala de emergencia es $50. A partir de Julio

Telehealth (Telesalud) A partir de Julio 1º, usted tiene acceso al beneficio Telehealth por medio de American Well (AmWell)

por un copago de $15. Esta es una compañía que utiliza tecnología que le permite tener acceso a cuidado clínico remoto por medio de interacción por video o teléfono. Este servicio NO es un substituto de visitar su Médico Primario. Sino, un método alternativo para recibir cuidado por una dolencia menor que quizás no requiera una visita a su doctor. Miembros de HIP HMO Su plan HIP HMO continua ofreciéndole $0 copago para visitas de oficina cuando usted elige un Médico Preferido de Cuidado Primario (PCP) de la Red Primaria. Si usted escoge un médico No Preferido como PCP dentro de la Red Primaria, usted tendrá copagos modestos para sus servicios. Como miembro de HIP, se le exigirá seleccionar un PCP (médico de cuidado primario). Cuando usted elige un PCP preferido de entre los proveedores participantes, usted no tendrá copago alguno para visitas de oficina para cuidado primario o especializado. Servicios adicionales, tal como diagnóstico o exámenes de laboratorio, también serán provistos sin copagos. Si usted elige a un PCP que no es un proveedor preferido, se le cobrará $10 de copago por visita de oficina para cuidado primario o de especialista, y exámenes de laboratorio o diagnósticos. Tarjetas de ID Para Miembro PCP Preferidos: Si usted corrientemente está usando un PCP, usted podrá continuar usando la tarjeta de ID de miembro que usted ya tiene.

PCP No Preferido: Si usted ha elegido un PCP No Preferido, su nueva tarjeta de ID se le enviará por correo aproximadamente 10 días antes de Julio 1º 2016, la fecha efectiva de su nuevo plan. Favor de empezar a usarla cuando reclama beneficios, y esté seguro de destruir sus tarjetas viejas una vez que reciba la nueva. Mejoras Adicionales Para Ambos Planes GHI/CBP y HIP HMO Zocdoc Este es un servicio por internet que usted puede utilizar para encontrar y hacer cita con un doctor dentro de la red, frecuentemente para el mismo día. Para más información en cuanto a este nuevo beneficio, visite zocdoc.com/nyc. ¿Preguntas? Si usted tiene cualquier pregunta sobre los cambios a su beneficio médico de GHI CBP, favor de llamar a EmblemHealth Servicio al Cliente al 1-800-624-2414, Lunes a Viernes, 8 am a 6 pm (cerrado fines de semana). Si tiene un impedimento auditivo o de habla y usa TTY/TDD, favor de llamar al711. O, visite la página web, emblem-health.com/city. Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre cambios a sus beneficios de Hospital de Empire BlueCross BlueShield, llame al 1-800-433-9592. O, Visite la página web, empireblue.com/nyc. Usted también puede visitar la Oficina de Relaciones Laborales de la Ciudad de Nueva York en NYC.gov/olr.

Floyd Forma Equipo de Trabajo: Empleados de NYCHA, Residentes y Defensores Entre las medidas tomadas por el Presidente Floyd para impedir el empuje de NYCHA en su afán de implementar FlexOps — el plan de cambiar las horas laborables de los miembros en violación de sus contratos y a pesar de las fuertes objeciones del Local 237 basadas en falta de seguridad — fue invitar a los residentes y líderes defensores a su oficina para una discusión no solo de los problemas del nuevo plan, pero también iniciar un diálogo abierto dedicado a mejorar las condiciones para los que viven y trabajan en las residenciales de NYCHA. Según procedía la reunión, se hizo evidente que hubo un tema en que todos estuvieron de acuerdo: La Seguridad era su mayor preocupación. Todos también estuvieron de acuerdo que esta coalición de personas interesadas en NYCHA deberá continuar creando estrategias hacia un mejor entendimiento y a desarrollar maneras de solucionar los problemas que cada miembro enfrenta. Floyd tuvo una idea adicional: Invitar a Patrick Lynch, Presidente dela Asociación Benéfica de Policías (PBA) a la próxima reunión. Lynch había expresado el deseo de que los policías trabajasen más estrechamente con las comunidades de NYCHA y así reconectarse con los residentes—cosa que se había distan-

eran factor con denominador común. Lynch les dijo a los participantes: “Nuestros policías están allí para protegerles. Pero ellos también quieren regresar a sus familias al final de sus jornadas. El conocer a los residentes es clave para mejorar el trabajo de policía. Pero desafortunadamente, hoy día, no hay suficientes policías para Dos presidentes unen sus esfuerzos: Patrick hacer las rondas.” Lynch de la Asociación Benéfica de Policías y Poco después de la reGregory Floyd, del Local 237. unión, Floyd y Lynch lanciado desde que ocurrió la fusión de zaron un plan: Escribirían una carta al la Policía de Viviendas y la NYPD en Alcalde para demandar más agentes el 1995. Lynch ha visto la disminu- de policía para las residenciales de ción del número de agentes de la NYCHA. En una carta entregada a NYPD asignados a las residenciales mano, los dos líderes sindicales escride NYCHA como un factor impor- bieron: “Según notó recientemente tante en el desenlace. Antes de la Preet Bharara, el Fiscal General de los fusión, hubo 2,800 oficiales de policía EE.UU, la Autoridad de Viviendas de asignados a las residenciales de la Ciudad de Nueva York tiene la viviendas públicas. Hoy dia, hay obligación de proveer a sus residentes aproximadamente 1,900 agentes de viviendas que son ‘decentes, seguras, policía, muchos de los cuales son sanitarias y en buenas condiciones.’ reasignados, dependiendo de otras Ya sea o no que este estándar legal necesidades de personal. limitado haya sido cumplido, es claro Patrick Lynch, (vista a la izquier- que para nosotros que las condiciones da con Gregory Floyd) asistió a la ya inaceptables de crimen e inseguripróxima reunión de residentes y de- dad pública en nuestras residenciales fensores de NYCHA en la oficina de NYCHA se han deteriorado desde principal del Local 237. Fue bien que su Administración llegó al poder. recibido y a él también se le comu- Mientras que los crímenes serios de nicó que la seguridad y el bienestar “índice” han aumentado por toda la

ciudad por solamente un 0.22% hasta Mayo 15, las residenciales de NYCHA han visto un aumento de 8.9% desde hace un año en crímenes de índice, incluyendo un aumento de 18.8 % en asesinatos, un aumento de 14.7% en asaltos criminales y un aumento de 22.1% en robos residenciales. No debemos permitir la continuación de estas tendencias. Los residentes de NYCHA necesitan y se merecen algo mejor. Por lo tanto, hacemos llamado a su Administración a que ejecute acción significativa para mejorar el ambiente de seguridad en las residenciales de NYCHA restaurando por lo menos 900 oficiales de policía al Destacamento de Viviendas de la NYPD como parte del aumento del personal policiaco por toda la ciudad… El reciente aumento en el número de policías en la NYPD no ha sido suficiente para lidiar con el decline en niveles de abastecimiento, el cual ha disminuido por más de 6,000 unidades desde su nivel más alto antes del 9/11. Mientras que Floyd y Lynch esperan la respuesta del Alcalde y consideran su próximo paso, una cosa parece ser cierto: “No necesitamos filtros. Queremos trabajar directamente con los residentes en un plan que arregle los problemas que mejor conocen los que viven y trabajan en esos residenciales,” dice Floyd.

Members in the News The Explorers enjoyed a weekend competition of law enforcement tactics at Camp Pouch on Staten Island in May. Winning awards for their achievements were: Explorer Post #1886 at John Adams High School, overseen by SSA3 Laura Walker Jones and SSA3 Lakeisha Richardson, won 1st place Bomb Threat, and 2nd place Domestic Violence. Post #2436 at Visual Arts High School, overseen by SSA 3 Douglas Curz and SSA Rarames Ollivieri, won 2nd place Burglary and 3rd place Drill, campers pictured having fun in their tent.

Post 1886

Post 2436

Post #2241 at High School for Law Enforcement and Public Safety, overseen

Post 2241

by SSA3 Terese Nemley, SSA3 Stephen Nemley, SSA3 Lisa Thomp-

son and SSA3 Shawn Jones, won 3rd place, Domestic Violence.

The Champs! Red Birds baseball team consisting of Local 237 members and Housing Authority employees, were 2015 Champions and are off to a winning season. Left to right, rear Edgardo row: Rivera, José Santiago, Eddie Figueroa, Frank Cruz, Miguel de la Rosa, Gilbert Gonzalez, Joel Santiago, Earl Savage, James Weaver, Victor Hernandez, Steven Perez. Front row: Tony Cannon, Jorge Perez, Pete Cora (MVP), Miguel Marrero. Missing from the photo: Willie Gonzalez, José Vargas, Christian Marte, Reggie Davis, Luis Tirado, Miguel Alvarez, Joachim Mendez, Raphael Ortiz, Luis Espada, and Nick Bravo. Queens North Command hosted a recognition ceremony in April. Recipients were, first row, left to right: Nilsa Garcia-Velez; Sandra Ferguson; Tracy Price; Commanding Officer Suzanne Catoggio; Victoria Nixon; L3 Jose Gonzalez. Second row, left to right: Michael Chestnut; Gregory Robertson; Stacy Price; Bran Davis and Derek Jackson, Director, Law Enforcement.

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In an acknowledgment of a job well done, the Department of Homeless Services promoted Carlos Rivera to the rank of Detective, second from the left, and Roberto Alvarez to the rank of Sergeant, next to him, with Charlie Cotto, Law Enforcement Business Agent, left, and Derek Jackson, Director of Law Enforcement.

April 8 was the finale of “My School Has Rhythm Not Violence,” a competition of talented high school students. The Community Outreach Unit of the NYPD’s School Safety Division conceived and coordinated this anti-violence initiative. The four schools competing in the Bronx were: John F. Kennedy Campus, Evander Childs Campus, Alfred E. Smith Campus and Adlai E. Stevenson Campus. Pictured are the 1st Place winners, students from the Alfred E. Smith Campus, along with members of the NYPD and DOE and elected officials who joined in the festivities. Local 237, radio station WBLS, the Municipal Credit Union and the UFT were among the sponsors.

Join Us on Labor Day! Join us! Labor Day Parade 2016, Sat urday, Sept ember 10. March up 5th Avenue in solidarity and pride with our brothers and sisters to show that unions continue the fight for dignity and fairness in the workplace. Kick-off time and location will soon be announced.

The Local 237 contingent at last year’s Labor Day parade.