Unionist June

Volume 39 • Number 6 June 2009

Pat Arnow

MLC Deal on Health Benefits Delays Permanent Worker Layoffs

Union members gather on the steps of City Hall May 26 for a press conference called by Local 371 to protest layoffs and program cuts. Hundreds of Union members turned out at City Hall that day for a City Council hearing on the Fiscal 2010 Budget.

City Council and Mayor Reach Budget Agreement; Workers’ Future Still Unknown

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s The Unionist went to press, the City Council and Mayor Michael Bloomberg had reached an agreement on the budget; however, details of the agreement were unclear. Three million dollars was restored to the Administration for Children’s Services budget, and the Union is attempting to ascertain exact language to determine the impact on workers. The City Council was scheduled to vote on the budget June 18 or 19. Because of a deal the Municipal Labor Committee and the City negotiated on health benefits June 2, layoffs of all perma-

nent competitive and non competitive employees are being put off for three months beyond June 26, the day they were scheduled to go into effect. The City pledged to send letters to individual workers who are not being laid off at this time. Special transfer lists have been put on hold. The MLC stabilization fund is footing the $20 million price tag for the delay. The City is still planning to lay off up to 1,000 provisional workers now and to cut programs in a number of City agencies. About 50 of the provisional workers slated for layoffs are members of Local 371.

The Union has waged an aggressive ad campaign, held press briefings (see related stories on pages 4, 5 and 7), and has been lobbying City Council members to pass a budget that will reduce the layoffs and cuts now and three months down the road. In the deal on health care, the City will receive significant budget relief from the unions. HIP co-pays would go into effect August 1 as follows: $50 for hospital emergency room visits (waived if the person is admitted); l $100 for hospital admission; $50 ambulatory surgery facilities; Continued on page 4

CALENDAR June 23 police attendants meeting: 6:30 p.m. Union Office 12th Floor 24 Political Action Committee Meeting: 6:30 p.m. Union Office 12th Floor 30 HPD Chapter Meeting: 6:30 p.m. Union Office 12th Floor

JuLY 1 Executive Committee Meeting: 6:30 p.m. Union Office 12th Floor 3 independence day observed (An official City holiday) 15 Delegate Assembly: 6:30 p.m. 235 West 23rd Street in Manhattan 21 Alumni Association Meeting: 2 p.m. Union Office 12th Floor 22 Political Action Committee Meeting: 6:30 p.m. Union Office 12th Floor 28 Latino Heritage Committee Meeting: 6:30 p.m. Union Office 12th 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 Faye Moore Executive Vice President Yolanda Pumarejo Secretary-Treasurer Joe Nazario V.P. Negotiations & Research Anthony Wells V.P. Organization & Education Beverly Mallory Brown V.P. Grievances & Legal Services Lloyd Permaul V.P. Legislation & Political Action Michelle Akyempong V.P. Publicity & Community Relations Michelle Conklin Trustees Michael Ballesteros Yolanda DeJesus Melva Scarborough Editor Martin Fishgold Director of Communications Linda Schleicher Editorial Associate Jessica Ramos

Visit us on the web at www.sseu371.org

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Union Wins Website Award at Metro Labor Media Convention Local 371 Publicity staff: Editorial Associate Jessica Ramos, Communications Director Linda Schleicher, Technology Intern Javlon Turdiev, and Vice President of Publicity Michelle Conklin hold first place plaque awarded to the Union for web design by the Metro Labor Communications Council. The award was presented at Metro’s annual convention on June 5. In addition to the awards, attendees heard a panel discussion on “Opportunities for Labor in a Time of Crisis” and a workshop presentation by Ramos and others on “Uploading and Downloading Labor’s Message,” which discussed the use of Facebook, Twitter and other newer means

of getting out a message. Local 371 editor Marty Fishgold is a former head of Metro. Schleicher currently sits on the Metro board.

Privatized Addiction Counselors Vote Down Union Representation Seventy three credentialed alcoholism and substance abuse counselors (CASACs) working for NADAP (National Association on Drug Abuse Programs), a private agency, voted May 21 on whether they want to be represented by Local 371, and the Union lost the vote 44 to 28 with one void ballot. Local 371 and DC 37 submitted a petition to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in April seeking to represent these private agency workers. The City’s Human Resources Administration (HRA) contracted with NADAP to provide services of CASAC workers, who would fall under Local 371’s Counselor (Addiction Treatment) or Addiction Counselor titles if they worked for a City agency. For several years, these CASACs have worked side

by side with Local 371 members in HRA agencies in every borough except Staten Island.  Despite their hard work and professionalism, these workers have been forced to endure the substandard wages and benefits and lack of due process that come with non-union employment.

Caribbean Heritage Celebration The Union’s Annual Caribbean Heritage Celebration was held on Friday, June 19, too late to get into this issue of The Unionist. Extensive coverage of this event, including a story and photographs, will appear in the July/August combined issue of The Unionist.

20 Years Ago

10 Years Ago

“Union Urges Members to Take Part in June Freedom Caravan Event Twenty five years ago this month, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner were murdered by the Ku Klux Klan in Philadelphia, Mississippi while working on a voter registration drive. To commemorate their deaths and to renew a commitment to the civil rights struggle and to voter registration, a Freedom Caravan of buses will travel to Mississippi and back to New York City during the week of June 19-24....the Union is sponsoring four individuals who wish to join the Caravan and report on it for The Unionist.”

“50,000 NYC Union Members Demonstrate at City Hall Teachers, caseworkers, firemen, carpenters and city workers of all stripes joined together May 12 as 50,000 union members packed Broadway from City Hall Park all the way to Canal Street. They carried signs and chanted slogans that protested everything from Mayor Rudolph Giuliani’s budget to Governor George Pataki’s policies.”

June 1989

15 Years Ago June 1994

“City Council Overrides Mayoral Veto of Contracting Out Bill The City Council on June 14 overrode a mayoral veto of a bill that authorizes the Council to hold hearings on proposed contracts that might displace City workers. It was the first override of the Giuliani administration and only the third in the last 25 years.”

June 1999

5 Years Ago June 2004

“Union Wins Arbitrations for Two Long-Time Delegates The Union won significant arbitration victories in the past month on behalf of two long-time delegates, Kathleen Sabater and Sybil Alexander, who were employed by the Human Resources Administration. Both delegates were brought up on disciplinary charges during a period when it appeared that Local 371 activists were being targeted by management.” The Unionist | June 2009

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istrict Council 37’s 15th Annual Jewish Heritage Celebration took place on May 18. The event committee, led by Dr. Leonard Davidman, President of Local 1189, was comprised of Members of the Jewish Heritage Committee pose for a photograph. many Local 371 members. After a Glatt less food to distribute due to the decline in kosher meal of couscous, knishes, and school, business and community food colkasha varnishkes, attendees enjoyed music lections during the summer by Magda Fishman, worldmonths, and hungry New renowned Israeli singer, York City children still accompanied by Avram need our help.” (For more Pengas on guitar. information, please visit: David Napell introduced www.mazon.org.) the audience to Mazon, a “Jewish Values and the hunger relief network for Obama Administration” was low-income families in the central theme of the eveNew York City. He stressed ning. Keynote Speaker Mark Israeli Singer Magda Fishman. that while the organization and especially opening discussions that were Pelavin of the Religious is a Jewish response to hunclosed off before. “President Obama appears Action Center in Washingger, it helps families of all committed to the peace process in Israel and ton D.C. focused on the religions across New York Keynote Speaker Mark Pelavin. supports sustained and consistent American new direction President City. “Summer is a parparticipation,” Pelavin said. Obama is taking the capital in, promoting ticularly vulnerable time of year for those —Jessica Ramos transparency and diplomacy in all he does, in need,” Nepell said. “Food pantries have

All Union Chapter Elections Completed The Bureau of Child Welfare Chapter held nominations on May 4, and the following candidates were elected unopposed: Chairperson, Robert Triplett; Vice Chairperson, John Land; Secretary, Brenda Cunningham; Publicity/Organization Chairperson, Mary Myers; Grievance Chairperson, Akinola Bronco; Chairperson for Legislation and Political Action, Vacant. The Human Resources Administration Chapter held nominations on May 4, and the following candidates were elected uncontested: Chairperson, Sylvia Quinones; Vice Chairperson, Alexis Davis; Vice Chairperson for DYCD, Karen Hill; Vice Chairperson for SBS, Leonard Spells; Grievance Chairperson, Sherrin Lockett; Publicity Chairperson, Deloris Alexander. The Department of Health Employees Chapter held nominations on May 5, and the following candidates were elected unopposed: Chairperson, Bertha Joyner; Vice Chairperson, Raphael Molina. June 2009 | The Unionist

The Social Service Employees Chapter held nominations on May 5, and the following candidates were elected unopposed: Chairperson, Yolanda Williams; Vice Chairperson, Michelle Artis; Vice Chairperson of Organization, Ralph Garcia; Director of Grievances, Anthony Sweeny; Director of Publicity, Carmen Jones; Secretary, Avon Pickney; Nine Officers-at-Large, Robert Joyner, Sybil Alexander,  Allen Jabouin, Emeka Nwagugu, Benita Hill, Faith Cochran, Sheryl Calderon. The Housing Preservation & Development Chapter held nominations  on June 4, and the following candidates were elected unopposed: Chairperson, James Geer; Vice Chairperson, Debbie Timothy; Secretary, Rosemary Ciulla Frisone; Parliamentarian, Freddy Wiley. The Civilians in Law Enforcement Employees Chapter held nominations on May 12, and the following candidates were elected unopposed: Chair, Efrain Quintana; Vice Chair, Elma Reeves;

Secretary, Richard Gross; Recording Secretary, Miguel Rivera. The Health & Hospital Employees Chapter held nominations on May 7, and the following candidates were elected unopposed: Chairperson, Eugene Jones; Vice Chairperson, Hector Rodriguez; Secretary, Carmen Benitez; Vice Chairperson for Grievances, John Vargas; Vice Chairperson for Organization, Sandra Saez; Vice Chairperson for Publicity, Maxine Howard. The Shelters and Institutional Employees Chapter held nominations on May 15, and the following candidates were elected unopposed: Chairperson, Diane Silver; 1st Vice Chairperson, Joseph Myrick; 2nd Vice Chairperson, Theodore Baker; Secretary, Marisa Green. The Community Service Workers Chapter held nominations on May 11, and the following candidates were elected unopposed: Chairperson, Sadie Sanders; Vice Chairperson, Kevin Peacock.

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Photos by Charles Brown

Jewish Heritage Celebrated at District Council 37

City Budget Agreement and MLC Deal Are Reached Continued from page 1

l Preventive dental rider eliminated; l In GHI, the MLC agreed to widen the hospital network; l Restrict new cases to participating facilities for use of hemo-dialysis and ambulatory surgery; and a $50 emergency room co-pay for seniors (waived if admitted). l There will be a one-time $200 contribution per active employee to the Union’s benefit fund, and a labor-management committee on employment, employment alternatives and redeployment will be established.

How We Got Here

ACS was planning to eliminate 1,100 positions through attrition and layoffs, including 349 layoffs of Local 371 members. In addition, 159 members were scheduled to be laid off because of State approval of the Improved Outcomes for Children (IOC) initiative. “At risk” layoff notification letters were sent out May 12 to the workers in ACS. The Mayor took threatened layoffs in protective services off the table after the press broke the story and he appeared on television and admitted he had committed to adequate staffing

Mayor Bloomberg announced his Fiscal 2010 Budget on May 1 and proposed a total headcount reduction of 13,500 — 3,759 through layoffs, and the rest through attrition. The largest number of Local 371 layoffs were scheduled for the Administration for Children’s Services, but layoffs were also scheduled in the Department of Homeless Services, the Department of Records, the Department of Youth and Community Development, and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development.

to keep caseloads down. In the Department of Homeless Services, 174 formerly targeted workers in Community titles were spared. At the same time, the Family Hotel Program was being eliminated, and 24 Supervisor I lines, 19 Caseworker lines, and 13 Community Liaison Title Series Worker lines were being eliminated, with the resulting bumping and layoffs. In the HHC, 19 Local 371 members in a variety of titles were scheduled to be laid off due to the closing of a number of clinics around the City. In

City Council Grills Mattingly on ACS Cuts

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Jessica Ramos

Jessica Ramos

can provide the same services at this level over $800 million. ith hunwith 1,000 cuts,” he told Mattingly. “It seems to me dreds of Council Member Darlene Mealy supthere’s got to be Local 371 another way to find ported both Weprin and de Blasio and members altercriticized the cuts for the effect they will the money,” said nately waving signs Weprin. “What are have on the community. Later, Brookthat read “BOO” lyn Council Member Letitia James lit you going to do, and “LIES”, memMr. Commissioner, into Bloomberg and Mattingly for the bers of three New racially insensitive nature of the layoffs if we have another York City CounNixzmary Brown?” and for their budget priorities. James, cil committees who supported term limits and opposed Under ques(Finance, GenBloomberg’s campaign to run for another tioning by Bill de eral Welfare, and Union members react to Commissioner Mattingly’s testimony. term as mayor, also spoke to the press and Blasio, chair of the Women’s Issues) to Local 371 members at the press conferGeneral Welfare Committee, Mattingly met on May 26 in a joint hearing to grill ence the Union held on the steps of City admitted that the agency needed all the Administration for Children’s Services workers to function properly: “Don’t think Hall at 2:00 p.m. Commissioner John Mattingly for over two hours on projected staff and program for a moment that we don’t need these cuts in his agency. Mattingly is attempt541 people,” said ing to address demands in Mayor MiMattingly. “We do. chael Bloomberg’s Fiscal 2010 proposed We need them all.” budget by laying off over 500 workers Bill de Blasio and shutting down or reducing many couldn’t understand preventive programs. The hearing on ACS was part of an entire day of hearings the rationale for the cuts. “I don’t on Social Services including the Human understand that this Resources Administration, and the is something the Department of Homeless Services. Administration can David Weprin, chair of the Finance Committee, was the first to question Mat- agree to comfortably. After Nixzmary tingly. Weprin asked the ACS CommisBrown there was a sioner how much money the agency will rush to invest in ACS save by laying off over 500 members of to get things right. Local 371 - $18 million – and how much Members of three City Council committees convened a budget hearing on May 26. There’s no way you ACS spends on non-union contractors – Local 371 members and others were in attendance.

The Unionist | June 2009

Jessica Ramos

HPD, 16 workers are at risk, in the Department of Records nine Community Assistants were targeted for layoffs, and in DYCD seven workers are at risk. In Mayoral agencies, the layoff procedure involves bumping workers from higher titles to lower ones and transfers of permanent workers to replace provisionals in the same title across agency lines – which will result in a lot of movement and disruption for workers who are remaining. Seniority, for layoff purposes, for competitive titles is based on the first day an employee is appointed permanently from a civil service list; for non-competitive titles, seniority is based on time in title in the affected agency.

Pat Arnow

Photo left, VP Michelle Conklin lobbies Council Member Thomas White, Jr. At right, Union member Cameron Brome urges Council Member James Vacca to save jobs and programs.

Latest Detail

President Faye Moore speaks at City Hall press conference on May 26.

The Administration for Children’s Services has by far the deepest proposed cuts to programs and services. In a labormanagement meeting on June 5, ACS presented a list of 122 pure provisionals targeted for layoff in titles represented by DC 37, of which Local 371 represents 20. The pure provisional workers include 10 Protective Agents, 4 Supervisors, 2 Counselors Early Childhood Education, 1 Caseworker, 1 Community Liaison Worker, 1 Principal CLW, and 1 Investigator (Discipline). Affected employees were given a 2-week notice on June 15, with an effective termination date of June 27. The MLC agreement put layoffs of all permanent workers on

hold for 90 days, including 159 planned layoffs due to implementation of the agency’s IOC (Improved Outcomes for Children) plan. The Union pressed the City for further information regarding the more than 500 targeted employees whose layoff date has been put off until September 27, and asked whether targeted programs would continue for 90 days. The City responded that any layoff list would be generated by DCAS at a later date. The Office of Contract Agency Case Management (OCACM) is the only program ending at this time, although some staff will remain in place, and the

rest will be transferred to other parts of the agency. All other programs stay in place for 90 days. At-risk programs include TASA (the Teenage Services Act program for pregnant and parenting teens), Case Management Preventive Services, Applications, MILS, and liaison positions in the Division of Child Protection, Daycare, Family Visiting, CHIPP, (the Children of Incarcerated Parents visitation program), and the Family Permanency Services program that provides housing subsidies, homemaking, child care and other services that allow children to be discharged from foster care.

Union Media Campaign Addresses Layoffs and Program Cuts

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hen the Union was notified that hundreds of its members were facing layoffs and that valuable programs were slated to be cut under Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Fiscal 2010 Budget, it launched a media campaign that included radio ads, a press conference, buttons and a full color brochure to call attention to the proposed budget cuts. The radio ad addresses the situation in ACS, where more than 500 jobs are at risk and features the voices of several Union members saying “I am Nixzmary Brown,” and a narrative reminding listeners of the reasons for the services we have, and the danger posed by these cuts to the children and families of New York City. The ad, which was made and paid for in conjunction with DC 37 and AFSCME, was recorded in English and Spanish, and was aired on 1010 June 2009 | The Unionist

WINS, WCBS News Radio 88, WBLS, WRKS, and Spanish news station WADO AM for a threeweek period, beginning on Friday, May 29. The press conference was held on the steps of City Hall on May 26 as hundreds of Local 371 members were in attendance at the New York City Council Budget Hearing on cuts to Administration for Children’s Services, the Department of Homeless Services, and the Human Resources Administration. Surrounded by over 50 Union members on the steps of City Hall, President Faye Moore called the budget cuts “unconscionable,” stating “these layoffs not only target the workers,but also the people they serve, putting the City’s children and homeless at risk.” A full-color brochure distributed at the press conference urged ACS Commissioner John Mattingly to “Tell the Truth” and admit

that “Mayor Bloomberg’s budget cuts WILL put children and families at risk…” Also, the Union produced two buttons addressing the cuts. The first reads “ACS Cuts Hurt Children,” and the second reads “Cutting Social Service Jobs/Programs Hurts Children and Families.” One of the buttons as well as the front of the brochure are reproduced here.

The Union produced an informational hand out questioning the layof fs and program cuts in ACS. 5

LaShane Lindsey

UFCW Local 1500 Organizes Workers at Agata & Valentina

Women’s Committee Holds Sixth Annual Dance and Card Party The event was held on June 12 to raise money for a humanitarian cause. This year, the music was spun by DJ Hollywood, and everyone danced (see photo). Contributions from the fundraisers have been made to many non-profit organizations including City Meals on Wheels, a foundation that prepares food to be delivered by community-based agencies to the homebound elderly; Mother’s Voices, an organization dedicated to strengthening family communication about sex health; and El Puente, a human rights institution that promotes peace and justice among young adults. The Committee has also purchased a computer for a New York City public school and has sent personal care products and notebooks to imprisoned women. Last year, the Committee helped out a Haitian family that was devastated by hurricanes.

Roberto De La Cruz had been working at Agata & Valentina, a gourmet supermarket on the corner of First Avenue and East 79th Street in Manhattan, for six long years when he was fired. Managers had seen Roberto talking to organizers from the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) about the need for a living wage and good working conditions for him and his 200 co-workers. Since then, UFCW Local 1500 has filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board against Agata & Valentina, as it is unlawful to prevent workers from unionizing if it is their wish to do so. Workers and friends gathered outside Agata & Valentina the afternoon of Wednesday, May 27 to call for the workers’ right to unionize. City Councilwoman Jessica Lappin and a representative of Assemblyman Micah Kellner’s office joined the rally to shed light on Manhattan’s gourmet food industry and call for higher standards. Story & Photo-Jessica Ramos

Stella D’Oro Workers Still Won’t Cross the Picket Line One hundred and thirty five workers at Stella D’Oro continue to be on strike. Close to a year since they first formed their picket line, no apparent efforts have been made in good faith to improve their situation. Brynwood Partners, the private equity firm that purchased Stella D’Oro from Kraft Foods Inc. back in 2006, still refuses to negotiate new contracts with their workers. In fact, many strikers claim replacement workers, also known as scabs, were lined up before the workers went on

strike, a clear sign Brynwood Partners set out to force the unionized workforce out of their jobs. On Saturday, May 30, the workers, represented by Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM) Local 50, were joined by family and friends from the labor movement to once again march and rally, chanting, “No contract, no cookies!” The boycott of all Stella D’Oro products continues.

Union members backing single-payer health care march in downtown Seattle. They are part of a national mobilization for single-payer government-run health care. Advocates won a congressional hearing a day after key lawmakers released health care overhaul drafts. Photo by Connie Kelleher of Machinists Lodge 751 in Seattle. 6

AFSCME Conference Focuses on Health Care, the Economy and EFCA Local 371 Vice President Michelle Akyempong poses with US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand at the 2009 AFSCME Legislative Conference, held in Washington, DC May 11 through 14. In his address to the attendees US VP Joe Biden said, “There is no way to restore the economy without restoring the middle class and there is no way to restore the middle class without organized labor.” The Conference focused on lobbying legislators on Capitol Hill on three issues of the utmost importance to union members – the Employee Free Choice Act, which would allow union recognition by signing cards; comprehensive health care reform, with a public plan option, and more federal dollars for public services as a key to economic recovery. Local 371’s delegation was headed by President Faye Moore. The delegation met with various New York representatives and Senators Schumer and Gillibrand.

The Unionist | June 2009

City to TASA: DROP DEAD

A Proven Success for Teen Parents Faces Chopping Block

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n its website the Administration for Children’s Services boasts that the TASA (Teen Age Services Act) program “has helped young mothers and fathers achieve their goals for the past 23 years.” Yet despite its enormous success in helping teen parents, TASA is on the budgetary chopping block. Slowly being starved of resources by ACS, the program is scheduled to transfer case management to a private agency as part of the Mayor’s budget for fiscal 2010, beginning July 1. Workers and teens are heartbroken. Group Coordinator at 185 Marcy Avenue Eulyn Damon, who has been with the program for 17 years says, “We go into their homes and we change their lives.” All of the workers at Marcy Avenue have decades of experience in the program. TASA serves teenage parents receiving public assistance and/or Medicaid “to manage their new concerns, take control of their lives and provide better futures for themselves and their children.” It’s a citywide program and it’s voluntary. There currently are four sites around the city, one in each borough except Staten Island. Referrals come from the Human Resources Administration, Child Protective Services and the community. Teens often spread the word themselves. Geraldine Savinon, a tiny vivacious 20year old, sat with her daughter Janeris and spoke with deep feeling about her experience and her case manager Keeler Rogers, who has been with the program 21 years. “Without the advice from Ms. Rogers,” she said, “I would have had another kid and been in big trouble. When my daughter was sick, Ms. Rogers got me

The TASA team at 185 Marcy Avenue: Clerical Associate III Colleen Bouvell, CWS Keeler Rogers, Supervisor Pamela Hanniford, CWS Eulyn Damon, CWS Edith Chilaka and CWS Wanda Marrero. (Not present CWS Sandra Cancel) Inset: Rogers with Geraldine Savinon and her baby, Janeris. Savinon, a recent graduate, attributes her success to Rogers.

through it. She kept telling me ‘She’s going to get better; it’s going to be OK.’ I’m going to be 21 soon and I just graduated from college. I’m going on a job interview next week. Teens really need help and they need this program.” Each worker in TASA has 35 cases. The case is in the name of the teen, but includes their children and other family members who are important in the teen’s life. “We often bridge the gap between teens and mothers. We deal with babies, mothers, siblings, family,” Damon said. In good times the TASA program provided weekly group sessions with experts on HIV/AIDS, family planning, parenting, domestic violence and how to deal with depression and suicide. Teens got to share their problems and make friends. There were trips during the summer “where we could feel like normal teens,” said Savinon. Workers could provide baby food, clothing and some school supplies. Much of this has been eliminated, but the workers don’t take no for an answer. “When there was no money for a Christmas party, we begged and got contributions and put on winning card for the ed ign des na Me ria a show anyway,” said DaMa test (above and the Mother’s Day Card Con mon. They also put on the in ed ear app left ). Mena, a TAS A client, er. ght dau her h a graduation ceremony wit d car the photograph on

June 2009 | The Unionist

each year and supply the graduates with a gift package. Workers have dipped into their own pockets to buy breakfast for hungry teenagers or Thanksgiving dinners. Each of the workers has many, many stories to tell. Edith Chilaka speaks about all the dropouts she has helped get back in school. Damon remembers a young mother who she saved from going to jail and a hair-raising home visit involving domestic violence and bullets flying everywhere. Rogers says that obtaining child care is one of the most difficult problems teen parents face and that she often advocates for help with other City agencies. All speak of a close-knit comraderie and intense passion for the job. The City did sponsor an annual Mother’s Day Card contest this year, and the winner, Maria Mena, is another TASA success story (see card at bottom left). She is a high school graduate and is attending the New York Institute of Technology. She and her two year old daughter were helped by workers at Marcy Avenue. Pamela Hanniford, Supervisor of the Marcy Avenue site for ten years, said, “This is a really good program. Teens are achieving their goals. We run into our graduates in the street or they come back and tell us what they are doing. They don’t have more children. They are not in jail. They are not prostitutes. They are in college, in medical training programs, some are home health aides, two are case managers in Child Protective Services, several are police officers. We feel like we’ve done a good job.” — Story and Photos by Linda Schleicher 7

Congratulations Congratulations to Yolanda DeJesus, AJOS II, Rental Assistance Unit, 180 Water Street, NY on the birth of her grandchild, Carmelo Joshua Teresi, on April 11.

Condolences Condolences are extended to the family of Antonio Valderrama, Sup. I at Bay Ridge Job Center Fair Hearing Unit and former alternate Delegate, who died on June 11. Condolences may be sent to Bay Ridge Job Center Fair Hearing Unit, 6740 4th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11220.

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

Condolences are extended to the family of John Barlow Senior, retired Executive Board Member and activist, who died on May 19. Condolences are extended to the family of Pernell Pauling, former Trustee of the Welfare and Education Fund, who died on June 9. Condolences are extended to Diane Ciccone, Esq., Union Attorney, on the death of her mother, Dorothea Holes on May 16. Condolences may be sent to Diane Ciccone, Esq. 770 Broadway, 2nd Floor, NY, NY 10003. Condolences are extended to Annette Ramos, Caseworker at Fordham Job Center #44, on the death of her mother, Blasita Diaz on April 29. Condolences may be sent to Annette Ramos 749 Thieriot Avenue, Bronx, NY 10473. Condolences are extended to Greg Ramos, AJOS I at the Rider Job Center, on the death of his mother-in-law, Bernice Plaskett on April 23. Condolences may be sent to the ChambleeRamos Family 22 Oak Place, Montclair, NJ 07087. Condolences are extended to Marcella Greene, AJOS I at the Michael J. Handy Veterans’ Center, on the death of her father, William Greene on April 22. Condolences may be sent to Marcella Greene 1108 Prospect Place, Brooklyn, NY 11213. Condolences are extended to Neal Frumkin, Alumni Association President and retiree, on the death of his mother, Sarah Frumkin on April 15. Condolences may be sent to Neil Frumkin 192 Maple Street, Brooklyn, NY 11225. Condolences are extended to the family of Winsome Staples-Alexander, Supervisor I at Brooklyn Adult Protective Services, who died on April 30. Condolences may be sent to the Alexander Family 58 Miller Avenue, Amityville, NY 11701. Condolences are extended to James Shonola, Caseworker at Adult Protective Services in Brooklyn, on the death of his mother, Sholabomi Ayinke Shonola on April 30. Condolences may be sent to James Shonola c/o Brooklyn Protective Services 250 Livingston Street, 3rd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201.

EXCHANGE Swap * Buy * Sell WANTED- Top cash paid for your old jazz, soul, R&B and gospel albums. Call Howard at (212) 873-4016. (1) FOR SALE- Large ceiling fixture, clown collection, dolly, luggage, dishes, pots, glassware, gift items, tie rack, never worn size small ladies’ clothing including dark brown Borghese faux fur jacket, boots and shoes size 8, large American flags, books, new cordless telephone with clock radio, electrician’s meters, lots more. Call 718430-1769 and leave a message. (4) FOR SALE- Timberland Men’s Leather Bomber Coat (size 5x) $175, Liz Claiborne Men’s Leather Blazer Jacket (size 6x) $150, Mitchell & Ness NY Mets Spring Jacket (size 5x) $125, Pelle Pelle Plaid Spring Jacket (size 4x) $50. If interested, please contact J. Thomas at (718) 963-5229 or (347) 652-6847. (4)

Charles Brown, Union Photographer, Dies at Age 62

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harles Brown, SSEU Local 371’s photographer and a longtime Union member and activist, died suddenly at LaGuardia Airport on May 21 while awaiting a flight to Atlanta, Georgia to cover a conference of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. Brown was 62 years old. Charlie, or CB, as everybody knew him, was loved by almost everyone who knew him for his unique style and mischievous ways. You didn’t rate if you were never the object of his cutting sense of humor. Everybody has a Charlie Brown story, and everyone accepted him for what he was, a curmudgeon who was quick with criticism, a kind word, and often an offer to share his food. Charlie, who would have won the “best dressed” award in the Union office hands down with his “Ivy League” dress style, held court inside the president’s office, his own unofficial office under the Ensley and Moore presidencies. He kept things exciting with his humor and his style. He loved music, especially jazz, was an avid reader and stamp collector. He was a “people person” who challenged the endurance of all who knew him as opinionated, forceful and relentless, yet equally charming, caring and very entertaining. He was also an accomplished, award-winning photographer. Charlie was born on November 11, 1946 to Cornelius and Bertha Brown in New York City. He had two sisters and one brother. He attended New York City public schools and graduated in 1968 from Tarkio College in Missouri where he excelled academically, 8

played golf, and was the photographer for the school newspaper. After graduation he became a Caseworker in NYC’s Human Resources Administration at the Williamsburg Center. He was a Delegate and activist and later worked for HRA’s Battered Women’s Shelter and Special Services for Children. He worked for Local 371 for a combined span of 24 years, serving as a grievance representative, executive assistant to the president, and photographer. He was predeceased by his brother, parents, one sister, and a son, Nicholas Dyette Brown. His is survived by his sister, Nannie Brown; his son, Charles Brown Jr.; his former wife, Bernice Adeyemi Brown; one step-daughter, Ade Ronke Adeyemi; one step-son, Raheem Fields; and four grandchildren. Charlie was truly one of a kind. May he rest in peace! The Unionist | June 2009