Hello everyone,
I hope everyone is doing well and taking all precautions to stay safe. I extend my sincere condolences to anyone who has lost a family member, loved one or friend. My prayers for a full recovery are sent to those of you currently fighting this unseen enemy.
I, along with my administration, have been working non-stop to help all of our members. We have been on top of all problems, concerns and questions members have expressed. To date, we have been able to address and solve all issues that our members have had. Please, if anyone is still experiencing a problem or has a concern, let us know so that we can help you. We have been in continuous contact with labor relations and commissioners in many agencies, on our member’s behalf.
Yesterday, I, along with other local presidents of DC 37, participated in a web-conference call with Executive Director Henry Garrido and guest speaker Senator Schumer. I would like to share some of the information that was discussed.
- A moment of silence was held for the 37 members of DC 37 that we have lost due to Covid-19. It was also announced that approximately 500 members have tested positive for the virus.
- DC 37 has been able to secure protective masks. If any member is working in the field and is not being provided with protective masks from their agency, please let me know immediately. This does not include requests for personal use. Please provide the following information: Member’s Name, Agency and Contact Information.
- City residency rules for newly hired New York City employees have been suspended until further notice.
- At this present time, there is no talk of layoffs for city workers.
- Senator Schumer said that the Senate is working on another proposed stimulus package that will include a $13 per hour increase for hazardous pay retroactively from March 20, 2020 to December 31, 2020.
- Henry Garrido recommended that any essential workers who were affected by Covid-19 and went into quarantine due to a positive diagnosis or exposure, should/must file for workers compensation. YOU HAVE 30 DAYS TO FILE.
- Henry Garrido also said that hazard pay will be included in the next contract negotiations.
- The AFSCME International Convention, which was slated to be held in Los Angeles in August, will now be a virtual, remote conference. Mr. Garrido suggested that all Locals check their constitution to see who is automatically slated to be a delegate to the convention. These are the only delegates that must participate in the virtual convention. This will save Locals money, by not having to hold an election for adding additional delegates to the convention. Local 375’s constitution states that the President, First Vice-President and Second Vice-President are automatic delegates to the AFSCME convention.
Please check the DC 37 and Local 375 web-sites for continued new developments. Stay safe and healthy. Looking forward to better times for all of us!
In solidarity,
Michael Troman
President,
Civil Service Tehnical Guild - Local 375
DC37, AFSCME, AFL-CIO
32 Broadway, Suite 1201
New York, NY 10004
