Union News, Events and Services for May 2025

DC 37 POLITICAL ACTION

2025 Political Endorsements

On April 22, DC 37 Delegates voted to finalize endorsements for the June 24, 2025 Primary Election.

Mayor – Ranked Endorsement 

  1. Adrienne Adams 
  2. Zohran Mamdani 
  3. Zellnor Myrie 

City Comptroller

  • Mark Levine

Public Advocate

  • Jumaane Williams

To view the full list of endorsed candidates, including Borough PresidentDistrict Attorney and City Council, click HERE.

 

Register to Vote Today!

Are you and your family all set to vote in 2025? Register to vote or update your address information HERE.
To view a list of the current candidates endorsed by DC 37 for the June 24, 2025 Primary Election, click HERE.

Attend Political Action Committee Meetings

Join us for our monthly Political Action Committee Meetings to find out more about what’s happening in City Hall and Albany. Meetings take place on the second Thursday of each month via Zoom.

Thursday, May 8 at 6 p.m. | To register, click HERE.

Join the Fight to Get Pro-Worker Candidates Elected – Support the DC 37 PEOPLE Program!

Under the new presidential administration, government jobs, safety net programs, and remote work options are under attack. We must support candidates who will fight against attempts to cut jobs and the advances we’ve secured. 

By joining the PEOPLE Program, our DC 37 political action fund, we can get leaders in office who will fight for workers’ rights over corporate greed. 

PEOPLE contributions are used to do Get Out the Vote campaigns, lobbying around member issues, supporting pro-worker candidates, and other important activities that we are restricted from using dues money to conduct.

Join PEOPLE HERE.

DC 37 FIELD OPERATIONS

Get Organized Town Halls

Join us for an important town hall meeting to talk about the Trump Administration’s attacks on the public services we provide, the laws that protect our health and safety at work, and our job security – even our freedom to join a union.

It’s our hard work – not billionaires and corporate greed – that makes our communities stronger. Learn how these actions will impact you and how we’ll fight back together.

Open to all DC 37 members. Register below:

Brooklyn: Thursday, May 1, Noon-2 p.m.: HRA, 505 Clermont Ave. RSVP HERE
Manhattan: Thursday, May 8, Noon-2 p.m.: Metroplus, 50 Water St. RSVP HERE
Bronx: Thursday, May 15, Noon-2 p.m.: HRA, 2500 Halsey St. RSVP HERE
Queens: Thursday, May 22, Noon-2 p.m.: DOE, 44-36 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City. RSVP HERE
Harlem: Thursday, June 12, 6-8 p.m.: Harlem Hospital, 506 Lenox Ave. RSVP HERE
Staten Island: Tuesday June 17, 6-8 p.m.: New Dorp High School, 465 New Dorp Ln. RSVP HERE

DC 37 HEALTH CENTER

AdvantageCare Physicians Opening Monday

The AdvantageCare Physicians (ACPNY) Chambers Street Medical Office will open on Monday, May 5 inside the DC 37 Health Center at 115 Chambers. We’re excited to welcome DC 37 members with a convenient primary care option right in your neighborhood. ACPNY Chambers Street will be open and accepting appointments during the following hours:

  • Monday-Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Wednesday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

We offer same-day/next-day appointments, annual physicals, and office visits for chronic conditions. Our services are by appointment only and are now available, so schedule your visit today. You can also make an appointment through myACPNY or call (646) 680-4227.

TRANSIT BENEFIT UPDATE

The MTA is discontinuing Metro Cards and encouraging all users to switch to the OMNY contactless fare payment system. Employees of the City of New York, Department of Education, and NYC Housing Authority, who are currently participating in the tax-deferred transit benefit plan, should prepare to switch to OMNY. 

The last effective date for Annual Metro Card users is June 30, 2025, and the last effective date for Metro Card users who have a card mailed to their home is May 31, 2025.

If you use an EDENRED debit card to purchase your transportation benefits, there will be no change. You may choose to sign up for the OMNY card app on your phone. Please pay attention to messages in your payroll portal from EDENRED about this transition. 

For more information, click HERE. H+H employees will receive a separate communication.

COOLING ASSISTANCE

The application period for the 2025 Cooling Assistance benefit opened on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, and will operate until the beginning of June or until funding is exhausted, whichever comes first. Eligible households can receive a cooling benefit of up to $800 for the purchase and installation of a fan, window unit, or air conditioner, or up to $1,000 for a wall sleeve unit. If an air conditioning unit cannot be installed safely, a fan will be provided.

Apply for the Cooling Assistance benefit HERE.

The DSS Office of Community Outreach offers a HEAP Webinar for community-based providers who are interested in learning more about HEAP heating and cooling benefits and how to complete a HEAP application. Click HERE to register for an upcoming session.

DC 37 MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES LEGAL SERVICES

Matrimonial Webinar

DC 37 MELS is pleased to offer legal advice to members considering separation or divorce during our Matrimonial Law Webinar. Experts will answer your questions about what to consider in deciding to divorce, how MELS can represent you, the advantages of using MELS, what documentation you will need to begin, and additional resources for information.

Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 6 p.m. | Register HERE.

Nursing Home and In-Home Health Care Planning Webinar

Learn the nuts and bolts of Medicaid with elder law attorney Douglas J. Chu. In this webinar, Mr. Chu will explain how one can become eligible for Medicaid, as well as 

the basic income and resource rules, how the application process works, options for protecting your assets from Medicaid estate recovery and the new transfer penalty rules for home care services. You won’t want to miss it! 

Wednesday, May 28 at 6 p.m. | Register HERE. 

For more information, call the MELS Screening Unit at (212) 815-1111 or email [email protected].

DC 37 HEALTH & SECURITY PLAN

Health & Security Plan Benefit Fair

The DC 37 Health & Security Plan invites you to attend an upcoming Health & Security Plan Benefit Fair in our new union headquarters. The monthly fairs are a great opportunity to learn more about your Health & Security benefits and the variety of resources available to you as a DC 37 member. All members are welcome to attend and take advantage of this event. We look forward to seeing you there!

Wednesday, May 28, 5-7 p.m. | DC 37 Headquarters, 125 Barclay

DC 37 MUNICPAL EMPLOYEES HOUSING PROGRAM

First-Time Homebuyer Workshop

Are you thinking of buying your first home but don’t know where to begin? The DC 37 Municipal Employees Housing Program is pleased to offer virtual First-Time Homebuyer Workshops. Allow us to assist you on your journey to homeownership as we discuss the mortgage process, pre-approvals, debt-to-income ratios, PMI, FHA loans, conventional loans, and much more! Bring your questions and we’ll provide the answers. We hope to see you there! 

Saturday, May 3 at 11 a.m. |Register HERE.
Saturday, May 17 at 11 a.m. | Register HERE.
Saturday, May 31 at 11 a.m. | Register HERE.

MCU Homebuyers Webinar

In the market for a new place to call home? The DC 37 Municipal Employees Housing Program is proud to present the Municipal Credit Union (MCU) Homebuyers Webinar to answer your questions about mortgages and discuss which programs may be the right fit for you. Let MCU lending specialists guide you through flexible loan terms, competitive interest rates, and everything you need to get past your home-buying hurdles. You won’t want to miss this important webinar!

Thursday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m. | Register HERE.

DC 37 EDUCATION FUND

Spring 2025 Classes Still Available!

The DC 37 Education Fund is still accepting applications for our Spring 2025 semester! For a list of offerings, please visit our Classes and Benefits page by clicking HERE! Classes begin in April and many classes fill up quickly so register as soon as they become available!

Advance Your Education with Tuition-Free Options at CUNY SLU

As a DC 37 member, you have a unique opportunity to deepen your knowledge and advance your career—all at no cost to you. Through a special partnership between the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies and the DC 37 Education Fund, eligible members have the opportunity to take at least four tuition-free courses in Labor Studies. Whether you’re starting with the Undergraduate Certificate in Labor Relations or aiming for a Master’s Degree, this is your pathway to greater impact. This is more than just a benefit—it’s an investment in your future and the future of the labor movement. With a credential in Labor Studies, you can advocate more effectively for your colleagues, uplift your community, and help strengthen the labor movement.

The deadline to apply for this program through the DC 37 Education Fund is May 2—don’t miss this opportunity. Apply HERE.

The DC 37 Green Jobs Training Program is Expanding!

The DC 37 Education Fund continues to accept interested applicants into its Green Jobs Training Expansion Program, a grant-funded training program for eligible DC 37 members to receive free, hands-on instruction in areas of need within the green economy and energy sector.

Training courses include Energy Auditing, Multifamily and Commercial Building Analyst, Carbon Accounting, LEED Green Associate, Energy Benchmarking, and Construction Management. These courses and more will prepare members for certifications and licenses offered and recognized by the Building Performance Institute, Urban Green Council, and Association of Energy Engineers.
 
If you are interested in more information on these courses and what this training can provide for you, please click HERE.

DC 37 Scholarship Applications Are Now Available

The 2025 DC 37 Scholarships application is now available on the DC 37 website.  Scholarships are available for: 1) eligible DC 37 members, 2) the children and grandchildren of eligible DC 37 members and 3) the children and grandchildren of DC 37 retirees who belong to the DC 37 Retirees Association.

Scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $2,000 and applications can only be submitted online. Be sure to read the application directions and make sure you submit all required documentation as part of your application. The deadline to apply is May 9 and scholarship award winners will be announced on or around June 13.

To get a description of the available scholarships and to submit an application, please click HERE.

 

Changes to Tuition Reimbursement Benefit 

Beginning with classes, courses, and workshops taken on or after Jan. 1, 2024, eligible DC 37 members can now be reimbursed up to $1,500 by the DC 37 Education Fund as long as the requirements for reimbursement are met. Additionally, tuition reimbursement applications can now be submitted completely online.

For more information on the changes to the reimbursement benefit, please click HERE.

Interview Techniques Workshop

Eligible members can attend this two-session, three-hour workshop and learn how to stand out at a job interview. Learn more about different types of interviews, what to expect, what to wear and not wear, the questions to ask and not ask, and how to prepare in advance. For more information on this workshop and to apply, click HERE.

Education and Career Counseling 

Do you need guidance on selecting a class from our offerings, updating a resume or need assistance reaching a career or educational goal? Contact an Ed Fund counselor HERE to schedule a virtual appointment.

CUNY Counseling is Here for You!

This is the ideal time to plan for enrollment at the CUNY college of your choice. Let Worker Education at the CUNY School of Labor & Urban Studies (SLU) help guide you through the process of finding the best CUNY program to match your education and career goals. 

Expert advisors offer FREE one-on-one phone sessions on academic requirements for specific jobs; choosing a CUNY campus and major; applying to and financing a CUNY degree; certificate and non-credit options at CUNY; transferring previous credits, and more. Each session is free and caters to your specific goals and needs.

To view the calendar and schedule your CUNY advisement session, click HERECan’t find a date/time that works for you? Email [email protected].

 

The CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies Offers Leap To Teacher (LTT)

Advance your education in any field with the LEAP to Teacher Program serving all school and daycare workers. Open the door to your future! LEAP to Teacher (LTT) provides a specialized set of support services designed to empower you to become more effective in your schools and more impactful in your communities. The LTT program can assist you with pursuing your undergraduate or graduate degree in any field of study, from the pre-admission stage through graduation

For more information, please contact: [email protected], call (646) 313-8532 or visit our website HERE.

DC 37 NON-PROFIT AND PRIVATE SECTOR

DC 37 Non-Profit and Private Sector Members represented by Locals 95, 205, 215, 253, and 389 are eligible for the following exciting education-related opportunities in 2025.

Workshops

  • Continuing Teacher Leader Education (CTLE)
    • Learning From Nature – Art and Science activities outside of the classroom
    • Thursday, May 8 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Social Media & Children’s Wellbeing
    • Wednesday, May 14, from 6-8 p.m.
  • Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)
    • May 19 and May 21 from 5-8 p.m.
    • Must attend both sessions. 

You can register for these workshops by clicking HERE.

Skills Upgrade

  • Intermediate Word
    • Four sessions: Saturdays, April 26, May 3, May 10, May 17, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
    • Via Google Classroom, students must have a desktop or laptop.
  • Shop Steward Training
    • Thursdays, May 1 to June 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.

To register, email [email protected].

Scholarship Opportunities

The Education Incentive Program (EIP) scholarship is awarded based on income and gives up to $2,500 per year for college courses and up to $1,250 for the CDA. This scholarship is available to classroom personnel pursuing early childhood education.

For more information about these programs, call (212) 341-4991 or email [email protected]. You can also check out the website by clicking HERE to register early.

DC 37 CLIMATE JUSTICE COMMITTEE

Are you passionate about climate change? Do you want to meet like-minded union siblings fighting for climate justice? DC 37 members and retirees are invited to join the next Climate Justice Committee Meeting. Make your voice heard and share ideas on how to support DC 37 and AFSCME in the creation of green union jobs and the struggle against climate change and its impacts. This month the Committee will discuss opportunities to sponsor in-person events at DC 37.

Tuesday, May 6 at 6 p.m. | Contact Jon Forster, Co-Chair of the Climate Justice Committee, at [email protected]

Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)

Exercises to Ease Arthritis of the Spine

May is Arthritis Awareness Month. The safest way to prevent and combat spine osteoarthritis is to incorporate regular movement into your life. Learn from the experts at HSS what you can do to relieve pain related to arthritis of the spine and when it’s time to see a doctor.HSS is here to help DC 37 members and families – and we take most insurances.

Connect with HSS TODAY:

Call: (212) 606-1105
Email: [email protected]
Visit: HSS.edu/DC37

MSK DIRECT

Exercise Debunking Cancer Myths: Fact vs. Fiction with Experts!

Join MSK for a powerful webinar featuring MSK nutritionist Cara Anselmi, and oncologist Dr. Robert Daly, as they tackle misinformation and provide science-backed insights to help you make informed choices, including:

  • Can sugar really “feed” cancer?
  • Do superfoods prevent cancer?
  • Is chemo the only treatment option? 

Wednesday, May 14 at 1 p.m. | Register HERE.