PEP, October 2004: Politics 2004. Bills pass in Albany

In Albany this year, DC 37 has continued its record of legislative gains for union members. Gov. George E. Pataki has signed three union-backed bills into law, and 10 more have been passed by both houses of the Legislature and await signature.

“The new legislation advances the union’s fight to achieve dignity on the job for our members and strengthen workers’ rights,” said Lillian Roberts, DC 37 executive director.

Legislators overwhelmingly supported the bills which aim to improve civil service protections, regulate temperatures in school kitchens, prevent outsourcing of IT jobs, and provide age 50 retirement for DC 37 members with 25 years of service in titles such as Transit Cashier, Peace Officer and Maintainer and Laborer at the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.

The governor, however, vetoed a bill that would increase the state’s minimum wage to $7.15 per hour by 2007.

Signed into law by governor:

Appropriate funds for pay increases for state court system employees, including members of Local 1070.
Extend OTB simulcasts of races.
Enhance city tax revenues.

Passed, awaiting signature:

Amend Civil Service Law to provide non-competitive and labor class employees with the same job security, workforce reduction and rehiring policies as permanent civil servants.
Increase disability leaves of absence to two years for permanent employees injured at work.
Extend to provisionals the disciplinary procedures permanent employees enjoy.
Expand the rights of retirees by providing voluntary political action check off.
Weingarten rights.
Continue early retirement rights for TBTA employees, such as maintainers and laborers, who are exposed to carbon monoxide.
Establish a 50/25-retirement program for TBTA Maintainers and Laborers in Local 1931 (on governor’s desk).
Establish a 50/25-retirement program for Peace Officers and City Investigators in NYCERS.
Amend the retirement and Social Security laws to establish a 50/25-retirement program for Transit Cashiers.
Establish air temperature standards and cooling requirements for school cafeteria kitchens.