Public Employee Press

Local 983 teaches its newest members about union power and union benefits

By DIANE S. WILLIAMS

Hundreds of the newest members of Motor Vehicle Operators Local 983 learned how union dues become union benefits Oct. 1 at the local’s second Benefits Fair.

“Local 983 took WEPs without paychecks and hired them into jobs with paychecks,” said President Mark Rosenthal. He recounted the 18-month battle at City Hall, in state Supreme Court and with the federal government to extend the TANF program and hire 3,500 welfare recipients as unionized City Seasonal Aides. Many of the CSAs were there to see how the union puts their dues to work for them by negotiating city payments for health, dental, education and other benefits.

DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts invited the new members to “learn, participate and use the programs your union offers.”

Many of the CSAs joined the union’s political action “Green Machine” by registering to vote in the Nov. 5 election.

City Council members Bill deBlasio and Helen Foster encouraged the former welfare recipients take their anger to the ballot box. “Stand up for yourselves, write letters and vote,” Ms. Foster said.

The new members also learned about the union’s constant fight for jobs and security. “If someone tries to take your job without just cause, we are here to fight for you as we would any member,” Mr. Rosenthal said. “We treat all our members the same with no distinction.”