For new Clerical Division Director Ronnie
Harris, teamwork is essential for delivering service to union members.
Toward that end, when he assumed his position in July, he reorganized the division,
working closely with Local 1549 President Eddie Rodriquez. Mr. Harris has appointed
three assistant directors, each with specific responsibilities.
Ron Arnero
will handle the uniformed agenciesall of themFire, Police, Sanitation
and Corrections. "He's Mr. Reverse-Out-Of-Title. He has the history of forcing
that as an issue with his aggressive pursuit of civilianization in the NYPD,"
said Mr. Harris.
"Renee Gainer has a vast knowledge of how hospitals
run," he said. She'll handle the HHC and the Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene.
And First Assistant Director Eddie Gates will handle the human resources agencies
- ACS, DYC, DOE, and Homeless Services. "He's my encyclopedia on these agencies,"
said Mr. Harris.
The rational division of labor will foster teamwork
among the staff and streamline the division. "That will help us provide the
best possible service to the membership of Local 1549," he said.
Ron Arnero honed his talents in the NYPD. He started as an activist and served
as a shop steward, delegate, grievance rep and council rep. Along with five other
members, he organized the successful lawsuit to battle pay discrimination against
the mainly female and minority workforce of 911 and helped form the PCT Chapter.
The assistant director position provides a welcome challenge. "The satisfaction
is in giving the grievance reps and council reps the support they need in doing
a very difficult job," he said.
"Hooked
on the union"
Renee Gainer went to
work at Cumberland Hospital when she was 14 as part of the Neighborhood Youth
Corps. After college, she returned to Cumberland, but it was at Woodhull Hospital
that she filed the out-of-title grievance that got her hooked on the union. Grievance
Rep Anna Massy inspired her to get involved. "She was my mentor," said
Ms.Gainer.
From 1983 to 1987, she served as chief steward at Woodhull,
and in 1987 she became a DC 37 Rep. Her new position gives her the "opportunity
of a lifetime" to make a difference, said Ms. Gainer.
At HRA Center
53 in Queens, Eddie Gates met the Rep who inspired him to become active in the
union, the late Wallace Alves (see page 22). At his urging, Mr. Gates became a
steward and served Local 1549 in many positions until he was promoted to DC 37
rep in 1993.
Becoming an assistant division director is "a major
achievement," he said. "It lets me help the reps and protect the rights
of the membership. We have an uphill battle, but the strength and experience of
the reps can really help the union members."
Jane LaTour