Public Employee Press

Union delivers for member in Bellevue delivery unit

Wayne Dewar, who works in the labor and delivery unit at Bellevue Hospital, understands that good things can come in small packages, even if they take time to arrive.

In 2001, the 18-year member of Clerical-Administrative Employees Local 1549 filed a working-out-of-title grievance when he saw he was doing the same work as others who held the higher title of Clerical Associate III.

“This wasn’t about money,” he said. “It was about the principle of the thing and about respect,” he said. “I wasn’t getting my fair share and after being here for so long, I felt that I was entitled to it.”
Renee Gainer, now an assistant director of the DC 37 Clerical Division, initiated that grievance as a rep, and Grievance Rep Nina Perez took up where Ms. Gainer left off. “We went to the Step II hearing in a blizzard in December 2003,” recalled Ms. Perez. “Wayne came in and he shook my hand and his hand was frozen. He looked like a snowman!” she said.

On Oct. 14, an arbitrator ruled in favor of Mr. Dewar. Now a Clerical Associate III, he will receive that title’s pay from the date he filed his grievance to the date of the ruling. Dewar says he appreciates the assistance he got from Gainer, DC 37 attorney Steven Sykes and Perez. “She did a good job and she never gave up. It’s a nice little sum.”

“He inspired others through his example,” said Ms. Perez. “It’s important for our members to get their day in court and to get paid for the duties they perform,” she said.