Shop Steward Carmen Berdeger and Local 1549 performed a union miracle for Messenger Anthony Walker.

They saved his job, protected his health, guaranteed his pension and found him housing.

Two years ago Mrs. Berdeger worked for the city’s Medicaid program on West 34th Street, where Mr. Walker had been a Messenger for over 20 years. He was in his early forties, with a speech impairment and other physical and mental ailments. He was also homeless, sleeping on the street or in the subway.

“Carmen Berdeger is a model union activist,” said Eddie Rodriguez, president of Clerical-Administrative Local 1549. “She looked after him like a mother.” Mrs. Berdeger has recently been appointed a Quality of Work Life facilitator.

His co-workers were used to Mr. Walker, who often arrived for work at 7:30 a.m. and stayed late. Sometimes he wore the same clothes for weeks. “He was sweet and people liked him,” Mrs. Berdeger said. “No one really questioned his condition. Anthony was just Anthony.”

Harsh treatment by the boss
One day in 1999 when Mr. Walker got sick and couldn’t make his rounds, management tried to fire him. “They just pushed him aside,” said Mrs. Berdeger. “When I saw he might lose his pension, I was outraged. It was unfair. He couldn’t defend himself.”

Mrs. Berdeger got in touch with Grievance Rep Eddie Gates and the union went into action, finding out about Anthony’s physical condition, fighting for his reinstatement, and ensuring his pension.

As a shop steward, Mrs. Berdeger was used to taking care of members’ needs. “I got good at problem solving,” she said. She had him evaluated by a doctor and a social worker. When she found out he had cerebral palsy, she took him to an organization recommended by DC 37’s Personal Service Unit that works with the disabled.