For years, employees in the medical records office at Coney Island Hospital worked in cave-like conditions. Linda Levy, Clerical Associate III, suffered there for 15 years. “And some members worked there for 30 years. It was so hot in there. And filthy!” she said.

Now — six months after Clerical-Administrative Local 1549 President Eddie Rodriguez and DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts visited and saw the dungeon of a work site — there is a brand new medical records office at the hospital.

On Dec. 3, Mr. Rodriguez and a delegation of union leaders went back to tour the site. He described the original reaction of the union delegation when they encountered the disgusting and dangerous working conditions on May 29. “We were ready to call a press conference or file litigation to enforce our members’ rights,” he said.

“Having Lillian Roberts visit the old office with us showed management how serious we were,” he said.

What a difference a union makes
Pressured by the union, the hospital acted after years of indifference. “The difference between going into that hole where you couldn’t breathe and today — it’s wonderful,” said Local 1549 member Mildred Ramos, a Clerical Associate III. “Our new office is spacious. The air flows better.” Other members of the medical record team echoed her enthusiasm for the new space.

Khan Muqddar, Clerical Associate II, observed that it is now much easier to do the work. “There are no more drawers,” he said. “It’s easier to access the charts.”

“It’s cool, and there are no pipes hitting your head,” said Levy: “Your work environment affects your mood. The job feels much easier now.”

Mildred Ramos worked in the old office for nine years. She is appreciative of the contribution made by the union, especially by Grievance Representative Nina Perez and Clerical Division Assistant Director Renee Gainer. Said Ms. Ramos: “The new leadership of Local 1549 is going in the right direction.” Mr. Muqddar was quick to second that opinion: “Without the union, we wouldn't be there. We need their back-up.”

Chief Shop Steward Huberta Raper, a Clerical Associate III, is also appreciative: “The members always used to complain about going to the basement. I’m glad that the union stepped in and did something about it.”