Public Employee Press

Local 1549 wins back differential pay in emergency room

Upgrades for a group of Clerical Associates at Coney Island Hospital’s emergency room turned sour when management took away their assignment differentials. According to their contract, clerks assigned to the ER should get a salary differential for obtaining financial and biographical data from patients.

But after they got their training, the new Clerical Associates III, all members of Clerical-Administrative Employees Local 1549, were amazed to find the differential missing from their paychecks.

The grievance process was frustrating, but an informal labor-management meeting successfully resolved the problem. “I’m happy that the members got their money in time for the holidays,” said Grievance Rep Nina Perez.

“It was a long fight, but the union helped us succeed,” said Felisa Sanders. “I’m thrilled,” said Marylyn Distler, a CIH employee for 18 years.

Clerical Associate III Laura Bolshem has worked for CIH for 24 years. “I’m very happy because we do a lot of work. We make appointments, register pediatrics and do interpretations. I was the first one interpreting for patients in the ER,” said the Russian immigrant. “We won and we deserved it.”

Assistant Clerical Division Director Renee Gainer noted that: “We have to continue to fight for what we believe. If we know that something is a grievance, we don’t give up.” Clerical Division Director Ronnie Harris summed up the situation: “Once again, this case shows that no city agency can escape the determined efforts of DC 37 staffers and members.”