Public Employee Press

Local 1219 Anniversary:
Five decades of dedicated service

By JANE LaTOUR

Looking back, decades seem to disappear in the blink of an eye. But bygone decades offer an opportunity to reflect on the distance traveled. As Real Estate Employees Local 1219 celebrated its 50th anniversary Nov. 6, they took that opportunity. Local 1219 President Shirley Williams welcomed members and honored guests to the gala affair and shared the platform with a host of union and other dignitaries.

“We think back to where we were 50 years ago and where we are now,” said DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts. “And as I say, ‘Yes we did!’ ”

DC 37 and Local 372 President Veronica Montgomery-Costa congratulated the local and its members on 50 years of dedicated service.

“Fifty years is a long time, and the hope is that some of the young people take on the challenge of leadership,” she said. State Sen­. James Sampson congratulated the union on its anniversary. “Tonight, we acknowledge those who paved the way,” he said.

Those who paved the way included Local 1219’s first president, Bill Epstein, who held office as the local was officially recognized on May 21, 1958, and President Harold Baker, who also served as president of DC 37 from 1964 to 1968.

James Cobb, president from 1992 until his death in July 1999, was a leader whose dedicated commitment showed in his extra efforts as chair of the DC 37 Housing Committee. A strong advocate for affordable housing, he worked during his tenure to make the goal of owning a home a reality for lower-income public employees.

But while fighting for a broader constituency, Local 1219 didn’t neglect the needs of its membership. Cobb served as a mentor to President Williams, who became his executive assistant. Williams headed the local’s Survey and Research Committee, which documented the hazardous working conditions of the Real Property Managers and others. Members were subject to assaults and other dangers as their work forced them to confront drugs, violence, gangs and other urban hazards.

The committee’s findings laid the basis for a contract clause the local negotiated that gave members the right to travel in pairs if they felt a sense of insecurity. The local also secured a training program to enhance the members’ professionalism and provide a route to upgrading and greater job security.

In 1995, for the first time, members were certified by the New York Association of Realty Managers; 95 members who had taken classes at New York University received the important certification.

Another important strand of service runs through the local’s history. Cobb originated the “Back to the Family” days and organized the participation of the whole union to give urban children experiences they wouldn’t otherwise enjoy — like the annual trips to Yankee Stadium to watch the Bronx Bombers do their stuff. Throughout the decades, Local 1219 has carried members’ on-the-job commitment into the community through dedicated and selfless service to their fellow New Yorkers.