Public Employee Press

Allen honored by Assembly member

Local 2021 President Leonard Allen, who last year led the fight to save the jobs of OTB employees, received kudos in October from an Assembly member for his hard work as a municipal labor leader.

On Oct. 31, New York State Assembly member Nick Perry presented Allen, who is also DC 37’s political action chair, with the “Distinguished Labor Leader Award” at a gala at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Queens.

DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts served as honorary co-chair of the celebration along with Roger Toussaint, president of Transport Workers Union Local 100, and Sal Zarzana, president of Carpenters Local 926.

Last year, Allen spearheaded the union’s campaign to save the jobs of 1,500 members whose jobs were threatened by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s plan to close the New York City Off-Track Betting Corp.

The union fought back with demonstrations, lobbying and media and community outreach. The campaign culminated with top-level ­negotiations in Albany that resulted in a state takeover of the OTB, saving the jobs.

Perry also honored Allen for his work as chair of the DC 37 Political Action Committee. A Korean War veteran, Allen started his public service career as a New York City Housing Police Officer.