Public Employee Press

Letters to the editor

Union was right in the November election

We in DC 37 can pat ourselves on the back for backing Comptroller John Liu and Public Advocate Bill de Blasio in the November elections and proudly supporting Bill Thompson in his valiant and almost successful challenge to the billionaire mayor.

I have to praise our brilliant Executive Director Lillian Roberts, who led the way in these efforts. Liu has shown what he is made of by challenging Bloomberg over contracting out, and de Blasio’s plan to help the public organize demonstrations to make themselves heard by the mayor demonstrates his deep belief in democracy and the power of the people.

We can expect a mayor we opposed to give us a tough time in bargaining for a new contract, but it’s already obvious that there’s not much money to be had this time around. We especially have to fight to protect the civil service system, which gives us justice and a level playing field when it is allowed to work.

To survive these tough negotiations, we must stick together and avoid the divisiveness that has weakened so many unions.

—Selma Brown
Local 1549



Wants early retirement

Why no early retirement incentive plan now (similar to current OTB deal)? What is different today as opposed to NYC’s fiscal crisis of 2002? Mayor Bloomberg said, “At a time when the city faces a severe budget deficit, we must consider every available opportunity to reduce operating costs. This proposal [early retirement incentive] will provide $50 million in savings.”

Much time has been wasted, making me wonder on the real degree of seriousness in dealing with fiscal matters and question the ability of government to act in a timely and effective manner.

—Mark Shoenfield
Computer Specialist, Local 2627



Praise and a correction

Happy New Year to DC 37 and our larger labor family. Thank you for the fine coverage of our award-winning monthly Public Employee Press. Much of the information carried by the PEP is of great use to many of our members. It lifts our morale in these difficult times for the labor movement. Thank you for doing a fine job. Please keep it up.

The integrity and the good name of the PEP are dear to me and the authenticity of content is therefore of great concern to those of us who serve as labor leaders.

I am writing to correct the article, “Local 375 members celebrate India’s Festival of Lights.”

The article mentions the honored guest Mr. Vinod Devgan, a former member, as “Deputy Commissioner of the Dept. of Design and Construction.” In fact, Mr. Devgan is an Assistant Commissioner who was promoted to this position in the recent past. As an engineer and a one-time officer of the Society of Indian American Engineers and Architects, I’d very much like to see him as deputy commissioner, but he is not there yet.

—Muhammad Sheth
President, Chapter 4, Local 375



Retiree backs Amish Market workers

The following letter was sent to the manager of the Amish Market at 53 Park Place, a block from DC 37. The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union is organizing the market’s employees. The dispute described does not involve other Amish Market stores.

For several years allegations of violations of state and federal labor and wage laws have been levied at this Amish Market. I’ve had enough.

Whether you are technically right or wrong on the issues, you have failed to resolve them for so long that I’m no longer comfortable patronizing this store. Enclosed is my voided discount card. Until you resolve the labor and wage issues, my business goes elsewhere.

Robert S. Pfefferman
DC 37 Retirees Association



Correction

The DC 37 Retirees Association was mistakenly left off the list of generous donors for the annual Holiday Giving event in the January 2010 issue of PEP. The Retirees gave toys and money in addition to their volunteer work at the party.