Public Employee Press

Roberts brings the union to members at HHC hospitals

DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts brought the union to the members in late January with a series of meetings at major public hospitals. The team she took to the lunchtime meetings to share important information with members included representatives of the union’s Health and Security Plan, Education Fund, Municipal Employees Legal Services and Municipal Employees Housing Program.

The first stop for Roberts and the staffers was Jan. 28 at Kings County Hospital, where she updated members on contract negotiations, the presidential election, and other critical issues that affect them on the job and in their communities.

“We have made it clear to management that we are prepared to roll up our sleeves and sit down and work hard to wrap up a new economic contract,” said Roberts.

Leaders from locals 299, 420, 436, 1407, 1549 and 2627 attended and encouraged members to participate. Field Operations Director Barbara Edmonds emceed the sessions and explained how she works with the union’s divisions and reps “to educate and equip union members to be advocates in the workplace and in the community.”

DC 37 Assistant to the Associate Director Henry Garrido explained the union’s popular affordable housing and foreclosure relief program. Education Fund staff encouraged members to participate in upgrading programs in the health field as well as classes to prepare for civil service tests and the High School Equivalency Exam.

The recent expansion of the union’s optical benefit to include many more providers interested many members. Presentations were also made by the Political Action and the Research and Negotiations departments, the union’s legal service, and the field divisions, which explained how members can contact them for help in resolving workplace issues.

Similar meetings were held in the last week of January at North Central Bronx Hospital and Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx. The union represents about 14,000 Health and Hospitals Corp. employees in 15 locals.