Public Employee Press

Up the career ladder with DC 37
Court workers prep for upgradings and pay hikes

When New York State offers the promotional exam for Senior Court Clerk this May, 300 DC 37 members will be better prepared than most civil servants for the chance to double their salaries and climb up the courts system’s career ladder.

“This is an opportunity for me to prove I can do more,” said Local 1070 member Awilda Vasquez. For the homeowner mom of an 18-year old, passing the exam “would be like I hit the lottery. It would mean so much to my family.”

Cliff Koppelman, DC 37 secretary and president of County, Court and Probation Employees Local 1070, negotiated this recipe for success together with Vice President Fausto Sabatino. They worked with management, the DC 37 Education Fund and test prep firm Concept Review, Inc. The program lets Local 1070 members attend CRI’s 16-week course for $300, a $150 savings. The local provides free texts, CRI discounts the preparatory CD-ROM, and members who complete the course are eligible for DC 37 tuition reimbursement. “This can be an opportunity of a lifetime,” said Mr. Koppelman.

Local 1070 Clerks who are permanent can take the promotional exam that previously was offered only to Court Officers. Many will rise from Grade 8 to Grade 21 and their salary will jump from a little more than $20,000 to $45,600.

“Our members do well on this exam,” said Mr. Sabatino, “so the turnover is noticeable.” Although the promotion would move employees to another union, Mr. Koppelman said, “We always press for opportunities that move members up.”

As the exam date approaches, the Local 1070 members have their noses in the books and their fingers crossed. “I am a dedicated employee and I’m so glad DC 37 and my local have invested in my future,” said Ms. Vasquez.

— Diane S. Williams