Public Employee Press

I'm happy the union had my back

When nursing rehab center worker Cynthia Bobbitt tore a tendon a few years ago, it was hard for her to imagine that anything could rival the pain that shot through her hand.

But in the next weeks and months, she learned that the loss of work and pay could also hurt deeply.

Fortunately, Bobbitt signed up as a DC 37 member. As a member, she was eligible for a disability grant from Union Plus, a consumer benefits program of the AFL-CIO that helped her through the tough times. She obtained the support through her AFSCME Advantage credit card, which is sponsored by DC 37's parent union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

The check came at a perfect time for Bobbitt, arriving on the day her gas was cut off.

"After I paid the bill that day, I had little left in my account," said Bobbitt, who works at the Dr. Susan Smith McKinney Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Brooklyn, where she is a member of District Council 37's Municipal Hospital Employees Local 420.

"When I opened my mail, I almost cried because it was so nice knowing that the union had my back," he said.

Bobbitt moved here from a sleepy town in North Carolina more than two decades ago and soon became a Local 420 activist because of her strong belief in union solidarity. "When there is no one else, you can always count on your union's support," said Bobbitt, who is now a chapter chair.

Bobbitt urges DC 37 members to explore the benefits offered by Union Plus and to find out about the financial assistance available through the AFSCME Advantage card.

"Anyone who is eligible should use it," said Bobbitt, who suffered her injury turning a patient over.

Union Plus provides a range of programs to help eligible AFSCME Advantage card holders who face hardships. Disability grants of $1,600 to $2,700 are available to cardholders who have had the card for at least three months and meet eligibility requirements. The card also offers job assistance and hospital grants. Find out more at AFSCMEcard.com.

— Gregory N. Heires