By MOLLY CHARBONEAU

In recent months, Local 1549 has won over $100,000 for dozens of members who have been regularly assigned to do the jobs of higher-paid workers.

For Elaine Hooks, "It was like hitting all 10 numbers in the Lotto" when she received her check for over $54,000 in back pay dating to June 30, 1998.

In November, an arbitrator ruled that Ms. Hooks, a Clerical Associate Level 1 in the Administration for Children's Services, was regularly assigned duties of the Principal Administrative Associate Level 1 title. Ms. Hooks was called on to schedule attorneys and hearings and generally interact with Family Court at the PAA level.

She filed her claim with help from Grievance Rep Gladys Camacho and was awarded back pay for the difference in salary. The higher-level assignments have continued, and Grievance Rep Pilar Oquendo has filed another grievance.

Theresa Kelly received nearly $11,000 when her case was settled in December. Ms. Kelly was hired as a Clerical Associate 3 in the Environmental Protection Dept. The Step 3 review officer ruled that she was assigned the duties of Computer Aide Level 1, such as generating computerized reports on data at the Ashokan Reservoir.

Grievance Rep Eddie Douglass said she was awarded the difference in salaries going back to 1999, and a differential for as long as she performs the higher-title work, but not a promotion. "I'm happy there has been some recognition of the work I'm doing," she said.

Victory for 40 in HRA
Some 40 Eligibility Specialists in Medicaid's Nursing Home and Central Eligibility divisions won over $1,000 apiece in back pay plus promotions. During 2001, they went from ES1 to ES2 after grievances revealed that the Human Resources Administration had upgraded the job title for their work without providing raises. The union expects more upgrades as outstanding grievances are decided. "Because some cases date back to 1996," says DC 37 Rep Eddie Gates, "the local will pursue the matter further." Stewards Jerry Brooks, Kevin McLaurin, Gloria Foster and Edmund Bynoe assisted with the grievances.

"If you're in a similar situation, please call your union representative so we can file a grievance," said Ronnie Harris, the acting director of DC 37's Clerical-Administrative Division. "We know there are a lot more members out there who are being assigned higher title work," said Eddie Rodriguez, president of Clerical-Administrative Employees Local 1549. "Your union is here to help you get the pay and recognition you deserve."