Public Employee Press

DC 37 is celebrating 65 years of struggle

Six and a half decades of fighting for workers’ rights is something to celebrate! District Council 37 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees was born in October 1944, and the union is holding events to commemorate its 65th anniversary all year in 2009.

On Saturday, June 13, the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre will perform at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. A limited number of discounted tickets will be sold in the DC 37 lobby from 5:30 to 7 p.m., on Tuesday, May 5, Wednesday, May 13, and Thursday, May 14.

Saturday, Aug. 8, will be DC 37 Family and Friends Day at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey. Tickets for union members and family are $40 per person without transportation and $60 per person with round-trip transportation included. Children under 2 are free. The special ticket package will be on sale on May 7, 19, 20 and 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the union lobby.

Throughout October, DC 37 headquarters at 125 Barclay St. will showcase a gallery exhibit entitled, “A Pictorial Journey through DC 37 History: The Workforce That Shaped New York City.” The exhibit will include photographs, text and graphic depictions of the union’s struggles and victories.

Locals are encouraged to contribute to this exhibit by donating photographs of events, leaders and members, historic and current; tools, machines and equipment that were used in union trades; old uniforms, garments, hats and picket signs; old contracts, manuals, or dues books; old or new union lapel and message pins or buttons; and videos produced by locals of shop stewards, political action and union events.

The goal of the display is to convey to viewers the history of DC 37 — where it came from, what it is now, and its future aspirations. This is an excellent opportunity for each local to share its unique background and history and be a part of a special moment in DC 37 history.

The Gala Green Jubilee party will conclude the anniversary events on Oct. 23 with music, a DJ and finger food. The event will take place at 125 Barclay St. from 6 p.m. to midnight.

Other surprises are in the works, so stay tuned and get your dancing shoes ready!