Public Employee Press

Museum and zoo workers' locals unite

Two locals in DC 37's White Collar Division that include similar titles in city cultural institutions merged as of March 1.

The members represented by Museum of the City of New York Local 1665 have become part of the larger Wildlife Conservation Society Local 1501, which also represents workers at the Bronx Zoo and the New York Aquarium.

Local 1665 was finding it difficult to assemble enough members at meetings to meet quorum requirements. DC 37's parent union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, audited the records of Local 1665 under previous leadership and found no improper activity. Thanks in part to a letter from DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts, AFSCME opted to merge Local 1665 with Local 1501 rather than place the local under administratorship. Roberts' letter pointed out that the current president and treasurer of Local 1665 were in favor of the merger.

"Local 1665 members who are now in Local 1501 will remain employees of their respective agencies, retain their titles and benefits, such as medical coverage and pensions, and their collective bargaining agreements and contracts are still in effect," said White Collar Division Director Mike Riggio. While the local officers will change, shop stewards at the various institutions may or may not remain in place, depending on the wishes of the members.

Representatives from DC 37, including Riggio and Council Rep Wendell Reid, made site visits and met with members to address any questions and concerns about the merger.