High praise for “a decent contract”

Normally I’m very critical of a lot of the things that the union does, but in this case, here’s a letter of praise for getting us a very decent contract.

You got more than I expected you to. The merit clause is relatively meaningless, because management already had the right to give out merit pay via level increases and salary ranges in a given title.

Again, my congratulations.

—CHRIS INGUANTA
Computer Specialist, Local 2627

Thanks for COLA

Thank you, Administrator, Lee Saunders, the DC 37 Retirees Association and President Alma Osborne for working so hard and so long to help the retirees.

COLA was the first step, and I for one am most appreciative of what a big help it is. A fine job, and I hope also to see an improvement in Medicare Part B. Now for passage of variable supplement legislation. Thank you, for all you do.

—REGINA E. CUNNINGHAM
Retiree, OTB Local 2021

Another old-time “parkie” likes COLA

Upon reading the letters page in your April issue, I saw the note from fellow Parks Dept. retiree Mr. Vito Locascio.

He complimented DC 37 on its many achievements – one of which was the recent pension COLA increase. This COLA raise sure is a great help to us old-timers.

I retired 15 years ago, and it sure was great to see Mr. Locascio’s letter, which brought back many pleasant memories of Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn, where he was our supervisor. Working for him for 10 years was a pleasure and privilege, for he was a true leader and a fine gentleman. Thank you, Vito.

—ED A. PINTO
Retired Laborer, Local 924

PS: I couldn’t possibly write this note without mentioning Mr. Joe Lumetta, a foreman at District 2. A person was real fortunate to work for these two.

A seasonal tribute

I am submitting the following springtime reflections, hoping you’ll find them worthy of publication.

I hope that you and your staff enjoyed a peaceful Passover and a joyous Easter.

Jerusalem Spring
Spring is striving to be
In our land of stone dwellings;
Frustrations
Are not so sharply felt,
At least
My demons of stress seem comforted.
It’s Spring!
And long before sun arrives
Sparrows fill the morning air
With cheerful chatter;
Breezes softly chanting alleluias
Gently touch the pregnant trees,
Ivy stands pert and pleased in her
  rock bedding,
And grass, wherever found is
Crisp and green against this warm
  dark earth.
A feeling of joy pervades
Despite the raging turmoil of these days,
It’s spring O Holy Father and
We are such a curious mixture of
Spirit and flesh.
So full of You,
So full of ourselves,
Straining to restrain
Improper passions;
So grateful for
  Your Glorious Resurrection.

—BONNIE PHELPS
Clerk, St. Agnes Library

Union Librarians are his heroes

I read with a keen interest your article “Community Librarian” (March 2001). My family has been going to the Hamilton Fish Library since our daughter was born in January 1977.

That library is one of the few public libraries that is on one floor and is accessible to carriages and wheelchairs. In an area surrounded by schools, community centers and the elderly, it is a safe haven for everyone. Children are left after school to be picked up by their guardians.

Also, it is important to note that many people forget that not everyone can afford computers, to buy books or even newspapers and magazines.

The Hamilton Fish Library fulfills a great need in the diverse Lower East Side community. One former civil servant even graduated from college after utilizing this library for her research.

It is truly unfortunate that librarians and staff are grossly underpaid and must put up with abuse from some of the public. If any civil servant can be called a hero, it is certainly the staff of the public libraries. They truly deserve respect from those who go to the library to enhance their knowledge and further their education.

—MARVIN GREISMAN
Chapter 28, Local 375

How DC 37 helped social work education

The following letter was received by DC 37 Administrator Lee Saunders:

On behalf of the Columbia University School of Social Work, I would like to thank you sincerely for authorizing the wonderful DC 37 printing shop to prepare the journal for “A Tribute to Dean Ronald A. Feldman.”

As you know, the tribute held April 4 at Lincoln Center was mounted as a special thank-you to Dean Feldman on his retirement from the CUSSW deanship.

The occasion also served as a benefit for the school’s new building. This structure will be the very first in the school’s 102-year history designed especially for social work education.
Not only was the journal a very special commemorative gift to Dean Feldman, but it also provided an opportunity for the School to raise much-needed funds.

Needless to say, everyone was thrilled with the journal; it is really a beautifully produced work of art. The many CUSSW graduates who work at DC 37 can be justly proud of the union’s generous and meaningful contribution.

—RACHELLE BUTLER
Assistant Dean and Director
Columbia Univ. School of Social Work