Public Employee Press

PEOPLE person of the month: Cora Casey, secretary

When the Housing Authority added data entry to secretary Cora Casey’s workload, she called DC 37, filed an out-of-title grievance and won. Today she shows her gratitude as a DC 37 PEOPLE volunteer.

“DC 37 fought for me 30 years ago, and I’ve been there for my union ever since,” said Casey, a member of HA Clerical Employees Local 957. “It’s important for us to represent DC 37 at City Hall, in Albany or Washington — and by contributing to PEOPLE.”

PEOPLE is the Public Employees Organized to Promote Legislative Equality, the political action committee of DC 37’s national union, AFSCME.

“I learned so much from my union, such as when to walk away and when to stand up to management,” said Casey, who is a shop steward and DC 37 delegate. But she always stands up for municipal workers in the political system by enrolling her co-workers in PEOPLE.

Protecting working families
“PEOPLE helps protect our benefits and our jobs,” Casey said. “When I get members to sign up or increase their PEOPLE contribution, I invite them to sign up the whole family.”

Members’ voluntary PEOPLE contributions help elect candidates in state and federal elections, and help AFSCME lobby to protect Social Security and other programs important to working families. PEOPLE supports politicians, regardless of party, who side with public employees and stand up for workers’ rights.

DC 37 members can give to PEOPLE through voluntary payroll deductions, and current PEOPLE members can increase their contributions. Members contributing $2 or more per pay period are automatically enrolled in the VIP Club and receive a jacket and pin. The minimum voluntary contribution is 50 cents per pay period. To sign up for the program, please call DC 37 PEOPLE Coordinator Sandra Murchison at 212-815-1550.