Public Employee Press

DC 37 steps up community political outreach

More than 75 members from Staten Island's South Shore community participated in an April 12 meeting held by the DC 37 Political Action Dept. at IS 24. They discussed union policy with top leaders and got help with questions on benefits and grievances.

The meeting - part of an effort to reach out to more neighborhoods throughout the city - was the union's second on the South Shore.

Executive Director Lillian Roberts, Field Operations Director Barbara Edmonds and Political Action Committee Chair Lenny Allen, the president of OTB Local 2021, met with the members and two local presidents who participated, James Tucciarelli of Local 1320 and Michael DeMarco of Local 1455.

Roberts stressed the importance of closing ranks to fight the mayor's plan to lay off thousands of employees and his attacks on pensions, benefits and civil service.

"We need all of you and your families, friends and neighbors at the rally on June 14 at City Hall," she said.

"We hear a lot of rumors about layoffs," said College Assistant Lucy Lambardo, a member of Local 2054 who came with several colleagues from the College of Staten Island who were concerned about losing their jobs.

Allen said he remains "cautiously optimistic" about reopening the OTB betting parlors.

After the meeting, union reps from the Clerical, White Collar, Schools and Professional divisions held individual sessions with members to answer their questions on union benefits and workplace issues.