Public Employee Press


Local 1505
Union seeks full-time jobs for seasonal parks workers

By DIANE S. WILLIAMS

Holding colorful signs that read "City Parks Workers Keep New York Clean and Green" and "Save Our Jobs!" Local 1505 members sent a message to City Hall May 20 at the Parks Committee budget hearing.

"We are asking the City Council to add money to the budget for City Parks Workers for year-round employment," said Local 1505 President Dilcy Benn. The local has about 100 CPWs who are seasonal Parks employees.

Parks Committee Chair Mark Levine asked Local 1505 to come to City Hall and stand up for year-round employment. Last year, Levine added $5 million to the city budget to save Parks workers' jobs.

Levine said, "Every year we have to ask for more funding to save jobs. So I need you at the City Council budget hearings. Make your presence known!"

At the May general membership meeting, state Sen. Jesse Hamilton told Local 1505 members he would introduce legislation to protect Local 1505 Parks workers who get assaulted on the job.

City Parks Workers keep public parks and green spaces pristine by maintaining grounds and fencing; removing ice, snow and trash; and keeping comfort stations clean and well-stocked. Neighborhood parks are where friends gather for outdoor picnics and films, families play with their children, and visitors workout to stay fit. Many New Yorkers walk their four-legged furry friends in neighborhood parks.

"The number of New Yorkers who use public parks for exercise, entertainment and recreation citywide is steadily rising," Benn said.

"Having CPWs work year-round makes sense for the city on many levels. New Yorkers will have cleaner, safer parks and workers will have steady paychecks to sustain their families."