Michael Lee is proud of many things
in his life immigrating to the United States in 1966 from his
native Hong Kong, becoming a citizen in 1972, and fathering Kevin, 14,
Calvin, 11, and Maryann, 3. Hes especially proud of his 18 years
at the Fire Dept. of New York, where he has put his Photoshop expertise
to work on the web site.
Mr. Lee is deaf, and he is tremendously expressive when he uses sign
language to describe the milestones of his lifes journey. He never
expected to be a victim of the citys economic woes, but on May
17 his journey hit a roadblock as the FDNY laid him off. In a cost-saving
measure, he took his children out of Catholic school and enrolled them
in the local public school.
A member of Clerical-Administrative Local 1549, he turned to the union
for help. At a meeting DC 37 held June 3 for laid-off members, he met
with Executive Director Lillian Roberts, who encouraged him to pursue
his rights and fight for his job.
He reviewed his situation with Council Rep Sheila Rabb, who herself
is able to speak sign language. She worked with Mr. Lee to contact the
unemployment office, study his benefits and develop a plan of action.
Due to his hearing disability, Mr. Lee is eligible for inclusion in
the 55-A program, which should preclude a layoff. Then Local 1549 President
Eddie Rodriguez got involved by making calls to the FDNY. Mr. Lee returned
to work the next day.
All jobs are important, said Mr. Rodriguez, But even
more so when someone is in Mr. Lees situation. We checked the
layoff lists for possible violations and in Michael Lees case,
we found a clear violation of the 55-A program.
As Clerical Division Director Ronnie Harris said: It takes a team.
In this instance, every part of the team pitched in to help Mr. Lee,
including his fellow union members, who made urgent calls on his behalf
to the local. Now Mr. Lee is back at work as part of the FDNY web team
at www.nyc.gov/fdny.
Jane
LaTour