Public Employee Press

Local 374 members
Training for the trades

By DIANE S. WILLIAMS

Custodians and other Local 374 members at the New York Public Library can now take a step onto the career ladder leading toward high-paying skilled trades work through the a new skills upgrading program provided by the local, the library and the DC 37 Education Fund.

"For too long some people have seen custodial jobs as dead-end," said Quasi-Public Employees Local 374 President Cuthbert Dickenson. "But no one should be denied the opportunity to better their lives, and this program gives our members the education to do that."

The training began in April, when 42 members started the intense 12-week program in mathematics and introductory building trades skills offered by the General Society of Mechanics Institute, one of the city's oldest schools for skilled trades.

"Promoting from within"

Members in the titles of Custodian, Assistant and Junior Custodian, Maintainer, Attendant Guard, Porter and Motor Vehicle Operator will be able to learn electrical, plumbing, and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) skills; after completing the program they can continue free at the institute in the area they choose.

The program sprang from discussions of career growth for Local 374 members between Dickenson and NYPL Labor Relations Director Terrance Neal. They agreed that with building maintenance systems in branches throughout the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island, the library could do more to train, advance and retain workers. NYPL Vice President Jim Pisaniello found ways within the budget to make it happen. Dickenson said, "Jim believes in promoting from within, which made it easy to develop this program."

Pisaniello and Neal agreed to waive seniority and education criteria for interested members, and DC 37 Ed Fund Administrator Barbara Kairson and Associate Administrator Viviana Tillman worked closely with the library and the institute to develop the course.

"This is a great opportunity," said Ray Rivera, an 11-year veteran Custodian at Harlem's Countee Cullen Library. He and his wife had talked about going back to school, but full-time work and three children made it a challenge. "The union and management presented a fantastic opportunity - the schedule works," he said. "I'll learn electrical, HVAC and plumbing basics free as part of my union benefits and I can advance on the job. It's the best thing in a while."

Mechanics Institute instructors work in the trades, building maintenance and construction by day and teach at night. Kevin Woodward, a Custodian at two Bronx libraries, said, "I get an opportunity to work with my hands and get more skills. I appreciate the library and the union giving us this opportunity."

NYPL and the DC 37 Education Fund are splitting the program's costs. Classes meet twice a week, and management is accommodating participants with flexible work schedules so students can attend.

"We are pleased to offer a program that will expand career opportunities for these members," said Tillman.