Public Employee Press

Psychologists' local celebrates 50th anniversary

City Psychologists have long provided essential mental health services at public hospitals, long-term care facilities, mental health clinics and prisons and in uniformed agencies; for the last half-century, they have had a union, Psychologists Local 1189. The local was born in 1962 amid a great surge of unionism among social service professionals, teachers and health-care workers, who found themselves underpaid and underrespected amid the booming economy of the times.

"The pay was poor and the Psychologists knew they had to get organized and join the labor movement. DC 37 and then-Executive Director Jerry Wurf opened their arms to us," said Local President Dr. Leonard Davidman. "Since then we have advanced steadily in pay, stature and working conditions."

The local has constantly fought privatization efforts. Key achievements include winning tuition reimbursement to study for advanced degrees and a pay differential for getting a state license.

DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts, DC 37 and Local 1549 President Eddie Rodriguez and Professional Division Director Nola Brooker honored the members and leaders of the local May 17 as they celebrated their 50th anniversary. "In these difficult times Local 1189 members provide an invaluable service to New Yorkers who are having a hard time coping," said Roberts.

AFSCME Assistant Regional Director Jim Cullen presented a plaque commemorating the anniversary from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, DC 37's national union, which chartered the local on June 1, 1962.

"To have the leadership of DC 37 and AFSCME acknowledge the work of our members is a real honor," said Davidman.

One of the local's more prominent members was Dr. David Wechsler, who served as chief psychologist at Bellevue Hospital for 25 years and in the 1930s created the famous Wechsler Intelligence Scales, which are still used today. Wechsler and former Treasurer Vicki Estroff were among the local's founders.

Davidman pointed out that even as civil service Psychologists evaluated whether infamous perpetrators of horrendous crimes were sane enough to stand trial, they got little public notice until 9/11, when the public learned of their role in helping uniformed officers deal with the tragedy they had lived through.