Public Employee Press

Local 1549 fought “like a gladiator”

While growing up, Lakisha Wright’s experiences in shelters fostered a strong desire to work for the Dept. of Homeless Services, a vital strand in the city’s safety net for the poor. She did go to work for the DHS as a Clerical Associate Level I and a member of Local 1549.

Wright gave birth to a son in February 2004 and returned from maternity leave in September. She soon found extra work beyond the duties of her job title — such as maintaining timekeeping records — being piled onto her plate.

In 2005, she contacted Grievance Rep Frank Maldonado, who championed her case. “I was like a gladiator with a shield — the collective bargaining contract — to protect the members,” said Maldonado, who is now a Council Rep. “We were fighting back and forth for a long time,” he explained.

Finally DHS management called Maldonado, requesting to meet and discuss a settlement. In the agreement, Wright won back pay to compensate for the difference in salaries between her job title and the job she was performing, as well as an upgrade to Clerical Associate Level II. “I loved every minute of this struggle,” said Wright. “Frank Maldonado helped me a lot. I wouldn’t have done it any other way.”

Bring grievances to the union
Now Wright acts as a messenger, encouraging other employees to turn to their union for assistance. “She shared the news of her good fortune and the fact that we did a good job for her with other members,” said Maldonado.

“Coming to the union usually resolves grievances to the member’s satisfaction,” said Assistant Clerical Division Director Ron Arnero. Local 1549 President Eddie Rodriguez applauded Wright for her courage. “When members stand up and fight for their rights, they become the big winners,” he said.