Public Employee Press

Union invites NYPD civilians to testify

When training began for the first 90 Police Administrative Aides hired after an arbitrator ruled in 2004 that NYPD clerical work had to be done by civilians, it was a triumph for Local 1549 and DC 37.

In an effort to include the 17 other DC 37 locals with members in the Police Dept., Political Action Director Wanda Williams has convened a task force of locals and union staff to broaden and advance the progress of civilianization, reclaiming jobs that should be done by non-uniformed workers and saving city funds in the process.

The task force has scheduled hearings Sept. 22 for NYPD civilians to testify on the problem of uniformed personnel doing their jobs.

When the new PAAs started, the union held an orientation session and kicked off a unique mentoring program to help them learn the ropes. The mentors — stewards, union leaders and staff — will be available to the PAAs through their seven weeks of training and a year on probation.

“We want to be sure they succeed,” said Local 1549 Executive Vice President Lenora Gates.