District Council 37 has endorsed the following candidates for NYC Mayor: Adrienne Adams Zohran Mamdani Zellnor Myrie What does the NYC Mayor do? Proposes the city’s budget Signs or vetos bills passed by the City Council Appoints leaders to over 40 city agencies Sets priorities and policy for city agencies Enforces all city and state laws within New York City Learn more about why DC 37 chose each candidate: ADRIENNE ADAMS Has been an ally in fighting layoffs of DC 37 members Will protect premium-free healthcare Advocated as City Council Speaker to fund city positions Will protect our pension funds ZOHRAN MAMDANI Supports a rent freeze Will strengthen labor protections for union workers Advocates for affordable childcare and essential city services Fast and free buses ZELLNOR MYRIE Advocates for 3K in pre-K Will fight to build affordable homes Revitalize and invest in NYCHA housing Committed to keeping our streets safe and restoring accountability in NYPD To learn more about how DC 37 chooses each candidate, read PEPtalk’s “How to Win Elections & Influence Policy.” To learn more about how to become more politically active in DC 37, click HERE.— Jun 10
Local 1502 Keeps Up Pressure at Brooklyn Museum DC 37 Local 1502 Brooklyn Museum Workers and United Auto Workers Local 2110 held a rally on March 6 to protest imminent layoffs of nearly 50 museum workers just days after marching the picket line in late February. The rally drew hundreds of union members, supporters, and community leaders. The workers sent a clear message to management, chanting, “Together, united, we’ll never be defeated!” Union leaders, including Executive Director Henry Garrido and Local 1502 President Wilson Souffrant, reiterated the need for strategic thinking and alternative cost savings. Souffrant emphasized that members must persevere and remain steadfast in their commitment to one another during negotiations. As of press time, the union and Brooklyn Museum reached an agreement to halt layoffs for the foreseeable future. Play Fair for Parks Demands 1% Wind and rain on March 20 couldn’t keep the Play Fair for Parks Coalition from the steps ofCity Hall to call for 1% of the city’s budget to be allocated toward public parks, maintenance, and staff. Local 1505 President Dilcy Benn and Local 983 President Joe Puleo sounded off on how essential parks are to New Yorkers’ safety and quality of life. “Every [...]— Jun 6
Story and Photo by JUSTINA RAMLAKHAN One of the major benefits provided to union workers is a path for growth based on merit and tenure. At DC 37, public and private sector members are eligible to take education courses, earn certifications, and apply for scholarships in support of advancing their careers. “We want to help our members reach the highest levels of success,” said Stephen Johnson, Administrator of the DC 37 Education Fund. Education benefits available to DC 37 members are made possible by different training funds that determine eligibility. There are a variety of compulsory and supplemental resources uniquely designed to meet each student’s needs. Public Sector Benefits at the DC 37 Ed Fund One of two computer labs in the Lillian Roberts Training Center at DC 37 Headquarters. The DC 37 Education Fund (Ed Fund) has made it possible for thousands of members to improve their academic, language, technical, and clerical skills since it was established in 1971 by former Executive Director Lillian Roberts. Through the Ed Fund, members can prepare for civil service exams, receive financial assistance for higher education programs, and prepare for applying to new jobs. “We advise members to get in the habit of [...]— Jun 6
By JUSTINA RAMLAKHAN New York City is home to approximately 3.1 million immigrants who represent nearly 40% of the city’s total population. This number does not account for hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants and asylum-seekers who reside within the five boroughs. Since beginning his second term, President Donald Trump issued several new deportation-related Executive Orders that have resulted in increased fear and confusion among many. The federal government directs Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to prioritize arrests of targeted populations. Presently, the law allows for the deportation of certain immigrants, including anyone without lawful immigration status and people with status (lawful permanent residents, refugees, and visa holders) who have certain criminal convictions. People with legal status and prior convictions may be a target for deportation even if the conviction is from years ago, jail time was not served, the case resulted in a minor offense or misdemeanor, they’ve been a Lawful Permanent Resident for a long time, or all other members of their family are U.S. citizens. “The amount of information coming out daily from the White House can be overwhelming for anyone,” said Bill Whalen, MELS director and chief counsel. “Our members should follow any guidance issued by [...]— Jun 6
As workers and key staff look on, Research and Negotiations Department Director Daniel Katz signs the first collective bargaining contract between the Center for Urban Community Services and DC 37. Story and Photo by MIKE LEE Persistence paid off when workers at the Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS) signed their first collective bargaining agreement on April 2. The agreement covers the nearly 300 social workers, mental health clinicians, caseworkers, peer specialists, office managers, and administrative assistants working at the non-profit. CUCS provides mental health services, social support services, and supportive housing to New Yorkers in need. This is the first union contract for CUCS workers who began an organizing campaign in 2021. After winning voluntary recognition in early March 2022, they formed a bargaining committee and commenced negotiations with management a few months later. The process took two years and more than 35 bargaining sessions. Through dogged resistance to management’s demands, workers reached a settlement at the end of January 2025, and overwhelmingly ratified the three-year contract on March 14. The bargaining committee focused primarily on wages and safety, which were top priorities for the workers who provide services for permanent housing as well as shelter and street outreach. [...]— Jun 6
