By DIANE S. WILLIAMS
Hundreds of the newest members of Motor Vehicle Operators Local
983 learned how union dues become union benefits Oct. 1 at the local’s
second Benefits Fair.
“Local 983 took WEPs without paychecks and hired them into
jobs with paychecks,” said President Mark Rosenthal. He recounted
the 18-month battle at City Hall, in state Supreme Court and with
the federal government to extend the TANF program and hire 3,500
welfare recipients as unionized City Seasonal Aides. Many of the
CSAs were there to see how the union puts their dues to work for
them by negotiating city payments for health, dental, education
and other benefits.
DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts invited the new members
to “learn, participate and use the programs your union offers.”
Many of the CSAs joined the union’s political action “Green
Machine” by registering to vote in the Nov. 5 election.
City Council members Bill deBlasio and Helen Foster encouraged the
former welfare recipients take their anger to the ballot box. “Stand
up for yourselves, write letters and vote,” Ms. Foster said.
The new members also learned about the union’s constant fight
for jobs and security. “If someone tries to take your job without
just cause, we are here to fight for you as we would any member,”
Mr. Rosenthal said. “We treat all our members the same with
no distinction.”