For new Clerical Division Director Ronnie Harris,
teamwork is essential for delivering service to union members.
Toward that end, when he assumed his position in July, he reorganized
the division, working closely with Local 1549 President Eddie Rodriquez.
Mr. Harris has appointed three assistant directors, each with specific
responsibilities.
Ron Arnero will handle the uniformed agencies—all of them—Fire,
Police, Sanitation and Corrections. "He's Mr. Reverse-Out-Of-Title.
He has the history of forcing that as an issue with his aggressive
pursuit of civilianization in the NYPD," said Mr. Harris.
"Renee Gainer has a vast knowledge of how hospitals run,"
he said. She'll handle the HHC and the Dept. of Health and Mental
Hygiene. And First Assistant Director Eddie Gates will handle the
human resources agencies - ACS, DYC, DOE, and Homeless Services.
"He's my encyclopedia on these agencies," said Mr. Harris.
The rational division of labor will foster teamwork among the staff
and streamline the division. "That will help us provide the
best possible service to the membership of Local 1549," he
said.
Ron Arnero honed his talents in the NYPD. He started as an activist
and served as a shop steward, delegate, grievance rep and council
rep. Along with five other members, he organized the successful
lawsuit to battle pay discrimination against the mainly female and
minority workforce of 911 and helped form the PCT Chapter.
The assistant director position provides a welcome challenge. "The
satisfaction is in giving the grievance reps and council reps the
support they need in doing a very difficult job," he said.
"Hooked on the union"
Renee Gainer went to work at Cumberland Hospital when she was 14
as part of the Neighborhood Youth Corps. After college, she returned
to Cumberland, but it was at Woodhull Hospital that she filed the
out-of-title grievance that got her hooked on the union. Grievance
Rep Anna Massy inspired her to get involved. "She was my mentor,"
said Ms.Gainer.
From 1983 to 1987, she served as chief steward at Woodhull, and
in 1987 she became a DC 37 Rep. Her new position gives her the "opportunity
of a lifetime" to make a difference, said Ms. Gainer.
At HRA Center 53 in Queens, Eddie Gates met the Rep who inspired
him to become active in the union, the late Wallace Alves (see page
22). At his urging, Mr. Gates became a steward and served Local
1549 in many positions until he was promoted to DC 37 rep in 1993.
Becoming an assistant division director is "a major achievement,"
he said. "It lets me help the reps and protect the rights of
the membership. We have an uphill battle, but the strength and experience
of the reps can really help the union members."
—Jane LaTour