Public Employee Press

Grievance wins back pay, upgrading

Some things are supposed to happen like clockwork. When they don’t, it’s time to take action. In January 2003, when the date for Renee Fenton’s 12-year title upgrade and recurring increment payment came and went without any additional money or a title change, she consulted her union.

A member of Clerical-Administrative Employees Local 1549, she contacted Assistant Clerical Division Director Eddie Gates and Grievance Rep Pilar Oquendo.

In January 2005, Ms. Fenton got the first RIP check and an upgrade from Clerical Associate Ia to Clerical Associate II.

Her retroactive payment represents a huge boost for the working mother of two. “I’m elated!” she said. “The union is fantastic. Every time I saw Ms. Oquendo, she told me to hold on and I did.”

Ms. Oquendo is also happy. “This grievance shows that membership in Local 1549 is priceless,” she said.

Clerical Division Director Ronnie Harris said members should “notify the union as soon as possible when something is amiss.”

Ms. Fenton celebrated her victory by cooking a meal to share with her fellow employees. After a long day at the Jamaica Food Stamp Center’s Control Unit, she went home and baked chicken, peas and rice, meatloaf, string beans and salad. “We’re like a family here, a happy family,” she said.