Michael Lee, a member of Local 1549 who was laid off and is now back at work, gets counseling in sign language on June 3 from union rep Sheila Rabb.

Michael Lee is proud of many things in his life — immigrating to the United States in 1966 from his native Hong Kong, becoming a citizen in 1972, and fathering Kevin, 14, Calvin, 11, and Maryann, 3. He’s especially proud of his 18 years at the Fire Dept. of New York, where he has put his Photoshop expertise to work on the web site.

Mr. Lee is deaf, and he is tremendously expressive when he uses sign language to describe the milestones of his life’s journey. He never expected to be a victim of the city’s economic woes, but on May 17 his journey hit a roadblock as the FDNY laid him off. In a cost-saving measure, he took his children out of Catholic school and enrolled them in the local public school.

A member of Clerical-Administrative Local 1549, he turned to the union for help. At a meeting DC 37 held June 3 for laid-off members, he met with Executive Director Lillian Roberts, who encouraged him to pursue his rights and fight for his job.

He reviewed his situation with Council Rep Sheila Rabb, who herself is able to speak sign language. She worked with Mr. Lee to contact the unemployment office, study his benefits and develop a plan of action.

Due to his hearing disability, Mr. Lee is eligible for inclusion in the 55-A program, which should preclude a layoff. Then Local 1549 President Eddie Rodriguez got involved by making calls to the FDNY. Mr. Lee returned to work the next day.

“All jobs are important,” said Mr. Rodriguez, “But even more so when someone is in Mr. Lee’s situation. We checked the layoff lists for possible violations and in Michael Lee’s case, we found a clear violation of the 55-A program.”

As Clerical Division Director Ronnie Harris said: “It takes a team.” In this instance, every part of the team pitched in to help Mr. Lee, including his fellow union members, who made urgent calls on his behalf to the local. Now Mr. Lee is back at work as part of the FDNY web team at www.nyc.gov/fdny.

— Jane LaTour