District Council 37 and the City agree on contract


"This contract provides a sound economic package and, given the current economic climate, it is a good deal for the hard-working members of DC 37," says DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts.

District Council 37, the city's largest public employee union, reached a tentative agreement on October 30 with the City of New York on a new 24-month wage pact that provides a total of 8.26% in wage hikes. The agreement covers the period from March 3, 2008 through March 2, 2010.

"With this contract, we have achieved sound, livable wage increases for our members and protected our benefits - with no changes in our health coverage and pension plans," said DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts, who chaired the union's bargaining committee.

"This gives our members the clarity and economic certainty for the future that they deserve at a time of deepening economic crisis on the federal, state and local levels. This contract is an acknowledgement of the value of the services provided by DC 37's hard-working members and the fact that these services are vital to the quality of life in New York City and must be maintained.

"DC 37 has always been a responsible union. We clearly understand the practical reality of bargaining in difficult fiscal times. A contract that provides two 4% increases over the course of two years is a significant victory for our members," Roberts added.

Among the highlights of the 24-month-contract are:

• 4 % increase on base salary on March 3, 2008
• 4 % compounded increase on March 3, 2009
• On the last day of the contract the general wage increases will be applied to such items as assignment differentials, uniform allowances, longevity and service increments for an overall value of 8.26%.

The ratification process for the contract began with the October 30 vote by the DC 37 bargaining committee, made up of the union's 56 local presidents. The contract will now be submitted to a special meeting of the Council's delegate body on November 6 for a recommendation to the locals on whether to accept or reject the pact. Finally, the American Arbitration Association will conduct a mail ballot of the 100,000 members covered by the contract.

District Council 37 represents 125,000 members in more than 1,000 job titles from 56 local unions.