DC 37 BLOG
- Don Nesbit Named Labor’s 40 Under 40 April 8, 2020By DIANE S. WILLIAMS City and State magazine named Local 372 Executive Vice President Donald Nesbit one of labor’s top leaders in its annual 40 Under 40 issue. Nesbit is an AFSCME Next Wave activist, and local union leader who chairs the DC 37 Political Action Committee and serves on the DC 37 Executive Board. […]
- MELS UPDATE: COVID-19 Federal Student Loan Relief April 8, 2020The Municipal Employees Legal Services is here to help members manage their student debt. Collection of Federal direct student loans has been suspended through September 30, 2020. During this period: Borrowers with federal student loans in repayment are excused from making their regular monthly payments. Involuntary collection activity must stop — No wage garnishment; no […]
- MELS UPDATE: COVID-19 Mortgage Relief April 7, 2020MORATORIUM ON FORECLOSURES There is currently a moratorium on all foreclosures through June 11, 2020. After the moratorium ends, foreclosures that are in process will resume, and new foreclosures may be initiated. FEDERALLY GUARANTEED MORTGAGES If you have a federally-guaranteed mortgage (FHA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, VA.) and are having difficulty making payments because of […]
- Remembering Dr. King April 4, 2020By DIANE S. WILLIAMS On the 52nd anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination April 4, 1968, we reflect on his life’s legacy: the peaceful pursuit of liberty, justice, equality for all, and service to others. Dr. King would have been 91 this year had he lived, but his life was cut short in […]
- Local 372 on the Frontlines of COVID-19 Feeding Kids and Seniors April 3, 2020BY DIANE S. WILLIAMS One group of unsung heroes stepping up to help vulnerable New Yorkers during the global pandemic of coronavirus are Board of Education Employees Local 372 members. “We are seeing 15 or more of our members working in poorly ventilated kitchens to feed kids. DOE has not provided protective equipment for them. […]
- As Museums Close, Local 1503 Members Stand Guard April 2, 2020By DIANE S. WILLIAMS William Vance is a Special Patrolmen at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He works the day shift, where normally the museum is bustling with thousands of visitors touring and dozens of delivery trucks are coming and going at New York’s 150-year-old, iconic institution. “It’s strange to walk the halls of a […]
- PSU Can Help You Cope with COVID-19 Stress and Anxiety April 1, 2020The DC 37 Health and Security Plan is here to help members cope with the stress and anxiety of COVID-19. Many people feel Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in the face of the uncertainty of COVID-19. If these feelings are overwhelming you, the Personal Service Unit (PSU) can help. The following are common symptoms to look […]
- Ed Fund Now Providing Online Classes March 31, 2020The Education Fund office is closed, however we continue working to offer members their benefits. We are still accepting applications to our Spring 2020 cycle. Any changes, cancelations, and postponements within our programing will be sent to applicants. Tuition Reimbursement: Due to current events, the Tuition Refund Department will not be able to process applications […]
- NY Housing Updates: Eviction and Foreclosure Moratorium, COVID-19 Discrimination, NYCHA & Section 8 Rent Hardships March 30, 2020The Municipal Employees Legal Services (MELS) is operational and ready to serve you. Our offices at 55 Water Street are closed but we are working remotely. Call us with your housing questions and for legal representation at 212-815-1111. During the public health emergency caused by COVID-19: There will be no evictions or foreclosures through June […]
- NYBG Orchid Show’s Virtual Tour March 27, 2020By DIANE S. WILLIAMS While most of the city is shuttered because of COVID-19, DC 37 members in Quasi Public Employees Local 374 are hard at work behind the scenes maintaining cultural jewels like the New York Botanical Gardens. They are the maintainers, the guards, the gardeners, and other workers responsible for keeping exhibits like […]
- DC 37 Services Update: Also Important COVID-19 Information March 25, 2020DC 37 SERVICES: ALSO IMPORTANT COVID-19 INFORMATION DC 37 at 55 Water Street in Lower Manhattan is closed. However, your union continues to service members remotely. All DC 37 members can still reach union representatives—council reps, DC 37 staff and grievance reps — by email and mobile phone. Please check www.dc37.net for additional phone numbers for […]
- The 109th Triangle Fire Remembrance Renews Focus on Worker Protections March 25, 2020By DIANE S. WILLIAMS Today marks the 109th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, a catastrophe that claimed the lives of 146 workers, mostly young immigrant women. That avoidable tragedy led to workplace safety standards and fire safety laws as public outcry brought a renewed sense of urgency to the labor movement. As union […]
- Union Legal Services Are Available March 24, 2020By BILL WHALEN, Director and Chief Counsel, DC 37 Municipal Employees Legal Services The lawyers, legal assistants and clerical workers at MELS are continuing to serve members remotely. Our Screening Unit can be reached at 212-815-1111 and can connect you with an attorney. New York courts are operating on an emergency basis. They are only […]
- Important Information About Your DC 37 Health & Security Plan Benefits During COVID-19 March 23, 2020YOUR OPTUMRx PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFIT (All Active and Non-Medicare, Pre-65 Eligible Participants) Refill Too Soon. Effective immediately, in consideration of the COVID-19 situation, the DC 37 Health & Security Plan requested and OptumRx has agreed to immediately lift the “Refill Too Soon” restriction on covered drugs until further notice. Drugs with significant abuse potential (i.e. […]
- DC 37 Contact Numbers March 20, 2020IMPORTANT: DC 37 COVID-19 INFORMATION DC 37 contact numbers DC 37 Hotline 212.815.7555 DC 37 Safety and Health 212.815.1685 Health and Security Plan Inquiry Unit 212.815.1234 H&S TTY (Teletypewriter) 212.815.1266 H&S Info for Retirees Toll-Free 1.877.323.7738 outside of NY/NJ/CT Personal Service Unit 212-815-1250 Education Fund 212.815.1700 Municipal Employees Legal Services 212.815.1111 DC 37 Divisions DC […]
