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Local 1505

Local wins back job with pay for member

By DIANE S. WILLIAMS

City Parks Worker Noel Harvey is back on the job after the union showed Dept. of Environmental Protection managers violated the member’s due process rights when they terminated him without filing any charges.

“It’s clear in this case the agency ignored the contract and wrongfully terminated the member without following the proper disciplinary procedures,” said Local 1505 President Dilcy Benn.

Harvey has been on the job for about two years at the Newtown Creek DEP in Queens, where he helps maintain the facility’s grounds and green infrastructure. In October Harvey was summarily fired without warning.

Harvey called the union and Blue Collar Division Council Rep Richard Kadlub filed a grievance to get the member’s job back. “Management failed to bring charges—either written or verbal,” Kadlub said, “and gave no warning before firing Noel.”

Labor Relations looked into the matter and admitted their error. In December DEP reinstated Harvey with two months pack pay for the time he was out of work.

“It’s awesome to get my job back,” Harvey said. “I really appreciate having a union behind me. They did not allow management to get away with denying me my rights. I go to union meetings but didn’t think they’d really help me. The union does what it says. They helped me when I needed it. ”

“If any member finds themselves in a similar situation,” Benn said, “they should call the union immediately. I cannot stress how important it is to know the contract and your rights and to attend union meetings. The union is here for you — it’s what we do.”