By ACACIA RODRIGUEZ

The five-and-a-half-year contracts provide wage increases and ratification bonuses for Local 983 members in blue collar roles who were unable to work from home during the pandemic.

“I’m happy to have these new contracts resolved,” said Local 983 President Joe Puleo. “These are equitable contracts that our members deserve.”

Each title plays a major role in eliminating potential safety hazards for the public. High Pressure Plant Tenders and Plant Maintainers ensure boilers, furnaces, and cooling units are running properly in hospitals, transit, school settings, and City facilities. Traffic Enforcement Agents keep streets safe by patrolling and enforcing parking codes. Urban Park Rangers, who maintain the city’s parks, beaches, pools, and recreation centers, are crucial in keeping park patrons informed and protected.

“It’s a good contract in my eyes,” said Associate Urban Park Ranger Joe Oro. “I’ve been here 37 years and haven’t seen one as good as this. Patience is a virtue, so I’m glad the contract is here finally.”

Eligible members are entitled to 16.21% compounded wage increases during the contract term, a $3,000 ratification bonus, retroactive pay awarded from the first day of each agreement, including overtime and premium pay, annuity increases, annual $50 recurring contributions for covered members from the City to the Welfare Fund, and continued premium-free health insurance.

Members seeking more information on these contracts can speak with their union representative for details.

Navigating new contracts is a difficult process, and the Bargaining Committee worked to optimize the best possible terms for Local 983 members. The negotiating team included President Puleo, DC 37 Associate Director Rose Lovaglio-Miller, Research & Negotiations Director Daniel Katz, and Assistant Directors Michele Trester, Jake Foley-Keene, Raymond Santander, and Ben Totushek.

“We appreciate the effort of the DC 37 Staff Research and Negotiations Department for their support and guidance in this long and tedious process,” Puleo said. “We also thank NYC Office of Labor Relations Commissioner Renee Campion, First Deputy Commissioner Daniel Pollak, and Assistant Commissioners Zachary Lider and Matt Campese.”

Katz underscored the effectiveness of collective bargaining supported by members who are engaged from the ground up through the rank and file.

“What we’ve seen throughout the process is the cumulative efforts of our members, union leadership, and staff effectively developing the right conditions for contracts across all sectors,” Katz said. “When we get a local union that achieves this, it has a domino effect. This is an extraordinary moment and it’s exciting, it’s hard work, and proves that the work of a union like DC 37 is never done.”

With these new contracts in place, the union continues to strengthen its ability to negotiate. Each member is a vital piece of the network of collective union power.

“Our members make it possible for us to achieve results at the bargaining table,” Katz said. “Without their efforts, we would not be able to build on our momentum for future negotiations.”