We did it! We have returned to our Union Headquarters at 125 Barclay.

After five years of hard work, we opened the doors to our renovated building in October. I’m proud to present our members, retirees, and staff with a state-of-the-art facility offering high-quality services and substantial floor space for political and social events.

What better moment to return home than just in time to celebrate District Council 37’s 80th anniversary? On Oct. 26, 1944, this union received a charter from the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Since our founding many decades ago, we have grown in strength, standing up and winning against influential leaders like Robert Moses and Robert Wagner.

Taking on the struggle for racial equality, DC 37 was one of the first unions to back the Civil Rights movement and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s efforts, a commitment that continues today.

We led and won the 1965 Welfare Workers strike, organized tens of thousands of public hospital workers, and were instrumental in saving New York City from bankruptcy in the 1970s.

Expanding member services was a priority of then-Associate Director Lillian Roberts, and in 1971, she helped establish the DC 37 Education Fund to help our members improve skills and obtain training.

Now, we are moving forward and constantly building the people power of DC 37 — the union that makes New York City run.

The 2024 election results were shocking to us all. Enthusiasm was high and the Green Machine was in full force as were our expectations that the progressive ticket of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz would win against Donald J. Trump.

As we assess why Democrats lost the White House and control of Congress, we have to start with the basics.

The data coming in from Election Day was shocking. Latino support for Trump was surprisingly strong in the Bronx, Washington Heights, and Inwood. The vote in New York City indicated a trend we saw nationwide, where 46% of Latinos voted for Trump.

Data alone doesn’t illustrate voters’ anger and frustration. We must listen to the people who voted for President-elect Trump, hear their concerns, and understand their reasoning for voting for a candidate who serves against, rather than uplifts, the interests of working people.

If we want to win again, we must ask questions, be open to hearing the answers, and engage in dialogue while expressing our priorities and upholding our values.

Next year, there are elections for New York City Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, and City Council on the line. Several of our strongest allies, particularly City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, are term-limited and cannot run for re-election.

In the process leading up to next year’s primary and general elections, DC 37 will engage with and seek candidates who will best serve the interests of our members. We are looking for partners in the fight against budget cuts, ballooning health care costs, and an anti-union presidential administration.

Ultimately, the future of this union and our city is up to all of us. We must continue to turn out and vote for leaders who will champion our causes and communities and those who will fight for social and economic justice alongside us.

Check out the history and new look of DC 37 HQ at bit.ly/4fTMM24