MARCH WITH US AT THE CLC LABOR DAY PARADE

Show New York City our Union Power! March with your fellow union members and their families to show solidarity in the annual Central Labor Council Labor Day Parade. The first 500 attendees will receive an exclusive DC 37 t-shirt!

WHEN: Saturday, September 6 | 9 a.m.

WHERE: DC 37’s assembly point at West 44th Street between 6th Avenue and Broadway

Register HERE.

DC 37 AT THE YANKEES

Show New York City our Union Power! March with your fellow union members and their families to show solidarity in the annual Central Labor Council Labor Day Parade. The first 500 attendees will receive an exclusive DC 37 t-shirt!

WHEN: Saturday, September 6 | 9 a.m.

WHERE: DC 37’s assembly point at West 44th Street between 6th Avenue and Broadway

Register HERE.

DC 37 POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

2026 DC 37 Lobby Day

Save the date for our 2026 Lobby Day! On Tuesday, March 3, we will travel to Albany to speak with State legislators about Tier 6 Reform, cost-of-living increases, workplace safety, and other legislative priorities.

Buses will depart from DC 37 headquarters at 125 Barclay Street, New York, NY 10007. Registration will be required. Keep an eye out for more information about registration in the coming months.

Join the fight to get pro-worker candidates elected– support the DC 37 PEOPLE Program!

Under the new presidential administration, government jobs, safety net programs, and remote work options are under attack. It’s important that we support candidates who will fight against attempts to cut jobs and the advances we’ve fought hard for. By joining the PEOPLE Program – our DC 37 political action fund — we can get leaders in office who will fight for worker’s rights over corporate greed. PEOPLE contributions are used for Get Out the Vote campaigns, lobbying around member issues, direct support for pro-workers candidates, and other important activities that we are restricted from using dues money to conduct.

Join PEOPLE HERE.

Attend Political Action Committee Meetings

Join us for our monthly Political Action Committee Meetings to find out more about what’s happening in City Hall and Albany. Meetings usually take place on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. via Zoom.

Next meeting: Thursday, September 11th | Register HERE.

Register to Vote Today

Are you and your family all set to vote in 2025? Elections for Mayor, City Council, Public Advocate, and City Comptroller are happening in November. Register to vote or update your address information HERE.

New York State & City Budget Session Wrap Up

Bills passed by the New York State Legislature and the New York City Council can significantly impact the experiences we have in our workplaces and communities. Now that the state and city budget sessions have concluded, find out more about what DC 37 advocated and lobbied for:

Pension Benefits

• We successfully fought back against changes to our pension system that would threaten the viability of our DC 37 pension.

Inflation Rebate Checks 

• Single filers earning between $75,000 and $150,000 are eligible for a $150 tax credit, and $200 for those earning under $75,000. The figures are doubled for those married and filing jointly. 

School Cell Phone Ban

• The Legislature and Governor agreed to a ban on the use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds in K-12 schools for the entire school day, including charter schools and BOCES. 

 Free School Lunch  

• The budget included $340 million to provide free school lunch for all children in grades K-12.

 School Aid 

• The budget increases school Foundation Aid by $1.4 billion for the 2025-2026 school year.

 Child Care Tax Credit 

• The child tax credit will increase from the current $330 per child to $1,000 for children up to the age of 4, and to $500 for children between the ages of 4 and 16. 

Early Childhood Education

• The full day pre-kindergarten program has been extended and is set to expire on June 30, 2026.  

 Unemployment Insurance Benefit Increase 

• The budget authorizes $8 billion in funds to be transferred into the state’s unemployment trust fund. This will restore the maximum benefit to 2025 levels at $869 a week, previously $504.

DC 37 HEALTH & SECURITY PLAN

New York Public Library and Cultural Trust Institutions

Attention New York Public Library and Cultural Trust Institution Medicare-Eligible Retirees: Your Medicare Part B Reimbursement applications were mailed in July 2025. Please complete your application and return it to the Plan as stated in the letter.

If you have not received a Medicare Part B Reimbursement application, please contact us at 212-815-1234.

DC 37 SAFETY & HEALTH DEPARTMENT

What to Know about Legionnaires’ Disease

Legionnaires’ Disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria that grows in warm stagnant water systems like cooling towers and hot tubs, and spreads through inhaling mists or droplets. Legionnaires’ Disease is not spread from person to person, so it is not contagious. The symptoms are similar to that of colds, flu, and Covid, which include cough, fever, headache, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. The symptoms can appear within 2 to 10 days after exposure. It is essential that those with weakened immune systems, chronic lung disease, smokers, individuals ages 50 and over, and those exposed to contaminated water sources such as cooling towers, hot tubs, and showerheads seek medical attention at the first sign of any symptoms.

A NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) investigation was conducted in Central Harlem, where 113 people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ Disease and six individuals have died after the Legionella bacteria was found in cooling towers on the roofs of 12 buildings. These building cooling towers have been inspected, disinfected, and cleaned. Currently, there is an investigation in the Parkchester section of the Bronx, where at least two Parkchester residents have tested positive for Legionnaires’ Disease.  

District Council 37 will keep you informed of any updates. For more information about Legionnaires’ Disease and how to protect yourself, CLICK HERE.

DC 37 MUNICIPAL HOUSING PROGRAM

First-Time Homebuyers Workshop

The DC 37 Municipal Employees Housing Program is excited to present First-Time Homebuyers Workshops this month. Discover the details of the mortgage process, explore special programs and grants created for first-time buyers, and gain expert guidance from housing specialists. This workshop will equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to confidently take the next step toward owning your home.

Saturday, September 13 at 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Register HERE.
Saturday, September 27 at 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Register HERE.

DC 37 EDUCATION FUND

The Ed Fund is Still Accepting Applications for Fall Classes!

If you are looking to enroll in an Education Fund program, now is the time to submit an application. Space in many programs is limited so to find out what is available to apply for a course, view our list of programs by clicking HERE.

The DC 37 Green Jobs Training Program is Back and It’s Expanding

The DC 37 Education Fund continues to accept interested applicants into its Green Jobs Training Expansion Program, a grant-funded training program for eligible DC 37 members to receive free, hands-on instruction in areas of need within the green economy and energy sector.

Training courses include Energy Auditing, Multifamily and Commercial Building Analyst, Carbon Accounting, LEED Green Associate, Energy Benchmarking and Construction Management. These courses and more will prepare members for certifications and licenses offered and recognized by the Building Performance Institute, Urban Green Council and Association of Energy Engineers.

If you are interested in more information on these courses and what this training can provide for you, click HERE. 

Classes begin this October!

Changes to Tuition Reimbursement Benefit

Beginning with classes, courses and workshops taken on or after January 1, 2024, eligible DC37 members can now be reimbursed up to $1,500 by the DC 37 Education Fund as long as the requirements for reimbursement are met.  Additionally, tuition reimbursement applications can now be submitted completely online. For more information on the changes to the reimbursement benefit, please click HERE.

The DC 37/CUNY SLU Labor Certificate and Degree Program

The DC 37 Education Fund, in partnership with the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU), is currently accepting applicants for its partnership certificate and degree program for the Spring 2026 semester. Eligible union members can receive tuition coverage for up to 4 courses (16 credits), fully funded by the DC 37 Education Fund. These courses can lead to an undergraduate or graduate certificate in Labor Relations or start you on your path toward an undergraduate degree (in Labor Studies or in Urban and Community Relations) or a graduate degree in Labor Studies.

Interested members must first apply to the Education Fund and attend a mandatory information session to be accepted into the partnership program. For more information or to apply, click HERE.

Master Public Speaking in Eight Weeks!

From nervous beginner to confident communicator — learn to speak with poise, power and purpose.

✅ Overcome stage fright

✅ Build dynamic speeches

Choose Your Online Schedule:

Classes are on Tuesdays, from 6-9 p.m. (September 9-October 28) or on Saturdays, from 10 a.m.-Noon (September 13-November 1)

Registration deadline for the Tuesday classes is August 30, and for the Saturday classes, the deadline to register is September 5. Email labor-edfund@dc37.net to register now!

Conflict Resolution: Turn Tension Into Teamwork

Master the skills to navigate workplace conflict with confidence, clarity, and empathy, and learn how people process the world. Discover how to communicate under pressure and to build your personal conflict resolution toolkit. No experience needed — just curiosity and a growth mindset!

The online course schedule is on Thursdays, 6–9 p.m., from September 18 to October 23. The registration deadline is September 5. Email labor-edfund@dc37.net to register now!

Education and Career Counseling 

Do you need guidance on selecting a class from our offerings, updating a resume or need assistance reaching a career or educational goal? Contact an Ed Fund counselor HERE to schedule a virtual appointment.

DC 37 Education Fund Fall 2025 Computer Programs

Currently available computer programs:

Computer Classes at Queens College – Online Sessions:

• Microsoft Word, Tuesdays, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Sept. 30-Dec. 16 – Online. REGISTER HERE
• Microsoft Excel Level II, Thursdays, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Oct. 2-Dec. 11 – Online. REGISTER HERE
• Microsoft Excel Level I, Wednesdays, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Oct. 1-Dec. 10 – Online. REGISTER HERE

City College/Center for Workers Education
Certificate received after completion.

• Microsoft Excel Level I, Fridays, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Sept. 12-Nov. 14 – Online. REGISTER HERE
• Microsoft Excel Level II, Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Sept. 13-Nov. 15 – Online. REGISTER HERE. Note: Microsoft Word is a prerequisite.
• Microsoft Office Professional, Tuesdays, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Sept. 9-Nov. 25 – Online. REGISTER HERE
• Microsoft PowerPoint, Thursdays, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Sept. 11-Nov. 13 – Online. REGISTER HERE
• AutoCAD by Autodesk, Tuesdays/Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23-Nov. 13 – In-Person. REGISTER HERE

Hostos Community College- Online Sessions:

Microsoft Excel Expert (Level III), Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Sept. 27-Dec. 20 – Online. REGISTER HERE

Microsoft Office Certificate Level I, Tuesdays/Thursdays, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Sept. 23-Dec. 9 – Online. REGISTER HERE

Microsoft Office Certificate Level II, Tuesdays/Thursdays, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Sept. 23-Dec. 9 – Online. REGISTER HERE

Microsoft Office Certificate Level I, Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Sept. 27-Dec. 20 – Online. REGISTER HERE

Do you need your High School Equivalency Diploma (GED)?

The DC 37 Education Fund offers classes to prepare you to take and pass the New York State High School Equivalency Exam. Classes are offered in the Fall 2025 term online, hybrid and in-person. Information and applications can be found by clicking HERE.

Summer GED classes are offered through our partner at Kingsborough Community College. Classes start in July and end in August and are online only. The schedules and applications can be found by clicking HERE.

CUNY Counseling is Here for You!

This is the ideal time to plan for enrollment at the CUNY college of your choice. Let Worker Education at the CUNY School of Labor & Urban Studies (SLU) help guide you through the process of finding the best CUNY program to match your education and career goals. 

Expert advisors offer FREE one-on-one phone sessions on academic requirements for specific jobs; choosing a CUNY campus and major; applying to and financing a CUNY degree; certificate and non-credit options at CUNY; transferring previous credits, and more. Each session is free and caters to your specific goals and needs.

To view the calendar and schedule your CUNY advisement session, click HERE. Can’t find a date/time that works for you? Email CUNYDays@slu.cuny.edu

Free College Programs For Local 372 Members in Specific Job Titles

Local 372 Paraprofessionals can earn 18 credits annually toward a degree in Human Services through a partnership with Monroe College. To begin the process of enrolling for the Winter (January) 2026 term, complete an online application: www.dc37edfund.org/monroectpcandidateform. 

For questions, email: ppunch@dc37.net.

Local 372 Members Working in School Food can earn an associate’s degree in Nutrition and Culinary Management through a partnership with LaGuardia Community College. To begin enrolling for the Spring 2026 term, complete an online application at www.dc37edfund.org/laguardiacandidateform. 

For questions, email: lpicano@dc37.net.

The CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies Offers Leap to Teacher (LTT)

Advance your education in any field with the LEAP to Teacher Program serving all school and daycare workers. Open the door to your future! LEAP to Teacher (LTT) provides a specialized set of support services designed to empower you to become more effective in your schools and more impactful in your communities. The LTT program can assist you with pursuing your undergraduate or graduate degree in any field of study, from the pre-admission stage through graduation.

For more information, please contact: ltt@slu.cuny.edu, call 646-313-8532 or visit our website at HERE.

Retirees Education Courses for Fall 2025

The Ed Fund is currently accepting applications for Fall 2025 classes. Apply online by clicking HERE. For questions, please contact Manuel Gomez-Rosa at mgomezrosa@dc37.net or call (212) 815-1700.

DC 37 NON-PROFIT/PRIVATE SECTOR EDUCATION

DC 37 Non-Profit and Private Sector Members represented by 95, 205, 215, 253, and 389 are eligible for the following exciting education-related and upgrading skills opportunities in 2025.

For more information about these programs, call (212) 341-4991 or email: mhunte@dc37.net.

• Violence Prevention & Intervention: September 22, from 6-8 p.m. 
• Child Abuse & Maltreatment: September 29, from 6-8 p.m.
• Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) workshop: September 27, from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

SKILLS UPGRADE

• GED classes: email mhunte@dc37.net. New Classes begin in September.
• English as a Second Language (ESL): for information, email mhunte@dc37.net. New Class begins in September.

PREPARATION CLASSES in person, at DC 37, 125 Barclay Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10007

• Content Specialty Test (CST) – Math: 9/13/25, 9/20/25, 9/27/25, 10/4/25 & 10/18/25 (5 sessions) 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

PREPARATION CLASSES

• Content Specialty Test (CST) – English Language Art & Sciences: 9/9/25, 9/10/25, 9/16/25, 9/17/25, 9/23/25 9/24/25, 9/30/25 & 10/1/25 (8 sessions) from 6-8 p.m.
• Assessment of Teacher Assistant Skills (ATAS): 9/27/25, 10/4/25, 10/18/25 & 10/25/25 (4 sessions) from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 
• Child Development Associate (CDA): new class will begin in January 2026. The orientation will be on December 3.
• The class meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:45-8:45 p.m. Cost is $1200. Scholarships are available.

SHOP STEWARDS 

• Dates to be determined. Register to be informed of upcoming trainings.

Email mhunte@dc37.net for more information. Interested members must register using the classes link below.

Where to register: 

Workshops

Classes 

SCHOLARSHIPS

• The website for the Educational Incentive Program (EIP) is www.ecetp.pdp.albany.edu. This scholarship is awarded based on income and gives up to $2500 per year for college courses and up to $1250 for the CDA. This scholarship is only for classroom personnel.
• AFSCME scholarships are open to all members: https://www.afscme.org/scholarships. The Union Plus scholarship is due on January 31. The AFSCME Family Scholarship is due on December 31.
• Union Plus College Program: Union members and their families can earn an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree 100% online while minimizing their out-of-pocket costs thanks to exclusive union discounts, financial aid, and grants. Click HERE.
• Various CUNY and SUNY colleges are offering free Associate degree programs in high-demand industries for eligible students. Students may be eligible if they are residents of NY, and are between the ages of 25-55, and do not already have a college degree. Some programs can be completed online. See links below for more info. Please direct any further questions to the colleges that are offering these opportunities.
  • CUNY Reconnect Programs
    https://www.cuny.edu/admissions/reconnect 
  • SUNY Reconnect Programs
    https://www.suny.edu/communitycollege/free-cc 

DC 37 LATINO HERITAGE COMMITTEE

Please DC 37 as we celebrate this year’s Latino Heritage Month, celebrating the culture and the history of the Latino community, with events at union headquarters.

DC 37 Latino Heritage Ribbon Cutting Ceremony:
Thursday, September 4, 5-8 p.m., 125 Barclay Street, New York, NY 10007

DC 37 Latino Heritage Finale:
Friday, September 26, 6-10 p.m., 125 Barclay Street, New York, NY 10007

DC 37 CLIMATE JUSTICE COMMITTEE

Are you passionate about climate change? Do you want to meet like-minded union siblings fighting for climate justice? DC 37 members and retirees are invited to join the next Climate Justice Committee Meeting.

Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. | Contact Jon Forster, Co-Chair of the Climate Justice Committee, at 4unionnow@gmail.com.

Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)

Stay Safe this Soccer Season! Recovery is an important part of staying healthy and reducing risk of injury. Learn from a physical therapist how your child can recovery properly after a soccer game.

If you or a family member experiences a sports related injury, HSS can help. The HSS Care Concierge will connect you with in-network care at one of our convenient locations in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut.

Connect with HSS TODAY:
Call: 212.606.1105
Email: HSS4DC37@hss.edu
Visit: HSS.edu/DC37

MSK DIRECT

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month! MSK Direct encourages prostate screening for males over age 45. The most common type of screening is a simple blood test called the prostate-specific-antigen (PSA) test.

DC 37 partners with Memorial Sloan Kettering to offer MSK Direct, a program that offers guided access to exceptional cancer care for all employees and their family members. If you or a loved one is impacted by cancer and would like to explore the options at MSK, call DC 37’s dedicated phone number: 833-786-3365 or visit mskcc.org/dc37.