Celebrating our veterans

DC 37 hosted the NYC Department of Veteran Affairs (DVS) and the NYC Office of Labor Relations (OLR) for the “Voice for Veterans Breakfast” on Nov. 20 at union headquarters. The event celebrated the service of several veteran union members and highlighted the vital role veterans play within the city’s workforce, the unique challenges they face in their jobs, and the ongoing efforts to address veterans’ issues across the state. From left: OLR Commissioner Renee Campion, Army Veteran Jose Morales (Local 372, SAPIS Worker at the Department of Education), DC 37 Executive Director Henry Garrido, Army Veteran Jahyel Cole (SSEU Local 371, Veterans Specialist at the Department of Veterans Services), NYS Assemblymember Landon Dais (District 77), and DVS Commissioner James Hendon. Photo by Thea Setterbo

Where we rallied: DC 37 marches with labor at No Kings protest

DC 37 delegates voted to participate in the Oct. 18 No Kings demonstrations held across the country to speak out against the president sidestepping democracy and prioritizing billionaires over the working class. Nearly 200 DC 37 members assembled with the Central Labor Council, other labor unions, and allies during the labor delegation’s march from SoHo to Union Square. Photo by Thea Setterbo

27th annual Italian heritage dinner dance.

Hundreds of members attended the annual Italian Heritage Dinner Dance on Oct 18 hosted by the DC 37 Italian Heritage Committee to celebrate the accomplishments of Italian Americans and their contributions to the labor movement. Attendees enjoyed music, dancing, and pasta at Russo’s on the Bay in Queens. “The story of Italian Americans is one of courage, sacrifice, and perseverance,” said Michael DeMarco, President of Local 1455 NYC Traffic Employees and Chair of the DC 37 Italian Heritage Committee. “Our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents came to this country with little more than hope in their hearts and determination in their hands. Many of them became public workers — serving their communities in schools, hospitals, city offices, and public works. They believed in something bigger than themselves: that by working hard and standing together, they could build a better life not just for their own families, but for everyone around them.” Photos by Ellen Medwid

A half-century of dedication to NYC

FDNY EMS’s longest-serving member, Lt. Roy David of Local 3621 Uniformed Emergency Medical Services, was honored on Oct 16 at the Quality Work Life Annual Employee Recognition event for his 50 years of service. Lt. David began his career in the Bronx at EMS Station 22 (now 26) in 1974 and currently serves as a Floor Lieutenant at PSAC II. He is pictured with DC 37 Director of Strategic Initiatives Barbara Ingram-Edmonds. Photo by Andrew Hackman