By Mike Lee

After years of working in unsafe and dangerously deteriorating conditions, employees at the New York City Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Central Shop in Maspeth, Queens have secured a cleaner and safer workplace — the result of persistent organizing and union pressure.

Located several blocks from Newtown Creek in what was once part of New York City’s manufacturing belt, the sprawling brown brick complex houses the DOT’s Maspeth Fleet Services, Parking Operations, and Sign Shop, where the city’s street signs are produced. Roughly 200 DC 37 members from Locals 371, 375, 1455, and 1549 work at the facility alongside members of the Organization of Staff Analysts, Teamsters Local 237, Communications Workers of America Local 1180, SEIU Local 246, and SEIU Local 621.

For years, the facility was in serious disarray. Workers reported worsening safety hazards, chemical fumes, constant roof leaks, mold, and sewer backups. Many began experiencing health problems. In 2023, after bringing forth their concerns during the DOT Safety and Health Committee meeting, the workers formed a joint-union coalition and requested a formal inspection through the Office of Labor Relations.

During the walkthrough inspection, DC 37’s Safety & Health Department discovered worse conditions. Chemicals in storage areas were improperly labeled and lacked hazard communication. Ventilation systems were inadequate to remove heavy vapors produced during traffic sign silk screening, causing workers to breathe in lingering fumes.

“There were numerous unsafe and unhealthy conditions that our members and all workers assigned to Maspeth were subjected to for more than a decade,” said Deborah Williams, Director of DC 37’s Safety & Health Department. “They were subjected to electrical hazards and extremely poor ventilation due to exhaust fumes emitted from idling trucks inside the facility. There were air conditioners, air purifiers, and fans that were neglected and in disrepair. The bathrooms, showers, locker rooms, and lunchroom/staff lounge were all in a state of deterioration and very dirty. Overall, the place was in desperate need of repairs and renovation.”

Williams said that although DOT was notified about the conditions and the health hazards, getting the agency to clean up the site was a challenge that was ultimately resolved through consistent pressure from the union.

Local 1455 President Michael DeMarco coordinated closely with other members of the coalition and DC 37 staff, including Safety & Health, Steven Sykes from the union’s Legal Department, Council Representative Richard Kadlub of the Parks, Culturals & Higher Education Division, and Jake Foley-Keene of DC 37’s Research & Negotiations Department.

“After extensive negotiations, numerous meetings, and site visits, the coalition worked with management, the Department of Transportation Occupational Safety and Health (DOTOSH), the Office of Labor Relations, and the Citywide Office of Safety and Health,” DeMarco said. “This wasn’t always pleasant, but we ultimately did what we must for our members. Management also works in that facility, and we helped them, too.”

As a result, DOT replaced the HVAC systems, installed new air conditioning units, cleaned vents and mold, connected washers and dryers, and conducted asbestos removal. The agency also replaced the roof and built new offices, bathrooms, locker rooms, showers, and a lunchroom.

After years of sustained advocacy and collective action, workers at the Maspeth Central Shop finally have what they fought for: a safer, healthier place to do the essential work that keeps New York City running.

This article originally appeared in the January-March 2026 issue of PEPTalk Magazine.