DC 37 Must Mobilize

To the Editor:

The current economic downturn poses serious problems for District Council 37's contract negotiations. We must not allow the city to use it as an excuse to lower wage and benefit offers. We don't know, because DC 37 delegates are not informed as to the details of negotiations.

This is a time for DC 37 to consider whether it may not make more sense to break off negotiations and focus on member mobilization. It's time for creative thinking. The choice for our members is stark: either unify behind DC 37 and show political muscle, or accept arguments that decent wages can't be provided in this economic climate.

Management knows and exploits the fact that DC 37 has not mobilized our members into a fighting force - that when DC 37 speaks now, it only speaks for a patronage operation at 125 Barclay Street. When an election is called within a chapter of 14,000 members and only 33 show up to vote, the message to the city is that union members are not involved and not motivated.

While AFSCME's recent decision to order a re-run of this election in Local 372 is welcome, the trouble with our approach to unionism must be addressed. DC 37 can insure the acceptance of even a mediocre contract because the leadership controls the dissemination of information in the union and mechanism for re-election - proven by questionable cases of members prevented from voting in many locals.

The union has an obligation to strengthen itself through democratic processes, and to fight, with the members mobilized, for better wages without givebacks. We must be able to show the politicians that we control a voting bloc that can make a difference in contested elections. It's a political season, and we are over a quarter million voters, including members and their families.

I call upon Lillian Roberts and all local presidents to begin to mobilize. Without mass mobilization, DC 37 takes the easy way out, and there is no contract fight; only a handful of people in a room at 125 Barclay Street agreeing to a contract which is worse than what we could have achieved together, which sets the pattern as well for other municipal workers.

Sister Roberts should put all current discussions out for member review, letting all members know the cost of any givebacks the city is requesting, and she should press the city to disclose each and every sweetheart deal given to corporations and Wall Street during this economic downturn. Capital always gets a break and will likely get special help now. Labor must also get our fair share. I welcome feedback from members and other interested parties, and encourage you to contact me at 917-674-2824.

FITZ REID, DC 37 Delegate, Executive Vice President Local 768