Attached please, find for your information (CLICK HERE), a copy of the application and course description for the Professional Development Hours (PDH) workshops to be offered during March 10 - April 28, 2014. This application will be published in the District Council 37 website (www.dc37.net/benefits/education/offerings/engineers.html).

For any further information contact me at 917-750-2739or dmedina@dc37.net .

Dear Sisters and Brothers of Local 375,

On Wednesday February 12, 2014, Mayor De Blasio will unveil his preliminary budget for the fiscal year 2014-2015. Three hundred thousand (300,000) City workers without a contract for years are waiting to see what he will put in the budget for collective bargaining. The teachers 'union is asking for $3.4 billion  to cover retroactive payments that include the last 4%, 4% they did not receive when other unions got their raises in 2009.

As the 152 unions without a contract are getting ready for these serious talks, we must take a firm stand that, although we understand the challenge the new mayor is facing, it is not our fault if the City has to spend billions of dollars to settle overdue contracts. We will be realistic in our demands, but we will not compromise on a decent contract with retroactive pay for the past four years and without any givebacks. I will keep you informed as this process develops. Thank you for your patience and continuous support.
In solidarity!
Claude Fort, P.E., President - Local 375

On Monday February 10, 2014, Mayor De Blasio delivered his first
State of the City address. Click here to read his message.

Sisters and Brothers of Local 375,

The New Year begins with a great opportunity for our Local.  Now that we have a new Mayor of New York City, Bill De Blasio, a City Council with 21 newly elected members, as well as potentially many new City agency commissioners, we can begin to have our voices heard.

All these new changes bring a great opportunity for Local 375 to promote a better working environment.  Now is the time to deal with issues and reverse many of the inequities of the outgoing City administration.  It is important for Local 375 members to organize and show that our Local is strong and united.

While myself and the Local’s Officers and Chairs are working on an active agenda to promote the Local, I am asking every chapter to form an organizing team.

Members gain strength when they join together to tackle issues at the workplace.  This strength translates into respect from management and this respect of union members by management facilitates and improves cooperation on both sides.   With this improved cooperation, I am optimistic that many ongoing issues will be resolved.

So now is the time to become active and organize.  Talk to your co-workers and let’s work together so that we can stand united to have our voices heard.

It's also the time for a contract. The good news is the City has a $2.4 billion surplus for this fiscal year (2013-2014) and the Independent budget Office (IBO) has predicted a surplus of at least $2 billion for the next fiscal year (2014-2015).

In solidarity,
Claude Fort, President

Claude Fort, P.E., President Local 375

Dear Sisters and Brothers of Local 375,
Happy New Year!

In the weeks and months to come, most of the 152 bargaining units in the City, who are without a contract, will focus on negotiating a contract with our new Mayor, Bill de Blasio. DC 37, including Local 375, will be one of them.

Mayor de Blasio appointed Robert Linn as his Director of Labor Relations. Mr. Linn was the Chief Labor Negotiator under Mayor Ed Koch. In a statement released last week, Mr. Linn, who will negotiate the contract with the Union on behalf of the City, indicated that we will never hear him attacking public workers.

Mayor de Blasio himself stated that: “Our goal is to resolve the contracts, as many as possible, this year. We need to respect our workforce and we need to protect the interests of the taxpayers at the same time, that’s the mission, and the only way to do that is by restoring a certain continuity and order to the process.”

Encouraging words. We look forward to serious contract talks with Mr. Linn, very soon.

In solidarity,
Claude Fort, P.E.
President

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

MAYORAL ELECTION ---Local 375 and DC 37 have endorsed Bill De Blasio for NYC Mayor in the general election. We need to elect Bill De Blasio as our next Mayor. He understands the struggle of working people and is prepared to sit down with the Unions and negotiate a decent contract. Bill has spoken strongly against privatization of City jobs especially when the tasks can be performed by City workers.  While he is being outspent by his Republican opponent by 5 to 1, New York City has six Democrats for every Republican. The $20 bills cannot go to the voting booth. People vote. We need members who can volunteer a day or even a few hours to mobilize voters and campaign for Bill during the last stretch of his election run. Let us know when you will take a vacation day or half a day to give as contribution to the campaign. Also, for those of you who live within the 5 boroughs, on Tuesday, November 5th, take your family members with you to the voting booth, urge your friends to do the same and vote to elect Bill De Blasio as our next Mayor. It doesn't matter if he is ahead in the polls. In order for him to win, we need to go out and vote.

The Local 375 Membership meeting for the year 2013 will be held on October 29 starting at 6:00 pm at 125 Barclay Street. All members are invited. Refreshments will be served.