June 2026 - Union News, Service and Events update

DC 37 HEALTH & SECURITY PLAN

Personal Service Unit: Spring Cleaning– Benefits for Mental and Physical Health

Spring isn’t just about blooming flowers and warmer weather— it’s also the perfect time to refresh your home. A deep cleaning does more than make your space look good; it can impact your mental and physical well-being in a positive manner.

Mental Health Benefits:

1. Reduced Stress: A clutter-free space can lead to a more peaceful mind, making your home a more relaxing place.
2. Increased Productivity: A clean environment makes it easier to focus and stay on task.
3. A Fresh Start: Spring is a time for renewal – clearing out clutter can give you a mental reset.
4. Sense of Accomplishment: Completing goals boosts motivation, releases endorphins, and builds momentum for bigger projects.

Physical Health Benefits:

6. Fewer Allergens & Improved Breathing: Over the winter, dust, pet dander, and mold may accumulate in your home, affecting air quality and triggering allergies.
7. Built-In Exercise: Cleaning might not seem like a workout, but moving furniture, scrubbing surfaces, and organizing shelves all add up to physical activity.
8. Better Sleep: A clean bedroom can lower stress, prevent night-time restlessness, and help you sleep more soundly.

The Personal Service Unit of DC 37 is here to support you. To speak with a Licensed Social Worker for confidential therapy or referrals, please call 212-815-1250 between 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, for a screening.

DC 37 AT THE YANKEES

Join District Council 37 and the New York Yankees for a fun-filled day at Yankee Stadium in late August!

Game Dates

Against Division rivals, the Toronto Blue Jays:

• Friday, August 21, 7:05 p.m.
• Saturday, August 22, 1:35 p.m.
• Sunday, August 23, 1:35 p.m.

Against the Houston Astros:

• Tuesday, August 25, 7:05 p.m.
• Wednesday, August 26, 7:05 p.m.
• Thursday, August 27, 7:05 p.m.

Each Ticket includes:

• An exclusive New York Yankees DC 37 Jersey
• $15 New York Yankees Food & Beverage Voucher

The Yankees will send your tickets to the email address you used for purchase. Jersey and voucher pickup instructions will also be provided via email prior to the event. Click HERE to sign up!

DC 37 REWARDS

Win Big Prizes This Summer With DC 37 Rewards!

DC 37 Rewards will have exciting giveaways all summer for DC 37 members! To kick off Memorial Day, DC 37 Rewards is raffling off 10 pairs of tickets to Luna Park at Coney Island ($90 value per ticket), plus giving away five (5) $100 visa gift cards. Enjoy an awesome day on the rides, including the legendary Cyclone, or in the shops!

DC 37 Rewards has also assembled a ton of new perks for members, including discount movie tickets, travel specials, and a full suite of wellness benefits. Check out the weekly wellness challenge giveaway, compliments MetroPlus Health, and stay tuned for special member-only events over the summer!

Joining DC 37 Rewards is easy:

• Visit dc37rewards.com to sign up for free.
• Download the DC 37 Rewards in the App or Play Store
• Enjoy the perks!
• You can enter all the raffles right on the app or at dc37rewards.com!

By joining DC 37 Rewards, you have access to:

• Weekly and monthly giveaways.
• Special member events with the Yankees, Mets, and more!
• Discounts on travel, entertainment, shopping, and more!
• Wellness programs and health benefits.
• Fun challenges and chances to win prizes all year long.

Join HERE today! 

DC 37 POLITICAL ACTION

Support the DC 37 PEOPLE Program!

There’s a lot on the line this year. The results of the 2026 congressional and presidential elections will determine the fate of workers and communities across the nation. In addition to our work to get pro-worker candidates into office, the DC 37 Political Action team is fighting for reforms to the tier 6 pension system, fair funding for city and state agencies, and a host of other crucial issues.

Your support for the PEOPLE Program will help us elect leaders who will fight for workers’ rights over corporate greed. PEOPLE contributions are used for Get Out the Vote campaigns, lobbying on member issues, directly supporting pro-workers candidates, and other important activities that we are restricted from funding with dues money. Join PEOPLE HERE!

Sign up for PEOPLE as an MVP contributor and get a PEOPLE MVP hoodie!

Attend This Month’s Political Action Committee Meeting

The DC 37 Political Action Committee (PAC), chaired by Donald Nesbit, Executive Vice President of Local 372, is powered by dedicated union members, leaders, and volunteers from New York City’s largest public employee union— District Council 37 AFSCME.

Our PAC activists are on the front lines of advocacy, working to protect and advance workers’ rights through political action. From lobbying and voter education to grassroots mobilization, we are committed to making our voices heard.

District Council 37’s “Green Machine” is at the heart of this movement— engaging in door-knocking, phone banking, and rallies to support endorsed candidates across the five boroughs, especially in communities with strong DC 37 membership.

Together, we can continue building power and elect leaders who will stand up for working families and fight for a stronger, more equitable future.

Get involved. Stay engaged. Make a difference.

Ready to make an impact? Sign up today to join our next monthly PAC meeting!

Wednesday, June 10, at 6 p.m. at 125 Barclay Street | To register, click HERE.

DC 37 EMPLOYEES HOUSING PROGRAM

MEHP First Time Homebuyers Workshop

MEHP is excited to present a First Time Homebuyers Workshop. 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, June 13, at 11 a.m. | Register HERE.

Saturday, June 27, at 11 a.m. | Register HERE.

MCU First Time Homebuyer Workshop

Are you thinking of buying your first home but don’t know where to begin? The DC 37 Municipal Employees Housing Program is pleased to announce the MCU First Time Homebuyer Workshop. Join us as we discuss the mortgage process. We would like to assist you on your journey to homeownership. We will cover pre-approvals, debt-to-income ratios, PMI, FHA loans, Conventional Loans, and much more. We will have a question-and-answer session after the presentation. We hope to see you there!

Thursday, June 18, at 6 p.m. | Register HERE.

DC 37 LATINO HERITAGE COMMITTEE

Join Us at the National Puerto Rican Day Parade

On Sunday, June 14, join the DC 37 Latino Heritage Committee as they march in the 69th Annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade!

Capacity for participation is limited. Wristbands are required to enter the staging area and to march in the parade. Please RSVP Committee Co-Chair Doris Hernandez Murphy no later than Friday, June 12, at DC37LatinoHeritage@gmail.com or call 646-369-4978.

The parade route is from 44th to 79th Street in Manhattan, so be sure to arrive at Fifth Avenue and 44th Street by 11 a.m. You may also attend as a spectator to cheer on your fellow DC 37 members!

DC 37 PRIDE DIVERSITY INTEREST GROUP

Please join us at Union Headquarters at 125 Barclay St., on June 26, at 6 p.m. for our annual PRIDE event.

Let’s celebrate love, identity, and the beauty of being yourself. Come out for light refreshments and vibes. Be proud. Be visible. Be you.

All DC 37 members are welcome.

For more information, please contact Andrew Douglas at (917) 952-1127 or email adouglas@sseu371.org.

Follow PDIG on Instagram!

DC 37 CLIMATE JUSTICE COMMITTEE

The DC 37 Climate Justice Committee is meeting via Zoom and Telephone on Monday, June 1, at 6 p.m. We generally meet on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m., unless there is a holiday or another conflict.

We will be working on our next DC 37 Panel discussion, Health and Safety concerns, and preparing for the AFSCME Convention in Chicago. 

The Committee is open to all DC 37 members and retirees.

Monday, June 1, at 6 p.m. | Contact Jon Forster, Co-Chair of the Climate Justice Committee, at 4unionnow@gmail.com.

DC 37 HOUSING COMMITTEE

Please join the DC 37 Housing Committee’s virtual meeting on June 1, at 6 p.m, Housing Committee Chair Dennis Ifill, President of Local 1359, will discuss housing issues, resources, and upcoming events. The virtual meeting room opens at 5:50 p.m., and the meeting begins at 6 p.m.

Monday, June 1, at 6 p.m. | Register and attend in the DC 37 Member Portal: bit.ly/49JbyBk

DC 37 EDUCATION FUND

Tuition Reimbursement Benefit

Eligible DC 37 members can now be reimbursed up to $1,500 by the DC 37 Education Fund if the requirements for reimbursement are met. Additionally, tuition reimbursement applications can now be submitted completely online. For more information on the reimbursement benefit, please click HERE.

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 and look under Ongoing Programs to schedule a virtual appointment.

Summer Shop Steward Training

The Ed Fund will deliver a summer shop steward training course where members can learn about the roles and responsibilities of a shop steward, workplace organizing essentials, and how to be an effective union representative. The course begins in early July, and space is limited. To register, click HERE and look under Labor Education Courses.

Do You Need Your High School Equivalency Diploma (The GED)?

The GED exam is back. It is available to NYS residents, age 19 and over. It has four subtests instead of five. The Reading and Writing subtests are combined in a revised subtest, Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA). Passing scores from past GED exams, TASC exams, or NYS Regents exams will be counted as passing one or more subtests. Eligible members can take GED Prep classes in English or Spanish online, hybrid, or in person. Most exams are administered online in a testing center. A limited number of paper-based exams are available at the testing centers. To view the list of classes, click HERE and look under Adult Education Courses.

Free Community College for New York State Residents

Starting this Fall, community colleges at the CUNY and SUNY levels will be completely free for adult learners looking to enter high-demand fields. Because no one should choose between financial security and a college education.

CUNY and SUNY Reconnect will give students the opportunity to pursue their career goals and prepare for meaningful, high-demand careers right here in New York State. And the Reconnect programs don’t just cover tuition – they cover the cost of books, fees, and supplies for students, too.

You can attend community college for FREE starting next term if you:

•  Are a resident of New York State or eligible for in-state tuition
• Are between the ages of 25-55
• Do not currently have a degree
• Is planning to study full-time or part-time in one of 175 eligible SUNY associate degree programs or one of 120+ eligible CUNY associate degree programs.

Members interested in free CUNY community college can apply for an appointment with a CUNY advisor by clicking HERE. If you can’t find a date/time that works for you, email: CUNYDays@slu.cuny.edu.

For more information on CUNY Reconnect, click HERE. For more information on SUNY Reconnect, click 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.

The CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies Offer Leap to Teacher

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.

DC 37 NON-PROFIT EDUCATIONAL CORPORATION

Be the Difference in Your Workplace: Take the Shop Stewards Training

To become a certified Shop Steward, you must attend ALL SESSIONS. It is scheduled over 6 sessions (2 hours each), one day per week. 

Register HERE.

Workshops for Non-Profit and Private Sector Members

WORKSHOPS (Webex)

•  Dignity for All Students Act (DASA): Saturday, June 6, from 9-3:30 p.m. (Virtual) Please note the change.
• Violence Prevention & Intervention: Monday, June 8, from 6-8 p.m.
• CTLE: Team Building: Thursday, June 11, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
• Child Abuse & Maltreatment (NEW): Monday, June 15, from 6-8:30 p.m..

Scholarships

The following scholarships are available to eligible DC 37 members or their dependents:

• Educational Incentive Program (EIP): The Educational Incentive Program (EIP) 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 Family Scholarship: Each year, the AFSCME Family Scholarship Program provides $2,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors, which are renewed for $2,000 each year for a maximum of four years, provided the student remains enrolled in a full-time course of study. The scholarship may be used for any field of study. Questions about this scholarship should be directed to AFSCME.
• Union Plus College Program: Through the 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. Questions about this scholarship should be directed to scholarships@unionplus.org.
• CUNY and SUNY: Several CUNY and SUNY colleges offer free Associate degree programs in high-demand industries for eligible students. Students may be eligible if they are residents of NY, are between the ages of 25-55, and do not already have a college degree. For more information on these programs, call (212) 815-1644.

DC 37 RETIREES ASSOCIATION

Get to know us! The benefits we enjoy as DC 37 members were not given freely, they were hard-fought and hard-won.

When you retire from your Local union, you become eligible to join the DC 37 Retirees Association. Here, you can maintain an active role in the battle to protect and expand our pension program, health benefits, Social Security, Medicare, and more.

Meet with us in person and learn more about getting involved:

General Membership Meeting | Friday, June 26, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

With a special presentation from PFLAG NYC in honor of Pride month. This meeting will be hybrid, both online and at Union Headquarters on 125 Barclay Street.

You can also visit our website at dc37retirees.org or check on social media for @dc37retirees to learn how to get involved.

DC 37 Retirees Association Committee Meetings

The Retirees Association is the doorway for many of our members to stay on the front lines after stepping back from their locals. One way members can stay active is by attending our committee meetings. All committee meetings are held at Union Headquarters at 125 Barclay Street (except noted otherwise).

Political and Legislative Committee | Tuesday, June 16, at 10:30 a.m. (virtual)

Work together alongside other retired public service workers to protect and expand our rights as retirees. RSVP HERE.

Social and Community Engagement Committee | Wednesday, June 17, at 10:30 a.m.

Plan actions and events to foster a better, more active life for retired public service workers.

Membership and Recruitment Committee | Wednesday, June 17, at 1:30 p.m. 

We know we’re stronger when we come together. Recruit fresh faces to help build retiree power in New York City.

WORKWELL: ART IS LIFE

Employee Artist Showcase June 16-18

City employees and the public are invited to visit the Employee Artist Showcase at One Art Space, exhibiting original visual, literary, and performing arts/media works.

Share the promotional flyer at your worksites to encourage your colleagues to attend!

All city employees must register in advance with this link HERE.

Gallery viewing hours are as follows: 

• Tues. June 16, 12-7 p.m. 
• Wed. June 17, 12-7 p.m.
• Thurs. June 18, 12-4 p.m.

ACPNY

AdvantageCare Physicians at the DC 37 Health Center

Primary care services are available at the DC 37 Health Center, conveniently located at 115 Chambers in downtown Manhattan.

AdvantageCare Physicians at the DC 37 Health Center takes a “whole you” approach to care by understanding all the physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors that impact your health.

ACPNY is open Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Schedule an appointment online or call (646) 680-4227.

Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)

Don’t Let Chronic Pain Keep You From Exercising

Walking is a cost-effective, straightforward, low-impact, total-body activity. It even can keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range, increase the heart’s capacity, and burn fat for fuel Learn from the experts at HSS how you can walk your way to wellness this summer!

HSS is here to help DC 37 members and families.

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

MSK DIRECT

Sun Safety With MSK Direct!

Please join Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s William Murphy, MD, MBA, as he answers your questions, and learn: 

• How to balance enjoying life outdoors while safeguarding your skin from the sun.
• Increasing your skin self-awareness.
• Understanding how to use sunscreen to reduce skin damage and aging.

Thursday, June 25 | 12 p.m.-1 p.m. (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

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.