Union News Update

Happy New Year from Local 375, DC 37!

SCAM ALERT!

Beware of emails, letters, and postcards claiming that giving up your union membership will result in a ‘raise.’ Don’t let anti-union billionaires rob you of your union protections!

DC 37 members have reported receiving holiday cards with phony checks and misleading information about how their union dues are spent. These tactics are part of a national effort to roll back the hard-won wage increases, pensions, job protections, and other benefits that workers have gained through organizing.

By falling for these scams, workers not only receive little in return but also lose their voice in negotiations for better wages and benefits. To report questionable union-related mail from suspicious organizations, contact your DC 37 Representative at 212.815.1000.

VOLUNTEER FOR PROJECT HOPE

On the night of Tuesday, Jan. 27, the NYC Department of Social Services will conduct the 21st annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) Survey– and NYC needs your help.

HOPE is a point-in-time survey undertaken each winter to estimate the number of New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness on one of the coldest nights of the year. The results gathered through this survey provide the city with valuable information that helps inform the allocation of resources to address homelessness.

Volunteers conduct the HOPE survey by canvassing streets, parks, subways, and other public spaces, and are needed from approximately 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. on the night of January 27. Just a few hours of your time will help with ongoing efforts to support New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness and encourage them to take that first important step to leave the streets and subways and accept the vital services and support they need and deserve.

We encourage you to volunteer on your own or with friends and family. Please visit nyc.gov/hope to learn more and to register. There are HOPE training sites across the 5 boroughs you can select. Your participation is essential to helping address the challenge of homelessness and support some of our city’s most vulnerable residents as they get back on their feet.

Note: If you plan to volunteer and would like to be featured in PEPtalk to tell the story of your experience, please contact us at communications@dc37.net.

DC 37 POLITICAL ACTION DEPARTMENT

Attend Political Action Committee Meetings

Join us for our monthly Political Action Committee Meetings to find out more about what’s happening in City Hall and Albany. Meetings usually take place on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6 p.m.

Next meeting: Thursday, January 8 | Register HERE.

Join the fight to get pro-worker candidates elected – support the DC 37 PEOPLE Program!

Under the new presidential administration, government jobs, safety net programs, and remote work options are under attack. We must support candidates who will fight against attempts to cut jobs and the advances we’ve fought hard for. By joining the PEOPLE Program — our DC 37 political action fund — we can get leaders in office 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-worker candidates, and other important activities that we are restricted from using dues money to conduct.

Join PEOPLE HERE.

2026 DC 37 Lobby Day

Save the date for our 2026 Lobby Day! On Wednesday, March 4, we will travel to Albany to speak with State legislators about Tier 6 Reform, Taxing the rich, workplace safety, and other legislative priorities.

Buses will depart from DC 37 headquarters at 125 Barclay Street, New York, NY 10007. Registration is required. Register HERE to participate.

Hands Off NYC

DC 37 is part of Hands Off NYC, an immigration/anti-ICE coalition supported by unions, faith leaders, and community groups, standing together in nonviolent resistance.

To find out more about Hands off NYC and their upcoming events, click HERE.

DC 37 MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES HOUSING PROGRAM

First-Time Homebuyer’s Workshop

MEHP is excited to present a First-Time Homebuyer’s 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, January 10, 11 a.m. | Register HERE.
Saturday, January 24, 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 want 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 & Answer session after the presentation. We hope to see you there!

Thursday, January 15, 6:15 p.m. | Register HERE.

DC 37 PRIDE DIVERSITY INTEREST GROUP (PDIG)

The DC 37 Pride Diversity Interest Group (PDIG) meets every second Monday at 6:30 p.m. at DC 37 Headquarters. For more information, contact Committee Chair Andrew Douglas at adouglas@sseu371.org.

DC 37 CLIMATE JUSTICE COMMITTEE

The DC 37 Climate Justice Committee will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 6, at 6 p.m. via Zoom and telephone. During the meeting, the Committee will discuss our work, including supporting the TEMP Bill in Albany, environmental contract recommendations, and addressing extreme temperatures in school kitchens, while working to improve ventilation and address additional environmental issues in our public schools. For more information and the Zoom link, 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 Monday, Jan. 5, at 6 p.m. Housing Committee Chair and President of Local 1359 Dennis Ifill will discuss housing issues, resources, and upcoming events. You must register to attend HERE. The virtual meeting room opens at 5:50 p.m., and the meeting begins at 6 p.m.

DC 37 EDUCATION FUND

The Education Fund Is Still Accepting Applications for Winter 2026 Classes!

If you are looking to enroll in an Education Fund program, now is the time to apply. Space in many programs is limited, so to find out what is available to apply for a course, view our list of programs by clicking HERE.

Changes To Tuition Reimbursement Benefit

Beginning with classes, courses, and workshops taken on or after January 1, 2024, 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 changes to the reimbursement benefit, please click HERE.

CISCO/COMPTI A+/ICS2 Certification for DC 37 Members

The Education Fund, in conjunction with both Monroe University and CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), offers various certification courses in CISCO, CompTIA+, and ICS2 at no cost. Each course prepares members to sit certification exams such as CISCO CyberOps, CompTIA A+, Linux+, Network+, Security+, and ISC2’s Certified in Cybersecurity. Each training partner and each course have specific prerequisites and requirements, so it is important to ensure you are able and eligible to take them. For more information on the courses at Monroe University, click HERE. For more information on courses at CUNY BMCC, click HERE.

Computer Classes for DC 37 Members

The Education Fund has various computer classes in Microsoft Office applications as well as in AutoCAD for interested members. Please see the schedules and registration links below:

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS—125 Barclay

Thursdays, 6– 9 p.m. (Union HQ at 125 Barclay), In-Person REGISTER HERE
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (Union HQ at 125 Barclay), In-Person REGISTER HERE

COMPUTER COURSES QUEENS COLLEGE—Online Program

10 sessions

Microsoft Word, Tuesdays, 6–9 p.m. (Queens College), 1/13-3/17, Online REGISTER HERE
Microsoft Excel Level I, Wednesdays, 6–9 p.m. (Queens College) 1/14-3/18, Online REGISTER HERE
Microsoft Excel Level II, Thursdays, 6 p.m.–9 p.m. (Queens College) 1/15-3/26, Online REGISTER HERE

COMPUTER COURSES—City College of New York/Center for Worker Education

Certificate received after completion of the program.

10 sessions

AutoCAD by Autodesk, Tuesdays/Thursdays, 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. (City College/CWE) 1/20-3/10, In-Person REGISTER HERE
Microsoft Office Professional, Intermediate, Tuesdays, 6:30–9:30 p.m. (City College/CWE) 1/13-3/17, Online REGISTER HERE
Microsoft PowerPoint, Thursdays, 6:30–9:30 p.m.- Jan.15-Mar.26 (City College/CWE) Online REGISTER HERE
Microsoft Excel Level I, Fridays, 6:30–9:30 p.m. (City College/CWE) Jan. 16-Mar. 20, Online REGISTER HERE
Microsoft Excel Level II, Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (City College/CWE) Jan. 17-Mar. 21, Online REGISTER HERE

Note: Microsoft Word is a prerequisite for the Microsoft Excel Program.

Hostos Community College—Online Sessions

Course Schedule:

Microsoft Office Certificate Level I, Tuesdays/Thursdays, 6–9 p.m. – Feb.17-Apr.23 – Online REGISTER HERE
Microsoft Office Certificate Level II, Tuesdays/Thursdays, 6–9 p.m. – Feb.17-Apr.23 – Online REGISTER HERE
Microsoft Office Certificate Level I, Saturdays, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. – Feb.21-Mar.16- Online REGISTER HERE
Microsoft Excel Expert- Level 3, Saturdays, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (Hostos Community College) Feb.21 – May 16, Online REGISTER HERE

DC 37/CUNY SLU Labor Certificate and Degree Program

The DC 37 Education Fund, in partnership with the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) is currently accepting applicants for its partnership certificate and degree program for the Fall 2026 semester. Eligible union members can receive tuition coverage for up to 4 courses (16 credits), fully funded by the DC37 Education Fund. These courses can lead to an undergraduate or graduate certificate in Labor Relations or start you on your path towards an undergraduate degree (in Labor Studies or in Urban and Community Relations) or a graduate degree in Labor Studies.

Interested members must apply to the Education Fund first and attend a mandatory information session to be accepted into the partnership program. If you are interested in this program and would like more information or to apply, please click HERE.

Education and Career Counseling

Are you a New York State resident aged 25–55 with no prior college degree? There is an opportunity for you to earn a FREE associate degree at CUNY—on campus or online. Join our virtual information session hosted by DC 37 and the Murphy Institute for Worker Education on Monday, January 26, at 6 p.m. We will cover information about eligibility requirements, degree programs offered, and how to apply. All participants will be allowed to schedule a one-on-one advisement appointment with an advisor after the session.

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

Are you a resident of New York State or are you eligible for in-state tuition
Are between the ages of 25-55
Do not currently have a degree
Are 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.

If you are interested in attending the virtual session on January 26, you can register to attend 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 Offers 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 HERE.

Union Plus Scholarships for Union Members and Their Families

Union Plus is a non-profit organization founded by the AFL-CIO (of which AFSCME is a member union and which DC 37 is a local affiliate of AFSCME) that provides benefit programs to union members and their families. Union Plus Scholarships are available to help union families with the cost of college, with awards ranging from $500 to $4,000. The 2026 Union Plus Scholarship application is currently available with a deadline of January 31, 2026. For more information on this scholarship and to apply, click HERE.

Storytelling Workshop for Current and Former City Employees with the Public Theater

Share your story with The Public Theater! In celebration of the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, The Public Theater has launched a storytelling project to celebrate the experiences of government workers. Current and former government employees from any city, state, or federal agency are invited to participate in a series of Personal Storytelling Workshops with The Public Theater (offered in-person and on Zoom). A selection of the stories developed in workshops will be featured onstage at Public Theater’s Mobile Unit and Shakespeare in the Park productions! Applications are now open. For more information on this project and/or to access the application, please click HERE.

Retirees Education Courses for Winter 2026

The Ed Fund is currently accepting applications for Retirees classes for the Winter 2026 cycle. Apply online HERE. For questions, contact Manuel Gomez-Rosa at mgomezrosa@dc37.net or call (212) 815-1700.

DC 37 NON-PROFIT PRIVATE SECTOR EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

DC 37 Non-Profit and Private Sector Members represented by Locals 95, 205, 215, 253, 389, and 571 are eligible for the following exciting education-related and upgrading skills opportunities in 2026.

For more information about these programs, call (212) 341-4991 or email mhunte@dc37.net.

WORKSHOPS (virtual)

Violence Prevention & Intervention: Jan. 13, from 6-8 p.m.
Child Abuse & Maltreatment (NEW): Jan. 14, from 6-8:30 p.m.
Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) workshop: Jan. 26 & Jan. 28, from 5-8 p.m. (MUST attend BOTH days)
Continuing Teacher Leader Education (CTLE): Promoting student Success through positive behavioral supports – 1/8/26, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

PREPARATION CLASSES (virtual)

Child Development Associate (CDA) new class begins on January 20 and ends on June 11, from 5:45-8:45 p.m.
Content Specialty Test (CST), English Language Arts (ELA): 1/20/26, 1/21/26, 1/27/26, 1/28/26, 2/3/26, 2/4/26, 2/10/26 & 2/11/26, from 6-8 p.m.
Licensed Master Social Worker exam prep: 1/24/26, 1/31/26 & 2/7/26, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The website for the Educational Incentive Program (EIP) is at www.ecetp.pdp.albany.edu. This scholarship is awarded based on income and gives up to $2,500 per year for college courses and up to $1,250 for the CDA. This scholarship is only for classroom personnel.
AFSCME scholarships are open to all members.
Union Plus scholarship: due on January 31
Union Plus College Program: Union members and their families can earn an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree 100% online while minimizing out-of-pocket costs through exclusive union discounts, financial aid, and grants.

Various CUNY and SUNY colleges are offering free Associate degree programs in high-demand industries for eligible students. Students may be eligible if they are New York residents, are between the ages of 25-55, and do not already have a college degree. Some programs can be completed online. See links below for more info. Please direct any further questions to the colleges that are offering these opportunities.

SUNY Reconnect Programs
CUNY Reconnect Programs

HOSPITAL FOR SPECIAL SURGERY (HSS)

Got Knee Pain? HSS can help.

For most people, managing knee pain involves a combination of stretching and strength training. Learn from HSS what stretches you can do to help with knee pain and when to seek care.

If you or a family member is experiencing knee pain, the HSS Care Concierge team will connect you with in-network care at one of our convenient locations in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut.

Connect with HSS TODAY:

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

MSK DIRECT

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 www.mskcc.org/dc37.