MAY IS LABOR HISTORY MONTH

UNION EVENTS:

CAN YOU VOLUNTEER for the DC 37 PHONE BANK?

DC 37 can use your help. Can you volunteer to call your union sisters and brothers and support the candidates DC 37 endorses? Your voice is powerful and can make a difference in the weeks leading up to the New York State Democratic Primary. The Political Action Department makes phone-banking easy for you and will provide training, scripts and more. To volunteer, sign up here: https://bit.ly/DC37GreenMachine.

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SUPPORT DC 37 PARKS WORKERS and NYC PARKS, PLEASE SIGN the PLAY FAIR PETITION

You can still help us win the fight for Parks funding and jobs. Parks are essential for all New Yorkers. DC 37 and the Play Fair Coalition are fighting for Parks to receive 1% of the New York City budget and for hundreds of essential Parks jobs to be baselined. Make your voice heard. Please click HERE to sign and share the 1% for Parks petition that’s sponsored by New Yorkers for Parks and the Play Fair Coalition.

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DC 37 HOUSING COMMITTEE MEETING, MAY 2 at 6 PM

Please join DC 37 Housing Committee’s virtual meeting on Monday, May 2, from 6 to 8 PM. Housing Committee Chair, Dennis Ifill, President of Local 1359, will discuss housing issues, resources and upcoming events. You must register to attend HERE.  All registrants will get a Ring Central link on May 2. The virtual meeting room opens at 5:45 PM and the meeting starts at 6 PM. For more information email Dennis Ifill at dennisifill1954@gmail.com or Savi Boyer at the Municipal Employees Housing Program, 212-815-1139 or email sboyer@dc37.net.

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DC 37 PRIDE DIVERSITY INTEREST GROUP COMMITTEE MEETING, MAY 9 at 6 PM

The DC 37 Pride Diversity Interest Group Committee will meet May 9 at 6 p.m. Committee Chair Jeff Oshins, president of Local 3005 will lead the discussion. Please use this Ring Central link to join the meeting.

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DC 37 DISABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING, MAY 10 at 6 PM

Join the union’s Disability Advisory Committee for a virtual workshop on May 10 at 6 PM. The committee meets the second Tuesday of each month. Join via Ring Central from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android https://meetings.ringcentral.com/j/1455418632. For the best audio experience, please use computer audio. Or iPhone one-tap: US: +1(646)3573664,,1455418632#. For more information, email Committee Chair Laura Morand at l2627president@gmail.com.

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DC 37 POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING, MAY 12 at 6 PM

Join the DC 37 Political Action Committee’s virtual meeting May 12 at 6 PM, and every second Thursday of the month. To register to attend please visit HERE. For more information, call the DC 37 Political Action Department at 212-815-1550.

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DC 37 WOMEN’S COMMITTEE MEETING, MAY 23 at 6 PM

The DC 37 Women’s Committee invites all members and retirees to join its virtual meeting May 23 at 6 PM to celebrate Labor History Month in May. The meeting’s theme is Women in the Labor Movement: Building Stronger Coalitions with guests Miriam Frank, Labor Historian; DC 37’s Barbara Edmonds; LaTonya Crisp-Sauray, TWU; Nancy Hagans, NYSNA President, and others. Please register at dc37local.com/wcm to attend this virtual Ring Central meeting. For more information, please email Women’s Committee Chair Local 420 President Carmen Charles: President@local-420.org.

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CLIMATE JUSTICE COMMITTEE

The DC 37 Climate Justice Committee meets the first and third Tuesday of every month. To join, please email Committee Chair Jon Forster at: 4unionnow@gmail.com.

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HEALTH and WELLNESS

MAY is WOMEN’S HEALTH MONTH

May is Women’s Health Month, an ideal time to make you or a loved one’s health a priority. Learn ways to reduce your cancer risk by reviewing MSK’s Guide to Breast Health for DC 37 members. DC 37 and Memorial Sloan Kettering have partnered to help union members screen for cancer, and receive care from the esteemed professionals at MSK. You can contact an MSK Direct care advisor through the DC 37 dedicated phone line at 833-786-3365. You can get personalized screening recommendations and tips on how to lower your risk for cancer HERE. Resources are available on DC 37’s dedicated MSK Direct webpage. If you or a family member are impacted by cancer and would like to discuss treatment options, please visit the dedicated MSK webpage or call MSK Direct at 833-786-3365.

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COVID-19 VACCINE MANDATE UPDATE and COVID-19 INFORMATION

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 protocols, the DCAS Commissioner Directive for Face Coverings, the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, COVID testing sites for City employees, NYS worker’s compensation and short-term disability, FEMA COVID-19 burial assistance, and more, visit HERE.

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DC 37 DENTAL CENTER

The newly renovated, state-of-the-art DC 37 Dental Center at 115 Chambers Street in Lower Manhattan is a 30-seat facility that offers advanced dental and periodontal care and full-service dental care to members, retirees, and their dependents. The Dental Center accepts appointments Mon. to Fri., 8 AM to 6 PM and Sat., 8 AM to 5 PM. To schedule a visit, please call 212-766-4440.

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WORKWELL NYC

PAINT and RELAX, MAY 12 at 6:30 PM

Being creative can help relieve stress, boost resilience, and improve mood. Join WorkWell NYC’s beginner-friendly guided workshop to tap into your creativity and create your own masterpiece. Register HERE. To see a full list of WorkWell NYC events, visit: on.nyc.gov/upcomingevents.

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MELS

COVID-19 UPDATE:

New York State Homeowners Assistance Fund – Up to $50,000 Available for Distressed Home, Coop and CondoMINIUM Owners

Homeowners at risk of foreclosure or displacement due to a financial hardship suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for up to $50,000.00 through the New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund. To qualify you must be:

• Residing in the home, coop or condo; and
• Behind on mortgage payments; or
• Behind on coop maintenance charges or condo HOA fees; or
• Behind on property taxes, water or sewer bills; or
• In default on a reverse mortgage; or
• In forbearance.

Homeowner Assistance Funds can be used to:

• Pay off past due mortgage payments; or
• Partially pay down the principal mortgage amount in order to make monthly mortgage payments more affordable; or
• Pay off past due co-op maintenance charges or condo HOA fees; or
• Pay off past due property taxes, sewage or water bills; or
• Pay future housing payments for up to six months if the applicant or an adult member of the household is currently unemployed or has exhausted unemployment benefits.

There are income and other eligibility requirements. To apply and to get more information, visit: New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund or call 844-77-NYHAF or 844-776-9423.

If you own a home, coop or condo and are in need of legal assistance or help navigating the Homeowner Assistance Program, please call the MELS Screening Unit at 212-815-1111.

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STUDENT LOAN FORBEARANCE EXTENSION UPDATE

On April 6, 2022, the U.S. Department of Education announced a further extension of the CARES Act student loan forbearance. The pause on direct student loan payments, interest accrual and collection activity on direct student loans in default, will remain in place through August 31, 2022. Payments resume Sept. 1. The new extension includes a “fresh start” program, which erases the default and delinquency status on late payments for millions of borrowers.

The pause does not apply to Parent Plus loans, Perkins loans, or FFELP loans. Members with

questions about the extension are encouraged to contact the DC 37 MELS Screening and Intake office at 212- 815-1111 to speak with an attorney.

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STUDENT LOAN FORBEARANCE

To take advantage of the temporary waiver (see below), otherwise qualified borrowers with indirect student loans, or borrowers who simply have a history of repayment on non-qualifying plans, must consolidate their indirect loans; select an income driven repayment plan, and submitted the PSLF Employer Certification form by October 31, 2022. Doing so will allow the borrower to receive credit for payments made on any plan.

Whether your loan is in default, you need assistance in qualifying for PSLF, you wish to learn how switching to an income driven repayment plan will affect your cost, or you just want help understanding student loans, MELS can help. To connect with a MELS attorney, call the MELS Screening Unit at 212-815-1111.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS TEMPORARY WAIVER

On October 6, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education temporarily waived a number of the requirements borrowers who qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) must meet. The waiver period expires on October 31, 2022. Appropriate steps must be taken prior to that date in order to take advantage of the benefits of the waiver.

WAIVER of the QUALIFYING REPAYMENT PLAN OPTIONS

Under the traditional rules, to qualify for PSLF a borrower working full-time in a qualified employment was required to make 120 payments toward their direct federal student loan debt pursuant to one of the four income driven repayment plan options: PAYE, RE-PAYE, Income Based Repayment or Income Contingent Repayment. The repayment plan requirement is temporarily waived. During the waiver period, payments made on any plan will count toward PSLF.

BORROWERS with FFEL and PERKINS LOANS

Borrowers with FFEL and Perkins loans now have an improved pathway to PSLF. Under the traditional rules, only direct federal student loans qualified for PSLF. Borrowers with FFEL loans and Perkins loans had to consolidate into a direct consolidated federal loan in order to qualify for PSLF. Payments made prior to consolidation did not count toward PSLF. During the waiver period, borrowers must still consolidate. However, provided a borrower consolidates during the waiver period, payments made prior to consolidation, on any repayment plan, will count toward PSLF. For information on the appropriate steps to take, affected members and their eligible family members can call MELS at 212.815.1111.

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FAMILIES

PAID FAMILY LEAVE BENEFIT

The New York State Paid Family Leave benefit is 12 weeks. The maximum weekly paid benefit is $971.61 or $1,943 bi-weekly. This union-negotiated benefit is available to nearly all DC 37 members, including members in the six nonprofit and private sector locals. For details about the PFL benefit, please contact your union representative. To access the 2022 PFL benefits calculator, visit: https://paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/PFLbenefitscalculator2022.  For information on childcare, summer camp and other special programs for New York City residents: Visit here.

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EDUCATION

AFSCME FREE 4-YEAR COLLEGE

AFSCME offers a free 4-year college program to members and their immediate family. You can go to college for free from anywhere in the country. You must have a High School Diploma or High School Equivalency Diploma to enroll. To participate, all you need is a computer and an internet connection. For more information, visit HERE.

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DC 37 EDUCATION FUND

APPLY by MAY 20 for DC 37 EDUCATION COMMITTEE SCHOLARSHIPS

Applications are now available for dependent children and grandchildren of eligible DC 37 members and retirees, and active members pursuing technical or trade schools, undergraduate or graduate degrees. Online applications must be submitted by Friday, May 20, no exceptions. Winners will be notified by June 20. For more details and to apply online visit: www.dc37edfund.org/scholarships.

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REGISTRATION for SPRING SEMESTER IS NOW OPEN

Registration for the Spring 2022 semester with the Education Fund is now available on the DC 37 website. For more information on classes still accepting applications, current schedules or to register for a program, visit HERE.

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LABOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM at CUNY

DC 37 and the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies have expanded their educational partnership to include four new college-level programs in labor studies. The DC 37 Education Fund will provide tuition assistance to active DC 37 members who enroll in the labor studies program to earn the undergraduate certificate in labor relations; bachelor’s degree in urban studies; graduate certificate in labor relations, or master’s degree in labor studies. Apply here: www.dc37edfund.org/cunyslu. For more information, please call: 212-815-1700.

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DC 37 EDUCATION FUND PROVIDES FREE SOCIAL WORKER WORKSHOPS FOR LOCAL 768 MEMBERS

The District Council 37 Education Fund in conjunction with the National Association of Social Workers, New York City Chapter plans to host one (1) virtual continuing education workshop in June for eligible Local 768 licensed Social Workers:

Honor, Respect, and Dignity: Approaching Harm Reduction through a Social Justice Lens (2 CEU’s), Monday, June 6,  7 to 9 p.m. (Registration deadline is May 13.)

This workshop will be held online. To attend, please use this link to complete the online application: www.dc37edfund.org/socialworkjune2022

If you have any questions regarding the online application or the workshop, please email: dtelemaque-peschier@dc37.net or kking@dc37.net.

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CUNY COUNSELING IS HERE FOR YOU!

This is the ideal time to plan for Summer/Fall 2022 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 catered to your specific goals and needs. To view the calendar and schedule your CUNY advisement session, visit: https://cunydays.eventbrite.com. Can’t find a date/time that works for you? Email: WorkerEd@slu.cuny.edu.

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FREE COLLEGE PROGRAMS FOR LOCAL 372 MEMBERS IN SPECIFIC JOB TITLES

LOCAL 372 PARAPROFESSIONALS can earn 18 credits annually towards a degree in Human Services through a partnership with Monroe College. To enroll for the Fall 2022 term, complete an online application: www.dc37edfund.org/monroectpcandidateform. For questions, email: ppunch@dc37.net.

LOCAL 372 MEMBERS WORKING in SCHOOL FOOD can earn an associate’s degree in Nutrition and Culinary Management through a partnership with LaGuardia Community College. For more details on the food services management program, see the flyer HERE. To enroll for the Fall 2022 term, complete an online application at www.dc37edfund.org/laguardiacandidateform. For questions, email: lpicano@dc37.net.

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EDUCATION AND CAREER COUNSELING

Do you need guidance selecting a class from our offerings, updating a resume or need assistance reaching a career or educational goal?  To contact an Ed Fund counselor click here to schedule a virtual appointment.

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RESUME WRITING and INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES WORKSHOPS

The two-session Resume Writing Workshop will be held on Tuesdays, 6 to 9 PM (April 26-May 3) and Thursdays, 6 to 9 PM (May 26-June 2). The virtual workshops will cover a variety of resume formats: Chronological resumes, Functional resumes and Electronic resumes. You will also learn how to write a general cover letter and a specific cover letter. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled for individual resume review and revision. You must register by April 21. To sign up, visit HERE.

DC 37 members can find out how to stand out at a job interview by attending the two-session, three-hour Interview Techniques Workshop, Tuesdays, 6 to 9 PM (June 9-June 16). Learn about different types of interviews, what to expect, what to wear and not to wear, the questions to ask and not to ask and how to prepare in advance. Follow-up appointments and mock interviews will be schedules upon request. You must register by June 1. Sign up HERE.