By MIKE LEE

Beginning in late January and continuing throughout the year, District Council 37 will hold Union Day events at various worksites throughout New York City.

Director of Field Operations Barbara Terrelonge explained the importance of the campaign. “We’re focused on going to the workplace meet with workers and demonstrate the value of joining the union,” she said.

Educating workers about the many benefits and protections of becoming a member of DC 37 is an important part of field work. So, too, is building an active membership prepared to spread the union message to their communities.

In addition to Union Days, Terrelonge said Chapter Chairs and Shop Stewards frequently meet one-on-one with workers interested in joining the union during the lunch hour.

DC 37’s Education and Libraries Division hosted Union Days in Brooklyn and Queens on Jan. 30.

At Newton High School, Reps greeted School Workers while staff from the DC 37 Municipal Employees Legal Services (MELS) and Personal Services Unit discussed the benefits available to those who join the union.

Workers arrived from morning to afternoon to sign member cards, ask questions and share information with School Reps.

Donald Nesbit, Board of Education Employees Local 372 Vice President, was on hand to update members on contract negotiations with the City (see pages 4-5) and engage in lively discussions with participants.

John Burke, Director of the Education and Libraries Division, which includes Local 372, NYC Board of Education Clerical-Administrative Employees Local 1251 and the three locals representing the City’s Public Library systems, is enthusiastic about the response.

“We’re already in the field engaging our members,” Burke said. “The attendance and numbers of workers signing up for the union have been excellent, and moving forward, we expect participation to increase.”

The Union Day campaign will continue through June.