FOUNDERS DAY QUARTET – From left, Patricia Stryker, recording secretary and
director of political action and legislation; Nancy True, director of the Retiree
Division; Sen. Charles Schumer and President Gregory Floyd

President Gregory Floyd introduced the senior senator from New York State and keynote speaker, saying, “For those of us who live and work in public housing — a third of our membership — Senator Schumer is fighting for us.”

Presenting Comptroller DiNapoli, Floyd noted his responsibility for managing and protecting the state pension funds, adding, “It’s a sad time when pensions are under attack and people are willing to trade them in for salaries.”

On a high note at the June 6 event, hosted by the Retiree Division, under the direction of Nancy B. True, Floyd announced that the union’s DRIVE program, which directs members’ contributions to support grassroots political action and lobbying on Capitol Hill and in Albany, more than doubled its participation to become a recognized leader in the Teamsters national DRIVE program.

Sen. Schumer acknowledged Local 237’s “great tradition of political action,” adding “Greg continues that.” Schumer recalled receiving the union’s support since he entered politics in 1974 and spoke of his own proud roots in a union family. The son of an exterminator, Schumer attended P.S. 197 and Madison High School, and is a graduate of Harvard Law School.

“Public housing is one of our greatest resources,” said Schumer. “We need it more than ever as gentrification causes prices to rise, and we are in danger of losing the ladder up for many workers.” Schumer also emphasized the importance of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), which would give workers the real freedom to choose a union. “If we pass EFCA, we will have the strength to push national health care,” said Schumer, adding, “I pledge to labor leaders that every Democrat we elect will vote for EFCA.”

DiNapoli, the state’s chief fiscal officer, assured retirees that the New York State common retirement fund, totaling about $155 billion, “is the third largest pension plan in the USA, and it is safe in this time of challenge.” Assuring the plan’s stability, DiNapoli added, “That money is being paid by the strength of investment returns.”

He also introduced Kathy B. McCormack, director of labor affairs for the Office of State Comptroller, a newly created position to address the needs of labor.

Among other highlights of Founders Day was the presentation of a $2,000 check to The Bridge Fund of New York City by the Retirees’ Sunshine Club. The donation supports the advocacy group, which helps hardworking New Yorkers and retirees who face eviction from their homes.

The morning Founders Day program included a panel discussion on the impact of the senior vote on presidential elections, retiree issues and political action.

Patricia Stryker, Local 237’s political action and legislation director, noted that 2008 has been one of the “craziest years” in New York politics, “marred by a string of scandals.” Stryker, who leads the union’s DRIVE program, called on retirees to support worthy proretiree and working-family candidates by contributing to DRIVE and becoming politically active.