Local 237’s Citywide negotiating committee voted unanimously to take a stand and fight for a better contract rather than settle for a deal similar to DC 37’s, which may not satisfy our members’ needs. In a meeting on May 24 at union headquarters the committee discussed issues and explored strategies to counter the city’s refusal to reveal the cost of givebacks until DC 37 ratified its contract on June 1.

“The easiest thing for me to do is to sign on the dotted line,” said President Carl Haynes, “but without the prices of givebacks I can’t even consider it. We may be buying a pig in a poke.”

Most of the costs in question affect the unborn, such as a 15 percent salary cut, reduced sick time and shift differential, and a loss of one floating holiday. In the future, when the unborn become a majority, the union will have to buy back these lost benefits. “How do we get them back?” asked Haynes. “I have to know the cost and how it impacts our future.”

To make matters worse, the city is threatening Local 237 to take the deal now or pay a price. Local 237’s contract, which expired two years ago, would be effective as of April 1, 2004.

In essence, the city is saying, “If you don’t act now the game may change,” explained Allen Brawer, financial analyst for the union, who compared the situation to “Let’s Make a Deal,” a popular TV game show where the contestant had to guess what was hiding behind three curtains.

“All ingredients that go into making a decision, all the options, is what we’re looking for,” said Haynes. Respect for Local 237 is on the table as well.

“People think we’re strong and we have to maintain that strength,” said Attorney Barry Peek, adding that we have to stand together to show our strength to the city, which is treating us improperly. “It’s crazy to say that DC 37 is voting on our contract this month.”

Peek suggested declaring an impasse and going through a process of collective bargaining. “Our contract expired first, but the city went to DC 37 because it was in turmoil. The city picked the weakest link and now wants to push their contract down our throats,” said Peek.

Negotiating Committee member Deborah Clouden, a stock worker with the Department of Education, said, “We’re losing if we take it. We’ve got children and grandchildren coming in.”

Member Ronnie Baker noted that he has “12 to 15 jobs to perform a day. It’s a marathon and they want more work and more givebacks.”

Another member, Gloria Watkins, said, “We’re not machines, we deserve the right pay for all the work we do.”

Reminding members that unions stood together two years ago and prevailed when the mayor proposed $600 million in givebacks that would have resulted in a 3 percent pay reduction, Haynes called for a vote in favor of taking a stand. A majority of hands shot up in approval, confirming solidarity.

“There’s nothing like a good fight,” said Haynes. “You may fight today and win tomorrow.”

Members closed the meeting with a standing ovation. They plan to meet again this month.

The Citywide Negotiating Committee met on May 24 and the Housing Negotiating Committee met June 1 to consider a recommendation made by President Haynes to not accept a DC 37-negotiated contract settlement. Committee members agreed they would prefer to continue negotiating while demanding that the city produce figures to justify its proposed productivity savings.