The Office of Collective Bargaining has set Oct. 7 as the hearing date for Local 237’s suit, filed in April, against the Department of Environmental Protection. The union’s “improper practice” suit was filed following threats made by DEP Deputy Commissioner Denise Richardson to privatize Local 237 members’ titles, duties and responsibilities, and to transfer their titles to another union, thereby eliminating their civil service rights.

Prior to filing the suit, Local 237 Citywide Division Deputy Director Mal Patterson and Business Agent Randy Klein met with Commissioner Richardson and other DEP officials to discuss several issues, primarily multiple unsafe working conditions in the water treatment plant at 145th St. in Manhattan. Soon after the meeting, said Klein, Richardson sent Local 237 members intimidating correspondence referring to the possible privatization of their duties and transfer of their titles to another union.

Local 237 President Carl Haynes vows to pursue justice until the DEP guarantees members a safe and hostility-free work environment. “Members should be fairly represented on all issues without fear of retaliation,” he said, “and DEP is held accountable to negotiate directly with the union any issues that pertain to member welfare. We are trying to create a level playing field for our members, and give them the representation they so well deserve.”