From a crowded field of Democratic candidates vying for the title of mayor of the City of New York, Local 237 has endorsed City Council Speaker Gifford Miller for the city’s top spot. At a news conference outside Washington Irving High School in Manhattan, Aug. 9, Local 237 President Carl Haynes declared that Miller had earned the union’s support because “he has always been supportive of this union and its members.”

President Haynes said: “Gifford has been supportive of all our legislative efforts and has responded to issues on our behalf even before he was asked.” He added that Miller “recognizes the needs of not just our members but of all working New Yorkers. Teamsters Local 237 appreciates that and we always support elected officials whose actions reflect our concerns. We believe he will do a superb job for the City of New York.”

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With his wife Pamela at his side, Miller called it “an honor” to accept the endorsement and praised Haynes and “the everyday heroes who make up Teamsters Local 237.” He added, “They serve in our schools, hospitals, colleges...the city owes you a debt of gratitude. I am grateful for their support and for their hard work every day.”

The Council Speaker, along with other members of the City Council, have advocated for decent raises for Local 237 members and passed legislation to help improve their working conditions and benefits. Earlier this year, the Council supported state legislation that required Council approval to allow accident disability pension for peace officer titles and paid sick leave for school safety agents assaulted in the line of duty. Governor George Pataki subsequently vetoed both pieces of legislation.

Miller and the City Council also took on several school safety initiatives, beginning in 2004 with a comprehensive school safety plan which came out of a series of hearings and Local 237’s testimony at City Hall on crime in schools. The Council then passed legislation mandating the city to install cameras in dangerous schools, and another one granting uniformed status to Local 237’s nearly 5,000 peace officers. Although Mayor Michael Bloomberg vetoed both pieces of legislation, the City Council voted to override each veto.

“Whether it has been issues with our peace officers or civilian workers, Gifford Miller, as the leader of the City Council, has always been willing to listen to us, learn and help resolve the problem,” Haynes said. “New Yorkers need leadership that is committed to listening to their issues and willing to work with them to find solutions.”