pdf Retiree News & Views - Jul/Aug 2016 (892 KB)

Retired members as founders and builders of our Local understand the importance of preserving this history for future generations of members.

Teamsters Local 237 has a proud and important history in the City of New York. Retired members understand the importance of preserving this history for future generations of members. The Teamsters Local 237 Oral History Project collects materials like hiring letters, photographs and other “artifacts” that bring the union’s history to life. Of course, the remembrances and stories of members are the most important part of the project. Many retirees have responded to our call to participate in this project. Here are some of the stories:

Esther Farmer, NYCHA Housing Manager, retired in 2006: In 1977, several women in our Local organized to win pregnancy disability benefits for women workers. We organized petitions, rallies and put out a newsletter. We sued NYCHA and Local 237 (led by Barry Feinstein at the time). In October of 1978, Feinstein announced we would be getting the benefits. The case did not go to court because we won. I was nine months pregnant at the time and had no income for the time I would not be working. Women had to fight for pregnancy disability even though it was the law.

Rosette Fabius, Kings County Hospital Food Service Supervisor, retired 2014: I am Haitian born. I came to the U.S. in the 1970’s looking for a better life. With my husband and our two boys, I have done all kinds of odd jobs in order to take care of the family. The children finished high school and went to college. I went to school to learn English. A good friend gave me a recommendation for a dietary job at Kings County Hospital. I worked my way up to become a Food Service Supervisor. I want to say thank you to God, to the USA and most of all to Teamsters Local 237.

Anthony Cottone, NYCHA Resident Building Superintendent, retired 1996: I started working for NYCHA as an operation trainee in Brooklyn, in May 1971. I worked and trained for two years making various repairs in the buildings, hallways as well as apartments. At the end of the two years I took an exam and I was promoted to maintenance worker. Through the years I would work the day and went to school at night in Manhattan where I studied building maintenance as well as building heating operations. It prepared me for the next step in my career.

Manuel Pena, NYCHA Assistant Superintendent, retired 2012: As an Assistant Superintendent at the Tompkins Houses I was recommended for a local hearing for no reason at all. I was tempted to accept it without any fight or argument; apparently there was no one on my side, then I remembered, wait, I was a shop steward at the Bushwick Houses for many years and know our agents work fair and square so I remembered Mr. Jim Giocastro. I got in touch with him and immediately he told me to fax a copy of the memo. He called the borough office and the next day the case was dismissed. As a result of that I was able to retire with a clean record.

Ramiro Alvarez, HHC cook, retired 2008: My dream was always to finish high school and move to New York City. My uncle was living in New York and I asked him if I could live with him. He said yes. I came to New York in 1967. My uncle was working at Goldwater Memorial Hospital. I asked him to take me there to apply for a job. Once he said yes, I knew that was my first step toward my future dream. I was hired at Goldwater in 1971 as a Dietary Aide. I got to work in many departments till I reached the main kitchen. I knew I wanted to be a cook. My dream came true on July 5, 1985, when I successfully completed the course in commercial cooking and catering. I then became an official cook and a member of Teamsters Local 237 for 35 years. I thank God for Local 237, but my heart is always in Puerto Rico, and I decided to move back.

Victor Maldonado, NYCHA Caretaker J, retired 1995: I started working in the gardens in the late 1960s. Then I took the test and got into the union. When I started I used to work 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the summer; in the winter it depends. If it was snowing, I used to work up to 10 p.m. shoveling snow. For every little thing I was called for help — from changing a bulb, to be awakened at any hour. It was a good job.

Carmen Santos, NYCHA Housing Assistant, retired 1987: I started working for the Housing Authority in 1951. Practically all my work life was as a Secretary at various levels. I wanted to go into a Housing Assistant slot. I took a test and passed and was appointed. I became a Teamsters member then and learned the benefits and possible promotions towards a better job that I didn’t have before. I enjoyed working for the Housing Authority because I had access to connecting with the tenants. I felt good working with my co-workers as a “family” where we shared our day-by-day experiences. I’ve really loved being part of the Teamsters family. It’s a wonderful feeling and I am proud of being one to this day!

Winston Edwards, HHC, Hospital Police Officer, Shop Steward, retired, 2000: I took the test for Hospital Police Officer and scored high on it so the job was offered me. I was hurt two times. The first time was for bravely saving a resident and staff at the Neponset Health Care Center, and the second time I was hurt when I saved three persons from smoke and fire conditions.

Brian Middendoff, NYCHA Assistant Building Superintendent, retired 2014: I was working as a maintenance worker at the Jacob Riis Houses. I received a work ticket of a toilet stoppage at 3:45. I did not want to stay late. I went to the apartment and asked the woman to wait until the next day. I said to flush the toilet with a bucket and tomorrow I will come back and give her a new toilet and seat. She agreed. I showed up at 8 a.m. at her apartment the next day. She said, “There is the bathroom.” The door was closed so I stood in the foyer. She said, “Is there something wrong?” I said the door is closed. She said, “Go in, there is no one in the bathroom.” I knocked on the door and heard, “Excuse me.” So I waited outside about 10 minutes and later knocked again and heard “Excuse me.” This went on for another five minutes. The woman saw me standing there and said, “What’s wrong?” I said someone is in the bathroom. I knocked to show her and again heard “Excuse me.” She opened the door and guess what? It was a parrot.

Anne Sabatino Giudice, NYCHA Superintendent, retired 1990: I started with the Housing Authority in 1970 as a receptionist in Carey Gardens in Coney Island. I lived in the Sheepshead-Nostrand Houses and went home during lunch every day to check on my children. In 1975, I was promoted to Superintendent Secretary. I later took the Firemen’s Exam and studied with my oldest son. That is when I joined Local 237. I passed the Assistant Superintendent exam in 1981. It was tough! I was the first female to be appointed Superintendent. I was an original member of the Non-Traditional Women of Today. We met once a month for lunch and supported each other. I earned my job. I paid “my dues.” God Bless NYCHA and Teamsters 237!