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Despite Local 237’s strong argument for halting the Alternative Work Schedule (AWS) until serious safety concerns are addressed, a judge sided with NYCHA. That decision allows the Housing Authority to roll out AWS schedules for Caretakers, 
Supervisors of Caretakers, Supervisors of Grounds, Assistant Superintendents and Superintendents in the remaining developments.
At a packed union Caretakers meeting on Nov. 5th, members and Local 237 members made clear that while we will abide by the judge’s decision, the fight for members’ safety remains a top priority.
Local 237 President Gregory Floyd told the New York Post, “NYCHA has a history of missed deadlines, be it with the feds, tenants or the special monitor.” He noted that management hasn’t acted on poorly lit public areas, broken building-entrance locks and other safety hazards in projects where AWS is to start.
Local 237 Housing Division Director Carl Giles told members at the Caretaker meeting, “It’s up to every one of us to insure a safe work environment. Each of you is deputized as a safety liaison. Whenever you come across unsafe conditions, report it to the union as soon as possible.”
Local 237 intends to fully enforce our contract and agreements, including the 4-Day Rule, which requires that NYCHA address any union safety concerns within 4 days.
Local 237 continues to fight for related Grievances and Improper Practices.
NYCHA management refused to pay Alternative Work Schedule (AWS) Caretakers the ten hours of holiday pay they are entitled to for both the Memorial Day and 4th of July holidays. The union has filed two grievances demanding that Caretakers be paid in full for those days and are paid for 10, rather than 8, hours of holiday pay for all future holidays.
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June grievance letter,(17 KB)
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July grievance letter(58 KB)
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Additionally, Local 237 has filed a petition with the Office of Collective Bargaining to stop Housing Managers from working late shifts. NYCHA has ignored our previous agreement to stop scheduling Managers to work until 7:30 pm on Wednesdays. Not only is this disruptive to Mangers' lives, it poses a serious risk to their safety.
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(download the improper practice petition)(5.14 MB)
. The petition was amended to include the Saturday mandate for Housing Managers and Assistant Managers.
Don’t let NYCHA mistreat us! Report any contract violations to your Business Rep.!
Local 237 has appointed Carl Giles as Director of the union’s Housing Division. With almost 30 years of NYCHA experience, Carl Giles has hit the ground running.
President Floyd said, “Over the decades, Carl Giles has consistently stepped up to the plate, taking on ever-greater responsibility in defending the interests of Local 237’s housing members. He’s earned the trust of our members and is respected throughout the Housing Authority. NYCHA is in crisis and I am confident that Director Giles will keep our members front and center.”
Since starting in 1992 as a Seasonal Aide at Soundview Houses, Giles has held numerous titles both within NYCHA and at Local 237. Giles knows the day-to-day challenges of NYCHA workers and has served as a Business Agent at more than 30 NYCHA developments.
From the position of Caretaker J, he went on to become a Supervisor of Grounds. Seeing that the needs of both residents and workers were not being met, he, along with other Supervisors, founded the Supervisor of Grounds Chapter of Local 237. He served as the first chapter president.
As Chapter Chair, he helped members to get the support, education and training they needed to get their jobs done more safely and effectively, benefiting both union members and residents. Giles understood the value of union members working together to identify and solve common problems. He also served on the union’s contract negotiation committees.
He later went on to mentor his Local 237 Brothers and Sisters working as Assistant Supervisors in all five boroughs. Among his proudest accomplishments working at NYCHA are the creation of the first centralized depot for small engine repairs, improving worker training and streamlining NYCHA operations.
In 2012, Giles was brought in as a union liaison, where he focused on giving the union a greater voice in NYCHA operations and finding mutually acceptable solutions. In 2015, President Floyd appointed Giles Business Agent and later added the responsibilities of Assistant to the President. While carrying out those duties, he also became the Health & Safety Coordinator for both the Housing and Citywide Divisions.
Despite the challenges facing NYCHA and its workers, Giles believes that together, union members can make difference. His goals as director include helping members to succeed, fighting for a fair working wage and ensuring that every worker gets home safely.
A former boxer, Carl Giles stays in shape by hitting the heavy bag when he can.
Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Giles moved to New York as a child and has made his home in NYC since. He currently lives in the Bronx and is a proud father of three.
Local 237 Housing Division Director Carl Giles (center, red shirt) and Housing members attended a Safety Congress on July 18, 2019.
Newsday recently ran a feature on John Rueb, co-creator and coach of the Brentwood Basketball Developmental League and head custodian at East Elementary Kindergarten Center.
Local 237 is saddened to announce the death of Ruben Lopez, CUNY Specialist and Local 237 Shop Steward. He will be missed by all of his colleagues and union brothers and sisters.
Our deepest sympathies go out to his family.
Volunteer Fire Captain Sandy Sonera, who is also a Supervisor of Caretakers at Hamell Houses, was named Mineola Volunteer Fire Department Firefighter of the Year. He has worked at NYCHA for 30 years and has also served for 18 year at the Fire Department.
A Mineola Fire Department press release announced, “The selection of Captain Sonera as Firefighter of the Year recognizes his strong work ethic, devotion to duty and positive contribution to the community. The commitment to service demonstrated by Captain Sonera serves as a role model for ouraspiring leaders to follow.”
The same should be said of his dedication to his NYCHA duties! Congratulations to Captain Sonera from your Local 237 family!
