News Archive
Article in New York Times Regarding Museum Layoffs
Unofficial 1503 Administrator
Posted June 23, 2009
To those of us who are interested in what is being said in the press regarding layoffs at the museum, you can check out an article posted June 22nd by "The Gray Lady" herself. Here
New Date for the Next Meeting
Posted Mar. 26, 2009
Thesre has been a rescheduling of our next meeting for reasons unclear. The agenda from the postcard sent out says we will have a shop steward report. There has also been some talk around the locker room ans well as other places in the building where matters are discussed, that the election results are contested. The editors of Unofficial 1503 are sure that will be addressed at the meeting as well.
Other likely topics on the agenda will be proposed amendments to the constitution. This subject has come up before and is not to be taken lightly. It is the understanding of the editors that there are several stages to ammending the consitution, once accomplished require the approval of the president of the international union. This should be clarified at the next meeting.
Membership is encouraged to download and read the proposals prior to the next meeting on April 1st. Relevant documents can be downloaded here.
Shop Steward Election Held
Posted Mar. 2nd, 2009
The elections for shop steward were held last week. Thank you everyone for participating. The results are as follows:
Winners, Day Shift: John Camperlengo, 159; Clay Bleckley, 140; Dan McCabe, 119; Ricci De La Espada, 110; JD Smith, 97
Runners Up, Day Shift: Mari Rosenberg, 92; Ed Penny, 80; Eddie Aquaviva, 68; Emilio Del Pozo, 51; William Vance, 51; Raul Garcia, 50; Danny Persaud, 49; Nathan Wright, 38; Bill Landolfi, 36; Bob Hillman, 35
Technicians Results: Coming Soon
Early Watch Results: Ola Ogunbodede
Winner, Late Watch: Vincent McCall, 16
Runners Up, Late Watch: Gliberto Ruiz, 5; Thomas Sakhu, 3
Winner, Buildings: Ricardo Serrano 54
Runners Up, Buildings: Mike Valencia, 52; Ajay Pathania, 35
Winner, Cloisters: Richie Cestero 22
Runner Up, Cloisters: Bob Oberkehr 18
HIP and GHI are now both owned by Emblem Health!
Posted Sept. 5th, 2008
The following has been communicated to Unofficial 1503 from Robert Schirmer, CHAIR
CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS HEALTH & SECURITY TRUST FUND via e-mail:
The HIP-GHI for profit conversion is moving forward in Albany. It has been incorporated into the state budget and should take place in the second quarter of 2009. Emblem Health has guaranteed that HIP and GHI will remain separate entities and operate independently of each other. It also claims taht services and cost will remain the same. However, it remains to be seen what changes if any will occur.
Any additional inquiries regarding this matter as well as requests for documentation should be directed to Mr. Schirmer.
By Popular Demand...
Posted July 10th, 2008
Members make suggestions for inclusion in contract negotiations with the MMA.More...
Delegates Return from S.F. Convention
Updated Aug. 11th, 2008
Brothers Matt Strobino, Robert Schirmer and John Mayers return from their trip to the AFSCME International Convention, having learned a few things as well as meeting key individuals involved in our District (DC37). According to reports, number of issues were discussed and some groundwork laid for future dialog.
The "Schirmer Report" from the Convention can be downlaoded (HERE).
A detailed report from Brother Strobino can be downloaded (HERE).
Keynote Address at the International Convention
Posted Aug. 8th, 2008
For those interested, you can watch the keynote address at the International Convention delivered by President Gerald W. McEntee on the opening day of AFSCME's 38th International Convention, Monday, July 28, 2008. Here is the link: Video
In addition, there is information on the AFSCME site pertaining to the convention as well as links to the AFSCME blog set up for the convention. If that isn't enough, there is also a photo gallery.
15% Pay Increase After Two Years of Service
Posted July 10th, 2008
There has been some speculation and rumor that members hired under the new contract (most recently the class of 6/26/06) would have to wait an additional year to have their starting salary restored to reflect the removal of the 15% pay decrease for new hires as per the last Citywide contract. This is untrue, according to the Human Resources Department at the Museum as well as a number of union officials (among them, former president Robert Schirmer). That means that the next paycheck (prorated to July 1st, 2008) will reflect the 15% restoration in pay. The editors of "Unofficial 1503" have also been assured by our local that if the MMA violates this agreement, immediate action will be taken to rectify the situation.
In addition, for the sake of clarification, the 15% starting pay cut was a citywide bargaining concession. The local leadership had no part in it. This is a common misconception that should be put to rest.
Contract News: We need a COLA!
Posted July 4th, 2008
We need a Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) for our pension plan. Our defined benefit plan pays out a fixed rate for life. More...
Next Meeting Scheduled
Posted July 2nd, 2008
Due to membership initative, the next meeting has been scheduled. This is a result of a petition circulated during the past couple of weeks. Thanks to all of you who signed the petition. It is very important to maintain the dialog between membership and our officials in order to keep our union strong and moving forward. More...
Massive Turnout for Delegate Elections
Posted June 20th, 2008
Todays elections for delegates to the national convention was a rousing success. Voter turnout clearly demonstrates the union is coming alive. Interest is increasing in most levels where members are involved. This does not of course mean there isn't much room for things to get better, but it clearly demonstrates the local is on the move in the right direction.
Members selected, in addition to our President Raoul Baptiste, Robert Schirmer and Matt Strobino to attend the national convention at the end of next month into August. We wish oiour brothers a safe trip and expect plenty of information on how we can get more involved in the future.
New Experimental Site!
Posted June 20th, 2008
Check out the new site currently in the beta testing stages. It is not fully functional, but it does promise to offer a much expanded array of features to enhance the ability to pass on vital information. Click Here
Names of Delegates (Informally) Announced
Posted June 10th, 2008
(if any names are missing or listed incorrectly - Please notify the Web Designer)
John Bach, Ronald Boyer*, Rawle Campbell, Veronica Clough, Joe Colon, Ricci De Laspada, Ozzie Forney, Joe Gardinia, Eric Haynes, Walter Goosby, Carol Jameson, Shirley Jones, Bill Landolfi, John Leung, John Mayer, Phil McCrae, Tom Murphey, John O'Connor, Phil O'Connor, Ed Penny*, Frank Pepaij*, Al Pride, Drew Samuels, Rick Serrano, Robert Schirmer, Olivia Scott, Matt Strobino, Ed Swensson*, Nathan Wright
Election of Delegates Scheduled
Posted June 4th, 2008
As a result of discussions during the last General Membership Meeting, there has been an alteration to the number of delegates attending the International Convention in San Francisco (July 28th - August 1, 2008) as well as the budget for the trip. Rather than the usual number of five attendees, this year there will be two in addition to our President, Raul Baptiste.
In the Main Building, the election of delegates will take place in front of the locker room on June 17, 18 & 19th, 2008 from 7:30 am to 10:00 am AND from 3:30 pm to 6:00pm on each of the days.
At the Cloisters, the elections will be held in the Rec Room on June 17, 18 & 19th, 2008 from 7:30 am to 10:00 am AND from 3:30 pm to 6:00pm on each of the days.
Votes will be counted on June 20, 2008.
Last General Membership Meeting
Held on May 28th, 2008
Agenda:
1. Minutes
2. Health and Security Information
3. Collective Bargaining
4. Nominations for five delegates to the International Convention in San Francisco, CA, From July 28th to August 1st 2008.
Local 1503 Blog is Launched!
Posted May 21st, 2008
Check the link on the menu to the left and voice your concerns about our union. The are some cool features to check out like a live poll. The current topic: "Do you feel empowered by your union?" should yield some interesting results.
Check back regularly and engage your fellow members in discussions about how to improve our working conditions. This is a good place to see how the rest of our membership feels about particular interests and how they affect us all.
Remember, regarding opinions: please be nice.