We deeply thank the membership of Local 1482 for participating in our Day of Action on Wednesday and making it a success.  It looks like most of our work locations were represented, often with full participation.  We hope the day promoted a sense of teamwork and solidarity throughout all of the agencies represented by Local 1482. 

We've heard that numerous library visitors noticed the shirts, hats, and buttons, and asked what they were about.  Thank you for responding to their questions, and for helping to raise awareness that the city's libraries run thanks to the hard work and dedication of staff who belong to a public sector union.

Also, many thanks to members who took photos and have forwarded them to us. If you have photos, send them in!  We'll add them to the slideshow.  You can email them to local1482@gmail.com. Also send us your stories, anecdotes and impressions from the day.

As of this posting, there is still no decision issued from the Supreme Court on the Janus vs. AFSCME case.  It is expected any day now.  We encourage Local 1482 members to make a plan on how you will respond.  If you haven't already, you can sign up for action alerts from DC37.  Also, at 5:00 pm on the day of the ruling, there will be an Emergency Janus Protest/Union Power Rally is planned in Foley Square in Manhattan at 5:00 p.m. All union members--and their families and supporters--are invited.

Once again, thank you for your enthusiastic support of Local 1482's Day of Action, and for demonstrating that your union is proud and strong and ready to confront the future.

Local 1482 invites all members in Librarian titles to a special meeting next week on Wednesday, October 11th at 6:30 pm.  We will discuss librarian salaries and access to promotional opportunities.  This is your chance to have your questions answered and opinions heard.  The meeting will be held at DC37 headquarters at 125 Barclay St. in Manhattan. 

Please share this information with your friends and colleagues in librarian titles.

Do you have Federal student loans?  Are you concerned about how much the monthly payments are, or how long it will take to pay them off?  DC37 is holding a workshop on Wednesday, May 17th from 6 to 7:30 that will help you get on the path to eliminating student debt.  The workshop will be held at DC 37 headquarters at 125 Barclay St. in Manhattan.  It is free to union members, but space is limited.  Online advance registration is required. 

Please print out the workshop flier, found here, and post it in your agencies.

At last night's General Membership Meeting all in attendance heard about a couple of terrific opportunities.  One was about an upcoming workshop at DC37 on dealing with student loan debt.  The other outlined how members can earn an online Associates Degree for free via our parent union AFSCME.  Here are the details...

Erase Your Student Debt Workshop at DC37

Student debt is a serious crisis here in the United States, and members of DC37 and Local 1482 are not immune from it.  On Tuesday, October 18, DC37 will hold a free Erase Your Student Debt workshop from 6:00-7:30 pm at DC 37 Headquarters at 125 Barclay St. in Manhattan.  Get the help you need to get on the path towards eliminating your student debt.  Space is limited and online registration is required.  You can register here.

Print out the workshop flier, post in your agencies, and share it with your colleagues.

The AFSCME Free College Benefit

It is AFSCME's mission to give its members every advantage to get ahead.  In partnership with Eastern Gateway Community College in Ohio, they are offering FREE online Associates Degrees in the Arts, Business Management and Criminal Justice.  Early Childhood Education will be available in 2017.  AFSCME's Free College Benefit is available to all members of AFSCME, which includes members of DC37 and Local 1482.  Again, it's 100% FREE!!!

Do you dream of owning a home someday?  Did you know DC37 has a  program that helps first-time homeowners negotiate the often-complex process of financing and securing the purchase of condos, co-ops and houses?  It's called the Municipal Employees Housing Program and a representative of the program will speak at our upcoming General Membership Meeting on February 2nd. 

Come hear how the program can help you with mortgage and legal advice as well as how you might be eligible to receive a grant for a down payment.  The presentation will also outline how you can take advantage of affordable rental lotteries with a 5% preference for NYC employees. 

The services MEHP offers can save you money, time, and uncertainty.  Whether you plan to buy a home soon or farther into the future, bring your questions and learn how the MEHP can be an invaluable partner or yours throughout your  journey towards home ownership.  

Image via Flickr, Diana Parkhouse