Official Publication of Social Service Employees Union Local 371-DC 37 AFSCME, AFL-CIO

the Volume 38
Number 2
February 2008

Annuity Fund Contribution Increases by $206

As Bargaining for New Contract Continues

A
s our current Citywide Contract ment could be reached. DC 37 has been attempting reached on wages and benefits.
expires, the final economic piece takes to take advantage of agreements already reached The Union’s current recurring annuity of $478
effect in the form of a $206 increase to by the City with the uniformed unions and the per member, per year, was established with the
the Local 371 recurring annuity fund. United Federation of Teachers. The UFT settled last 2000-2002 Social Service and Related Titles
Currently, bargaining for the next Citywide fall, almost a year before its contract expired. (SSRT) contract. The increase, effective March 2,
Contract On Decem- 2008, brings the total annuity contribution up to
between Dis- ber 9, 2007, DC $684 per member, per year.
trict Council 37
and the City is
Funding for the increase in the annuity 37 Executive
Director Lil-
Prior to the recurring annuity, a $522 “one-
shot-deal” annuity was negotiated for the 1995-
continuing, lian Roberts 2000 contract. Members who were eligible for
with the next contribution was negotiated as part of the announced at that annuity and are still active Union members
session sched- the DC 37 have a combined account.
uled for Febru- 2005 District Council 37 Economic Agreement Executive
ary 26. The Board meeting The Bargaining Process
present con- that she called Funding for the increase in the annuity contri-
tract expires on March 2, and it was hoped that Mayor Michael Bloomberg to resume bargaining. bution was negotiated as part of the 2005 District
by beginning negotiations early, an agreement At that time, Roberts continued to express opti- Council 37 Economic Agreement, which set
could be reached before the expiration date. That mism that a settlement would be reached before aside 0.34% in equity funds for each bargaining
prospect now seems dim. the current contract expires. DC 37 has been seek- unit to use at their discretion. The Union’s
Bargaining opened on October 16, 2007 with ing a four-year contract while the City has offered Bargaining Committee, which is comprised of
both sides expressing optimism that an early settle- a two-year contract. Agreement has also not been Continued on page 3

Peace Groups to Protest Five Years of

War in Iraq on March 19
ed on that day against attacking Iraq, including
750,000 in London and 250,000 in San Francisco.
Among those featured at the rally were Bishop
Desmond Tutu of South Africa, Actors Danny
Glover and Susan Sarandon, and singers Harry
Continued on page 8

what’s
INSIDE
Photo by Martin Fishgold

Union Election Process

Underway
All five members of Union’s Election Committee
for the 2008 Election were chosen over the past
Over 150,000 people, including a large labor union contingent, marched in Washington, D.C. on January 18, 2003.
month. The Election Committee presides over the
Union Elections which begin with nominations at

U nited For Peace and Justice, the organiza-

tion responsible for staging many mass
demonstrations against the War in Iraq,
has announced a series of actions around the 5th
Anniversary of the War on March 19. Local 371
false notion that Saddam Hussein had a cache of
weapons of mass destruction, Local 371’s execu-
tive board on January 8, 2003 passed a resolution
urging President Bush to get the approval of the
United Nations and use war with Iraq only as a
the Membership Meeting on March 10.
(See story on page 2.)

Amiri Baraka Featured at

will participate in the actions as it has done since last resort “if diplomacy fails to accomplish our Black History Celebration
the beginning of 2003, before the war began. To national goals.” On January 18, 2003, a Union Poet, playwright and political activist Amiri
date, the war has cost taxpayers a mind bog- contingent joined an anti-war demonstration of Baraka highlighted the Union’s Annual Black
gling $1.3 trillion, and has resulted in nearly over 150,000 people in Washington, DC. A
History Celebration program on Friday night,
4,000 Americans dead, 30,000 wounded, and month later, on February 15, 2003, a Union group
hundreds of thousands of Iraqis dead and 4 mil- marched against invading Iraq with an estimat- February 1 at District Council 37.
lion displaced. ed 400,000 people in New York City. Millions of (See story and photos on page 4-5.)
Before the United States invaded Iraq on the other people throughout the world demonstrat-
The Unionist

Union Election Process

Underway; All Five Members of
February
Election Committee Chosen
18 PRESIDENTS’ DAY [An Official City Holiday]
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MEETING, Union Office,
19 817 Broadway, 12th Floor, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

ASSEMBLY, School of the Future, 127 East

A ll five members of the Union’s Election
Committee for the 2008 Election were
chosen over the past month, two by the
Delegate Assembly at the January 16 meeting
tions of Delegate to the District Council 37 Dele-
gates Council, and nine positions of Delegate to
the Central Labor Council.
(See official election notice below.)
20 DELEGATE
22nd Street, 6:30 p.m.
and three at the Membership Meeting on
February 11.
The five members of the Election Committee
are Manny Garrett and Charlena Lowery, chosen
26 COMMITTEE OF CONCERNED SOCIAL WORKERS
MEETING, Union Office, 817 Broadway, 12th Floor, by the Delegate Assembly, and Sandra Galloway,
6:30 p.m. Trevor Gibbs, and Mary Rosario, chosen at the
Membership Meeting. The Election Committee
presides over the Union Elections, which begin
with nominations at the Membership Meeting
March on March 10, and end with mail ballot voting
in April.
Positions to be nominated are: President, Exec-
COMMITTEE MEETING, Union Office,
5 EXECUTIVE
817 Broadway, 12th Floor, 6:30 p.m.
utive Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, Vice
President for Negotiations and Research, Vice
Manny Garrett Sandra Galloway
President for Organi-
zation and Educa-
10 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING, School of the
Future, 127 E. 22nd Street, 6:30 p.m. tion, Vice President
for Grievances and
Legal Services, Vice
11 817
WOMEN’S COMMITTEE MEETING, Union Office,
Broadway, 12th Floor, 6:30 p.m. President for Publici-
ty and Community
Relations, Vice Presi-
19 DELEGATE ASSEMBLY, School of the Future, 127 East
22nd Street, 6:30 p.m.
dent for Legislative

Photos by Charles Brown

and Political Action,
three Trustees of the
Local, three positions
of Trustee of the Wel-
fare and Educational
the Funds, nineteen posi- Charlena Lowery Mary Rosario Trevor Gibbs

Published monthly except for a combined issue in July/August by

the Social Service Employees Union Local 371, District Council 37,
AFSCME, AFL-CIO. Subscription Price $2.00 annually. Periodical
postage paid at New York, N.Y.
POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: The Unionist, SSEU
Local 371, 817 Broadway, New York, New York 10003.
USPS# 348990 (212) 677-3900
President
15-Day Election Notice
Charles Ensley
Executive Vice President Official 15-day notice is hereby given that the membership meeting of Monday,
Yolanda Pumarejo
Secretary-Treasurer
March 10, 2008, will hold the following nominations and/or elections. The meeting will
Joe Nazario be at the School of the Future, 127 East 22nd Street, Manhattan, at 6:30 p.m.
V.P. Negotiations & Research
Anthony Wells
V.P. Organization & Education 1. Nomination of candidates for the Union positions of President, Executive Vice
Beverly Mallory Brown
V.P. Grievances & Legal Services President, Secretary-Treasurer, Vice President for Negotiations and Research, Vice
Faye Moore
President for Organization and Education, Vice President for Grievances and Legal
V.P. Legislation and Political Action
Wana Ulysse Services, Vice President for Publicity and Community Relations, Vice President for
V.P. Publicity & Community Relations
Michelle Conklin Legislative and Political Action and three (3) Trustees of the Local.
Trustees
Michael Ballesteros
Melva Scarborough
2. Nomination of candidates for three (3) positions of Trustee of the Welfare and
Virgil Brown
Educational Funds for the two-year term commencing in 2008.
Editor
Martin Fishgold
Director of Communications 3. Nomination of candidates for nineteen (19) positions of Delegate to the District
Linda Schleicher
Photographer Council 37 Delegates Council.
Charles Brown
Metro NY
Editorial Associate Labor 4. Nomination of candidates for nine (9) positions of Delegate to the Central Labor
Sarah Ihmoud Communications
Council Council.

Visit us on the Web at www.sseu371.org

2
 February 2008

CPS, HCI Exams Set for June 14;

Union Fights for More Exams
A Child Protective Specialist exam will be
given June 14, 2008. Filing for the exam is
March 5 through 25. All provisional
workers in the title should file to take the exam.
The Union will be giving prep classes closer to the
rights negotiated on behalf of provisionals beyond
that time are invalid. DC 37 and the City had
negotiated due process rights for provisionals
reaching 24 months of service, as part of the City-
wide Contract. There are approximately 30,000
ments, allow provisionals to remain in place in the
absence of civil service lists and stipulate that pro-
visionals with 24 months of service have due pro-
cess rights during this period.

exam date. Notification will be in all the Union provisional workers in the City. CLW Court Case
media. Union Vice President of Negotiations The City is responding to the decision by hiring The Union is preparing a lawsuit to compel the
Anthony Wells said, “Permanent civil service sta- additional staff at DCAS to prepare for more tests. City to hold exams for the Community Liaison
tus provides due process rights. It is the heart of The Union introduced legislation in the last session Worker title series which has over 750 provisionals.
the civil service merit system.” of the State Legislature to address the problem. The Union has been demanding tests be given for
There will also be a Hospital Care Investigator The legislation did not pass and will be introduced years. The suit covers Community Liaison Work-
exam on June 14, with the same filing dates of again this year. It would provide for a 5-year grace ers, Assistant Community Liaison Workers, and
March 5 through 25. period for the City to give tests and make appoint- Senior Community Liaison Workers.
It usually takes about a year from the time a test
is given to the time the first appointments are made
from a list. This is due to a review period by a Test
Validation Board that reviews and rules on chal-
Union Contingent Attends
lenges to questions and answers on a test. The
Board is composed of a representative from the
M.L. King, Jr. Conference in Memphis

A
agency, one from the Union and one from DCAS.
contingent of Local 371 offi-
Long Beach Decision cers, staff, and activists led by
The New York State Court of Appeals, in what is Vice Presidents Faye Moore,
known as the Long Beach Decision, ruled last year Beverly Mallory Brown and Anthony
that it is a violation of civil service law to keep pro- Wells attended the annual Martin
visionals in jobs beyond nine months and that any Luther King, Jr. Conference spon-

Photo by Charles Brown

sored by the AFL-CIO from January
18-21. This year’s conference was
Annuity Fund Increases held in Memphis, Tennessee and had
Continued from Page 1 special significance because it was the
40th Anniversary of the Memphis
rank-and-file members, proposed that this Sanitation Workers famous “I am a man” strike, the contingent is pictured above in front of the Lorraine
money be added to the recurring annuity fund, event that brought Dr. King to Memphis, where he Motel, now the National Civil Rights Museum,
and the proposed contract was subsequently was slain 40 years ago. The sanitation workers were where Dr. King was slain. The group also partici-
ratified by the membership. members of Local 371’s parent union, AFSCME. pated in a candlelight vigil in support of Deputy
The Annuity Fund Nine of the original strikers were in attendance at Sheriffs, represented by AFSCME, who are fighting
The annuity fund is an investment account the conference and spoke at workshops. The Union for their collective bargaining rights.
that is funded by contributions from the employ-
er, as negotiated by the Union. The collective
contributions are pooled together and invested. Union to Celebrate Social Work Month in April
Trustees of the fund, which include President Local 371’s 24th Annual Celebration of Social Work Month will take place on Friday, April 11 at
Charles Ensley, as well as rank-and-file mem- DC 37 with an evening of music, food, speakers, and recognition of the Union’s social workers.
bers, oversee and monitor the fund, and set “The main purpose of this occasion is to honor those Union members who have graduated from
investment policy. There are three investment social work school in the past year,” said Executive Vice President Yolanda Pumarejo, the coordi-
managers, as well as an investment monitor, nator of the event and chairperson of the Union’s Committee of Concerned Social Workers. “As
who advises the trustees. usual, we expect to have a great time this year.”
According to Plan Administrator John All Local 371 members, family and friends are invited to attend the celebration, which will begin
Brown, “The investment policy is very conser- with a free buffet dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The program will follow, and is expected to
vative. The fund has consistently had a posi- end by 9:00 p.m.
tive return each year since its inception, and Attention Recent SSEU Local 371 Graduates:
most members have $3,500 or more in their Please fill out the coupon below if you have graduated from social work school in the last year,
accounts.” June 2007, August 2007, or will graduate in January 2008, so that your name can be listed in the
Members receive a statement twice per year, commemorative journal ad. Hundreds of Union members who received their MSWs have been
in January and July, of the value of their share honored at this event over the years.
of the annuity fund. Members are reminded to
Please return to Yolanda Pumarejo, CCSW, SSEU Local 371, 817 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
review their choice of beneficiaries, and to noti-
✄
fy the fund of any changes. I received my MSW in ■ June 2007 ■ August 2007 ■ January 2008
The ONLY time funds from the annuity
SCHOOL ___________________________________________ DATE OF GRADUATION ____________________
become available to members is upon separa-
tion from City service. At that time, members NAME __________________________________________________________________________________________
become eligible to receive the value of their ADDRESS ___________________________________________________________________ APT._______________
individual annuity, regardless of the reason for
CITY _______________________________________________ STATE _________________ZIP _________________
separation.
Questions about the annuity may be directed WORK TEL. ________________________________________ HOME TEL._________________________________
to the Union’s Annuity Fund, (212) 777-9000 S.S. # __________________________CIVIL SERVICE TITLE ____________________________________________
extension 3065. JOB FUNCTION__________________________________________________________________________________
— Michelle Conklin

3
The Unionist

Bits &
Women’s Committee
Holds Forum on
Family and
ABSW’s Fish Fry and Homeowner Rights
Dance is Set for April 4

T
he Association of Black Social Workers’
Annual Fish Fry and Dance will be

T
he Local 371 Women’s Committee
held on Friday, April 4 from 9:00 p.m. held a forum January 23 on the
to midnight at the Freddrick Samuels Union’s Legal Services Benefits
Community Center, 669 Lenox Avenue regarding Homeowner Rights and Family
(between 143 and 144th Streets), in Harlem. Law. Attorney Michael Heffernan, stand-
The all-you-can-eat event, featuring fish or ing, and E. Lisa Forte, second from left, of
chicken, cole slaw, potato salad, and corn- Mirkin and Gordon, the Union’s law firm,
bread, can be attended with a donation of made presentations and answered ques-
$25. For more information or for a ticket, tions. Associate Funds Administrator
contact Dempsey Phillips (212-598-7062), Helen Wilson, left, and Vice President
Frenchie Williams (212-598-7046), Omogo Faye Moore, right, co-chair the Women’s
Wheeler (917-816-1098), or Tobi King- Committee. In the other photo, Elmer
Cooper (917-488-1899). Reeves of the Department of Corrections,
asks a question.

February is Black History CCSW Scholarship Deadline is April 30, 2008

Month
A
pplications are now being accepted for program leading to a Master’s degree in

B
lack history month was established in 1976. It the 2008-2009 academic year for the Social Work.
is an expansion of Negro History Week, Committee of Concerned Social Workers An application packet must be requested in
founded in 1926 by prominent Afro-American Scholarship and the Sol Gorelick Scholarship. writing from Yolanda Pumarejo, chair, Com-
nationalist historian Carter G. Woodson. Black The $2,000 one-time grants have been award- mittee of Concerned Social Workers, SSEU
History Month is a time to study black history and ed to more than 70 members through the Local 371, 817 Broadway, New York, New York
celebrate the contri- years. In order to be eligible for the scholar- 10003. The deadline for submitting completed
butions that black ships, persons must be Union members in applications is April 30, 2008. Winners will be
people have made good standing and have completed at least six announced on or about July 3, 2008.
to society. But to credits as a matriculated student in a graduate
study black history
and celebrate
African heritage is
not enough. This
study must be
joined with the con-
tinued struggle for
black liberation. As
the people’s college
points out: “our
study of history
must be linked
with the revolu-
tionary history of
the black liberation
movement. Our
goal is not simply
Carter G. Woodson to symbolically institutional-
ize a change in our yearly
calendar of events, but to use this month as one
more way to raise the consciousness of the masses
of people about the historical nature of exploitation
and oppression, to unite people around a correct
political line, and to mobilize people to actively
take up the struggle for black liberation.”
Black history month is a time to not only cele-
brate black heritage and draw lessons from history
about black resistance; it is also a time to reinvigo-
rate the black liberation struggle.

6
 February 2008

Local 371
Anthony (Tony) Sagona,
Former Union Organizer, Dies
Anthony (Tony) Sagona, a popular organizer with Local
371 from 1982 to 1992, died on February 2 of lung cancer at
Congratulations age 68. He leaves his wife, Natalie, a daughter, Laura, a son-
in-law, two grandchildren and two brothers and a sister.
Congratulations are extended to Lenny Alberti, Sagona graduated from Brooklyn College, where he
roomed with Arnie Goldwag, the Union’s current Health
Caseworker, CASA II, and his wife Cecilia, on the birth of
and Safety director. He began working for the City in 1966.
a baby boy, Jacob Luis. Jacob was born on January 14 He was a Caseworker, and then he became a Supervisor I.
at 7:30 p.m. and weighed 6 lbs 9oz. He was hired as an organizer when Charles Ensley first
became president. He was jovial and good natured and
Congratulations are extended to Caseworker and made many friends. He returned to the Administration for
Union Delegate Anthony Sweeney and his nephew Children’s Services Staten Island Field Office after he left the
Union and retired as a Supervisor III in 1994.
Christopher and Nicole Sweeney on the birth of a
“Tony was an extremely talented and dedicated trade unionist,” said President Charles Ens-
baby girl named Lily Grace. Lily was born on January ley. “He established the Union’s first Health and Safety department. We will miss him.”
14 at 6:18 p.m. and weighed 6 lbs 12 ozs. She was Condolences may be sent to Natalie Sagona, 60 Arrowood Court, Staten Island, N.Y. 10309.
19 inches long.

Condolences
Floor, New York, NY 10001. Condolences are extended to Nancy Yon Ocean Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226.
Condolences are extended to Frenchie Williams, Condolences are extended to Martha Barnes, Gavin-Dukes, Caseworker, HASA Queensboro, on Condolences are extended to the family of
SSEU Local 371 staff member, on the death of her Supervisor I, Brooklyn APS on the death of her the death of her father, Enrique Oscar Foster Jr. Joan Reed, AFSCME International Vice President,
brother, Thomas Ivan Jones. He passed away on sister, Cathy Elaine Barnes on December 12, He passed away on January 11, 2008. former DC 37 Vice President and former
January 19, 2008 in Mullins, South Carolina. 2007. Condolences may be sent to Ms. Martha Condolences may be sent to Nancy Yon Gavin- President of Local 2054. The family requests
Condolences may be sent to Frenchie Williams at Barnes, P.O. Box 050-378, Brooklyn, Dukes at 33-28 Northern Boulevard, Long Island that in lieu of flowers, contributions be sent to:
3427 Ruth Court, Mullins, SC 29574 or 384 NY 11205. City, NY 11101. Ronald McDonald House, 405 East 73rd Street,
Hancock Street, Brooklyn, NY 11216. Condolences are extended to Doleena Harris- Condolences are extended to Nydia Gonzalez, New York, NY 20021 (earmark contribution for
Condolences are extended to Senator Diane Manning, CWS of 492 1st Avenue on the death of Community Liason HRA OCE Bronx Borough Joan Reed). Condolences may be sent to Michael
Savino on the death of her grandmother, Mrs. her brother in St. Thomas on December 27, 2007. Office, on the death of her sister Vivian Reed, c/o the White Collar Division, Room 406,
Eleanor D’arce. Condolences may be sent to Condolences may be sent to Doleena Harris- Gonzalez. She passed away on Monday, January DC 37, 125 Barclay St., New York, NY 10007.
Senator Diane Savino, 33 Lyman Avenue, Staten Manning c/o Children Center 492 1st Ave New 14, 2008. Condolences may be sent to Nydia Condolences are extended to Kate Nwamu,
Island, NY 10305. York, NY 10016. Gonzalez at 165 Ten Eyck Wk Apartment 1B, Caseworker Jerome HASA, on the death of her
Condolences are extended to Marvin Bettis, Condolences are extended to Donna Yee, CWS Brooklyn, NY 11206 . sister, Madam Maria Nwagboluka Okolo Nwamu.
Sup I, OCSC on the death of his father, Arthur A. of 492 1st Avenue, on the death of her father. Condolences are extended to Francis Burch, Maria Nwagboluka Okolo Nwamu died on
Bettis. Arthur A. Bettis passed away on January He passed away in Arizona on January 12, Case Manager, Greenwood Center 85 HASA, on December 27, 2007 in Nigeria. The late Mrs.
30, 2008. Condolences may be sent to Marvin 2008. Condolences may be sent to Donna Yee the death of her son, Daron Burch. He passed Nwamu was also the mother of Vicki
Bettis, 290 9th Avenue, Apartment #3B, New c/o Children Center 492 1st Avenue, New York, away on January 26, 2008. Condolences may be Adimokonji, who died in August 2006, and who
York, NY 10001. NY 10016. sent to Francis Burch, 9129 Kings Highway, was also a Caseworker at Jerome HASA and an
Condolences are extended to James Weagant, Condolences are extended to Vaughn S. Brooklyn, NY 11212. SSEU Local 371 member.
Supervisor II, MICSA Fair Housing Division, on Charles, CWS 492 1st Avenue, on the death of Condolences are extended to Annie Sutherland, Condolences are extended to the family of
the death of his mother. His mother died on her brother in Antigua on January 9, 2008. Case Manager, Greenwood Center 85 HASA, on Anibal Diaz, Caseworker, Kingsbridge CASA, who
January 10, 2008 in Seattle, WA. Condolences Condolences may be sent to Vaughn Charles the death of her mother, Emma Quinney Ross. died on February 7. Condolences may be sent to
may be sent to James Weagant, c/o MICSA Fair c/o Children Center, 492 1st Avenue, New York, She passed away on January 20, 2008. Mr. Diaz’s sister, Milagros Connor, #12 Pleasant
Housing Division, 330 West 34th Street, 3rd NY 10016. Condolences can be sent to Annie Sutherland, 735 Lane, Watpingers Falls, NY 12590.

Swap, Buy & Sell

FOR S A L E —2004 Red Camry Solera, W A N T E D —Top cash for your old jazz, C L U B M E E T I N G —Henry Brooks, Case Caseworker, any HRA office in the Bronx. phone and social security number with ad
32,000 miles, selling price $17,500. soul, R & B and gospel albums. Call Manager HRA HASA will be holding For more information contact Kemi at copy, but work phone numbers will only
Contact Izzy at 646-241-4696. (1) Howard at 212-873-4016. (1) weekly chess club meetings n the Bronx, 646-670-0998 or 718-722-7074. (2)
be printed with ‘’swap’’ transfer ads. In no
Thursdays from 8-9 p.m. Mr. Brooks will
FOR S A L E —Kenmore heavy-duty 90 FOR S A L E —Brand new pub table. be discussing chess in a nutshell, a 4- CLASSIFIED ADS are free to Union instance will ads be run longer than three
series washing machine, lady’s size small Dimensions 30” W x 30” D x 40” H. Solid week series for beginners. Contact members and agency shop fee payers in months. No real estate or business ads
dark brown borghese fake fur jacket (very hardwood construction, veneer inlaid Henry at 914-548-1970. (2)
good condition), 19th century prayer table-top, cherry finish, light assembly, writing only (typewritten if possible) to accepted. The Union neither endorses
book. Contact Lisa at 718-430-1769 and selling price $100.00. Contact Romona S W A P —OCSE Caseworker in Brooklyn (10 THE UNIONIST, 817 Broadway, New nor is responsible for these offerings.
leave a message. (2) at 718-797-5265. (2) metrotech) is looking to swap with York, N.Y. 10003. Include your work

7
The Unionist

Peace Groups to Protest Five

Continued from page 1 Years of War in Iraq
Belafonte and Pete Seeger.
On March 15, four days before the “Shock and
Awe” invasion, Local 371 members joined over
100,000 people in Washington, D.C. in an effort to
avert a war. Despite these worldwide protests, the
United States and England led a handful of other
countries to war on March 19, 2003. The next
major demonstration was in New York City on
April 29, 2006 when 350,000 people marched
against the war.

J oin Local 371 and many other groups par-

ticipating in the following protests orga-
nized by UFPJ. For further details, visit the
United For Peace and Justice website, call the
Union tape or call 212-598-7045.

Photo by Charles Brown

March 13-16, Winter Soldier: UFPJ is com-
mitted to providing major support to Iraq
Veterans Against the War and its Winter
Soldier hearings in Washington, D.C., on
March 13-16. We will help local groups plan
events that directly link to and amplify the Jan. 27, 2007– Local 371 contingent led by Vice Presidents Faye Moore and
Winter Soldier hearings, where those who have Beverly Mallory Brown poses with Union banner in front of the Capitol building prior to marching.
served in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as Iraqis
and Afghans, will tell the nation the real story
of this war.

March 19, Mass Nonviolent Direct Action in

Union Member Zorina Sanchez
Washington, DC: UFPJ has initiated the planning
and organizing for what we hope will be the
Worries About Son Stationed in Iraq
largest day of nonviolent direct action and civil
disobedience yet against the war in Iraq. We
A little over a year ago, Zorina Sanchez, a books and magazines
Supervisor II in the Longterm Home Health Care and protein bars, and
encourage people to be in Washington, D.C., on
Program, traveled by bus to Washington, D.C. with some junk food. He
March 19th to be part of the civil disobedience, or
a group from Local 371 to march against the war in can’t get a lot of stuff
to assist in support work. We are working to have
Iraq. At the time, her son Robert King was 20 years there. I make sure I
all 50 states represented in this massive action.
old, was in the Army, and was about to be send him a lot because
deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. Last September 20, I know he’s going to
March 19, Local Actions Throughout the Country:
Robert’s unit was sent to Iraq, and he’s been there share with his buddies.
We encourage those who are not able to make it
ever since. “He’s in a supply unit and he does a 12- He’s already lost two Zorina Sanchez and her
to Washington on March 19 to organize local
hour shift of guard duty every day,” says Zorina. buddies since he’s been son, Robert King.
actions. These actions may vary in location or char-
“I knew two weeks before he left Fort over there. When he told
acter, but they will all be tied to the protest in Wash-
Campbell in Kentucky that he was going to Iraq. me, my heart sank. The first thing that came to my
ington and all will send a message to the policy
When that day came, he called me on my cell mind was their parents. They were there almost
makers: It is time to end this war and occupation!
phone when his unit was waiting to board the two months when it happened, a roadside bomb.
plane. We were talking, and he sounded really These are all babies, they’re all young.”
scared. My first instinct was to cry, but I wanted Robert is supposed to come home in May for
to be strong for him. Before we got off the phone R and R. “I’m hoping he does,” says Zorina. “In
we prayed together.” the meantime, I pray a lot, every day, 24 hours a
day, and I light a lot of candles for him at church.
She Opposes the War A lot of family and friends tell me they’re praying
Zorina has always been an opponent of the for Robert. I know he’s going to be fine. He’s
War in Iraq, even before her son joined. “When I strong and he’s a survivor like me. I always tell
think about the war, I just think about people being him not to volunteer for anything because he’s
greedy and wanting money. I always felt that Iraq my one and only.”
didn’t have weapons of mass destruction. Bush Zorina marched in the anti-war demonstration
keeps saying we have to keep this fight against ter- in New York City last October and she’s planning
rorism going. I think the war is a waste of time and to participate in some of the demonstrations in
Photo by Martin Fishgold

money and innocent lives on both sides. One of the March. “I’m also in contact with Military Families
reasons why I’m voting for Barack Obama is Against the War.” She says it was hard on his birth-
because he never supported the war.” day, when he turned 21 on January 5. She speaks to
Zorina says that the last time she spoke to her him on the internet. “He says he can’t wait to come
son on the telephone was Christmas Day. “I was home. He hates it there.” Zorina is interested in
waiting all day, and when the phone rang at 7:30 contacting other Local 371 members with family
at night I started screaming, ‘Robert!’ We talk serving in Iraq. Call the Union office at 212-677-
March 15, 2003 - Four days before the US invaded about the past and about when he comes home, 3900, extension 3011, to get in touch with her.
Iraq, 100,000 people demonstrated in Washington, D.C.
and what he wants in his next package. I send him —Martin Fishgold
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