Dear Local 1549 Membership,
As we begin 2024, I wanted to reflect on just how active and effective the past year has truly been. Across all five boroughs, we’re seeing increasing membership activity and interest. And there's good reason for that – in 2023, Local 1549 / DC 37 signed up 645 members at New Employee Orientations and 960 nonmembers. On top of that, over 1,200 members recommitted by signing our AFSCME Strong Card. The local participated in economic bargaining with DC 37 leading the way and the contract was overwhelmingly ratified, providing wage increases and stronger benefits. Successful mobilization of members was clearly seen in 2023 with over 50 members participating in the Labor Day Parade, house visiting members, and local committees being formed throughout the year proving that member activism is alive and the key to respect on the job and the communities we serve.
Looking ahead, 2024 holds a lot of work for us. We will continue striving to meet all the benchmarks set forth; including holding chapter elections, reviewing local constitution and beginning unit bargaining amongst a few. Our Administratorship team has grown and AFSCME Area Field Service Director Ryan Welles will be taking over as the Administrator of Local 1549 on January 5, allowing our team to focus on reaching our goals. We’re ready to hit the ground running to make sure 2024 continues to be the year of the members as we will be hosting membership meetings in each of the five boroughs.
In solidarity,
Jim Howell, Local 1549 Administrator