The Chief-Leader

The Chief-Leader The Chief-Leader is a weekly newspaper and news site reporting on labor and politics in New York City.

The Chief-Leader is a newspaper with a unique focus on civil service, municipal government and its labor unions. The Chief also covers New York State and Federal employees. Founded in 1897 as an independent newspaper, it has been owned since 1919 by the Prial family and expanded its coverage over the years to include all public workers, from police and correction officers to teachers and clerical employees. The Chief-Leader is available on newsstands throughout New York City each Tuesday, and online every Monday.

PATH Train Rail System [NY NJ] unions sound alarm that The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey roll back of #COVID19...
06/02/2020
PATH Unions Protest Reduction In Sick-Time Pay for Coronavirus

PATH Train Rail System [NY NJ] unions sound alarm that The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey roll back of #COVID19 sick leave puts workers, their families and the public at risk. Sheet Metal Air Rail and Transportation Workers

The coalition of unions representing workers at the Port Authority Trans-Hudson rail line are blasting the agency's decision to discontinue granting unlimited leave for those who contract the coronavirus.

New York City Council votes for pay parity for New York City Fire Department (FDNY) EMS with firefighters. The action is...
06/02/2020
Council Backs EMS Unions' Parity Push

New York City Council votes for pay parity for New York City Fire Department (FDNY) EMS with firefighters. The action is symbolic, but adds political pressure as de Blasio administration and AFSCME DC 37 Local 2507 and 3621 start contract negotiations.

In a unanimous vote, the City Council May 28 backed pay parity for Emergency Medical Technicians, who at top salary make about $35,000 less than cops and Firefighters.

On second try, COBA NYC correction officers overwhelmingly approve new contract.
06/01/2020
COBA 36-Month Wage Contract Gets Breakout Endorsement by Nearly 90%

On second try, COBA NYC correction officers overwhelmingly approve new contract.

City Correction Officers June 1 ratified a three-year contract containing 7.95 percent in raises, significant increases in longevity benefits and an $8.45-million boost in city contributions to the union's welfare

NYPD unions and #NewYorkCity progressives agree: Police should step back from distancing enforcement.
05/30/2020
NYPD's Distancing Enforcement Invites Scrutiny, Call for Retreat

NYPD unions and #NewYorkCity progressives agree: Police should step back from distancing enforcement.

Of the alliances—political, social, commercial or otherwise—forged by the corona pandemic, none has been more atypical than that which brought together the city’s progressives and police unions, with both arguing

New York City Council Women's Caucus calls out Sergeants Benevolent Association's "bitch" tweet directed at NYC Departme...
05/29/2020
Council's Women's Caucus Wants Apology From SBA

New York City Council Women's Caucus calls out Sergeants Benevolent Association's "bitch" tweet directed at NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Oxiris Barbot.

The City Council’s Women’s Caucus has demanded an apology from the head of the Sergeants Benevolent Association for a crass tweet that pilloried Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner

Research suggests emergency first point of contact shares same occupational health issues as on scene responders.Suffolk...
05/28/2020
Bill to Give Dispatchers First-Responder Status

Research suggests emergency first point of contact shares same occupational health issues as on scene responders.
Suffolk AME DC 37 Union Hall @ 125 Barclay StreetAFSCME

Under legislation pending in Albany, the state's 911 dispatchers would be designated as "first-responders" and therefore eligible for the wages, benefits, counseling and training provided to uniformed responders.

New York's State Senate and Assembly take up bills to provide support for families of public employees lost to pandemic....
05/28/2020
COVID Line-of-Duty Death-Benefit Bill Gets Cuomo's Endorsement

New York's State Senate and Assembly take up bills to provide support for families of public employees lost to pandemic. New York State AFL-CIO SEIU Local 246 DC 37 Union Hall @ 125 Barclay Street NYC Police Benevolent Association CWA Local 1180 EMS FDNY HELP FUND

Legislation to grant civilian public employees and uniformed first-responders a line-of-duty death benefit if they succumbed to COVID-19 continued to pick up momentum with Gov. Cuomo's May 25 endorsement of

With more than 2 million New Yorkers having filed for unemployment because of the COVID-19 shutdown orders, there's no b...
05/27/2020
Now's the Time for Universal Health Care, Advocates Say

With more than 2 million New Yorkers having filed for unemployment because of the COVID-19 shutdown orders, there's no better time to state legislators to pass the New York Health Act, the Campaign for New York Health advocated.

There’s no better time for state legislators to pass the New York Health Act, a coalition of community groups and health-care unions advocated during a May 20 virtual rally.

As the world hails "essential workers" in midst of pandemic, there is a troubling trend of assaults on these everyday he...
05/24/2020
Zeroes Hurt Heroes: Essential Workers Subject to Attacks

As the world hails "essential workers" in midst of pandemic, there is a troubling trend of assaults on these everyday heroes.
British railway worker succumbs to COVID after being spat upon. Transport Workers Union (TWU) CWA Local 1182 Traffic Enforcement Agents 1 & 2

While the news media highlights the public's expression of gratitude around the world for essential workers, law enforcement is reporting incidences of attacks on them.

With CUNY colleges expecting major budget gaps, the Professional Staff Congress/CUNY is fighting layoffs, including a pl...
05/24/2020
PSC Blasts 'Horrible' CUNY Plan To Lay Off 437 John Jay Adjuncts

With CUNY colleges expecting major budget gaps, the Professional Staff Congress/CUNY is fighting layoffs, including a plan to cut 437 adjuncts at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

A proposal to lay off more than 400 adjunct instructors at John Jay College of Criminal Justice was called “horrible and abusive” by the head of the Professional Staff Congress.

Vast majority of new #COVID-19 cases in city jails are attributable to new inmates, according to NYC Dept. of Correction...
05/22/2020
DOC Says Its Protocols Slowed Virus In Jails; COBA Disagrees

Vast majority of new #COVID-19 cases in city jails are attributable to new inmates, according to NYC Dept. of Correction, NYC Health + Hospitals.

Although the recorded number of people contracting the coronavirus has dropped significantly citywide since the height of the pandemic six weeks ago, the number of confirmed cases within city jails

Mayor Bill de Blasio wants Albany to provide benefit that could be major lifeline for the families of 270 civil servants...
05/21/2020
Mayor Supports Line-of-Duty Death Benefit for COVID-19 Responders

Mayor Bill de Blasio wants Albany to provide benefit that could be major lifeline for the families of 270 civil servants who perished in the pandemic.
Unions applaud the move. AFSCME
DC 37 Union Hall @ 125 Barclay Street CWA Local 1180 Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York COBA NYC NYC Police Benevolent Association New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO New York State AFL-CIO SEIU

Mayor de Blasio May 19 called on state legislators to pass legislation extending line-of-duty death benefits to the families of all city workers who lost their lives to COVID-19.

Discrimination lawsuit brought by AFSCME DC 37 Local 2507 on behalf of Fire Prevention Inspectors cites landmark Vulcan ...
05/20/2020
Fire Protection Inspectors Sue City, Cite Pay Gap With Buildings Staff

Discrimination lawsuit brought by AFSCME DC 37 Local 2507 on behalf of Fire Prevention Inspectors cites landmark Vulcan Lawsuit settlement to make their case of systemic racism at New York City Fire Department (FDNY).
The city counters "it has made great strides in diversifying its workforce and takes seriously any claim of discrimination."

City Fire Prevention Inspectors May 1 filed a Federal lawsuit alleging they have been the victims of race-based pay discrimination, with city Building Inspectors making nearly $17,000 more at top

New York City Department of Sanitation workers voting on new contract that includes a "service credit."
05/20/2020
SanWorkers Voting On 47-Month Pact Boosting Pay 2.25, 2.5 and 3%

New York City Department of Sanitation workers voting on new contract that includes a "service credit."

The Uniformed Sanitationmen's Association has sent its members for ratification a tentative contract deal that mixes elements of the 2018 agreements the city reached with District Council 37 and the

Bill would provide support to essential workers and their families put at risk during the pandemic. Uniformed Firefighte...
05/19/2020
Bill Would Provide Compensation For Those Sickened by Coronavirus

Bill would provide support to essential workers and their families put at risk during the pandemic. Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York AFSCME Jerry Nadler DC 37 Union Hall @ 125 Barclay Street SEIU

The U.S. House members who led the charge for the 9/11 Victims' Compensation Fund have teamed up to introduce the Pandemic Heroes Compensation Act, which will cover all essential workers

Council Member I. Daneek Miller wants independent scientific review of CDC's watering down of occupational safety guidel...
05/18/2020
Council Labor Chair's COVID-19 Goals: Better Safety, EMS Parity

Council Member I. Daneek Miller wants independent scientific review of CDC's watering down of occupational safety guidelines in wake of pandemic.
The issue was first raised by New York Nurses Association in March. NYSNA RNs United at Mt. Sinai NYSNA RNs United at Monte

City Council Member I. Daneek Miller has long pressed a pro-labor agenda that's informed by his prior career as a Bus Operator and the president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local

“Despicable and unforgivable.” Cop unions want city's NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Oxiris Barbot fired ...
05/15/2020
Cop Unions Rip Barbot's Contemptuous Remarks

“Despicable and unforgivable.” Cop unions want city's NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Oxiris Barbot fired for "rats' ass" remarks in response to NYPD's request for masks.

The city’s Health Commissioner, Oxiris Barbot, purportedly dismissed the NYPD’s need for protective equipment just as the pandemic was beginning to overrun the city in late March, telling Chief of

Issues remain what they were in 2017-lack of pay parity with FDNY. Uniformed EMS and Fire Inspectors Union FDNY Chat Roo...
05/15/2020
Heated EMS Local 2507 Election Can't Be Tallied Due to Lockdown

Issues remain what they were in 2017-lack of pay parity with FDNY. Uniformed EMS and Fire Inspectors Union FDNY Chat Room DC 37 Union Hall @ 125 Barclay Street

The tally for the leadership of Local 2507 of District Council 37, which represents Emergency Medical Service employees and Fire Prevention Inspectors, has been delayed because the firm conducting it

PATH Unions lose one of their own in pandemic and call for hazard pay, testing and a death benefit. COVID adds to misery...
05/12/2020
COVID Adds to PATH Unions' Long Ordeal

PATH Unions lose one of their own in pandemic and call for hazard pay, testing and a death benefit. COVID adds to misery of "paying 2020 bills with 2011 money."

The unions that represent the workers who run the Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) commuter railroad connecting New York and New Jersey are pressing for testing for COVID19, hazard pay and

Pandemic highlights culture of deep community engagement as full time civil servants in Suffolk County also play key r...
05/12/2020
Suffolk Cooperation With Union Pays Off in Crisis

Pandemic highlights culture of deep community engagement as full time civil servants in Suffolk County also play key roles in volunteer EMS and Fire. Suffolk AME Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone

The Suffolk County Association of Municipal Employees has agreed to a six-month deferral of longevity benefits that its members were scheduled to receive in April after County Executive Steve Bellone

“We got to experience first-hand how appalling the process is to get PPE for the front-liners,” United University Profes...
05/11/2020
UUP Sends 100,000 Medical Gowns And Gloves to SUNY Hospitals

“We got to experience first-hand how appalling the process is to get PPE for the front-liners,” United University Professions President Fred Kowal said after the union purchased 100,000 medical isolation gowns for members working in SUNY's three teaching hospitals.

The United University Professions, which represents thousands of employees working with coronavirus patients at three medical schools operated by the State University of New York, May 5 delivered 25,000 medical

"Vague guidelines and mixed messages." NYPD unions want out of social-distancing enforcement.
05/11/2020
Policing a Changed City, NYPD Adjusts to a Changed Mission

"Vague guidelines and mixed messages." NYPD unions want out of social-distancing enforcement.

With a mandate to enforce social-distancing decrees along with their customary enforcement responsibilities, NYPD officers embarked on an entirely new policing mission starting in mid-March.

"Pissed off." Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York on rank-and-file's reaction to Mayor Bill de Blasio...
05/09/2020
Mayor's Layoff Threat Not Galvanizing Unions

"Pissed off." Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York on rank-and-file's reaction to Mayor Bill de Blasio's suggestion that city layoffs and furloughs are possible.

Mayor de Blasio's warning May 6 that he would be forced to consider layoffs and furloughs unless Federal officials approved a new stimulus package to cover much of a $7.4-billion

The New York State Nurses Association is calling for universal rapid coronavirus testing for front-line workers, reusabl...
05/08/2020
NYSNA: State Must Protect Essential Workers Before It's Ready to Reopen

The New York State Nurses Association is calling for universal rapid coronavirus testing for front-line workers, reusable respirators for hospital staff, and personal protective equipment for all essential workers before the state begins to reopen.

In honor of National Nurses Week, the New York State Nurses Association has one request: for government officials to listen to front-line workers’ advice on what steps are needed before

As the toll on the civil service from the pandemic mounts the City Council looks for ways to aid their families. CWA Loc...
05/07/2020
Council Bills to Aid Families of City Workers Who Die of Coronavirus

As the toll on the civil service from the pandemic mounts the City Council looks for ways to aid their families. CWA Local 1180 AFSCME DC 37 Union Hall @ 125 Barclay Street
NYC Police Benevolent Association

Under two bills moving through the City Council, the surviving family members of hundreds of municipal civil servants who died from COVID-19 would be entitled to benefits that previously were

COBA NYC delegates and rank and file to vote on altered contract terms following March's "no" vote.
05/07/2020
COBA Reworks Pact, Adds $3.4M to Welfare Fund, Drops School $

COBA NYC delegates and rank and file to vote on altered contract terms following March's "no" vote.

The Correction Officers' Benevolent Association has altered the terms of a tentative contract that union members rejected in late March, adding $3,450,000 above what was originally to be placed in

In order for city public schools to reopen in the fall, better sanitizing protocols and widespread coronavirus testing f...
05/06/2020
UFT: Virus Testing Key to Re-Opening Schools—And Not Until September

In order for city public schools to reopen in the fall, better sanitizing protocols and widespread coronavirus testing for staff and students are necessities, UFT - United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew said.

The United Federation of Teachers is calling for more testing: coronavirus testing, that is.

Brooklyn College has proposed cutting 25 percent of its class offerings for the fall semester because of the anticipated...
05/05/2020
PSC President Blasts Pre-Emptive Course Cuts at CUNY Colleges

Brooklyn College has proposed cutting 25 percent of its class offerings for the fall semester because of the anticipated budget shortfall caused by the coronavirus pandemic. "The solution to this crisis is not to take people off the payroll,” said Professional Staff Congress/CUNY President Barbara Bowen.

The Professional Staff Congress is fighting against proposals to cut course offerings at the City University of New York in anticipation of a budget shortfall.

The New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO and NYCOSH this Workers Memorial Day virtually honored 514 New Yorkers ...
05/04/2020
Mark Workers Memorial Day From A Distance, Another Virus Casualty

The New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO and NYCOSH this Workers Memorial Day virtually honored 514 New Yorkers who died on the job: the vast majority from coronavirus.

On Workers Memorial Day last year, the AFL-CIO New York City Central Labor Council, the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health and other workplace-safety advocates gathered in the

NYS #COVID19 tests indicate 17.1 percent of New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Uniformed Firefighters Association of G...
05/04/2020
EMS Unions: Antibody Test Results Support Case for Pay Parity

NYS #COVID19 tests indicate 17.1 percent of
New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York UFOA Local 854 and DC 37 Local 2507 EMTs test positive as compared to 10.5 percent of the NYPD.

The president of the union representing Emergency Medical Technicians said the results of COVID-19 antibody testing, as well as remarks by Governor Cuomo, greatly strengthen the case for giving those

"This is, unfortunately, like a wet dream for this guy" ... Transport Workers Union (TWU) president on #COVID19 and Kent...
05/03/2020
Unions Seeing Red Over McConnell Pension Bull

"This is, unfortunately, like a wet dream for this guy" ... Transport Workers Union (TWU) president on #COVID19 and Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell

Mitch McConnell is the consummate inside man, the kind of politician who keeps a low profile because if exposed to public scrutiny, he wouldn't do well in sunlight.

#NYC councilman suggests NYPD hiring freeze, with savings going to New York City Department of Education schools contend...
05/03/2020
Councilman Wants Cop Hiring Freeze To Limit Cuts in Education Funding Burden

#NYC councilman suggests NYPD hiring freeze, with savings going to New York City Department of Education schools contending with severe budget cuts.

With city schools facing the prospect of debilitating cuts, Councilman Brad Lander and others are advocating a hiring freeze at the NYPD, with the savings passed on to the Department

New York State AFL-CIO and State Senator Andrew Gounardes call for #COVID19 focused reforms of NYS Workers Compensation ...
05/02/2020
State Lags in Workers' Comp Help, Say Key Legislator, State AFL-CIO

New York State AFL-CIO and State Senator Andrew Gounardes call for #COVID19 focused reforms of NYS Workers Compensation law and regulations to protect essential workers and their families.

Many weeks into the COVID19 pandemic, and there is no official estimate of the number of "essential" workers in the private and public sector in New York State who have

COVID19 Pandemic prompts unprecedented shutdown and removal of thousands of homeless. TWU Local 100
05/01/2020
Subway Service to Be Suspended For 4 Hours Overnight to Clean Trains

COVID19 Pandemic prompts unprecedented shutdown and removal of thousands of homeless. TWU Local 100

The serious deterioration of conditions throughout the city subway system during the COVID19 crisis is prompting the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to shut down overnight service starting on May 6 from

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The Chief: Since 1897
The Chief: Since 1897

Do you have a city job? The Chief has you covered. Find the latest labor and political news, civil service exam dates, and more at http://thechiefleader.com/

The Chief: Since 1897
The Chief: Since 1897

Do you have a city job? The Chief has you covered. We report on the news that impacts public employees. Find out more at http://thechiefleader.com/

The Chief: Since 1897
The Chief: Since 1897

Do you have a city job? The Chief has you covered. Find the latest labor and political news, civil service exam dates, and more at http://thechiefleader.com/

The Chief: Since 1897
The Chief: Since 1897

Do you have a city job? The Chief has you covered. Find the latest labor and political news, civil service exam dates, and more at http://thechiefleader.com/

The Chief: Since 1897
The Chief: Since 1897

The Chief is a one-stop hub for public workers in NYC and the surrounding region. News, jobs, editorials, civil service exams, & more. Subscribe for 37 cents per week.

The Chief-Leader: The Civil Employees' Weekly
The Chief-Leader: The Civil Employees' Weekly

The Chief is dedicated to covering public employees in New York City and the region. Watch our video to learn more and visit http://www.thechiefleader.com today.

We only have one beat -- yours. Get the latest labor news from the trusted source for over 100 years. Watch our video to learn more and visit http://thechiefleader.com/ today.

We only have one beat -- yours. Get the latest labor news from the trusted source for over 100 years. Watch our video to learn more and visit http://thechiefleader.com/ today.

Christmas Comes Early in Brooklyn
Christmas Comes Early in Brooklyn

Officers from Patrol Borough Brooklyn North carried out a Secret Santa operation for students at P.S - I.S. 323 in Brownsville, Brooklyn. These officers maintain a close relationship with the school, often hosting assemblies and teaching classroom lessons. Recently, the officers asked the students to make holiday wish lists. Some of the answers surprised them. Instead of asking for the latest gadget, students asked for school supplies, pots and pans for mom, sneakers for their family. One student asked for food and water. The officers each chipped in on wish list items, then reached out to the students families to arrange for some very special deliveries. This video was provided by the NYPD.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Seabrook
Happy Birthday, Mr. Seabrook

VIDEO: Norman Seabrook at a birthday party thrown for him Dec. 18.

Chief reporter Rachel Cisto is live at Harlem Hospital, where workers are calling on Gov. Cuomo to approve the Enhanced Safety Net bill.

NYPD VIDEO shows officers protecting the city on Election Day duty.

New Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill, in a speech to the Citizens Crime Commission on Wednesday, explains how the NYPD is training new officers to be responsive to communities. For the full story, see next week's Chief.

Gary Graves was a counselor at Rikers Island for 16 years until the Department of Correction did a check of Corizon Health employees and found he had criminal convictions from more than 25 years ago. He was fired, and he lost an Article 78 proceeding. But he's not giving up the fight. Watch the video, and see next week's Chief.

School Crossing Guards reflect on wage increase
School Crossing Guards reflect on wage increase

School Crossing Guards, some of the city's lowest-paid employees, reflected on Mayor de Blasio's announcement yesterday of a wage increase for city workers. All city workers will earn at least $15/hour by Dec. 31, 2018.

Local 983 President Joe Puleo spoke with us earlier about a plan by the Battery Park City Authority to privatize Parks Enforcement Patrol officers in Battery Park City.

PSC Protest
PSC Protest

About 55 members of the Professional Staff Congress were arrested this afternoon for blocking the doorway of CUNY offices on 42nd St. Though the university put out an economic offer, PSC president Barbara Bowen said it was inadequate.

Last week, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. urged the de Blasio administration to further embrace charter schools. Allies of the Mayor called the Brooklyn rally a "political attack."

Check out The Chief's new Multimedia section!
Check out The Chief's new Multimedia section!

Fire Company Rally
Fire Company Rally

On June 3, firefighters, politicians and union leaders rallied against Mayor Bloomberg's proposed closing of 20 fire companies. Watch the video here or with the full story at http://thechiefleader.com/news/news_of_the_week/article_5710f142-904c-11e0-99f9-001a4bcf6878.html

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