Housing Authority Stumbles at Start of Negotiations

To put it mildly, contract negotiations between Local 237 and NYCHA did not begin smoothly. Local 237 President Gregory Floyd noted that it was the first time that the NYCHA Chairperson did not lead opening negotiations for management. Instead, City Labor Commissioner Bob Linn spoke, asking to "push the re-set button" on union-management relations.

Though General Manager George House walked the committee through NYCHA's poor financial condition, management chose not to present any proposals - a departure from previous contract talks. They were visibly embarrassed by their recent behavior.

While management offered no proposals to the union at the session, NYCHA Chair, Shola Olatoye had gone to the Daily News days before, saying that concessions from Local 237 were needed, including round the clock staffing with no premium pay.

President Floyd made it clear that the union would accept nothing less than the city pattern and that he would not consider any schedule changes without commensurate pay.

At the conclusion of the Housing Authority's presentation, the Local 237 committee asked several pointed questions. After learning that NYCHA had failed in its attempt to secure additional state funding, President Floyd asked, "Why didn't you ask for our help in getting it through the state senate? We have connections and influence in Albany that could have made the difference." Previously, Local 237 has been instrumental in obtaining additional Federal and State funding for NYCHA.

Local 237 attorney Susan Davis, following NYCHA's financial presentation, emphasized that any member in the room could tell management how tough it has been to make ends meet. Workers have gone too long without raises while the cost of living increases every year.

Local 237 consultant Allen Brawer also asked NYCHA to explain its plan to have private developers invest and manage some developments. None of the twenty or so NYCHA representatives present could explain the details of how the plan would work or how it might affect Local 237 members.

At the end of the session, President Floyd told NYCHA that they would have to show greater respect for Local 237 and its members if they want a more cooperative relationship. He then asked to schedule the next December negotiation session. Management responded that they would not be available until 2015 and would have to contact the union.

At the final caucus of the Local 237 committee, President Floyd told members that the union is open to negotiating at any time. He reminded members that they will receive retro-active pay once an agreement is reached and ratified, so it is in members' best interest to wait, if necessary, for a fair contract and not quickly settle for a bad deal.