Local 237 has appointed Carl Giles as Director of the union’s Housing Division. With almost 30 years of NYCHA experience, Carl Giles has hit the ground running.
President Floyd said, “Over the decades, Carl Giles has consistently stepped up to the plate, taking on ever-greater responsibility in defending the interests of Local 237’s housing members. He’s earned the trust of our members and is respected throughout the Housing Authority. NYCHA is in crisis and I am confident that Director Giles will keep our members front and center.”
Since starting in 1992 as a Seasonal Aide at Soundview Houses, Giles has held numerous titles both within NYCHA and at Local 237. Giles knows the day-to-day challenges of NYCHA workers and has served as a Business Agent at more than 30 NYCHA developments.
From the position of Caretaker J, he went on to become a Supervisor of Grounds. Seeing that the needs of both residents and workers were not being met, he, along with other Supervisors, founded the Supervisor of Grounds Chapter of Local 237. He served as the first chapter president.
As Chapter Chair, he helped members to get the support, education and training they needed to get their jobs done more safely and effectively, benefiting both union members and residents. Giles understood the value of union members working together to identify and solve common problems. He also served on the union’s contract negotiation committees.
He later went on to mentor his Local 237 Brothers and Sisters working as Assistant Supervisors in all five boroughs. Among his proudest accomplishments working at NYCHA are the creation of the first centralized depot for small engine repairs, improving worker training and streamlining NYCHA operations.
In 2012, Giles was brought in as a union liaison, where he focused on giving the union a greater voice in NYCHA operations and finding mutually acceptable solutions. In 2015, President Floyd appointed Giles Business Agent and later added the responsibilities of Assistant to the President. While carrying out those duties, he also became the Health & Safety Coordinator for both the Housing and Citywide Divisions.
Despite the challenges facing NYCHA and its workers, Giles believes that together, union members can make difference. His goals as director include helping members to succeed, fighting for a fair working wage and ensuring that every worker gets home safely.
A former boxer, Carl Giles stays in shape by hitting the heavy bag when he can.
Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Giles moved to New York as a child and has made his home in NYC since. He currently lives in the Bronx and is a proud father of three.
Local 237 Housing Division Director Carl Giles (center, red shirt) and Housing members attended a Safety Congress on July 18, 2019.
