b'\x02Joseph GagliardoHHC, Kings County Hospital, PlastererMember since 1968In his own wordsWorking in the hospital system was equivalent to a college education. I met many interesting people from all walksof lifehospital staff, patients, visitors. About 7 or 8 weeks passed before I received my first paycheck because the PayrollOffice on Worth Street had to catch up with the new employees. I had to repair, maintain and renovate all constructionwork pertaining to the trowel trades. I didnt like working in the morgue or the wards with the mentally ill but it was partof the job. A lot of politics was played in the hospital system in regard to jobs, but Im very grateful I had Bert Rose,Frank Scarpinato, and a great labor leader, Barry Feinstein, on my side. I will never forget them, nor all the support I received, all the benefits, all the great joy of being a member of a union that really cares for its membership. May my union always be rightbut my union, right or wrong!\x02Leon SiegelIn his own wordsAs I look back over forty years ago (1961), my employment with the Authority and with the union was an upliftingone, and a turning point of my life. Anyone who chooses to dispute my statements will have me most happy to debatethe issue. Prior to employment with the Authority, I was employed as a carpenter-cabinetmaker with one of the cityslargest Millwood firms, for over 12 years. Then perceptibly, little by little. the company started downhill. 1961 was a horrific business year. Orders were dropping off rapidly. New business seemed virtually impossible to obtain. Little by little this vicious cycle persisted. Finally, the company closed doors and I was unemployed.After 12 years, no leads, contacts, I was becoming quite despondent. All my efforts to find a new situation were futile. Finally, my wife spoke up. Why dont you have a look at the Housing Authority? You passed that exam some timeago. Perhaps they may have encouraging news to offer.I did. To my surprise I was on a list with anticipation of being called almost from day to day. The job offer from the Authority came as anticipated. Maintenance Man. However, I took the job with some trepidation. The pay was considerably less than my previous employmentHowever, my wife persisted: Inasmuch as you are unemployed, a job is better than no job at all. I finally concededto her logic and within two weeks went to work for the Housing Authority.202 '