In New york City, DC 39 represents all workers in the Dept. of Parks. I am ashamed to admit that I was one of many that brought DC37 into NYC supporting Jerry Werf in 1956.
It was made an Agency shop in the late 70's, & all workers had to belong to this union and only this union (No choice) In 1991, the Agency decided to lay off workers, and their decision was to lay off their Tree Arborist; which amounted to approx. 105 men. All were Civil Service, with 20-25 years seniority (Not enough to retire). As it was a total cost to the City to be saved. It was determined that the salaries of these men equaled that amount. The Agency had many provisionals, and appointees that were NOT Civil Service. My grandfather is rolling in his grave because he told me to take the job with the City, because even during the Depression no Civil Service worker was laid off. Well the union did NOTHING for these workers. Reason why! Union collects equal welfare funds for each member of the union. To equal the cost savings, laying off other union (non-CS workers) 250 would have to be let go, and the union would loss 250 welfare fund instead of only 105. They cared more for the money than they did for their civil service members. Our title protested in animal cages demonstrating for this union at the start. They have no loyalty, and cannot be trusted in a closed vote.