Better pay and pensions, health care, legal and drug programs, education and professional development, even credit cards, insurance and mortgage help, the benefits of being in the Civil Service Technical Guild, AFSCME, DC 37, Local 375, are many. There is also the feeling of being part of a group working to improve their lives, their city and their country. This updated benefits guide is only a summary of the many things your Union is doing for you. When you need help, call the numbers listed for more information, or call the Technical Guild at (212) 815-1375. Unless otherwise indicated, all programs are located at DC 37 Headquarters, 125 Barclay Street, New York, NY 10007-2183. The Guild office is in Room 600.

Local 375 represents members who have a grievance, are facing an investigation or disciplinary action. Call your grievance representative, see your Chapter President or Delegate whenever you need help. Know your rights. Become familiar with your Unit and Citywide Contracts!

Grievances. A grievance may be filed when managers violate or misinterpret the collective bargaining agreement or the agency rules and regulations. Typical grievances include being assigned work not in your job title without compensation, not getting assignment or longevity differentials you may be due, payroll or overtime problems, or health and safety issues. The initial stage (Step I) can be handled by a Delegate, your Chapter President or your Grievance Rep. The Union suggests that the Chapter President and the Union be notified prior to Step I in order that the grievance process be done properly. The Union will assist you at every stage of the grievance process, in the preparation of the necessary documentation required to win the case. At Step I you will hand your supervisor the form which initiates the process. At Step II there will be a hearing with the Labor Relations Representative of the agency head. You will be represented by the Union. At Step III there will be a hearing at the Office of Labor Relations (OLR). OLR represents the Mayor in all negotiations. Step III is initiated by the Union, not the Member, and the Union will represent the Member at this heating. If your grievance is not settled at Step III, The Union will forward the case to Arbitration. An attorney from DC 37's Legal Department would then be assigned to represent you.

Disciplinary. Local 375 Members have a right to representation at any formal or informal meeting where disciplinary charges are pending. What may seem to be friendly talk between you and an investigator at the Agency Advocate or Disciplinary Counsel's office may turn out to be more than you are prepared for. The Union recommends that you call your Chapter President and Local 375 for assistance with any such inquiry.

Inspector General. The Inspector General (IG) operates in each agency under the jurisdiction of the NYC Department of Investigation (DOI). Their investigation of wrongdoing can result in criminal charges. Guild Members who perform inspections or evaluate contracts may at any time be probed by such investigators. This is a very serious matter. Call Local 375 immediately.

Financial Disclosure Appeals. While only employees earning over $72,000/year or directly negotiating or approving contracts, leases, franchises or permits should be required to complete Financial Disclosure reports for the NYC Conflict of Interest Board, many others are asked to complete them. If you object, first send a written appeal to your agency head (or their designee) and keep a copy. If you are dissatisfied with their determination, contact your Grievance Rep. promptly with your documentation; we have 5 days from that notice to file an appeal with the Office of Collective Bargaining and the Conflicts of Interest Board.

All year, every year, your Union is negotiating contracts, or preparing for the next one. The Local 375 bargaining team negotiates the Unit Contract covering salaries and differentials for the bulk of our members in City mayoral agencies. In addition, Local 375 negotiates separate contracts with the quasi-public authorities where many of our members work: the Transit Authority, Housing Authority, City University, School Construction Authority and Off-Track Betting Corporation.

Local 375 is represented on the District Council 37 bargaining team, which negotiates a Citywide Contract covering time, leave, overtime, health plans and working conditions. Local 375, as a member of DC 37, participates in the Municipal Labor Coalition (MLC). The MLC is a coalition with other municipal unions, where the added numbers give municipal workers added strength in the effort to obtain a decent contract. In all these, DC 37 provides invaluable research backup for the Guild Bargaining team, who in their turn depend on you, the Members, to submit recommendations on demands we should be bringing to the bargaining table. In the end, negotiated contracts are submitted to citywide or local membership for a democratic vote before becoming effective.

Local 375's Professional Employees Legal Services (PELS) provides personal legal services to Members of Local 375. It shares offices with Local 375 at 125 Barclay Street, Room 600, New York, NY 10007. Call (212) 815-7530 to check the eligibility and make an appointment. Have your Social Security number handy. Our fax number is (212) 815-7534. Members can receive legal assistance in the following matters: wills, purchase and sale of one-family residences, consumer problems, bankruptcies, evictions, rental housing repairs, matrimonial problems (including contested and uncontested divorces and separation agreements), adoptions, name changes, document review, credit rating correction, claim for government benefits and public utility problems. You do not have to pay any attorney fees but you are responsible for court fees and similar types of disbursements, if they are necessary. The legal plan encourages members to come in for document review and advice before a matter has become a legal problem. For example, if you are house-hunting, meet with PELS before you begin looking seriously or sign a binder.

DC 37 Legal Department

DC 37 attorneys provide invaluable assistance to our members, providing representation in formal disciplinary heatings and at arbitration (see above). They can also represent you at Civil Service Commission hearings. For instance, if after filing for a civil service examination you are notified by the Department of Personnel that you are not qualified for that position, you may appeal to the DOP's Committee on Manifest Error. If they sustain the disqualification, you may appeal to the Civil Service Commission, at which time, you should mail or deliver photocopies of all correspondence to the Local 375 office, so that we can arrange representation at you hearing.

Health Insurance We have negotiated a wide range of health benefits for Union families. Employees could receive health coverage immediately after the hiring date, provided he or she fills out and sends in the Union Membership application card. Employees and retirees are entitled to health coverage chosen from a long list of competing plans, including GHI, HIP, AETNA, CIGNA, EMPIRE and DC 37 MED TEAM. Periodically there is a "re-opener" period, to allow you to change plans, during the month of October and November. The DC 37 newspaper, The Public Employee Press, provides information about the pros and cons of these competing plans, so that you can make an informed decision. Read carefully, and be cautious about slick promotions or impossible promises - some health insurers have gone "belly up" in the past. For information about coverage and solving claims problems, call (212) 815-1200 or visit Room 300 at DC 37 Headquarters. DC 37 Med Team is one of the plans available to members and retirees, and offers a wide range of hospital and medical benefits. Call (212) 815-1313.

Domestic Partnership: DC 37 has also negotiated coverage for domestic partners. Partnerships must be registered with the NYC Clerk's Office. Call (212) 669-2400 to add your partner to your health insurance policy.

Second Opinions. Members of any plan can get a second opinion, at no cost for elective surgery. Call the DC 37 Second Surgical Opinion Program at (212) 815-1200. GHI Members must call the NYC Health Line at (800) 521-9574 prior to nonemergency hospitalization or outpatient surgery.

Catastrophic Medical Benefits. GHI participants who have incurred over $1,000 in out-of-pocket expenses should submit copies of claims and vouchers to the DC 37 Health & Security Plan.

DC 37 itself administers the following benefit programs. These begin within a few days on the job. New workers should be sure to fill out the white DC 37 Health & Security enrollment card as soon as possible. Submit updates if you move or your family status changes. For information, call (212) 815-1234. For forms only call (212) 815-1531. Retirees outside NYC region should call 1-877-323-7738.

You have three ways to utilize your dental benefits:

1. Enroll in one of two DC 37 Family Dental Centers for free dental care. These are located at 115 Chambers Street, Manhattan. (212) 766-4440, and at 186 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, (718) 852-1400. (Note: waiting list may be long.) OR
   
2. You may go to one of the participating dentists who agree to accept the DC 37 fee schedule as full payment. Call (212) 815-1531 for a list of participating dentists nearest you OR
   
3. You may go to your own private dentist; only a portion of whose fee will be reimbursed to you. Call for a claim form. Also, your dentist must file a pre-authorization form for approval prior to beginning dental work, if proposed treatment includes prosthetics, single crowns, extensive gum treatment, TMI therapy, root canal therapy or orthodontics.

Notes: In all cases if you obtain treatment that is restricted, has a frequency limitation, is a non-covered procedure or if you go over the yearly maximum of $1,700, you will be responsible for any additional costs incurred. Pre-authorization is mandatory before beginning treatment for prosthetics (dentures and bridges), single crowns, extensive gum treatment, TJM therapy, root canal therapy, or orthodontics. YOU MUST submit a Pre-Authorization Plan. New dental claim forms (pdf format) are now available at the Plan office. The Plan Office reviews the pre-authorized plan, then notifies you and your dentist if the intended work is covered and for how much. This assumes that you are eligible for benefits when the work is performed.

You and eligible dependents may utilize this benefit once every two years. The benefit consists of an eye examination, lenses and frames. You have three options:
1. Make an appointment in advance with the DC 37 Vision Center, 115 Chambers Street, Manhattan, (212) 766-4452. Here only, you can have an eye exam and replace lenses due to changes in prescription, OR
2. Use an optical voucher at a participating optical service for an eye exam and basic lenses and frame. Call DC 37 at (212) 815-1531 for a voucher request and list of providers. OR
3. Partial reimbursement for services from a private optician. Call DC 37 for a Direct Optical Reimbursement form, which must be filed within 30 days.

Supplemental Optical Benefit. This benefit is available once every 12 months measured from the date the standard benefit was used. The benefit includes an eye examination and a change of lenses, if prescribed by the Vision Center's Optometrist.

Prescription Drug Benefit The Prescription Drug Benefit is available to both active and retired members and their eligible dependents. The Prescription Drug Benefit can be used in one of three ways: through the use of the prescription drag card, through the direct reimbursement method, or through the mail service program. Effective Jan. 1, 2004, the Plan's mail order program is mandatory for all participants who have prescription maintenance drugs. The most beneficial way of using the Prescription Drug Benefit for short-term medication is with the Drug Identification Card issued by the Plan. Active employee drug cards are valid for one year and retiree drug cards are valid for two years. The Prescription Drug Benefit is available to the covered member and eligible dependents. It will consist of a three-tier co-payment program.

The Plan implemented the following co-payments effective July 1, 2004. The co-payments for up to a 30 day supply of medication obtained at a participating pharmacy will be: $5.00 per generic medication; $15.00 per preferred brand name medication; $35.00 per Non-preferred brand name medication. The co-payments for up to a 90 day supply of medication obtained at the mail service program, CFI, will be: $10.00 per generic medication; $30.00 per preferred brand name medication; $70.00 per Non-preferred brand name medication. The co-payments listed above are effective Aug. 1, 2004, for all members and retirees covered by the DC 37 New York Public Library Health and Security Plan and DC 37 Cultural Institutions Health and Security Plan. If you choose to obtain a brand name drug that has a generic equivalent, then you will be responsible for paying the difference between the brand name drug and the generic drug in addition to the appropriate co-payment. In no case will you be charged more than the cost of the medication. If a generic equivalent is not available, instruct your physician to prescribe a preferred brand name medication. The Psychotropic, Injectable, Chemotherapy & Asthma (PICA) Program is also available. For details go to DC 37 website: www. dc37.net

The Mail Order Program (ESI/CFI) is designed for persons who have a long-term illness that requires maintenance type medication. Effective Jan.1, 2004, the Plan's mail order program is mandatory for all participants who are prescribed maintenance drugs. You will save money because you get a 90-day supply of medication for the appropriate co-payment as opposed to a 30-day supply at the local pharmacy. Prescribed medication with over the counter counterparts are excluded from the Plan.

Employees struggling with emotional problems or alcohol abuse are often afraid to seek help. Trained counselors are available to train you with these problems at the DC 37 Personal Services Unit. Short-term individual, group and family counseling is available. Call (212) 815-1260, 9a.m. to lp.m. for an appointment.

If you are unable to work, file a Short-term Disability Benefit Claim form with DC 37. You must do this within 15 days of the onset of the illness or injury, whether or not you have used your sick leave yet, and even if the injury is work-related and covered by Workers Compensation (see Job Safety below). The weekly disability income benefit provides up to $200 per week for up to 26 weeks, during which you continue to be eligible for all other Health & Security benefits. DC 37's Disability Advisory Committee helps members working and living with disabilities. Call (212) 815-1234, or teletype (212) 815-1266 for the hearing impaired.

Pregnancy, under New York State Law, may also be covered for short-term benefits. See your agency's Federal Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) coordinator about extending your health insurance up to 12 weeks, and know your Child Care Leave rights under our Citywide Contract.

Contact your Union representative if you are exposed to unsafe or unhealthy working conditions. With the assistance of the DC 37 Occupational Safety & Health Unit, (212) 815-1685 we will do our best to resolve the problem. Workers Compensation is available if you are injured or become ill as a result of your job. See your doctor and inform your supervisor immediately; you and they must file the proper forms as soon as possible. Also, file for DC 37 Short Term Disability (above). Call the Guild if you need information or a list of attorneys experienced in Workers Comp at (212) 815-1375.

Assaulted on the job? Your agency can grant up to 18 months leave with pay under our Contract. Report the attack to the Police Department and to your agency, in addition to filing your Workers Comp and DC 37 Short Term Disability claims.

Members are covered by a $10,000 death benefit and subject to certain limitations, (part time members by $6,000, retirees by $1,000), up to $10,000 in accidental death or dismemberment benefits. Surviving spouses and eligible dependents can continue to utilize the DC 37 Heath & Security Benefits for 12 months following the member's date of death. Call (212) 815-1373 (4) for information.

Routine podiatry care is provided at no cost to members only at the DC 37 Health Center at 115 Chambers Street in Manhattan. (212) 766-4455, or at 186 Joralemon St., in Brooklyn (718) 625-2544.

Members only are eligible for Audiology and heating aid benefits from DC 37 Audiology Center, 115 Chambers St., Manhattan (212) 791-2126

Our DC 37 Hypertension Program combats the "silent killer" of high blood pressure (hypertension) at our four locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Call (212) 815-1200.

For information about your pension, call (212) 815-1200. Members nearing retirement are strongly urged to schedule an appointment with a DC 37 pension counselor nine months or more in advance for a computation of their benefits. Local 375 pays your first year's dues to the Retirees Association of DC 37, which fights to defend and improve our pensions. Call or visit them at DC 37, Room 980 (212) 815-1781. Mon.-Thu. 10 am- 3 pm. Also call New York City Employees Retirement System (NYCERS) at (347) 643-3000.

Classes and Career Advancement If you plan to advance in your career, two of your most valuable assets are DC 37's Tuition Reimbursement Plan and the Preparation Classes for Civil Service tests and for the Professional Engineer licensing exam. Prep classes have helped thousands of our members get good grades; call (815) 815-1700 for information or the.recorded Hotline at (212) 815-1650. Tuition Reimbursement will pay you up to $600 a year (for a maximum of $300 per semester) for any college credit course. Prior approval is required for business, technical or non-credit courses. P.E. prep courses must be offered by an accredited institution and also have prior approval. Call (212) 815-1663 (3 - 5 pm) for tuition information.

Career Counseling is also available, Mon.- Sat. at DC 37. Call (212) 815-1696 (or 7) for an appointment.

The DC 37 Library maintains a fine collection of Labor Movement and general interest books, audio and video tapes and periodicals in its lending library at Room 206, open Mon. - Thu. 10 am - 9 pm, Fri. 10 - 6 pm, Sat. 10 - 3 pm. Call (212) 815-1699 (1641).

English as a Second Language is offered at DC 37, (212) 815-1695; in Queens or Bronx, (212) 815-1662 for information. For Occupational Health & Safety Training, call (212) 815-1685, or (212) 815-1689 for Shop Steward Training. College of New Rochelle has a variety of liberal arts courses, subsidized for municipal employees. Call (212) 815-1710.

Citizenship Program. Call (212) 815-7641, Mon. through Thu. between 11 am - 3 pm about counseling and citizenship classes.

Scholarships. Local 375 offers several scholarships for the children of our members.  Call (212) 815-1375 for information.  DC 37 also sponsors a competitive scholarship for the members' children.  Call (212) 815-1689 for information.  AFSCME, our national union, also offers several scholarships.  Call (202) 429-1000 for applications.  The Union Mastercard Scholarship Award Program awards cash grants of up to $4,000.  For applications (which must be in by March 15), write the program at 1625 L Street, Washington, DC 20036-5687, or call (202) 429-5066.

Now Union membership helps you in the marketplace, as well as in the workplace. With the AFSCME Advantage Program, you get great discounts on credit cards, travel, personal loans, life insurance, car rentals, and even mortgage and real estate programs. To obtain information about these benefits, visit the AFSCME website at www. afscme.org or call the AFSCME ADVANTAGE SERVICE CENTER (800) 238-2539. Call Mon.- Fri. 8 am - 8 pm. Tell the operator you are a member of Local 375 and have your Soc. Sec. # available. Bilingual Spanish operators are available from 12 to 8 pm and the teletype (TTY) # is (900) 622-8000. Some of the discounts / Money-Saving Benefits offered, with additional numbers for more direct information, are as follows: Auto Buying Service, Auto Insurance (an average saving of $330 on each bill), Car Rentals (save up to 25%), Cingular Wireless Discounts (up to 10% on cellular phone service), Credit Card (with an average of 2% below the national average, no annual fee), Education Services (selecting a school, preparing for college entry tests), Entertainment discounts (movie tickets and rentals, theme parks, theaters, sporting events), Flower Service, Goodyear Tire & Service Discount, IBM/Dell computer discounts, North America Van Lines, Pet Services, Powell's Bookstore, Secured Credit Card (help re-establish your credit, no application fees),Adventure Club Theme Parks like Sea World, Busch Garden, Adventure Island, Water Country USA, Sesame Place, Six Flags Theme parks, Universal Studios, Union Hotel Discounts, Vacation Tours, Union Credit Stores.

The Union Member Mortgage and Real Estate program provides you with expert counselors, competitive mortgage rates and discount real estate services. Financing is provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, Equal Housing Lender. Call (866) 860-2313. The DC 37 Affordable Mortgage Program with the JPMorgan Chase Bank also offers home mortgages with as little as 3 % down. Call (212) 815-1814, to schedule an appointment to attend a seminar. You must attend a seminar in order to be eligible for the program. As noted before, our Legal Services program offers assistance with the purchase and sale of one-family homes, and some tenant problems. Call PELS at (212) 815-7530.

DC 37 offers the following voluntary insurance plans through payroll deductions: Universal Life Insurance, Long Term Disability Insurance, Catastrophic/Major Medical covering long term nursing home care, AFLAC Cancer and Dental insurance. Call 1-800-347-6071 to speak to a representative about any of these policies.