The Future is Now!
Passing of Retired CE Harry C. Zirkel
April 5, 2023
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of retired CE Harry C Zirkel (Q480), father of retired CE Harry J Zirkel (K430).
Condolences can be sent to:
Virginia Zirkel
6367 Freedom Way
Salisbury, MD 20801
Our deepest sympathies are with the Zirkel family at this time.
Union Meeting
Local 891 Member,
The February General Membership Meeting will be held this Thursday evening, February 2nd, 2023 at 7PM, located at I.S. 167 Manhattan – 220 East 76th Street Between 2nd & 3rd Avenue. Parking is available on the 75th St. on the side of the school.
Regards,
Robert
Vacancy / Transfer List
January 13, 2023
Local 891 Member,
You may click here for the list of the Local 891 members who were awarded a Transfer from the recent Vacancy/Transfer List. Congratulations to those who were awarded a transfer. Please contact Rating and Transfer Committee Chairman Robert Calamia at 718.455.9731 ext. 269 or via email at ratingandtransfer@Local891.com
Regards,
Robert
Top 5 Transfer Standings Circular #3 2022/23
January 13, 2023
Local 891 Member,
Click here for the top five standing from Circular #3 -2022/23.
Please contact Rating and Transfer Committee Chairperson, Robert Calamia, at 718.455.9731 ext. 269 or via email at ratingandtransfer@Local891.com
Regards,
Robert
Seniority Lists
August 23, 2022
Local 891 Member,
Please click on these links to download the most up-to-date seniority lists:
Examine the lists and if you have a question or concern contact the Rating and Transfer Committee Chairman, Robert Calamia, at 718.455.9731 ext. 269, or via email at ratingandtransfer@local891.
Regards,
Robert
Top 5 Transfer Standings Circular #5 2021/2022
May 19, 2022
Local 891 Member,
You may click on the links below for the top five standing from Circular #5 -2020/21:
Please contact Rating and Transfer Committee Chairperson, Robert Calamia, at 718.455.9731 ext. 269 or via email at ratingandtransfer@Local891.com
Regards,
Robert
Student Debt Forgiveness Webinars
(Benefit is only available to Active Members; it is not available to retirees.)
March 23, 2022
Local 891 Member,
We wanted to share with our members information about upcoming webinars hosted by the National Student Debt Forgiveness Center. The center offers a myriad of programs geared towards alleviating the financial burden of higher education. These programs are available to our members and their families at no cost to the members as a benefit provided by the union. The Center is hosting two upcoming webinars that explain how the services work as explained on the flyer found by clicking here. The flyer is also below as an image but please note the links on the flyer don’t work on the image below. The webinars are on April 6th at 12PM & on April 12th at 6PM. To sign up for either date you can click the buttons below:
Wednesday, April 6th – 12:00 PM
Wednesday, April 13th – 6:00 PM
93rd Annual Journal
Click here for our 93rd Annual Journal for Local 891.
Top 5 Transfer Standings Circular #4 2021/22
January 10, 2022
Local 891 Member,
You may click on the links below for the top five standing from Circular #4 -2021/22:
Please contact Rating and Transfer Committee Chairperson, Robert Calamia, at 718.455.9731 ext. 269 or via email at ratingandtransfer@Local891.com if you have questions or concerns.The effective date of transfer is January 21, 2022.
Regards,
Robert
September 21, 2021
Step-up Procedures/Transfer List Will Be Out Soon
Local 891 Member,
We anticipate a vacancy list to be issued very shortly by the Division of School Facilities.
Don’t Miss Your Opportunity to Promote! If you are eligible for step and have not made a request you should do so now. The proper time to submit a Step-Up request is as soon as you become eligible. To view the agreement click here.
At the end of the agreement is a more detailed list of Relevant Degrees. Click here for the list of Relevant Degrees. If you are unable to open the attachment the Agreement follows:
Procedures for promotion of permanent Level I Custodian Engineer to Level II
Permanent Custodian Engineer Level I or a permanent Custodian Engineer Level I with a Refrigeration License must notify the Division of School Facilities, Director of Field Operations in writing, that they have acquired their stationary engineer license or a relevant college degree* and would like to be considered for promotion into the permanent Level II title, (henceforth called “Step-ups”). A current copy of the NYC Stationary Engineer License or an official college transcript and a copy of their college degree must be attached to the written request and the request must be received prior to the Friday the vacancy list becomes effective.
The Division of School Facilities will review the request, taking into account the applicant’s past job performance and financial management. The applicant will be notified of the determination.
Step-ups will be given a Level II seniority date of the Friday the vacancy list becomes effective. If more than one Step-up is promoted, Rank # will be based on their seniority in the permanent Level I title. Step-ups currently in Level I assignments, regardless of how long assigned, must apply for transfer to a Level II assignment from the vacancy list. If a step-up does not receive a Level II assignment from that list, and there are Level II assignments still available, the Division of School Facilities will assign that individual to one of those assignments (should the Custodian Engineer decline the promotion, they must rescind their request in writing). In the event there are no Level II assignments available from the list, the step-up will receive the same Friday seniority date in the Level II title, but will be temporarily assigned to a Level II building until the following vacancy list is advertised. The step-up must then apply for transfer to jobs on that list.
All Step-ups must serve one year in their first Level II assignment before they can transfer.
Level I Custodian Engineers with a Refrigeration License, serving in Level II assignments at the time of their promotion, with less than two years in assignment, must remain in that assignment for one year from the date they promoted to Level II before they are eligible to apply for transfer. Level 1 Custodian Engineers with Refrigeration Licenses serving in assignments who would be eligible to transfer may apply for transfer from the list.
Level I Custodian Engineers without a Refrigeration License serving in an assignment 76M Sq. Ft to 94M Sq. Ft., or serving in a 15 year plus assignment (95M Sq. Ft. to 100m Sq. Ft.) at the time of their promotion, with less than two years in assignment, must remain in that assignment for one year from the date promoted to Level II before they are eligible to apply for transfer. A Level I Custodian Engineer that meets the preceding criteria, with two years or more in their current assignment is eligible to apply for transfer from the list and may do so if they choose.
There will be no probationary period for Level II step-ups, provided they previously served a one-year probation in the lower title. Those who did not, would serve the balance of their probation in the Level II title. A Level I Custodian Engineer with a Refrigeration License serving in a Level II assignment, who has not completed probation, will complete their one-year probation at that assignment under the Level II title.
*The college or university must be accredited by regional, national, professional, or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
The Division of School Facilities, Office of Field Operations when required, will review all underlying coursework in the official transcript to determine that it aligns with a relevant degree field. Coursework found not to be relevant to the degree field will not be considered.
This agreement supersedes the previous agreements dated November 14, 2002 and March 27, 2014 and will be effective as of the next vacancy list issued.
addendum A
PROMOTION OF PERMANENT LEVEL ONE CUSTODIAN ENGINEER TO LEVEL TWO Relevant Degree Fields From an Accredited College*
Two Year Associate’s Degrees –
Architectural Technology – Construction- Electrical Engineering-
Architecture – Construction Management – Engineering Technology-
Building Management- Construction Technology – Facilities Management-
Civil Engineering – Mechanical Engineering-
Four Year Bachelor’s Degrees –
Accounting – Construction Management – Human Resources
Architectural Technology- Construction Technology – Management-
Architecture- Economics-
Building Management- Electrical Engineering- Management Science-
Business Administration- Engineering Technology- Mechanical Engineering-
Civil Engineering- Facilities Management – Personnel Administration-
Construction- Finance- Public Administration-
Labor Studies
*The college or university must be accredited by regional, national, professional, or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
The Division of School Facilities, Office of Field Operations when required, will review all underlying coursework in the official transcript to determine that it aligns with the degree field. Coursework found not to be relevant to the degree field will not be considered.
Regards,
Robert
March 4, 2021
Step-up procedures / Transfer List Will Be Out Soon
Local 891 Member,
We anticipate a vacancy list to be issued very shortly by the Division of School Facilities.
Don’t Miss You’re Opportunity to Promote! If you are eligible for step and have not made a request you should do so now. The proper time to submit a Step-Up request is as soon as you become eligible. To view the agreement click here.
At the end of the agreement is a more detailed list of Relevant Degrees. Click here for the list of Relevant Degrees . If you are unable to open the attachment the Agreement follows:
Procedures for promotion of permanent Level I Custodian Engineer to Level II
Permanent Custodian Engineer Level I or a permanent Custodian Engineer Level I with a Refrigeration License must notify the Division of School Facilities, Director of Field Operations in writing, that they have acquired their stationary engineer license or a relevant college degree* and would like to be considered for promotion into the permanent Level II title, (henceforth called “Step-ups”). A current copy of the NYC Stationary Engineer License or an official college transcript and a copy of their college degree must be attached to the written request and the request must be received prior to the Friday the vacancy list becomes effective.
The Division of School Facilities will review the request, taking into account the applicant’s past job performance and financial management. The applicant will be notified of the determination.
Step-ups will be given a Level II seniority date of the Friday the vacancy list becomes effective. If more than one Step-up is promoted, Rank # will be based on their seniority in the permanent Level I title. Step-ups currently in Level I assignments, regardless of how long assigned, must apply for transfer to a Level II assignment from the vacancy list. If a step-up does not receive a Level II assignment from that list, and there are Level II assignments still available, the Division of School Facilities will assign that individual to one of those assignments (should the Custodian Engineer decline the promotion, they must rescind their request in writing). In the event there are no Level II assignments available from the list, the step-up will receive the same Friday seniority date in the Level II title, but will be temporarily assigned to a Level II building until the following vacancy list is advertised. The step-up must then apply for transfer to jobs on that list.
All Step-ups must serve one year in their first Level II assignment before they can transfer.
Level I Custodian Engineers with a Refrigeration License, serving in Level II assignments at the time of their promotion, with less than two years in assignment, must remain in that assignment for one year from the date they promoted to Level II before they are eligible to apply for transfer. Level 1 Custodian Engineers with Refrigeration Licenses serving in assignments who would be eligible to transfer may apply for transfer from the list.
Level I Custodian Engineers without a Refrigeration License serving in an assignment 76M Sq. Ft to 94M Sq. Ft., or serving in a 15 year plus assignment (95M Sq. Ft. to 100m Sq. Ft.) at the time of their promotion, with less than two years in assignment, must remain in that assignment for one year from the date promoted to Level II before they are eligible to apply for transfer. A Level I Custodian Engineer that meets the preceding criteria, with two years or more in their current assignment is eligible to apply for transfer from the list and may do so if they choose.
There will be no probationary period for Level II step-ups, provided they previously served a one-year probation in the lower title. Those who did not, would serve the balance of their probation in the Level II title. A Level I Custodian Engineer with a Refrigeration License serving in a Level II assignment, who has not completed probation, will complete their one-year probation at that assignment under the Level II title.
*The college or university must be accredited by regional, national, professional, or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
The Division of School Facilities, Office of Field Operations when required, will review all underlying coursework in the official transcript to determine that it aligns with a relevant degree field. Coursework found not to be relevant to the degree field will not be considered.
This agreement supersedes the previous agreements dated November 14, 2002 and March 27, 2014 and will be effective as of the next vacancy list issued.
addendum A
PROMOTION OF PERMANENT LEVEL ONE CUSTODIAN ENGINEER TO LEVEL TWO Relevant Degree Fields From an Accredited College*
Two Year Associate’s Degrees –
Architectural Technology – Construction- Electrical Engineering-
Architecture – Construction Management – Engineering Technology-
Building Management- Construction Technology – Facilities Management-
Civil Engineering – Mechanical Engineering-
Four Year Bachelor’s Degrees –
Accounting – Construction Management – Human Resources
Architectural Technology- Construction Technology – Management-
Architecture- Economics-
Building Management- Electrical Engineering- Management Science-
Business Administration- Engineering Technology- Mechanical Engineering-
Civil Engineering- Facilities Management – Personnel Administration-
Construction- Finance- Public Administration-
Labor Studies
*The college or university must be accredited by regional, national, professional, or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
The Division of School Facilities, Office of Field Operations when required, will review all underlying coursework in the official transcript to determine that it aligns with the degree field. Coursework found not to be relevant to the degree field will not be considered.
Regards,
Robert
Thank you & Video Link
November 16, 2020
Greetings Everyone,
Thank you again for your dedication and service. We salute you.
Please find the video link to share with members here.
Wishing you a safe and joyous season forward!
In Service,
Una-Kariim
Una-Kariim A. Cross
Director of Professional Learning
NYC Department of Education
Office of the First Deputy Chancellor
52 Chambers St. | Tweed Courthouse
New York, NY 10007
Business Manager/President Troeller Honored by EmblemHealth and LaborPress
November 3, 2020
Local 891 Member,
EmblemHealth and LaborPress has recognized the work that the Leaders and Members of Local 30, Local 94, Local 32BJ and Local 891 have done during these difficult times. Please join in a special webinar honoring all those that have kept our buildings open!
On November 12, 2020, LaborPress and EmblemHealth are planning a special webinar honoring: IUOE Local 94 Business Manager Kuba Brown, IUOE Local 30 Business Manager William Lynn, IUOE Local 891 Business Manager Robert Troeller and SEIU Local 32BJ Vice President Shirley Aldebol. This event is part of our Heroes of Labor series. These union leaders and their members are heroes as they keep the doors open to buildings during COVID-19 pandemic – maintaining, operating, and managing buildings and schools in New York City. This important webinar will take place online: Thursday, November 12th at 2PM.
To register go to: emblemhealth.com/heroesoflabor
To view the attached flyer click here.
Local 891 Video
Meeting with City Hall / OLR / Local 94 / Local 32BJ
September 18, 2020
Local 891 Member,
Yesterday I participated in a phone-based conference with the First Deputy Mayor, The Commissioner of Labor, Local 94, Local 32BJ, DOE and DSF officials. The union leaders expressed our ongoing mutual concerns regarding so many aspects of their ill-conceived plans regarding custodial operations.
I pressed them on the need for DCAS to quickly finish the final appeals and certify the new CE list from the recent exam. We also expressed our frustrations with NYCSSS and the inability to provide us with the needed workforce and the need for additional staff members. I told them they cannot be ordering CEs to pick up supplies and must develop an appropriate delivery system.
We demanded clarification of how feeding and the subsequent cleanup will be structured. As well as pointing out they need to clarify to Principals and other teaching staff the need to understand our resources are stretched and they can’t expect us and our staff to take on other duties.
We are awaiting official response but I’m not too optimistic as we have made most of these and other concerns known all along. I will let you know when I hear back from them.
Please take the time necessary to enjoy your weekend as much as possible.
Regards,
Robert
NYC Council Introduced and Voted on the Following Intros
(That is the Council’s term for Bills)
May 15, 2020
Local 891 Member,
Yesterday, the New York City Council held a remote stated meeting, during which a number of bills were voted on and introduced. Actions that might be of interest to you are detailed below:
The bills voted on include:
* Pre-considered Int. No. 1940-A– in relation to license, permit, consent and registration renewal extensions, and requiring at least 45 days notice for renewal following the COVID-19 emergency.
* Passed unanimously.
This bill will now be delivered to the mayor for his signature.
* Preconsidered Int. No. 1941 – in relation to requiring health insurance coverage for surviving family members of municipal employees who died as a result of a complication related to the coronavirus disease, COVID-19
* This bill would require health insurance coverage to be extended to the surviving family members (surviving spouse, domestic partner and children) of municipal employees who have died as a natural and proximate result of a complication of the coronavirus disease, COVID-19.
* Introduced by CM Miller, the Public Advocate, and nine other CMs.
* This preconsidered bill has already been heard at a May 5th hearing of the Committee on Civil Service and Labor.
* Preconsidered Res. No. 1322– calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation automatically classifying the deaths of all municipal employees who died from COVID-19 as line-of-duty deaths.
* Introduced by CM Miller, eight other CMs, and Public Advocate Williams.
* This preconsidered bill has already been heard at a May 5th hearing of the Committee on Civil Service and Labor.
I have attached a copy of the agenda from the hearing to this email. If you have any questions on any of the legislation voted on or introduced, or would like us to monitor any additional legislation for you, please let us know.
Regards,
Robert
Business Manager/President Troeller Appointed by Mayor to Advisory Council
May 12, 2020
Local 891 Member,
The following is taken in part from an article from ny.chalkbeat.org.
Local 891 Business Manager President Robert Troeller has been appointed by Mayor Bill de Blasio to a panel of education leaders and advocates to guide the city’s reopening plans which will begin meeting Wednesday.
The 45-member Education Sector Advisory Council is made up of parents, higher education officials, charter and religious school representatives, nonprofit and union leaders, and more.
It’s very, very important that we think about everything that makes up life in this city,” he said at a recent press conference. The councils will “help us understand what is needed to get this restart right.”
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has appointed his own advisory council, partnering with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to “reimagine” education in the state. That move sparked outrage here, especially afterno current New York City educators were named to the group though the school system is the largest in the state, as well as the country.
Here are all the members of de Blasio’s education council.
For the complete list of panel members and to read the article click here
UNION PLUS MORTGAGE BENEFITS
April 23, 2020
Local 891 Member,
Your employment is secure. Unfortunately, many of our family members could end up unemployed. This is an important update for you and any family members who may have obtained a mortgage through Union Plus.
Are your family members concerned about missing a house payment because they’re disabled, laid off, furloughed, locked out or on strike?
If they have a Union Plus Home Mortgage, they’re protected by a unique mortgage assistance program administered through the AFL-CIO Mutual Benefit Plan.
Union Plus Mortgage Assistance provides interest-free loans and grants to help make mortgage payments when you’re disabled, unemployed, furloughed, locked out or on strike. The program has provided over $11.2 million in assistance to union members.
If rates drop very low, as they did earlier in the week, you and your eligible family members might seek a refinance through Union Plus.
Additionally, rates are low and it might be a great time to refinance. For additional information or to apply for a Union Plus mortgage, please contact:
Christine Dawson
Union Plus Mortgage Consultant
NMLSR ID 536805
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Cell 516-445-0521
Christine.B.Dawson@wellsfargo.
Be Safe,
Robert
COVID-19 and Family Members
March 26, 2020
Local 891 Member,
I have received several questions regarding the Department’s recommendations for members 70 years of age and older, those with compromised immune systems and those with underlying illnesses to stay home and take other precautionary measures to reduce their exposure to COVID-19.
The Guidance memo details permitted leave based on your own condition, not the condition of a family member. While you certainly could choose to take precautions regarding any family member, you would need to use your personal time.
Remember that if you have a compromised immune system or an underlying medical condition you will need to provide documentation from your physician. If you are 70 or older, just send them an email that you decided to stay home base on the guidance memo. Continue to take all the necessary precautions to mitigate the chances of getting sick.
Stay safe,
Robert
Custodial Staff COVID-19 RELATED ABSENCES
March 24, 2020
Good Morning,
Please be advised you can not order your staff to stay home. You could certainly strongly advise your staff to check with their physician and stay home if so advised. They will need a note to be covered under the NYCSSS COVID-19 leave policy. Any custodial staff member who wishes to be out under the NYCSSS COVID-19 policy must follow the NYCSSS guidelines that were emailed you yesterday. The staff member must notify you and submit their documentation letter to NYCSSS at humanresources@nycsss.org. You can email it for them.
Once documentation is submitted to and approved by NYCSSS you will no longer enter that person’s hours. NYCSSS will enter that custodial employee’s hours for the duration of the approved absence based on their usual work hours. Follow up with NYCSSS to ensure the absence was approved. Otherwise, an employee who does not get approval can still be paid by you using their accrued time if they wish.
Be Safe,
Robert
March 19, 2020
PAYROLL ADMINISTRATION MEMORANDUM
2019-2020
NO. 13 REVISED
DATE: March 9, 2020
TO: BCO Directors (Via Email) Principals (Via Principals’
Weekly) Payroll Secretaries/Timekeepers (Via Email)
FROM: Francine Perkins-Colón
SUBJECT: Timekeeping Procedures for Absences Related to the 2019 Novel
Coronavirus
In accordance with policy issued by the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and adapted for the Department of Education, the following timekeeping procedures are enacted for absences that are or will be documented as related to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus virus (COVID-19) under specific circumstances as outlined below.
Eligibility
Absences on or after February 2, 2020 shall be excusable and not charged to either sick or annual leave banks when the absence is a result of one of the following:
1) A confirmed case of COVID-19 where the employee is under quarantine or isolation in accordance with a directive issued by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Health (DOHMH) or other state or federal health agency.
2) Where an employee is symptomatic and under investigation for COVID-19 infection and required to remain absent as directed by DOHMH or other state or federal health agency.
3) Where an employee has been in close contact, as per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines (e.g. within 6 feet for a prolonged period of time) with an individual who has a laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19 and needs to undergo testing and/or self-monitoring requiring absence from work, as certified by their doctor, DOHMH or other state or federal health agency.
4) Where an employee has recently returned to New York from other countries/areas designated by the CDC or DOHMH requiring absence for self-monitoring.
5) Any other case where an employee has specifically been ordered or directed to be quarantined, isolated, or absent for self-monitoring by the DOHMH related to COVID-19 including any quarantines recognized by DOHMH from other public health agencies.
Employees in these categories will not have absences charged to their sick or annual leave banks for the duration of the period they need to be out per the guidelines of the applicable agency. Thereafter time will be charged to leave balances. Employees who have exhausted their sick or annual leave days may be advanced days in accordance with collective bargaining agreements, the NYC DOE Rules and Regulations governing administrative employees, and the Chancellor’s Regulations.
Please note that absences due to regular illness or general flu like symptoms will be treated according to the standard sick leave/time policy unless they qualify, with appropriate documentation, as set forth above.
If/as there are any updates to COVID-19 excused absences, this memo will be updated accordingly.
Timekeeping Codes and Procedures
Timekeeping Codes
The following codes are to be used to record excused absences due to COVID-19
Cybershift Code:
QCV Description – QUARANTINE – CORONA VIRUS PAID
EIS Codes:
Code Absence Description Applicable Employee Group
31QCV Quarantine for Corona Virus Education Administrators
41QCV Quarantine for Corona Virus 10 month Pedagogical Titles
(e.g. Teachers, Guidance Counselors, School Secretaries, 10 month APs,etc.)
52QCV Quarantine for Corona Virus Education Paraprofessionals
61QCV Quarantine for Corona Virus EBank Hourly titles
71QCV Quarantine for Corona Virus CSA 12 month titles, except EAs
Documentation
All such excused absences require documentation of meeting the criteria as set forth above. Such documentation may include directives from the applicable health agency, medical documentation from a doctor, and/or documentation of travel.
Timekeeping Entry
In order to help monitor these absences, for these codes only, timekeepers are both asked and authorized to enter them immediately upon a person’s report of being absent, even if receipt of such documentation is pending, if the individual attests or there is a good faith indication that the absence was in accordance with the above guidelines. In part, this is necessary because absences of this nature may make it difficult to provide documentation immediately and because tracking such absences is an important part of monitoring the spread of COVID-19. The failure of an employee to provide said documentation at the earliest opportunity will result in absences being charged to their sick or annual leave bank retroactively.
Robert
March 18, 2020
Local 891 Member,
We simply don’t know what measures the City or State might take next to slow the spread of COVID-19. The members of our Union are often called to respond to school buildings under emergency conditions. Always be prepared. Carry your Department of Education ID, be professional and prepared to explain yourself at all times.
Robert
Click here for pictures from Local 891’s Cocktail Reception at Russo’s on the Bay.
January 24, 2020
September 13, 2019
Local 891 Member,
I.U.O.E. General President James T. Callahan swore in the newly elected Officers to their three year terms as well as the recently hired Custodian Engineers into Local 891. This was the first time (as long as anyone can remember) that the General President of the I.U.O.E. was present at an 891 meeting.
New York State Senator John Liu spoke about his admiration and appreciation of Local 891
Thank you for the tremendous turnout! Both General President Callahan and Senator Liu were impressed by the attendance last night.
