O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f S o c i a l S e r v i c e E m p l o y e e s U n i o n L o c a l 3 7 1 - D C 3 7 A F S C M E , A F L - C I O

the Volume 38 Number 4

April 2008

INSIDEwhat’swhat’s

Ensley’s Farewell MessageCharles Ensley, president of SSEU Local 371, is

retiring May 1 after 26 years in office. Hisfarewell message appears on page 2 of this issue.

Union Celebrates SocialWork Month

The Union hosted its 24th Annual Social WorkMonth Celebration on April 11 at DC 37. (See story and photos on page 5.)

Keeping Our CommonGround Green

Unions can play an important role in educatingtheir members about environmental problems andin advocating for sustainable living in local com-munities. (See story on page 12.)

B allots for one position, Union President,being contested between Faye Mooreand Johnnie Wertz in Local 371’s General

Officer Election, were mailed to the membershipon April 8, and are due back by 9:00 a.m. onApril 30 to be eligible for counting by theAmerican Arbitration Association (A.A.A.), theindependent organization that is conducting theelection. All other positions were uncontestedand won by Moore Team Slate candidates.Read the instructions on the front and the backof the ballots carefully. If you do not receive aballot, call the A.A.A. at (800) 529-5218, Mondaythrough Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.The A.A.A. will only accept requests from theperson who did not receive the ballot.

Nominations for most Union elections wereheld on Monday, March 10 at a General Member-ship Meeting at the School of the Future in Man-hattan. Seven out of eight Moore Team Slate candi-dates in the General Officer Election werenominated and elected unopposed as were allMoore Team Slate candidates in the elections forTrustee of the Local, Trustee of the Welfare and

Union Election Ballots Mailed;Members Urged to Vote

Educational Funds, DC 37 Delegate, and NewYork City Central Labor Council Delegate. (SeeMarch 2008 Unionist for detailed results.) TheMoore Team Slate was also victorious in the nomi-nation and election of 20 positions as AFSCMEConvention Delegate and 21 positions as AlternateDelegate. That election was held on April 16 at acombined Membership Meeting/Delegate Assembly at the School of the Future.

General Officer ElectionThe contested election is for Union President,

and the candidates for that position are: FayeMoore (Moore Team Slate, Row A) and JohnnieWertz (Independent, Row B ).

Union officers nominated and elected unop-posed to three-year terms from May 1, 2008 toApril 30, 2011 are Executive Vice PresidentYolanda Pumarejo, Secretary Treasurer JoeNazario, Vice President of Negotiations andResearch Anthony Wells, Vice President of Orga-nization and Education Beverly Mallory Brown,Vice President of Grievances and Legal Services

Lloyd Permaul, Vice President of Publicity andCommunity Relations Michelle Conklin, andVice President of Legislative and Political ActionMichelle Akyempong.

AFSCME Convention Delegate/AlternateThe following Moore Team Slate candidates for

AFSCME Convention Delegate and Alternatewere nominated and elected: Delegate — MichelleAkyempong, Michelle Artis, Michael Ballesteros,Bonnie Bufford, Mark Casner, Michelle Conklin,Susan Flanzraich, Maria Jimenez, Beverly Mallory-Brown, Margaretta Morman, Joe Myrick, JosephNazario, Emanuel Nwanko, Pearl Toombs, AvonPinckney, Yolanda Pumarejo, Lloyd Permaul, Randall Stevens, Robert Triplett, Anthony Wells;Alternate — Lonnie Artis, Theodore Baker, DeniseBarr, Geraldine Bryant, Sheryl Calderon, CathyCamacho, Yolanda DeJesus, Basil Ebong, MichelleGaskin, James Geer, Richard Gross, Butch Hayles,Carmen Jones, Kirby Lindell, Stephanie Meyer,John E. Owens, Sylvia Quinones, HectorRodriguez, Sadie Saunders, Diane Silver, Awilda Tingling.

Observers for each candidate are welcomeduring all stages of the election process. Contacta member of the General Election Committee atthe Union office, (212) 677-3900. The electionsare being conducted by the five members of theGeneral Election Committee: Saundra Galloway,Manuela Garrett, Trevor Gibbs, Charlena Lowery, and Mary Rosario.

T he Union has announced its oppositionto the Department of CitywideAdministrative Services’ (DCAS) five-

year plan that would eliminate 96 percent of thecurrent 36,500provisionalworkers andwould reclassifythousands ofcompetitivetitles to non-competitive orexempt statustitles. Amongthe Local 371 titles the City wants to reclassifyto non-competitive status – those filled by man-agerial prerogative - are Child ProtectiveSpecialist and CPS Supervisor, FraudInvestigator and Associate Fraud Investigator,and the Community Liaison title series.

The plan, which must be approved by theNew York State Civil Service Commission withinfour months, is a response to a State Court ofAppeals ruling, now called “The Long BeachDecision,” that the City must be in compliance

with the New York State Civil Service Law stat-ing that provisionals cannot serve more thannine months.

The City came up with its plan after the StateLegislature, inresponse to theState Court ofAppeals ruling,mandated that aplan must besubmitted with-in 60 days toaddress theelimination of

most provisionals. The legislation gives the Cityup to six years to accomplish its plan, which alsoincludes an increase in holding exams, a collapseof series titles into one title, and broadbandingtitles that do similar work into one title. Provi-sional employees will not be removed duringthis six-year period.

“The DCAS plan is a travesty that would put adagger into the heart of the civil service systemand destroy the principle of merit and fitness on

Union Opposes City’s Plan toReclassify Thousands of Workers

to Non-Competitive Titles

“The DCAS plan is a travesty that would put adagger into the heart of the civil service systemand destroy the principle of merit and fitness...”

–Charles Ensley

Continued on page 3.

T h e U n i o n i s t

2

I was deter-mined fromthe start tomake SSEULocal 371 agreat Unionthat wouldmake its mem-bers proud.

Thanks, It Was a

Great Run!

In 1982, after a hotly contested election, I became President of the

Union. I was determined from the start to make SSEU Local 371 a

great union that would make its members proud.

I was also determined to build on our history of militancy and progres-

sivism. In 1965, SSEU and Local 371 went on strike, not only for higher

wages, but also for better treatment for our clients. After a month-long

struggle, we won that strike and negotiated the first contract between a

public service union and the City.

Later, we became one of the first unions to oppose the Vietnam War – a

stand subsequently adopted by our national union. Through the years

we aggressively fought to improve the economic conditions of our mem-

bers and protect the social safety net that our jobs provided.

We faced great challenges over the past 26 years – layoffs, attacks on

the civil service system, and contracting out. We never doubted our abili-

ty to prevail, even when the odds were greatly stacked against us. Along

the way, we negotiated additional money for our members beyond the

general economic package through longevity steps, assignment differen-

tials, and an annuity plan. We organized and energized our members and

together we fought and won many victories. We are proud of what we

have accomplished.

But now it’s time for new leadership. They too will face challenges, but

I am confident that, with your continued support, the Union will grow

and prosper.

Saying goodbye is difficult. Saying thank you for your support and the

opportunity to serve comes easily. It was a great run. Thank you. And

remember, the union makes us strong.

““

President’s Message

President Charles Ensley

A p r i l 2 0 0 8

Published monthly except for a combined issue in July/August bythe Social Service Employees Union Local 371, District Council 37,AFSCME, AFL-CIO. Subscription Price $2.00 annually. Periodicalpostage paid at New York, N.Y.

POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: The Unionist, SSEULocal 371, 817 Broadway, New York, New York 10003.USPS# 348990 (212) 677-3900

PresidentCharles Ensley

Executive Vice PresidentYolanda Pumarejo

Secretary-TreasurerJoe Nazario

V.P. Negotiations & ResearchAnthony Wells

V.P. Organization & EducationBeverly Mallory-Brown

V.P. Grievances & Legal ServicesFaye Moore

V.P. Legislation and Political ActionWana Ulysse

V.P. Publicity & Community RelationsMichelle Conklin

TrusteesMichael BallesterosMelva ScarboroughVirgil Brown

EditorMartin Fishgold

Director of CommunicationsLinda Schleicher

PhotographerCharles Brown

Editorial AssociateSarah Ihmoud

Visit us on the Web at www.sseu371.org

the

Metro NYLabor

Communications

Counc i l

3

which good government in New York has restedsince the end of Tammany Hall and the spoils sys-tem,” said President Charles Ensley.

“It is essential to the integrity of the City thatworkers be appointed and promoted by an objec-tive measure of competence and not by managerialdecision,” Ensley continued. “Appointment byexamination provides protection from outsideinfluence, changes in management, and political orpersonal favoritism. That is the heart of civil ser-vice. Reclassification would be a quick fix withlong lasting harm.”

Faye Moore, Vice President of Grievances, stated,“For the workers themselves, the non-competitive

AprilPASSOVER BEGINS AT SUNDOWN (Not an officialcity holiday)

UNION ELECTION DEADLINE (Votes must be receivedby 9:00 a.m.)

MayMAY DAY, INTERNATIONAL WORKERS HOLIDAY(Not an official city holiday)

HEALTH AND HOSPITALS CORPORATION CHAPTER MEETING, Union Office, 817 Broadway,12th Floor, 6:30 p.m.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING, Union Office,817 Broadway, 12th Floor, 6:30 p.m.

HOUSING PRESERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT(HPD) AND SMALLER AGENCIES CHAPTERMEETING, Union Office, 817 Broadway, 12th Floor,6:30 p.m.

WOMEN’S COMMITTEE MEETING, Union Office, 817 Broadway, 12th Floor, 6:30 p.m.

DELEGATE ASSEMBLY, School of the Future, 127 East 22nd Street, 6:30 p.m.

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7

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EDUCATIONAL FUND OFFERS PREP COURSE

The Educational Fund will offer a Civil Service Examination Preparation Course for SSEULocal 371 members for the Child Protective Specialist Exam No.8030, scheduled forJune 14, 2008 and the Hospital Care Investigator HHC Exam No. 7049 scheduled forJune 28, 2008. The course will consist of three classroom sessions. Please fax or mail inthe registration coupon. Unless you are contacted by the Fund you may assume thatyour registration has been approved. You need not call to confirm.

The Classes will be held on the following dates:

Tuesday May 27, 2008Tuesday June 3, 2008Monday June 9, 2008 (CPS only)Tuesday June 17, 2008 (HCI only)

Location P.S. 41 (Auditorium)116 West 11th Street (off the corner of 6th Ave.)

Transportation Subway to 14th Street Station (Trains 1, 2, 3, V, F and L)

Time 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

Members MUST pick up the manuals for the classes at the Union’s Welfare Fund Officelocated at 817 Broadway N.Y., 15th floor. Training manuals will be available from 8:30 A.M. to 5:45 P.M. from May 21st through May 23rd.

Please note: No manuals will be distributed at the classes.

Fax (212) 673-3813 or mail registration to:SSEU Local 371 Educational Fund, 817 Broadway, New York, New York 10003Information must be clearly printed to be processed

Name _______________________________________________________________Print Last First

Social Security Number_____________________

HomeAddress___________________________________________________Zip_________

Work Phone ( )___________________________ Home Phone ( )________________

Work Location_____________________________Title______________________________

Check exam - CPS � or HCI �If you have any further questions, please contact the Educational Fund at (212) 777-9000 ext. 3065

Please return coupon by Friday May 9, 2008

Union Opposes City’s Plan to ReclassifyThousands of Workers to Non-Competitive Titles

status not only leaves them open to managerialwhim, but also reduces their possibilities for pro-motion, their due process rights, their leave rightsand their rights in cases of layoffs. For non-compet-itive employees there is no such thing as a promo-tional path based on merit. In a layoff situation,workers do not have a prior title to return to. There-fore, senior staff is in danger of being laid off. Thishas borne out in the current situation in the Hous-ing Authority.”

“This is a no-win proposal. We oppose it inevery sense,” said Vice President of NegotiationsAnthony Wells, who will be testifying at a CityCouncil hearing on this issue later this month.There will also be a meeting with the City on May 15. —Martin Fishgold

Continued from page 1

4

T h e U n i o n i s t

To the Editor:I am saddened to learn that our President

Charles Ensley will be retiring this month. I wasemployed as a Caseworker and a Supervisor from1970 to 1996 and was a Union Delegate for a largepart of that time.

It is always a tough decision to retire, but CharlesEnsley has given his all to the Union movementand specifically to our Union, SSEU Local 371.Many current and retired ACS employees as well as

of the other divisions of city service that SSEU rep-resents will miss him greatly.

His contributions can be summed up by noting(as you did in the special section of The Unionist) hisvision, tenacity and integrity.

Although it is now over 10 years since my retire-ment, I still have a special spot in my heart for theUnion that I was part of for the greater part of mycareer with the City.

So I want to thank Charles Ensley for his service

to the membership. He epitomizes the good peoplewho do an extremely difficult job for the citizens ofthe City of New York and do it extremely well.

Ordinary people doing extraordinary things!My best wishes to you Charles as you embark on

a well deserved retirement!Have a long and happy retirement!

Sincerely,Robert J. Bruno, Retiree

Charles Ensley, pres-

ident of SSEU Local

371, is retiring May 1

after 26 years in office.

A retirement party

will be held on May

20 celebrating his

many contributions to

the Union at Battery

Gardens in lower

Manhattan. Members

who wish to attend

should return the

coupon with their

check as directed.

Tickets are $80 each.

Checks and coupons

must be received by

May 9. Tickets will be

sold on a first come –

first served basis.

The price of the ticket

includes cocktails and

a buffet dinner. There

will also be music and

dancing.

Join Us on May 20 for Ensley Retirement Party

Letter to the EditorAppreciates Ensley’s Contributions

A p r i l 2 0 0 8

5

The Union hosted its 24th Annual SocialWork Month Celebration on April 11 at DC37. The theme of this year’s celebrationwas “Social Workers: A Unifying Force forChange,” and honored Union members

who received MSW degrees in 2007, and CCSWscholarship recipients.

Executive Vice President Yolanda Pumarejochaired the event, along with co-chairs Bernice A.Brown and Dennis McDougale. President CharlesEnsley congratulated the graduates on theirachievement and acknowledged the contributionsof family members who supported their efforts.

Dr. Peter Vaughan, Dean of Fordham Universi-ty’s School of Social Service, was the guest speaker.Dr. Vaughan spoke highly of the social serviceworkers represented by Local 371 and praised theUnion for recognizing the group being honored.

Dr. Vaughan recalled his days working at a statemental health facility, saying he was the first profes-sional worker there to join the union. “Don’t everunderestimate the power of the union,” said Vaugh-an. “It gives workers a voice, and the ability tochange public and private policy.” Vaughan spokeof the challenges the social work profession faces inthe future. He described social workers as “agentsof change” in “a profession that removes obstacles”faced by those we serve. He emphasized the impor-tance of humanism and professional values, andsaid, “It is necessary to intervene at times, and pushback against those forces [of injustice]. Unless wechange those structures, we will never make a dif-ference.”

Vaughan also spoke of the need to change thepublic’s perception regarding social work, stating,“We are not only doing society’s good work; we aredoing society’s dirty work. No one else would dothe kind of work we do.” He added, “We muststand up for ourselves and demand that we betreated fairly in all aspects of the profession.”

Pumarejo thanked Dr. Vaughan, whose speechwas warmly received by the audience. She thenintroduced the graduates, who were presented withcertificates of recognition.

The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble provided theevening’s musical entertainment. The eight broth-ers, who grew up playing music together, stylethemselves as “superheroes for music,” recapturingthe art of making music with traditional instru-ments. The band includes four trumpet players,two trombone play-ers, a tuba playerand a drummer.Playing “feel-goodmusic that speaks toall generations,” theband seeks to inspirechildren by showingthem “you can dothis music and stillbe cool.”

—Michelle Conklin

Celebrating Social Work MonthUnion Honors New Social Workers

Executive VP Yolanda Pumarejo (center), CCSW chair, congratulates MSW graduates at Social Work Month event.

Phot

os b

y Ch

arles

Bro

wn

Dr. Peter Vaughan,Dean of FordhamUniversity’s School ofSocial Service, wasthe keynote speaker.

Top photo:Hundreds ofpeople attendedthe Social WorkMonth event.Photo right: TheHypnotic BrassEnsemble provid-ed the musicalentertainment.

The Union’s Committee of Concerned Social Workers (front) organized the event.Social Work honorees are pictured in rear of photo.

T h e U n i o n i s t

6

Bits &

W hile millions ofpeople world-wide have

marched against thewars in Iraq andAfghanistan, and lastweek's New YorkTimes/CBS News poll indicated that 81 percentbelieve the country is headed in the wrong direc-tion - key concerns being the war and the econo-my - the war machine inexorably grinds on.

Amid this political atmosphere, dockworkers ofthe International Longshore and Warehouse Unionhave decided to stop work for eight hours in allU.S. West Coast ports on May 1, InternationalWorkers' Day, to call for an end to the war.

In other actions noting the 5th anniversary ofthe war, Faye Moore, Local 371’s vice president ofgrievances, spoke at an anti-war forum markingthe 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther KingJr.'s assassination that was sponsored by U.S.Labor Against the War at Local 32 BJ of theService Employees International Union. She notedthat many of the social service jobs representedby Local 371 are Federally funded and that warspending has cut into the available money.

Parts of this article are excerpted from a story byJack Heyman in the San Francisco Chronicle.

A cold wind blew through WashingtonPlace at Greene Street as gatherersassembled to mark the 97th anniversary

of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, thetragedy which took 146lives on March 25, 1911.

The annual event, heldthis year on March 20, wasorganized by UNITEHERE, the 460,000 memberunion representing pre-dominantly immigrantworkers in apparel and tex-tile manufacturing, appareldistribution centers, appar-el retail, hotels, casinos,food services, restaurants,airport concessions andindustrial laundries.

The commemorationopened with singing by theNew York City LaborChorus and remarks fromBruce Raynor, GeneralPresident of UNITE HERE.“We’re gathered here, aswe do every year, to honor the workers whodied,” Raynor said. He spoke of the 146 mostlyimmigrant women who were trapped insidethe factory as it went up in flames. Some of theworkers perished in the fire, others chose tojump out the windows.

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire,described by NYC Comptroller WilliamThompson as, “the largest industrial disasterin the history of New York City,” resulted insuch a high death toll because the workerswere locked inside the factory by their bosses,and firefighters did not have the proper equip-ment to reach the top floor. It was a tragedythat could have been prevented.

The fire brought much needed attention toworking conditions in New York City andacross the country. It also created a push for

more adequate equipment for firefighters.“We’re here to talk about the lessons we’velearned and how they affect us today,” Raynorsaid. Raynor and others spoke of the need to

continue fighting for saferworking conditions. Thismessage is especially rele-vant in light of the recentcrane accident which resulted in the death of six construction workers onManhattan’s East Side.

Thompson said, “Thisisn’t just an event to com-memorate those who diedalmost 100 years ago, it is areminder that we have toremain vigilant.”

The speakers mainlyfocused on the need to uniteand protect immigrant work-ers who are being subjectedto horrible working condi-tions across the country. “Aswe look around us, we seethat immigrants

continue to be the most exploited part of theworkforce,” said Patricia Smith, Commissionerof the New York State Department of Labor.UNITE HERE is fighting to end the exploita-tion and improve the lives of immigrant workers.

The ceremony ended with New York Cityfirefighters slowly raising the ladder of theirtruck to the highest point the firefighters couldreach in 1911, which was two floors short ofreaching the stranded Triangle Factory work-ers. As they did this, students of New YorkCity’s public schools and workers read thenames of all 146 people who died in the fire.

The commemoration was a solemn reminderof the tragedy that occurred in 1911 and theongoing fight which it has come to symbolize.

–Katie Lawson

Workers Memorial Day Observed April 28

Those Who Died In the Triangle Fire are Remembered

Longshoremen to Close Portson West Coast to Protest War

A n updatededition of“How Can

I Keep FromSinging: TheBallad of Pete Seeger,” by David KingDunaway, was recently re-issued by DaCapoPaperback. The book on the legendary singerand political activist features never-before-seen photographs and a new forward byPete Seeger.

Seeger was born in 1919, started HarvardUniversity in 1936, and because school couldnot hold his interest, he began a lifetime offolk music. There was nothing more impor-tant in his life than making music and singinghis songs with other people. With his wifeToshi always by his side and providing afoundation for his home and family, Seegerand his music could always be found sup-porting one cause or another. This book doesa marvelous job of showing that Pete foughtinjustice with his music all his life, no matterwhether he found it in a union hall, freedommarches in the South, cotton fields or eventhe government of the country he so loved.

Book onPeteSeegerRe-Issued

Each April 28, since 1989,unions observe WorkersMemorial Day as a day to

remember those who havesuffered and died on the job.As we remember those whohave died in workplace catas-trophes, suffered diseases because of exposureto toxic substances or been injured because ofdangerous conditions, we rededicate ourselvesto the fight for safe workplaces. As such, a typi-cal theme for Workers Memorial Day has been“Mourn for the Dead, Fight for the Living.”

April 28 was chosen because it is theanniversary of the creation of the OccupationalSafety and Health Administration and the dayof similar remembrance in Canada. Every year,people in hundreds of communities and at

worksites recognize workerswho have been killed orinjured on the job. Tradeunionists around the worldnow mark April 28 as anInternational Day ofMourning. Workers Memorial

Day is observed in nearly one hundred coun-tries. It has been officially endorsed by theInternational Confederation of Free TradeUnions (ICFTU), the International LabourOrganization, and five countries — Canada,Portugal, Spain, Taiwan and Thailand formallyrecognize April 28 as Workers Memorial Day.

Over the years, numerous communities havededicated plaques, sites and monuments toworkers who have lost their lives because ofdangerous working conditions.

A p r i l 2 0 0 8

7

By Katie Lawson

The power of a joint labor-environmentalmovement is well illustrated in the semi-nal book on the subject, “The World isBurning,” by Alex Shoumatoff. When thebook was published in 1990, it helped

raise consciousness about the relationshipbetween labor and the environment. Shoumatoffwrites about the labor-environmental movementin Brazil, and gives the synthesis of these twomovements a martyr and a champion, ChicoMendes.

As head of the Brazilian Rubber TappersUnion, Chico Mendes sought to unify and edu-cate the rubber tappers of the Amazon Rainforestin Brazil. Rubber tapping, the practice of remov-ing rubber from the bark of trees, is a relativelysustainable and environmentally friendly occupa-tion. Because rubber tapping requires live andhealthy trees, the rainforest needs to be protectedfrom deforestation. At that time, and unfortunate-ly still today, the rainforest was being burned andcut down to build farms and infrastructure.

Mendes organized workers to protect therainforest, which their livelihoods depended on.He also united them to fight for fair wages andlabor practices. He envisioned a world where thepoor rubber tappers were not at the mercy oftheir corrupt bosses. By unifying the environmen-tal and labor movements, Mendes became a revo-lutionary leader and international icon. In fact, hewould live and die for these causes. Tragically,Mendes was shot to death as he stepped into hisbackyard on the night of December 22, 1988. Twonotoriously corrupt ranchers, Darcy Alves Pereiraand Darli Alves, were sentenced to 19 years inprison for their part in the assassination. Theykilled Mendes because he protected the peopleand the rainforest that they sought to exploit.

Finding Common GroundThe connection between labor and the envi-

ronment is rarely as direct as it was in the case ofthe Brazilian rubber tappers. Furthermore, laborunions and environmentalists have not alwaysbeen strategic partners. Not only have they hadtrouble finding their common ground, they haveeven come into conflict with one another at times.

Often, the lack of cooperation between laborand environmentalists is due to a lack of commu-nication. “We don’t always know each other,”said Tanya Tolchin, Senior Washington Represe-ntative of the Sierra Club. “We need to get toknow one another to learn about each other’s priorities.”

Unions can play an important role in educat-ing their members about environmental problemsand in advocating for sustainable living in localcommunities. Many unions have already startedto green the labor movement. Farming and agri-cultural unions are working to reduce pesticideuse, which is not only bad for the soil and water,but, according to a 2007 Worldwatch Institutereport, also results in the deaths of about 40,000workers annually. Pesticide use in growing foodproducts is also unhealthy for consumers.

their organizations in creating a more environ-mentally sustainable economy that also producesgood jobs.

Creating Green Jobs“Now that there is a national realization that

global warming is happening,there’s new interest in creatinga green economy,” Tolchin said.The push for a green economyhas led to the development ofaptly titled “green jobs.” Greenjobs include jobs in the sectorsof renewable energy, energy effi-ciency, and organic agriculture,to name a few. Some of them arealready union jobs. Tolchin saidthat as more positions of this typeare created, there is “hope thatthey can be good union jobs.”

Although green jobs may be arelatively new concept in America,it is not new in Brazil. Rubber tap-ping is a prime example of a greenjob. It is both economically andenvironmentally sustainable. On theother hand, the jobs that are createdby knocking down the rainforest –usually farming and logging- areshort term at best. Rainforest soil isnot fertile enough to continually har-vest crops, and once the trees are

gone, what’s left to log? Rubber tapping, on theother hand, preserves the forest and creates jobsthat can last generations. Because of strong lead-ers like Chico Mendes, they are also union jobs.

As Shoumatoff stated, “The American labormovement has not taken on an environmentaldimension and they should because they arebeing subjected to environmental racism.”Shoumatoff points to the “horrendous” environ-mental problems in the American Southwest, thesame problems Robinson encounters on a dailybasis, as an example of environmental racism. Thefactories there produce toxic waste, which is thendeposited into the water, soil, and air, andbecomes the burden of people in the local com-munities. “These are also the people that work inthe factories. They get it!”

The Brazilian labor-environmental movementis a success story, according to Shoumatoff. “Itcontinues to this day. The young people are veryconcerned.” Shoumatoff said that Mendes“inspired a whole new wave of field biologistsand ecologists,” and that their environmentalagenda is very much linked with labor move-ments. As Tanya Tolchin puts it, “When we worktogether, we’re stronger.”

Katie Lawson is a student with the Union SemesterProgram, which is associated with the City University ofNew York. She is presently serving an internship withLocal 371.

Paul Robinson, Research Director for theSouthwest Research and Information Center(SRIC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has oftenworked with labor unions on environmentalissues. “Working in alliances and coalitions andnetworks is challenging,” he said. Robinson alsoknows it can be reward-ing. He said that the wayto build cooperation isthrough “sustained com-munication,” which canlead to success. Oneexample of this waswhen the SRIC helpedunion members receivecompensation for radi-ation exposure.

Greening anUrban Setting

In New York City,the environmentalapproach of unionshas to be adapted tofit an urban setting.In order to get localcity unionsinvolved, “you haveto have a concrete program,” saidSean Sweeney, Director of the Cornell Global LaborInstitute. “The Service Employees InternationalUnion, for example, is trying to get their membersto reduce their carbon footprint.” One way is byfighting for building cleaners, members of SEIULocal 32 BJ, to work day shifts instead of nightshifts. Not only are these hours more convenientfor most workers, they eliminate the need for lightsand appliances which consume energy all night.

Local 32 BJ, the largest building service Localin the country, provides training to its memberson green building and green building mainte-nance. They hold classes which include trainingabout energy and water conservation and energyefficient heating and air conditioning.

International EffortsImportant steps are also being taken on a

much larger scale. In March of 2007, the CornellGlobal Labor Institute held an international meet-ing between unionists and environmentalists. Theconference, titled, “A North American LaborAssembly on Climate Crisis: Building a GlobalMovement for Clean Energy” focused in part onbuilding a stronger bond between the labor andenvironmental movements. This March, the firstNational Green Jobs Conference was held inPittsburgh. Organized by the Blue-Green Alliance,a collaborative effort of the Sierra Club andUnited Steelworkers, the conference broughttogether unionists, environmentalists, green busi-ness leaders, and other allies from around thecountry. Their objective was to discuss the role of

Keeping Our CommonGround Green

T h e U n i o n i s t

8

Benefits FundsFinancial Reports

Welfare Fund AuditGOULD, KOBRICK & SCHLAPP, P.C., CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Empire State Building, 350 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10118-4309

Social Service Employees Union Local 371 Welfare Fund817 Broadway, New York, New York 10003

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORTWe have audited the accompanying statements of benefit obligations and net assets available for benefits of the Social Service

Employees Union Local 371 Welfare Fund as of June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006 and the related statements of changes in ben-efit obligations and in net assets available for benefits for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility ofthe Plan’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Thosestandards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements arefree of material misstatements. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures inthe financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by man-agement, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basisfor our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial status of the SocialService Employees Union Local 371 Welfare Fund as of June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006 and the changes in its financial sta-tus for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United State of America.

December 28, 2007 GOULD, KOBRICK & SCHLAPP, P.C.

STATEMENTS OF BENEFIT OBLIGATIONSAND NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS

AT JUNE 30, 2007 AND 2006

2007 2006

BENEFIT OBLIGATIONSHealth benefits currently payable & claims incurred but not reported $1,975,009 $2,303,537Insurance premiums payable 116,561 152,508____________ ____________

Total Benefit Obligations 2,091,570 2,456,045____________ ____________ASSETSInvestments, at fair value 142,841 1,069,990____________ ____________Receivables:

Social Service Employees Union Local 371 Administrative Fund 1,820,872 2,239,146Other 650,926 2,644Accrued investment income 1,332 2,305

____________ ____________Total Receivables 2,473,130 2,244,095____________ ____________Other Assets:

Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation 137,782 43,639Prepaid expenses 0 54,767____________ ____________

Total Other Assets 137,782 98,406____________ ____________Total Assets 2,753,753 3,412,491____________ ____________

LIABILITIESCash, operating accounts overdraft 570,937 789,455Due to Social Service Employees Union Local 371 80,082 107,586Accrued administrative expenses 11,164 59,405____________ ____________

Total Liabilities 662,183 956,446____________ ____________

NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS 2,091,570 2,456,045

EXCESS OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS OVER BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS $ 0 $ 0____________ ________________________ ____________

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN BENEFIT OBLIGATIONSAND IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2007 AND 2006

2007 2006NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

Health benefits currently payable & claims incurred but not reported $ (328,528) (33,960))Insurance premiums payable (35,947) 15,267 _____________ ______________

Net (Decrease) in Benefit Obligations (364,475) (18,693)_____________ _____________ADDITIONS TO NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTED TOEmployer contribution allocation 19,210,654 18,526,878Other Contributions 21,452 26,274_____________ _____________

Total Contributions 19,232,106 18,553,152_____________ _____________Investment income:

Interest, dividends and other 43,432 41,962Net appreciation (depreciation) in fair value of investments (1,394) 97,849_____________ _____________)

42,038 139,811Less - Investment fees 8 7_____________ _____________

Net Investment Income 42,030 139,804_____________ _____________Other income 0 467,016_____________ _____________) Total Additions 19,274,136 19,159,972

DEDUCTIONS FROM NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTED TO)Benefits paid 16,773,731 16,155,312Dental facility 2,692,293 2,844,601Health and safety coordinator 104,082 131,586_____________ _____________

Total Benefits Paid 19,570,106 19,131,499Third party benefit provider fees 68,505 47,166_____________ _____________

Total Deductions 19,638,611 19,178,665_____________ _____________Net (decrease) in net assets available for benefits (364,475) (18,693)_____________ _____________Net increase (decrease) in net assets available for benefits over benefit obligations 0) 0Excess of net assets available for benefits over benefit obligations:

Beginning 0) 0_____________ _____________Ending $ 0) $ 0_____________ _____________

_____________ _____________

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AT JUNE 30, 2006NOTE 1 - DESCRIPTION OF PLAN

The following description of the Social Service Employees Union Local 371 Welfare Fund (the “Plan”) provides only generalinformation. Participants should refer to the Plan’s benefit booklet and its Summary Plan Description for a more complete descrip-tion of the Plan’s provisions.

General: The Plan was established in 1965 for the purpose of providing health care benefits to eligible employees covered bythe collective bargaining agreement between the Social Service Employees Union Local 371 AFSCME, AFL-CIO (the “Union”) andthe City of New York (the “Employer”). It is not subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security act of 1974(ERISA), as amended.

Plan Administration: The administration of the Plan is the responsibility of a board of trustees comprised of seven trustees,six of whom are elected by the general membership of the Union and the seventh being the President of the Union. The Plan’s invest-ments are managed by an independent investment manager who has full discretion and authority to effect transactions for the ben-efit of the Plan. The Plan’s investments are held separately by a custodian.

Benefits: The Fund provides health benefits (prescription drugs, dental, optical, prosthetic appliance, diagnostic examina-tions, podiatry, hearing aid and abortion) and disability, pension and health insurance counseling, burial and life insurance ben-efits to full time participants of the Plan and to their beneficiaries and covered dependents. Part time participants are provided den-tal, drug, optical, podiatry and life insurance benefits.

During the year the following experience rated insured benefit was in effect:

Insurer BenefitPrudential Insurance Company of America Life Insurance

During the year the following administrative benefit contract was in effect:Third Party Administrators Benefit

MedcoHealth and Express Scripts Prescription Drug

The Plan operates a medical facility that provides dental care and podiatry benefits. As an alternative to the regular schedule ofbenefits, participants can elect these services with no out-of-pocket costs.

Funding: Employer contributions are made by the Employer to the Social Service Employees Union Local 371 Administrative Fund (the“Administrative Fund), a related organization. The Plan receives, on an as needed basis, an allocation of these contributions (See Note 6).

Plan Termination: In the event of termination of the Plan, the Trust Agreement requires that the trustees pay all obligationsof the Plan and shall distribute and apply any remaining surplus in such a manner as will, in their opinion, best effectuate the pur-pose of the Plan. In no circumstances shall any funds revert or accrue to the benefit of the Union or the Employer.

Other: Although they have not expressed any intention to do so the Plan’s Board of Trustees has the right under the Plan tomodify the Trust and to terminate the Plan.

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIESBasis of Accounting: The financial statements were prepared on the accrual basis of accounting.Administrative Expenses: The Administrative Fund, pays all administrative expenses of the Plan, other than third party

administrative fees.Valuation of Investments: Investments are stated at fair value. If available, quoted market prices are used to value invest-

ments. Securities traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price on the last business day of theyear. Investments traded in the over-the-counter market and listed securities for which no sale was reported on that date are valued atthe average of the last reported bid and asked prices. Securities that have no quoted market price are valued at their estimated fairvalue. In general, short-term investments, which are readily convertible into cash, are carried at cost, which approximates fair values.

Fixed Assets and Depreciation: Furniture, equipment and improvements are stated at cost less depreciation accumulat-ed since acquisition and does not purport to represent replacement or realizably value. All assets are depreciated over estimateduseful lives using the straight-lie method. Expenditures for normal repairs of equipment are charged to current operations. All otherexpenditures for fixed assets are capitalized.

Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principlesrequires Fund management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclo-sure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of changes in net assetsavailable for benefits during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Other Plan Benefits: Plan obligations at June 30 for health claims incurred by active participants but not reported at that dateand for future disability payments at June 30 are estimated by the Plan’s actuary in accordance with accepted actuarial principles.NOTE 3 - TAX STATUS

The Trust established under the Plan to hold the Plan’s assets is intended to be qualified pursuant to Section 501(c)(9) of theInternal Revenue Code, as amended and, accordingly, the trust’s net investment income is exempt from income taxes. The Plan hasobtained a favorable tax determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service, and Plan management believes that the Trust, asamended, continues to qualify and to operate in accordance with applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.NOTE 4 - CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

Financial instruments that subject the Plan to concentration of credit risk include cash and short-term investments. The Plan main-tains accounts at high quality financial institutions. While the Plan attempts to limit any financial exposure, its cash deposit balancesmay, at times, exceed federally insured limits. Short-term investments are not covered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.NOTE 5 - RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Due to various risks (e.g., interest rate, market and credit risks) associated with certain investments and the level of uncertain-ty related to changes in the value of investments, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in the values of investments willoccur in the near term that could materially affect the amounts reported in the a statement of net assets available for benefits.

The balance of claims incurred but not reported is reported based on certain assumptions, which are subject to change. Dueto uncertainties inherent in the estimation and assumptions process, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in these estimatesand assumptions in the near term would be material to the financial statements.NOTE 6 - AGREEMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

The Trustees of the Social Service Employees Union Local 371 Administrative, Educational, Legal Services and Welfare Fundsdecided that to simplify operations and record keeping, all administrative expenses of the above-mentioned benefit plans wouldbe paid by the Administrative Fund.

As stated in Note 1 the Administrative Fund is the recipient of employer contribution. These contributions are then allocatedon an as needed basis to cover the costs of the Plan’s benefit programs and related expenses.

The Plan reimburses the Union for 50% of the Union’s cost of the Health and Safety Coordinator’s payroll.NOTE 7 - INVESTMENTS

The following summary reflects investments held at June 30, 2007 and 2006:

2007 2006Cash and cash equivalents 141,501 503,402Investments at fair value as

determined by quoted market pricesU.S. Government 1,340 1,631Domestic equities $0 $564,957_________ _________Totals $142,841 $1,069,990_________ __________________ _________

The following investments, at fair value, represent five percent (5%) or more of Fund’s net assets:

Shares/Par Value Investment Fair Value$125,234 Amalgamated Bank of NY money market $125,234

During the years ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, the Plan’s investments (including investments bought, sold and held during theyear appreciated (depreciated) in fair value as follows:

2007 2006Investments at fair value as determined

by quoted market prices:Domestic equities $(1,382) $97,895U.S. Government (12) (46)_________ _________

Totals $(1,394) $97,849_________ __________________ _________NOTE 8 - FIXED ASSETSFixed assets at June 30, 2007 and 2006 by classification are summarized as follows:

2007 2006Leasehold improvements 472,465 394,635Furniture, fixtures and equipment 165,172 136,241_________ _________

637,637 530,876

Less - Accumulated depreciation 499,855 487,237_________ _________Net Fixed Assets $ 137,782 $ 43,639_________ __________________ _________

Welfare Fund Audit (CONTINUED)

Administrative Fund

A p r i l 2 0 0 8

9

NOTE 9 - OTHER INCOMEDuring the year ended June 30, 2006 it was discovered that the Plan owned 7,271 shares of Prudential Financial, Inc. com-

mon stock. These shares were owned by the Plan as the result fo Prudential’s decision to demutualize and convert from a mutuallife insurance company to a stock life insurance company. The Plan, as owner of an eligible policy in force was entitled to receivecompensations in the form of stock. These shares were valued at $467,016 at June 30, 2005. The June 30, 2006 financial state-ments have recognized the June 30, 2005 value of $467,016 as other income.

NOTE 10 - BENEFIT PAID 2007 2006Insured:

Life $ 546,874 $ 592,792

Self-insured:Prescription drugs, net of refunds 7,826,075 7,025,353Dental 6,372,772 6,512,667

Disability 1,642,762 1,576,164Optical 278,644 323,911Prosthetic appliance 46,804 57,131Podiatry 21,400 24,099Diagnostic examinations 7,200 7,200Hearing aids 7,000 9,275Abortion 600 1,100

Other benefits:Burial 18,000 23,500Pension counseling 5,600 2,120_____________ _____________

Total Benefits Paid $16,773,731 $16,155,312_____________ __________________________ _____________

GOULD, KOBRICK & SCHLAPP, P.C., CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTSEmpire State Building, 350 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10118-4388

Social Service Employees Union Local 371 Administrative Fund817 Broadway, New York. New York 10003

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORTWe have audited the accompanying statements of net assets available for benefits of the Social Service Employees Union Local 371

Administrative Fund as of June 30, 2007 and 2006 and the related statements of changes in net assets available for benefits for the yearsthen ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on thesefinancial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standardsrequire that we plan and perform our audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of materialmisstatements. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating theoverall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available for benefits ofthe Social Service Employees Union Local 371 Administrative Fund as of June 30, 2007 and 2006 and the changes in net assets avail-able for benefits for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

January 4, 2008 GOULD, KOBRICK & SCHLAPP, P.C.

STATEMENTS OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITSAT JUNE 30, 2007 AND 2006

2007 2006ASSETSInvestments, at fair value $5,657,975 $1,117,794____________ ____________Receivables:

Employer contributions 5,285,386 5,359,036Accrued investment income 46,844 6,021Due from related organizations:

Social Service Employees Union Local 371 AFSCME, AFL-CIO 18,816 112,250Social Service Employees Union Local 371

Annuity Fund 1,566 17,242Staff Pension Plan 0 14,262____________ ____________Total Receivables 5,352,612 5,508,811____________ ____________

Other assets:Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation 75,323 60,837Prepaid expenses 55,190 56,885Cash, operating accounts 11,620 11,671____________ ____________

Total Other Assets 142,133 129,393____________ ____________

Total Assets 11,152,720 6,755,998____________ ____________

LIABILITIESDue to related organizations:

Social Service Employees Union Local 371:Welfare Fund 1,820,872 2,239,146Legal Services Fund 90,029 89,381Educational Fund 64,806 63,438Staff Pension Plan 4,248 0

Payroll 162,020 153,500Accrued administrative expenses 89,726 74,978____________ ____________

Total Liabilities 2,231,701 2,620,443____________ ____________

NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS $8,921,019 $4,135,555____________ ________________________ ____________

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITSFOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2007 AND 2006

2007 2006ADDITIONS TO NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTED TOEmployer contributions $30,248,445 $27,105,757Other contributions 81,696 100,201____________ ____________

Total Contributions 30,330,141 27,205,958____________ ____________Investment income:

Interest and dividends 131,608 39,467Net (Depreciation) in fair value of investments (6,708) (15,460)____________ ____________

124,900 24,007Less - Investment fees 12,806 8,343____________ ____________

Net Investment Income 112,094 15,664____________ ____________Total Additions 30,442,235 27,221,622____________ ____________

DEDUCTIONS FROM NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTED TOEmployer contributions allocated to Social Service Employees

Union Local 371:Welfare Fund 19,210,654 18,526,878Legal Services Fund 3,679,648 3,611,202Educational Fund 346,368 391,531_____________ ______________

Total Contributions Allocated 23,236,670 22,529,611Administrative expenses 2,420,101 2,352,462_____________ ______________

Total Deductions 25,656,771 24,882,073_____________ ______________Net increase in net assets available for benefits 4,785,464 2,339,549Net assets available for benefits:

Beginning 4,135,555 1,796,006_____________ ______________Ending $8,921,019 $4,135,555_____________ ______________

NOTE 1 - DESCRIPTION OF PLANThe following description of the Social Service Employees Union Local 371 Administrative Fund (the “Fund”) provides only gen-

eral information.General: On July 19, 1973, the Social Service Employees Union Local 371 (the “Union”) entered into an Agreement and

Declaration of Trust establishing the Social Service Employees Union Local 371 Administrative Fund (the “Fund”). The purpose of the Fundis to collect employer contributions received pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement between the Fund, the Union and the City ofNew York (the “Employer”) and then to remit these contributions to the Union’s Benefit Plans and to pay all administrative expenses of thoseplans. The Fund is not subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), as amended.

Plan Administration: The administration of the Plan is the responsibility of a board of trustees comprised of five trustees,four of who are appointed by the executive committee of the Union and the fifth being the President of the Union. The investmentsof the Fund are managed by an investment advisor and maintained by a separate Plan custodian.

Benefits: The Fund does not provide benefits directly to covered members. Employer contributions are allocated to the SocialService Employees Union Local 371 Welfare, Educational and Legal Services Funds on an as needed basis to support their pro-grams of benefits.

Funding: Contributions were made by the City of New York for covered participants based upon an annual per memberamount. The contribution rate is determined by the collective bargaining agreement in effect at the time.

The Plan also receives contributions on behalf of the employees of the Union and Fund that are provided coverage under the Union’s Benefit Plans.Plan Termination: In the event of termination of the Fund, the Trust Agreement requires that the trustees pay all obligations

of the Fund and shall distribute and apply any remaining surplus in such a manner as will, in their opinion, best effectuate the pur-pose of the Fund. In no circumstances shall any funds revert or accrue to the benefit of the Union or the City of New York.

Other: Although they have not expressed any intention to do so the Plan’s Board of Trustees has the right under the Plan to terminate the Planand to modify benefits provided to participants.

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIESBasis of Accounting: The financial statements were prepared on the accrual basis of accounting.Value of Investments: Investments are stated at fair value. If available, quoted market prices are used to value investments.

Securities traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price on the last business day of the year.Investments traded in the over-the-counter market and listed securities for which no sale was reported on that date are valued at the aver-age of the last reported bid and asked prices. Securities that have no quoted market price are valued at their estimated fair value. In gen-eral, short-term investments, which are really convertible into cash, are carried at cost, which approximates fair values.

Fixed Assets and Depreciation: Furniture, equipment and improvements are stated at cost less depreciation accumulat-ed since acquisition and does not purport to present replacement or realizable value. All assets are depreciated over estimateduseful lives using the straight-line method. Expenditures for normal repairs of equipment are charged to current operations. All otherexpenditures for fixed assets are capitalized.

Administrative Expenses: As stated in Note 1 the Fund pays all administrative expenses of the Social Services EmployeesUnion Local 371 Educational, Legal Services, Welfare, and Staff Pension Funds.

Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requiresFund management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of con-tingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the report-ing period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

NOTE 3 - TAX STATUSThe Trust established under the Plan to hold the Plan’s assets is intended to be qualified pursuant to Section 501(c)(9) of the

Internal Revenue Code, as amended and, accordingly, the trust’s net investment income is exempt from income taxes. The Plan hasobtained a favorable tax determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service, and Plan management believes that the Trust, asamended, continues to qualify and to operate in accordance with applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

NOTE 4 - RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIESThe Plan invests in various investment securities. Investment securities are exposed to various risks such as interest rate, mar-

ket, and credit risks. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, it is at least reasonably possible thatchanges in the values of investment securities will occur in the near term and that such changes could materially affect the amountsreported in the statement of net assets available for benefits.

The Plan’s allocations of employer contribution income and the resulting balances due from these related organizations arebased on certain assumptions, which are subject to change. Due to uncertainties inherent in the estimations and assumptions pro-cess, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in these estimates and assumptions in the near term could be material to thefinancial statements.

NOTE 5 - AGREEMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED ORGANIZATIONSThe Trustees of the Social Service Employees Union Local 371 Administrative, Educational, Legal Services and Welfare Funds decided

that to simplify operations and record keeping, administrative expenses of the above-mentioned benefit plans would be paid by the Plan.As stated in Note 1 the Plan is the recipient of employer contributions. These contributions are then allocated on an as need

basis to cover the costs of each Plan’s benefit plans.

NOTE 6 - PENSION BENEFITS PLANS FOR EMPLOYEESThe Funds’ eligible employees are covered by the Social Services Employees Union Local 371 Funds’ Staff Pension Plan, which

is a defined contribution profit sharing plan.The contributions to this plan were $135,842 and $132,966 for the years ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

NOTE 7 - INVESTMENTSThe following summary reflects investments held at June 30, 2007 and 2006:

2007 2006Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,424,410 $ 430,427Investments at fair value asdetermined by quoted market prices:

U.S. Government $4,233,565 $687,367_____________ ___________Totals $5,657,975 $1,117,794_____________ ___________

The following investments, at fair value, represent five percent (5%) or more of Fund’s net assets:

Par Value Investment Due Date Interest Rate Fair Value$1,007,501 SEI Cash Plus Treasury Fund N/A variable $1,007,501$ 435,000 US Treasury Note 06/15/09 4.000% $ 427,896$416,909 Amalgamated Bank of N.Y. savings account N/A variable $ 416,909$During the years ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, the Plan’s investments (including investments bought, sold and held duringthe year) appreciated (depreciated) in fair value as follows:

2007 2006Investments at fair value as determined by quotedmarket prices:

Common stock 8,206 0U.S. Government (14,924) (15,460)__________ __________Net Fixed Assets $(6,708) $(15,460)__________ __________

NOTE 8 - FIXED ASSETSFixed assets at June 30, 2007 and 2006 by classification are summarized as follows:

2007 2006Equipment $171,687 $233,705Furniture and fixtures 49,810 44,405Leasehold improvements 52,791 50,181__________ __________

$274,288 $338,684Less - accumulated depreciation 198,965 277,847__________ __________

Net Fixed Assets $75,323 $60,837__________ ____________________ __________NOTE 9 - LEASE COMMITMENTS

The following are the Fund’s future minimum lease obligations at June 30, 2007:Totals Facilities Equipment

Periods ending June 30, 2008 $337,236 $319,827 $17,4092009 345,180 332,007 13,1732010 339,897 332,007 7,8902011 338,032 333,112 4,9202012 350,193 345,273 4,920Thereafter 317,731 316,501 1,230

__________ __________ _________Aggregate Future Minimum Rentals $2,028,269 $1,978,727 $49,542__________ __________ ___________________ __________ _________

The Plan and related benefit plans have sublease agreements with the Union (a related party) to rent office facilities.

NOTE 10 - ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES2007 2006

Payroll $1,471,554 $1,438,827Professional fees:

Other consultants 100,000 100,000Legal 73,781 73,094Auditing 45,750 45,750Computer and other consultants 32,460 40,253Actuarial and consulting 29,333 38,482

Rent and utilities 249,769 244,212Stationery, printing, postage and supplies 174,523 153,290Equipment rental, repairs and maintenance 80,465 82,534Telephone 35,850 32,942Insurance 30,200 21,197Depreciation 25,006 26,721Storage 23,507 20,011Trustee elections 21,229 0Interest and bank charges 15,314 20,720Other general and administrative 5,878 8,503Trustee meetings and educational expenses 5,482 5,926

____________ ____________$2,420,101 $2,352,462____________ ____________

GOULD, KOBRICK & SCHLAPP, P.C., CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTSEmpire State Building, 350 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10118-4309

Social Service Employees Union Local 371 Educational Fund817 Broadway, New York. New York 10003

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORTWe have audited the accompanying statements of benefit obligations and net assets available for benefits of the Social Service

Employees Union Local 371 Legal Services Fund as of June 30, 2007 and 2006 and the related statements of changes in benefitobligations and in net assets available for benefits for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility ofthe Plan’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Thosestandards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements arefree of material misstatements. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures inthe financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by man-agement, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basisfor our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial status of the SocialService Employees Union Local 371 Legal Services Fund as of June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006 and the changes in its financialstatus for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

November 12, 2007 GOULD, KOBRICK & SCHLAPP, P.C.

STATEMENTS OF BENEFIT OBLIGATIONSAND NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS

AT JUNE 30, 2007 AND 20062007 2006

BENEFIT OBLIGATIONSBenefits currently payable $90,602 $91,380__________ __________

ASSETSReceivables:

Social Service Employees Union Local 371 Administrative Fund 90,029 89,381Other assets:

Bail bond imprest account 13,000 13,000__________ __________Total Assets 103,029 102,381__________ __________

LIABILITIESCash, operating account (overdraft) 12,427 11,001__________ __________

NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS 90,602 91,380__________ __________EXCESS OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS OVER

BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS $ 0 $ 0__________ ____________________ __________

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN BENEFIT OBLIGATIONSAND NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2007 AND 20062007 2006

NET (DECREASE) IN BENEFIT OBLIGATIONSBenefits currently payable $ (778) $ (121,868)___________ ___________

ADDITIONS TO NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTED TOEmployer contribution allocation 3,679,648 3,611,202DEDUCTIONS FROM NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTED TOLegal service benefits paid:

Civil 2,148,727 2,071,030Criminal representation 1,355,278 1,318,008F.I.C.A. expense 132,443 272,742Court costs 38,978 71,290Bail bond imprest account replenishments 5,000 0___________ ___________

Total Deductions 3,680,426 3,733,070___________ ___________Net (decrease) in net assets available for benefits (778) (121,868)___________ ___________Net increase (decrease) in excess of net assets available for benefits

over benefit obligations 0 0Excess of net assets available for benefits over benefit obligations:

Beginning 0 0_____________ ______________Ending $ 0 $ 0_____________ ___________________________ ______________

NOTE 1 - DESCRIPTION OF PLANThe following description of the Social Service Employees Union Local 371 Legal Services Fund (the “Plan”)

provides only general information. Participants should refer to the Plan’s benefit booklet and its Summary PlanDescription for a more complete description of the Plan’s provisions.

General: The Plan was established in 1974 for the purpose of providing prepaid legal benefits to eligible employ-ees covered by the collective bargaining agreement between the Fund, the Social Service Employees Union Local 371(the “Union”) and the City of New York. (the “Employer”). It is not subject to the provisions of the Employee RetirementIncome Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), as amended.

Plan Administration: The administration of the Plan is the responsibility of a board of trustees comprisedof seven Trustees, all of who must be members of the Legal Assistance Committee of the Social Service Employees

Legal Services Fund

T h e U n i o n i s t

1 0

GOULD, KOBRICK & SCHLAPP, P.C., CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTSEmpire State Building, 350 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10118-4309

Social Service Employees Union Local 371 Educational Fund817 Broadway, New York. New York 10003

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORTWe have audited the accompanying statements of benefit obligations and net assets available for benefits of the Social Service

Employees Union Local 371 Educational Fund as of June 30, 2007 and 2006 and the related statements of changes in benefit obliga-tions and in net assets available for benefits for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan’s man-agement. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those stan-dards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of mate-rial misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial state-ments. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well asevaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial status of the Plan as ofJune 30, 2007 and 2006 and the changes in its financial status for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles gen-erally accepted in the United States of America.

November 10, 2007 GOULD, KOBRICK & SCHLAPP, P.C.

STATEMENTS OF BENEFIT OBLIGATIONSAND NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS

AT JUNE 30, 2007 AND 20062007 2006

BENEFIT OBLIGATIONSProgram expenses currently payable $51,239 $57,767Claims incurred but not reported 2,134 2,134_________ _________

Total Benefit Obligations 53,373 59,901_________ _________ASSETSReceivables:

Social Service Employees Union Local 371 Administrative Fund 64,806 63,438_________ _________Total Assets 64,806 2,134_________ _________

LIABILITIESCash, operating accounts overdraft 11,433 3,537_________ _________NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS 53,373 59,901_________ _________EXCESS OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS

OVER BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS $ 0 $ 0_________ __________________ _________

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN BENEFIT OBLIGATIONSAND IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS

FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2007 AND 20062007 2006

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN BENEFIT OBLIGATIONSProgram expenses currently payable (6,528) 4,104Claims incurred but not reported 0 (294)___________ ___________

Net Increase (Decrease) in Benefit Obligations (6,528) 3,810___________ ___________ADDITIONS TO NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTED TOEmployer contribution allocation 346,368 391,531___________ ___________DEDUCTIONS FROM NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTED TOBenefits paid:

Tuition reimbursements 322,843 364,524Civil Service examination preparation courses 14,877 8,144Dues for professional organizations 8,942 7,052Fees for job related conferences 6,234 7,789Other Benefits 0 212v ___________ ___________

Total Deductions 352,896 387,721___________ ___________Net increase (decrease) in net assets available for benefits (6,528) 3,810___________ ___________Net increase (decrease) in excess of net assets available for

benefits over benefit obligations 0 0Excess of net assets available for benefits over benefit obligations:

Beginning 0 0_____________ ______________Ending $0 $0_____________ ___________________________ ______________

NOTE 1 - DESCRIPTION OF PLANThe following description of the Social Service Employees Union Local 371 Educational Fund (the “Fund”)

provides only general information. Participants should refer to the benefit booklet and its Summary PlanDescription for a more complete description of the Plan’s provisions.

General: The Plan was established in 1965 for the purpose of providing educational benefits to eligi-ble employees covered by the collective bargaining agreement between the Social Service Employees UnionLocal 371 (the “Union”) and the City of New York (the “Employer”). It is not subject to the provisions of theEmployee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), as amended but voluntarily files Form 5550.

Plan Administration: The administration of the Plan is the responsibility of a board of trustees com-prised of seven trustees, six of whom are elected by the general membership of the Union and the seventhbeing the President of the Union.

Benefits: The Plan provides a schedule of reimbursements for job-related courses, conferences, etc. TheFund also provides its own training courses at no cost to the members.

Funding: Employer contributions are made by the City of New York to the Social Service Employees Union Local371 Administrative Fund (the “Administrative Fund”), a related organization. The Plan receives, on an as needed basis,an allocation of these contributions (see Note 4).

Plan Termination: In the event of termination of the Plan, the Trust Agreement requires that the trusteespay all obligations of the Fund and shall distribute and apply any remaining surplus in such a manner as will,in their opinion, best effectuate the purpose of the Fund. In no circumstances shall any funds revert or accrueto the benefit of the City of New York or the Union.

Other: Although they have not expressed any intention to do so the Plan’s Board of Trustees has the rightunder the Plan to modify the Trust and to terminate the Plan.NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Accounting: The records of the Plan are maintained on the accrual basis of accounting.Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting

principles requires Fund management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assetsand liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the report-ed amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Plan Benefits: Estimated liabilities for benefits incurred but not reported were estimated at 12.5% of ben-efits paid less actual accruals for benefits payable.

Administrative Expenses: The Administration Fund pays all administrative expenses of the Plan.

NOTE 3 - TAX STATUSThe Trust established under the Plan to hold the Plan’s assets is qualified pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the

Internal Revenue Code, as amended and, accordingly, the trust’s net investment income is exempt from income taxes.The Plan has obtained a favorable tax determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service, and Plan managementbelieves that the Trust, as amended, continues to qualify and to operate in accordance with applicable provisions ofthe Internal Revenue Code.

NOTE 4 - AGREEMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIESThe trustees of the Social Service Employees Union Local 371 Administrative, Educational, Legal Services

and Welfare Funds decided that to simplify operations and record keeping all administrative expenses of theabove-mentioned benefit plan would be paid by the Administrative Fund.

As stated in Note 1 the Administrative Fund is the recipient of employer contributions. These contributions arethen allocated on an as needed basis to cover the costs of the Plan’s benefit programs and related expenses.

NOTE 5 - RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIESThe balance of claims incurred but not reported is reported based on certain assumptions, which are subject to

change. Due to uncertainties inherent in the estimations and assumptions process, it is at least reasonably possiblethat changes in these estimates and assumptions in the near term would be material to the financial statements.

NOTE 6 - RECONCILIATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TO FORM 5500The following is a reconciliation of net assets available for benefits per the financial statements to Form 5500:

June 30,2007 2006

Net assets available for benefits per the financial statements $ 53,373 $ 59,901Less - Benefit obligations currently payable 53,373 59,901___________ ___________

Net assets available for benefits per the Form 5500 $ 55 ,00 $ 0___________ ______________________ ___________The following is a reconciliation of benefits paid to participants per the financial statements to the Form 5500:

Year Ended June 30,2007 2006

Benefits paid per the financial statements $352,896 $387,721Add - Benefits obligations currently payable, end of year: 53,373 59,901Less - Benefit obligations currently payable, beginning of year: (59,901) (56,091)___________ ___________Benefits paid per Form 5500 $346,368 $ 391,531)___________ ______________________ ___________

Amounts currently payable to or for participants, dependents and beneficiaries are recorded on the Form5500 for benefits that have been processed and approved for payment prior to June 30, but not yet paid as ofthat date, and for estimates of claims incurred but not yet reported to the Plan.

Educational Fund

A p r i l 2 0 0 8

1 1

Union Local 371 AFSCME, AFL-CIO. The Local’s constitution which determines the composition of the Committeethereby determines the composition of the Board of Trustees.

Benefits: The Plan provides a program of prepaid legal benefits, which include civil and criminal defenserepresentation.

Funding: Employer contributions are made by the City of New York to the Social Service Employees UnionLocal 371 Administrative Fund (the “Administrative Fund”), a related organization. The Plan is financed byemployer contributions allocated to it by trustees of the Administrative Fund on an “as needed” basis.

Plan Termination: In the event of termination of the fund, the trust agreement requires that the trustees payall obligations of the fund and shall distribute and apply any remaining surplus in such a manner as will, in theiropinion, best effectuate the purpose of the plan. In no circumstances shall any funds revert or accrue to the ben-efit the City of New York or the union.

Other: The Fund’s Board of Trustees has the right under the Plan’s Board of Trustees has the right under the Plan tomodify benefits provided to participants and to terminate the Plan.NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Accounting: The records of the Fund are maintained on the accrual basis of accounting.Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting

principles requires Fund management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets

and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the report-ed amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Administrative Expenses: The Administrative Fund pays all administrative expenses of the Plan.NOTE 3 - TAX STATUS

The Trust established under the Plan to hold the Plan’s assets was intended to be qualified pursuant to Section501(c)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended and, accordingly, the trust’s net investment income isexempt from income taxes. The Plan has obtained a favorable tax determination letter from the Internal RevenueService, and Plan management believes that the Trust, as amended, continues to qualify and to operate in accor-dance with applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.NOTE 4 - AGREEMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH PERSONS KNOWN TO BE PARTIES IN INTEREST

The Trustees of the Social Service Employees Union Local 371 Administrative, Educational, Legal Servicesand Welfare Funds decided that to simplify operations and record keeping, all administrative expenses of theabove-mentioned benefit plans would be paid by the Administrative Fund.

As stated in Note 1 the Administrative Fund is the recipient of employer contributions made by the employer.These contributions are then allocated on an as needed basis to cover the costs of the Plan’s benefit programs.

Legal Services Fund (CONTINUED)

GOULD, KOBRICK & SCHLAPP, P.C., CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTSEmpire State Building, 350 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10118-4309

Social Service Employees Union Local 371 Annuity Fund817 Broadway, New York, New York 10003

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORTWe have audited the accompanying statements of net assets available for benefits of the Social Service Employees Union Local

371 Annuity Fund as of March 31, 2007 and 2006 and the related statements of changes in net assets available for benefits forthe years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan’s management. Our responsibility is to expressan opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Thosestandards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements arefree of material misstatements. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures inthe financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by man-agement, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basisfor our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available forbenefits of the Plan as of March 31, 2007 and 2006 and the changes in net assets for benefits for the periods then ended in con-formity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United State of America.

August 28, 2007 GOULD, KOBRICK & SCHLAPP, P.C.

STATEMENTS OF NET ASSETSAVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS

AT MARCH 31, 2007 AND 2006

2007 2006

ASSETSInvestments, at fair value 39,507,683 32,119,069

Receivables:Employer contributions 1,195,015 1,194,504Accrued investment income 177,272 80,657Due from related organizations 175 175

Cash, operating accounts 70,807 0Other Assets:

Start-up costs - net of amortization of $10,043 (2007)and $9,379 (2006) 12,505 14,069

Prepaid expenses 0 440____________ ____________

Total Assets 40,963,457 33,408,914____________ ____________

LIABILITIESAccrued administrative expenses 92,181 82,095Due to brokers for securities purchased 0 293,196Due to related organizations 0 15,676Cash, operating accounts overdraft 0 4,523

____________ ____________Total Liabilities 92,181 395,490

____________ ____________

NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS 40,871,276 33,013,424____________ ________________________ ____________

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS FOR THE YEARS ENDED

MARCH 31, 2007 AND 2006

2007 2006

ADDITIONS TO NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTED TOInvestment income:

Interest and dividends 605,273 390,091Net appreciation in fair value of investments 1,956,823 1,002,639

_____________ _____________)2,562,096 1,392,730

Less - Investment fees 149,397 133,363_____________ _____________

Net Investment Income 2,412,699 1,259,367

Employer contribution 6,954,640 7,159,950Other Contributions 38,057 27,746

_____________ _____________) Total Additions 9,405,396 8,447,063

)DEDUCTIONS FROM NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTED TO)

Benefits paid 1,483,586 1,073,818Administrative expenses 63,958 57,354

_____________ _____________Total Deductions 1,547,544 1,131,172

_____________ _____________Net increase in net assets available for benefits 7,857,852 7,315,891

_____________ _____________Net assets available for benefits:

Beginning 33,013,424 25,697,533_____________ _____________

Ending $40,871,276 $33,013,424_____________ __________________________ _____________

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AT MARCH 31, 2007NOTE 1 - DESCRIPTION OF PLAN

The following description of the Social Service Employees Union Local 371 Annuity Fund (the “Fund”) provides only generalinformation. Participants should refer to the benefit booklet for a more complete description of the Fund’s provisions.

General: The Plan is a collectively bargained non-contributory defined contribution plan that provides annuity benefits to eli-gible participants. The Plan was established in 1999 pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement between the City of New York(the “Employer”) and Social Service Employees Union Local 371 (the “Union”). It is not subject to the provisions of the EmployeeRetirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), as amended.

Plan Administration: The administration of the Plan is the responsibility of a board of trustees comprised of union officers andappointees. The Plan’s investments are managed by independent investment managers who have full discretion and authority to affecttransactions for the benefit of the Plan within the guidelines set by the trustees. A separate Plan custodian holds the investments of the Plan.

Contributions: Contributions are made by the City of New York and its agencies for covered participants. Rates are deter-mined by the collective bargaining agreement in effect at the time. The current collective bargaining agreement, in effect since July 1,

2002 requires contributions for all eligible participants at pro-rata daily rate not to exceed $478 per annum.The Plan accepts rollover contributions from other New York City Governmental Plans for employees transferring into covered

titles.Participant Accounts: Each participant’s account is credited with the employer contributions made on their behalf plus an allo-

cation for Plan earnings (losses). Less distributions and a deduction for Plan expenses.Vesting: Once an individual account has been established, all contributions and earnings thereon are immediately vested in

each participant’s account after the end of each quarter. Payment of Benefits: Participant are entitled to their entire account balance. Account distributions are made upon termina-

tion of employment, retirement, death or permanent disability. Plan Termination: In the event of termination of the Plan, the Trust Agreement requires that the Trustees shall distribute to

each employee that value of his account subject to any administrative adjustment at the time of termination in such a manner thatwill best effectuate the Plan’s intent.

Other: The Fund’s Board of Trustees has the right under the Plan to modify benefits provided to participants.

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIESBasis of Accounting: The financial statements were prepared on the accrual basis of accounting.Valuation of Investments: Investments are stated at fair value as measured by quoted prices in an active market except

for the Plan’s investments in non-publicly traded common trust funds that are stated at estimated for values determined by the fundtrustee from reputable pricing sources applied to the underlying quoted and nonquoted securities held. In general, short-term invest-ments, which are readily convertible into cash, are carried at cost, which approximates fair values.

Payments of Benefits: Benefit payments to participants are recorded upon distribution.Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles

requires Fund management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclo-sure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expensesduring the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Amortization of Start-up Costs: All expenses associated with the preparation of the Funds trust documents and obtain-ing its tax exemption have been capitalized and amortized over a 15-year period.

NOTE 3 - TAX STATUSThe Plan is a qualified trust under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and is exempt from federal income taxes

under provision of IRC Section 501(a). The Internal Revenue Service has determined and informed the Plan by a letter datedNovember 9, 2000, that the Plan are related trust are designed in accordance with applicable sections of the IRC.

NOTE 4 - RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIESDue to various risks (e.g., interest rate, market and credit risks) associated with certain investments and the level of uncertain-

ty related to changes in the value of investments, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in the values of investments willoccur in the near term that could materially affect the amounts reported in the statement of net assets available for benefits.

NOTE 5 - INVESTMENTSThe following summary reflects investments held at March 31, 2007 and 2006:

2007 2006Cash and cash equivalents 22,215 987,341Investments at fair value as determined by quotedmarket prices:

U.S. Government Bonds 13,786,126 10,336,507Domestic equities 10,663,839 4,747,053Corporate bonds 20,796 41,492

Other investments:Common trust funds

Fixed income 15,014,707 11,694,176Equities 0 4,312,500

____________ ____________Totals $39,507,683 32,119,069____________ ________________________ ____________

The following investments, at fair value, represent five percent (5%) or more of the Fund’s Net Assets.Shares/Par Value Investment Due Date Interest Rate Fair Value$33,595 Longview Core Bond Index Fund N/A N/A $15,014,706$2,770,000 US Treasury Note 04/15/10 4.00% $2,727,591$2,475,000 US Treasury Note 04/15/10 4.25% $2,453,047

During the years ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, the Fund’s investments (including investments bought, sold and held dur-ing the year) appreciated (depreciated) in fair value as follow:

2007 2006Investments at fair value as determined by quotedmarket prices:Domestic equities 1,298,389 508,449U.S. Government bonds 170,843 (132,147)Corporate bonds 65,664 (1,574)

Other investments:Common trust funds $421,927 627,911

____________ ____________$1,956,823 $1,002,639____________ ________________________ ____________

NOTE 6 - AGREEMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS WITH PERSONS KNOWN TO BE PARTIES IN INTERESTThe Social Service Employees Union Local 371 AFSCME, AFL-CIO (the “Union”) is a party to the collective bargaining agree-

ment that provides for pension and health and welfare benefit for its eligible members, as covered under the Plans.Pursuant to agreements adopted by the trustees of the Plan and the Social Service Employees Union Local 371 Administrative

Fund, the Administrative Fund will reimbursed Plan expenses incurred after October 1, 2000 and through May 31, 2006.Effective June 1, 2005 this agreement was terminated.NOTE 7 - ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

2007 2006Professional fees:

Legal 14,500 9,000Auditing 9,000 8,000Consultant 4,872 5,361

Stationary, printing and postage 23,831 21,980Insurance 10,192 11,335Other general and administrative 1,563 1,678

_________ _________$ 63,958 $ 57,354_________ __________________ _________

NOTE 8 - UNALLOCATED NET ASSETSDue to timing differences in the receipt and posting of contributions there are differences between the total of participants’

account balances and the net assets of the Plan. The differences are as follows:

2007 2006Net assets available for benefits 40,871,276 33,013,424Participant account balances 39,549,436 31,791,138

____________ ____________Unallocated net assets $1,321,840 $1,222,286

____________ ________________________ ____________

Annuity Fund

T h e U n i o n i s t

1 2

Local 371

Swap, Buy & SellSWAP—BFI, 250 Church Street, Food

Stamps, Fourth Floor, New York Citywould like to swap with BEV, 1775 GrandConcourse, Bronx, New York. CallHayden O’Brien at 212-274-6571.

WANTED—Top cash for your old jazz, soul, R& B and gospel albums. Call Howard at212-873-4016. (1)

FOR SALE—Kenmore heavy duty 90 serieswashing machine, 19th century prayer book,

lady’s size small dark brown borghese fakefur jacket (very good condition), gift items,clown collection, tie rack, never used cord-less telephone with clock radio, large ceilingfixture, lots more. Call 718-430-1769 andleave a message for Lisa. (3)

FOR SALE—1997 Grand Cherokee Jeep.V8, green, leather seats. Ll power. Newwater pump, brakes, radiator and fan.Runs Great. Asking price $3,250 andnegotiable. Contact Joseph at 347-409-

2523 or Kevin at 347-233-7867. (3)

GARAGE SALE—To schedule a personal view-ing call P. Matthews at 718-346-0826. (3)

SWAP—HCI worker located at Coney Islandinpatient accounts would like to swap withany HCI from Kings County or Woodhull.Contact Emilca at 718-616-4093. (3)

SWAP—CPS at 2501 Grand Concourse, Bronx,would like to swap with CPS in Manhattan

or Brooklyn. If interested, call Monique at718-933-4042 or 646-584-5568. (3)

SWAP—CWS in ACS Children’s Center, 492First Ave, Manhattan, would like to swap withCWS in the Bronx or Northern Manhattan. Ifinterested, call 646-935-1680. (3)

CLASSIFIED ADS are free to Union mem-bers and agency shop fee payers in writingonly (typewritten if possible) to THEUNIONIST, 817 Broadway, New York, N.Y.

10003. Include your work phone and socialsecurity number with ad copy, but workphone numbers will only be printed with‘’swap’’ transfer ads. In no instance will adsbe run longer than three months. No realestate or business ads accepted. TheUnion neither endorses nor is responsiblefor these offerings.

Condolences are extended to Mona Spann,AJOS II, Crotona Job Center, on the death of herfather, Melton Spann. Condolences may be sentto the Spann Family, 1737 Van Buren Street,Bronx, New York 10462.

Condolences are extended to Evelyn Johnson,HASA, on the death of her mother, Mattie MaeLemon. She was 88 years old and passed away in

Charleston, SC. Condolences may be sent to EvelynJohnson c/o Kingsbridge Center 43, 260 E. 161stStreet, 7th Floor, Bronx, New York 10451.

Condolences are extended to Sherrie Dampeer,Union Delegate and Sup III at Brooklyn APS, onthe death of her mother, Grace Watson. Shepassed away on March 19, 2008. Condolencesmay be sent to Sherrie Dampeer, 729 QuincyStreet, Brooklyn, New York 11221.

Condolences are extended to the family ofDarren Sheppherd, former member, UnionDelegate and Activist from ACS, 770 Broadwayand 150 William Street. He passed away onMarch 20. Condolences may be sent to his wife,Rosalyn Shepperd at 144-56 225th Street,Springfield Gardens, New York 11413.

Condolences are extended to the family of ToddBurgh, Caseworker, Brooklyn Boro Office #2. He

passed away on April 4, 2008, and had approxi-mately 8 years of service with OCSE. Condolencesmay be sent to Carolyn Jewett, 2675 W. 36th St.12D, Brooklyn, New York 11224.

Condolences are extended to Luvonnia Taylor,HRA Labor Relations, on the death of her mother,Lula Taylor. Condolences may be sent toLuvonnia Taylor, 438 Pulaski Street, Brooklyn, New York 11221.

Condo l en ces

Revlon Run/WalkJoin the Local 371 Women's Committee in the

Revlon Run/Walk for Women's Cancer on Saturday,May 3. Team captains are Lisa Turner and MikeWest. For information, call Lisa Turner at the Unionoffice, (212) 677-3900, extension 3038.

Jewish Heritage CelebrationThe DC 37 Jewish Heritage Committee will be cele-

brating the 60th Anniversary of Israel on Thursday,June 5, 5:30 p.m. at DC 37 Headquarters, 125Barclay Street, Room 1. There will be music, dancing,food, entertainment and guest speakers.

Women’s Committee 5thAnnual Dance and Card Party

The Union’s Women’s Committee invites you to the5th Annual Dance & Card Party on Friday, June 13 from6 to midnight at DC 37, 125 Barclay Street, Room1.Music will be by DJ Hollywood. Tickets are $10. Formore information contact Faye Moore (212) 598-7058,Helen Wilson (212) 777-9000, Lisa Turner (212) 677-3900 or Beverly Mallory-Brown (212) 598-7057.

Caribbean Heritage NightLocal 371’s Annual Caribbean Heritage Celebration

will be held on Friday, June 20 at DC 37. Everyone isinvited. See May issue of The Unionist for further details.

Save the DateLocal 371’s Women’s

Committee hosted a paneldiscussion on March 27 to

commemorate Women’sHistory Month. The panelistswere Janna Zinzi, MarionScott, and Dr. DoreenSweeting. All three are advo-cates for women’s health.

The panelists discussedissues in women’s health andfocused on empowering womento take care of their own bodies. They stressed theimportance of caring for the body and mind in orderto prevent and heal illness.

“We have to be really in tune with our bodies,”Zinzi said. One way she does this is through Con-golese dance, a form of dancing which she says ismentally rejuvenating and great exercise.

The three women were all in agreement that rely-ing on doctors and pharmaceutical companies to pro-

The Board of Trustees of the Union’s LegalServices Fund has voted to increase the maxi-mum reimbursement under the Fund’s CourtCost Disbursement benefit from $200.00 to$300.00, effective February 1, 2008.

The Court Cost Disbursement benefit paysall court costs up to a maximum of $300.00 inany legal matter that is a benefit of the Fund.Court costs include but are not limited to feesfor filing, fees for deposition, and costs relatingto investigations. In no instances will the Fundpay fines, penalties or any other amounts inwhich the member has been cast in judgement(e.g., ordered to pay).

Members who have any questions abouttheir Legal Services Fund benefits should callthe Fund, at (212) 777-9000, Ext. 3501.

Women’s Committee Hosts Panel on Empowering Women to Heal Themselves

Legal Services Fund IncreasesCourt Cost Disbursement Limit

Phot

oby

Char

les

Brow

n

Janna Zinzi (r), addresses audience as Marion Scott (l) and Dr. Doreen Sweeting listen.

Get WellGet well wishes are extended to Victoria Brown, Fraud II, 250

Livingston Street, from her coworkers. She is recovering at homefrom a recent hip surgery. Get well cards may be sent to VictoriaBrown at 250 Livingston Street, 6th Floor, Brooklyn, New York11201, Attention Ms. Bassy.

Get well wishes are extended to Aqilah Thiaw Mu’Min, Fraud II,250 Livingston Street, from her coworkers. She is recovering ina nursing home from a recent foot surgery. Get well cards maybe sent to Aqilah Thiaw Mu’Min at Silver Crest Extended Care,144-45 87th Avenue, Jamaica, New York 11435.

Get well wishes are extended to Brigitte Faustin Oshri,Associate Fraud I, 250 Livingston Street, from her coworkers.She is recovering at home from a recent arm surgery. Get wellcards may be sent to Brigitte Oshri at 250 Livingston Street, 6thFloor, Brooklyn, New York 11201, Attention Romania Griffin.

vide prescription drugs is not always the best option.Instead, women need to be informed and inquisitive.

“Ask every possible question that comes tomind,” Dr. Sweeting said. She said you need to ask your doctor what is in your medication, why you need it, and what the side effects are.Become “empowered to take care of yourself,” she concluded.

Zinzi urged women to be “prepared and armedwith information,” because when you know howyour body works, you can recognize if something isout of the ordinary and take charge to fix it yourself.

CongratulationsCongratulations are extended to Hyla Saiger, Sup III Homecare

Division, who retired on January 4, 2008. She was employedwith HRA for nearly 40 years. A party was held on site in herhonor. Her coworkers wish her much happiness and a long andhealthy retirement. Congratulations may be sent to Hyla Saigerat 401 E. 65th Street, Apartment 4C, New York, NY 10021.