From January 2008 through August 2008 District Council 1707 organized 908 workers in health care, social service and early childhood programs. With current initiatives we expect to bring in over 500 workers by the end of December. This includes a landmark decision by the labor board for employer interference, Case No. 2-CA-38014. Besides the reinstatement of workers and back pay, about 100 employees will become members of DC 1707. In addition, we are finalizing an agreement for voluntary recognition with New York City's Department of Youth and Community Development in which over 100 employees will have the right to join DC 1707. Current petitions filed for election include Imagine Early Learning Center and Industrial Living providing DC 1707 and AFSCME with about 120 workers. Various campaigns in social services and early childhood programs are expected to bring in between 200 and 500 additional workers.

The organizing process is not complete without a contract. We have developed improved tracking of data from an organizing lead to dues collection. Pressure on employers to complete contract negotiations begin immediately following elections. Negotiation sessions are planned more frequently than in the past and informal discussions take place between formal meetings. This initiative has allowed for a more timely completion of contracts.

While we continue to organize programs that easily fit into the DC 1707 structure we are also looking at different models of social services that could become targets. For example, in the past we may have organized a day care center under an agency that also included several other services pre-school, youth intervention, residences, drug outreach, etc. Now our organizing drive would not only include the day care center but all the programs under the sponsoring board that could be unionized. Our campaigns will become more complex and longer but 200 or more workers will be organized rather than 40.

Shop Stewards are the eyes and ears of a union and in DC 1707. They make sure that the contract is enforced fairly. If there are problems, it is up to the Shop Steward to file a grievance or resolve the problems through other means.