By Gregory Floyd
President, Teamsters Local 237
Vice President at-Large, International Brotherhood of Teamsters
All across the nation, throughout the month of March, there will be numerous celebrations and tributes to mark the accomplishments of women in America. At Local 237, we don’t have to look very far for fearless women, with an extraordinary strength of character who exemplify “never take no for an answer”.
Throughout the pandemic and beyond, so many of our women members were an integral part of our union’s overall efforts to keep the City functioning.
For us, it is not difficult to identify women who should be honored during Women’s History Month. We are especially blessed to have among our own members, and our friends, women who care about others and want everyone else to care too. That’s who they are. That’s their legacy. And we take pride in knowing them.
Throughout the month of March, we will be showcasing current women members doing their job, so that all New Yorkers can do theirs.
Our last, pre-Covid event was extra-special because we paid tribute to a woman known by the world, who was also one of our own, Marie Colvin. Marie was a war correspondent. She wrote about innocent women and children caught in the crossfire of civil war. Her bravery was legendary.
From left: the late Corinthians Andrews, Bernice Christopher and Patricia Williams.
In March of 2010, Local 237 sued New York City on behalf of our 5,000 School Safety Agents, 70% of whom were women, mostly African Americans and Latinas. Many were single mothers. Their annual salary was about $7,000 less than their counterparts, with similar titles, working in other City agencies. Most of them were male. Some called this just a coincidence. It was discrimination!
Lt. Carter has worked at Coler Hospital for 14 years. She started as a watchperson and worked her way up to Lt. She is a very hard worker and has the respect from all in the facility.
Andrea Harris is the Chief Empowerment Executive at Tools & Tiaras, an organization founded to expose girls to the trades. She is also the co-host of the podcast Tradeswomen Talk, and in her spare time (a.k.a. her day job) she is a cement mason at the New York Fire Department. Andrea has been a cement mason for over 20years and wants to share the importance of the trades and the great opportunities it provides as a career.
Two great women hard at work holding it down In one of the most active High Schools in New York City Whiedlegh High School. Level I, Floyd and Mevel III, Chism.
Sgt. Jones is a DCAS Officer with 13 years on the job. She loves her job but finds it difficult to be taken seriously as a Hispanic Woman or woman of color in a male dominated field.
Celebrating the ladies of South Shore Campus. Under the great leadership of School Safety Sargent Raven Cannon. We thank you ladies for your hard and dedication.
Brownsville Houses
Brenda Pierre Louis
Shop Steward and Safety Associate
Follow Local 237 on Facebook 
Follow Gregory Floyd on Twitter
