Left. Robert Aguilar Jr., Shop Steward. At right, Recent renovations.
The NYC Department of Transportation’s Sign Shop in Maspeth plays an important role in our city: and produces every street and highway sign in the Big Apple. The location also houses the unit that installs, monitors and repairs parking meters throughout the five boroughs. It’s a busy shop with dedicated employees who help keep our city on track to their destination. The agency has conducted these operations out of this location for many years. Over time, the working conditions in the building deteriorated, and became a serious concern for these city workers.
Robert Aguilar Jr., Shop Steward says, “Built by union grit, driven by the memory of those we lost. The Maspeth Coalition turned doubt into action—replacing old walls with new hope. We stand as proof that when Teamsters lead, the environment is forced to rise with us and the environment changes to meet us.”
Some attempts have been made in past years to address concerning issues. In 2019, the agency had put forth a capital projects plan and had approval for major renovation work, but COVID upended that initiative, and staff became discouraged. Aguilar, fairly new to the facility, remained motivated, contacted the union, and began to meet with staff throughout the facility who are represented by several unions. In April 2024, Local 237 staff and union staff from several city unions conducted a walkthrough and met with upper management to get a serious commitment to address the staff’s concerns. When efforts stalled, the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations was contacted to provide the push needed to secure the funding to make much-needed renovations, repairs, remodeling and clean-up.
Bianca Jones, Citywide Business Agent says, “This has been a big and long project however DOT Management heard our concerns…. working in tandem with other Unions in solidarity was a big plus for members.”
Fast forward to 2025, and upon entering the facility, the changes are immediately noticeable.
Phil Castellani, Supervisor of Traffic Device Maintainer says, “It’s changed for the better!”
But one big issue remains: how to deal with the many trucks that park in the facility. New cleaning machines have been purchased and regularly utilized to minimize the dust, but staff still hope some other location could be found to park those vehicles. However, space is hard to find, and the trucks need to be at the facility to move signs and meters and other equipment to locations throughout the city.
Curtis Scott, Citywide Business Agent and Trustee says, “Safety is important to our members and to Local 237.”
