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.

In keeping with the spirit of the season ahead (and, wow, have we ever wanted a Spring to arrive more quickly?) the Editor requested that articles for this issue include examples of beginnings, freshness, enlightenment, and revival – while also emphasizing not only work contributors have performed but work yet to be done with new energy and inspiration.

Por Gregory Floyd
Presidente, Teamsters Local 237 y Vicepresidente General de la Junta General de la Hermandad Internacional de Teamsters

¡Ah, la Primavera!

Los brotes se convierten en flores; la primera pelota de béisbol de la temporada ha sido lanzada a los vítores de los fanáticos esperanzados, olvidando un decepcionante año anterior. Los camiones del Sr. Softee están de vuelta en la carretera volviéndonos locos con su melodía embriagadoramente desagradable, que hace que los niños pequeños gritaran de deleite y que los adultos buscaran sus billeteras a regañadientes. Comienza a oscurecer más tarde y los pensamientos se desvían hacia los planes de vacaciones de verano y a cuántos días de ayuno de distancia estoy de un cuerpo para traje de baño.