Public Employee Press

Hazel T. Underwood, long-time activist and clerical rep, passes at 89

Members, leaders and staff of DC 37 and Local 1549 were saddened to learn that Hazel T. Underwood, who devoted 29 years to representing union members before she retired in 1997, died Oct. 18. She was 89 years old.

Underwood began her civil service career at Bellevue Hospital in 1968 and quickly got active in the union as a shop steward. In 1970, she became a Grievance Rep in the Clerical Division, and was promoted to Council Rep in 1987.

Local 1549 2nd Vice President Ralph Palladino recalled the many grievances they won together. "She was a mentor - always encouraging the younger people," he said. At her retirement party, he saluted her as a "union pioneer."

Underwood mentored Renee Gainer, who is now assistant director of the division. "She was a true trade unionist who taught me so much and always fought hard for the members," Gainer said.

Underwood is survived by her six children, 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

—JLT