Public Employee Press

DC 37 bids fairwell to labor's "Lady of Steel"

At her last DC 37 Executive Board meeting, Lillian Roberts expressed her confidence on Dec. 10 that the future of the union looks bright, despite the nationwide attacks on the labor movement.

Presiding over her last DC 37 Executive Board meeting as executive director, Roberts said, "I think the union is going to be fine, though we face hard challenges."

Days earlier, Roberts had attended a summit of DC 37's parent union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. At the meeting, AFSCME President Lee Saunders warned the participants about the threat posed by the new Republican majority in the U.S. Congress, nationwide efforts to gut collective bargaining rights, and multiple lawsuits that aim to cripple organized labor's financial resources by hindering their constitutional right to collect dues.

"We have a lot of benefits to defend," Roberts said. "I know you are up to the challenge."

The Dec. 10 meeting was just one of a number of occasions held in the past few months when union leaders and activists, as well as politicians and city officials, honored Roberts, who retired on Dec. 31.

The day after the DC 37 Executive Board meeting, the union staff honored Roberts at its annual holiday party at DC 37 headquarters at 125 Barclay St. in downtown Manhattan.
A legion of top staffers and local leaders paid tribute to Roberts.

"Lillian, you are truly a guardian angel," said Clerical-Administrative Division Director Renee Gainer. "We hate to see you go and truly, truly love you."

"With your knowledge and expertise, you built this union," added Local 1549 President Eddie Rodriguez.

"Had it not been for Lillian, we would not have what we have," said Henry Garrido, who was sworn in as executive director on Dec. 31, alluding to some of Roberts achievements, including the organizing of thousands of hospital workers, fighting for women's rights, and winning right of municipal employees to live outside the city. "The biggest accomplishment is she did all this with grace."

DC 37 Associate Director Oliver Gray took advantage of the gathering to announce that the union would celebrate Roberts' legacy during a ceremony in which the building will be named in her honor.

Marva Lewis-Bradford, director of the Schools Division, gave Roberts a money tree, wishing her good health, wealth and happiness.

"We will always love Lillian," said Nola R. Brooker, director of the Professional Division, who presented Roberts with artwork.

A new generation takes charge

Erica Vargas, an assistant director of the DC 37 Political Action and Legislation Dept., gave Roberts a basket of presents on behalf of the department and Next Wavers, the union's young activists.

DC 37 Executive Board members, union officers and local presidents gathered with Roberts as she cut a giant cake.

"I love each and every one of you even though I may have had to spank you sometimes," Roberts joked.

"Stay together and don't let anybody destroy the union," Roberts said.

Roberts expressed her confidence in Garrido's leadership skills. "Henry is honest. He is fair, and he is very intelligent. And he is very, very young."