Public Employee Press

Local 1113 celebrates 60th anniversary

Local 1113 celebrated its 60th anniversary Dec. 22 at its annual holiday party. Founded in October 1946, Local 1113 played an important role in the development of DC 37 and its national union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

The local’s unionized Dept. of Finance employees provided the impetus and drive for organizing clerical and white-collar workers citywide. Local 1113 was one of the first unions of non-uniformed City employees. On its 25th anniversary in 1970, AFSCME president Jerry Wurf said the local was, “the primary force reincarnating a then-defunct District Council 37 and a vehicle that provided much talent to the union.”

Local 1113 President John Cummings greeted the members at the party. Decked out in festive holiday attire, they were eager to celebrate and dance to the rhythms of a pulsating steel band.
“It is a great honor to be your president and to celebrate both the hard times and the good times that have taken place over the last 60 years,” said Cummings.

Deborah Pitts, chairperson of the Holiday Party Committee, recalled the local’s 60 years of dedicated service to the ideals of trade unionism. Pitts spoke about the vision and commitment of Local 1113’s pioneers, including Fannie Fine, who served as president from 1946 until her retirement in 1978.

“They were an important part of the group that built this union from the ground up,” she said. Four retired members were honored for their dedicated service to the local: Audrey Iszard, Joan Bastone, Michael Nelson, and Michael Relyea.

DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts noted that the holiday season is a time to reflect on what each person has done to make things better for others.