Public Employee Press

DC 37’s Lillian Roberts: a lifetime leading labor

By DIANE S. WILLIAMS

Forty-two years after she organized 22,000 hospital workers against tough opposition in a do-or-die election where every vote counted, Lillian Roberts is still about union-building.

District Council 37’s delegates overwhelmingly re-elected Roberts to a third term as executive director on Jan. 23.

Roberts enjoys a rich history in the labor movement and has earned the reputation of a tenacious leader and brilliant organizer. Her humble beginnings as a struggling nurse’s aide and AFSCME organizer in Chicago during the 1960s fuel her devotion to the success of DC 37.

Her reputation as a courageous, fighting labor leader resonated with the Delegates Council, which in 2002 unanimously elected her to run and rebuild DC 37 after scandals rocked its reputation. Roberts rolled up her sleeves and made tough decisions for the members’ benefit. In 2004 she faced opposition but was re-elected to her first full three-year term. And on Jan. 23, the Delegate Body once again placed its confidence in her leadership.

A fighter for dignity
Roberts has always fought for dignity and opportunities at the workplace for union members. Her life-long record in the labor movement shows that Roberts always has and always will put the members and services to the members first. She has lifted the quality of life for DC 37 members by increasing wages and benefits in two DC 37 contracts, clearing career paths for members through the civil service system, and lobbying effectively for union legislation. “Whether Democratic or Republican, we want to elect leaders who put labor first,” said Ms. Roberts. “Our vote is not owned by any one party.”

“It is the hard work and dedication of DC 37 members in providing city services that makes this city work. As the city prospers, so should our members,” Roberts said.

Bold enough to think outside the box about the city’s housing crisis, Roberts partnered with Mayor Mike Bloomberg, housing officials and banks to launch the Municipal Employees Housing Program, the nation’s most comprehensive affordable housing initiative developed by a labor union. In the current contract, she negotiated a provision to expand the city’s residency requirement to include six surrounding counties. Roberts is also responsible for creating the nation’s most comprehensive union education program at DC 37.

“Today DC 37 is strong and united,” Roberts said. Her entire Members First slate was elected to serve on the DC 37 Executive Board Jan. 23, as well. “We are committed to demanding meaningful action from our elected leaders on issues of importance to our members. We are committed enough to initiate a child care program that will help our working families in need. We are farsighted enough to forge an even stronger future by negotiating our next contract with the city and fighting in Albany, in the City Council, and in Washington, D.C. for our members’ rights and benefits. And we will always put members first.”