Public Employee Press

Mejia named safety & health head


Guille Mejia has been named director of the DC 37 Safety and Health Dept. As Principal Program Coordinator with more than 10 years' experience in the department, she has worked on behalf of members to get safety programs implemented to address serious health issues, including tuberculosis, mold and the West Nile Virus.

In her new position, Mejia would like to improve safety and health training sessions to help empower shop stewards. She also plans to initiate strategies at the grassroots level to pass legislation and improve regulations that impact members' safety and health in the workplace.

Mejia served the union earlier as a program coordinator for the DC 37 Education Fund for five years, organizing safety training workshops to educate members about hazards on the job and their rights. In 2004 she received the Karen Silkwood Award from the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health.

"I am looking to continue the excellent work of my predecessor and mentor, Lee Clarke," said Mejia. Clarke has joined the staff of Clerical-Administrative Employees Local 1549.

"My department performs a critical function," said Mejia. "We do everything we can to make sure every member goes home after their shift safe and sound."