Public Employee Press

AFSCME helps DC 37 resolve internal disputes

Gerald McEntee, the president of DC 37’s parent union, has stepped in as a mediator to help resolve a series of disputes between DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts and the union’s Executive Board.

Provide focus
“I am proud that we are part of a powerful national union that has come to help us settle these internal differences and focus on getting a fair contract for our members,” said Ms. Roberts.

She continued, “Things are not working as smoothly as they should, and we are grateful for Mr. McEntee’s assistance.” In DC 37’s election on Jan. 27, Ms. Roberts and members of her slate won the four top officer positions, while the other slate won a majority on the Executive Board.

Many of the post-election differences of opinion have been over the roles of Ms. Roberts and the board in governing the union. She said the union constitution “contains many ambiguous ‘gray areas’ that need to be clarified.”

Mr. McEntee, who leads the 1.4 million member American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, met March 17 with the DC 37 board.

Committee formed
Mr. McEntee announced the formation of a seven-member committee to straighten out the disagreements. The group will include Ms. Roberts, two additional members from her side, SSEU Local 371 President Charles Ensley, two more from his side, and Lee Saunders, executive assistant to Mr. McEntee, as chair.

Some newspaper accounts have claimed that the new committee would take power from Ms. Roberts, but AFSCME President McEntee bluntly denied that. “Lillian Roberts will continue to have complete authority to manage DC 37 as its leader,” Mr. McEntee said.

In a joint statement to the media, Mr. McEntee, Ms. Roberts and Mr. Ensley said they are committed to “solidarity and unity” in strengthening the union on behalf of the membership.