PEP, May 2016: Park benches named for Roberts

In a gesture of reverence and honor for a labor trailblazer, the New York City Comptroller's Quality of Work Life Employees Recognition Committee held a dedication ceremony in City Hall Park April 20 to unveil three benches that will bear the name of Lillian Roberts, the retired executive director of District Council 37.

"Lillian Roberts has lived a life of incredible service to DC 37 members and the residents of this city," said Henry Garrido, Roberts' successor.

"Hers is an outstanding legacy of fighting for income equality, fair treatment and dignity for all workers," Garrido said. "She has transformed and improved the lives of many generations of workers - including myself - who have benefited from her tireless dedication to the labor movement and to humanity."

This is the first time a City Hall Park bench has been named for a person, and the response from labor unions, including Local 3 Electricians, DC 37 including locals 154, 371, 372, 924, 768, 1407, and others was so great, the QWL committee had three benches named in Roberts' honor.

"A bench is better than a tree because when the mayor and labor leaders hit an impasse, I will tell them to take it to the bench, resolve it as Lillian did-and work it out," said City Comptroller Scott Stringer.