Local 1549 President Eddie Rodriguez won election as an AFSCME international vice president May 10 in a special convention at District Council 37.

District Council 37’s two IVPs represent the council on the International Executive Board of its parent union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

“On the AFSCME board, I will represent every member of DC 37, not just Local 1549,” said Mr. Rodriguez.

With his daughter Jasmine, 14, at his side, he was installed in office by Pennsylvania Council 13’s IVP, Edward J. Keller, who chaired the session.

Calls for unity
Running against Civil Service Technical Guild Local 375 President Claude Fort and College Assistants Local 2054 President Joan Reed, Mr. Rodriguez received 67,775 votes, or 55 percent of the 123,739 votes cast.

Mr. Rodriguez asked Ms. Reed and Mr. Fort to “come together with me and build our union strong.” He told the special convention delegates that he would work closely with DC 37’s other IVP, Social Service Employees Union Local 371 President Charles Ensley, “to make you proud of us.”

Chaired by Local 372 Executive Vice President Santos Crespo, the Election Committee consisted of Local 1655 President Donald Afflick, Local 371 Vice President Faye Moore, Local 957 President Walthene Primus and Local 384 President Esther “Sandy” Tucker.

The Credentials Committee was chaired by Local 1320 President James Tucciarelli and included Veronica Montgomery-Costa, president of DC 37 and of Local 372, Local 2021 President Leonard Allen, Local 1501 President Anthony Bigone and Local 1455 President Michael DeMarco. The American Arbitration Association handled the balloting and tabulation of the votes.

Member since 1972
Mr. Rodriguez has been a member of Clerical-Administrative Local 1549 since 1972. After serving the local as a shop steward, chapter chair, grievance rep and vice president, he was elected president in 2001. He fills the IVP position vacated by former Local 768 President Helen Greene.