Public Employee Press

Primus is new head of AFSCME's Women's Advisory Committee

Local 957 President Walthene Primus is the new chair of the National Women's Advisory Committee of AFSCME, District Council 37's parent union.

She was appointed to the position by Gerald W. McEntee, president of the 1.6-million-member American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

"I want to thank President McEntee for his confidence in my leadership," said Primus. "As a local president and chair of the DC 37 Women's Committee, I believe I can help AFSCME develop ways to address the special concerns of women."

Primus began her career with the New York City Housing Authority in 1977 and soon became a shop steward. She was elected head steward and secretary of the local before being named a grievance rep in 1997 and becoming president in 1999.

She is also a DC 37 delegate and vice president and plays an active role in protecting members' rights as a member of the union's Ethical Practices Committee.