Amid cheers and hugs and surrounded by his family, Eddie Rodriguez was sworn in July 16 as the new president of NYC Clerical-Administrative Employees Local 1549. Administrator Lee Saunders then administered the oath of office to the other newly elected officers and delegates of the 22,000-member local.

The swearing-in took place at a general membership meeting after members ratified a report by Election Committee Chair Pauline Jones and Colin Deane of the independent American Arbitration Association, which ran the election.

“Our local is one big family, and the new team of officers is going to move forward and involve the members,” said Mr. Rodriguez. “We’re going to be out in the field, listening to members’ ideas and building our union.”

“This marks a new beginning for Local 1549,” said DC 37 Administrator Lee Saunders, who is also administrator of the local. “The fact that thousands of members stepped up to participate in the democratic process of selecting their local leaders — from making nominations to completing and mailing their ballots — bodes well for the future of the local.”

Installation of the new officers was the latest step in a process of returning Local 1549 to its members. The election came on the heels of a number of reforms within the local, which began after it was placed under administratorship by DC 37’s parent union AFSCME in March 1999.

During the administratorship, Local 1549 continued to provide full benefits and services to members while it cut spending, lowered dues, reduced debt and improved oversight of local finances. Rank-and-file committees were established to involve chapter leaders and members in addressing workplace issues. In December 2000, the membership voted for constitutional amendments to strengthen the local’s financial integrity and tighten its leadership structure.

The process of electing new officers, which was run by the AAA, began May 8, when Local 1549 members nominated candidates at a membership meeting. On May 21 and 23 the local held its first “Candidate Nights,” where members could pose questions to those running for office. Secret mail ballots were then sent out, received and counted by AAA. One runoff contest remains between two candidates for Officer-at-Large, because neither got enough votes to win.

“We are confident that Local 1549’s newly elected leadership will be responsive to the members’ needs as they familiarize themselves with their new positions, new responsibilities, and the many tasks that lie ahead,” Mr. Saunders said. “For its part, DC 37 will work closely with them during this transition period to assure continuity of service to Local 1549 members.”