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To the editor:
I had the privilege of working for and with Lillian Roberts for many years at District Council 37 AFSCME and when she was New York State Labor Commissioner. She passed away last week. RIP.
When I went to work at DC 37 in 1977 and before I met Lill, people told me, "you know, she is so tough. She organized blue collar NYC employees with a brick in her hand." I got to see that toughness first hand. Imagine if there were routinely that kind of guts and passion today in representing workers.
Yes she was that tough. She knew the intricacies of health care.
She was also always polite to me and most others, she was compassionate. She truly cared about the people she represented and protected. She was effective on their behalf..
She was truly someone to admire.
She will be missed.
Richard Winsten
The author is the former Assistant Director and Counsel for DC 37 Political Action and Legislation Department 1977-1984
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Valete
As a young man, I was skeptical about unions and union leadership. One day, I attended a DC 37 union meeting at its headquarters at 125 Barclay Street. Ms. Roberts addressed the members’ concerns about work schedules and overtime. Despite her pleasant yet firm approach, I was impressed by her commitment to fairness and responsibility regarding labor and management issues.
After the meeting, I approached Ms. Roberts, introduced myself, and shook her hand. Initially taken aback, she smiled and said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, young man.” I replied, “It’s my pleasure to meet a dedicated union representative and a humanitarian like you.” She thanked me for my confidence and walked over to a group of union delegates, possibly to get Victor Gotbaum’s attention.
Lillian Roberts was tough as nails, which impressed me the most. I’m sure she’s now organizing group activities in Heaven, ensuring fairness and equity for all.
Thursday, July 16 Report this