Fernandez Overcomes DC 37 Favorite To Win Local 154 Race

Fernandez Overcomes DC 37 Favorite To Win Local 154 Race


In a key political battle within District Council 37, incumbent Local 154 President Juan Fernandez was elected to his third term for a seventh year in office, handily defeating Morris R. Johnson - a DC 37 vice president - by a final vote of 164 to 73.

JUAN FERNANDEZ: Turns back a challenge.

Slate Won Most Posts

Mr. Fernandez's slate, Unity for the Members, was victorious nearly across the board, winning the contests for vice president, secretary and treasurer, as well as most posts as DC 37 delegates and delegates to the Central Labor Council.

Mr. Fernandez believes the election results were not so much an indication of discontent with DC 37's leadership as a testament to the satisfaction of members with the work of the local's top officials. "The election results are a clear reflection of the approach the union has taken with our members," he said. "The members have spoken in response to the consistent work of Local 154 over the last six years. Even though we are a small local, we have reached out to members and made concrete improvements in their lives. Their work activity and quality of life on the job has improved. Members are reacting to that more than anything else."

Mr. Fernandez said the local had kept members informed about chapter activities through meetings, a regular newsletter and regular updates on the Web site. He declined to discuss the tensions between Local 154 and DC 37 that are a product of his alliance with the reform wing of DC 37.

In his next term, Mr. Fernandez said, "We need to develop a better structure to reflect the latest changes in the local." Over the last few years Local 154 has evolved to represent several new job titles and positions.

"We are striving for improvements for various titles," Mr. Fernandez said. "Another priority is to protect our civil service system. There is a Department of Citywide Administrative Services proposal that would be very damaging. We have a bill in Albany right now regarding health insurance for retirees that we need to see enacted."

Mr. Fernandez said he will continue an open dialogue with his rank and file, allowing them to "reach out" when they have concerns.

"We always have contact with our members," he concluded. "People have come to identify with us."