By DIANE S. WILLIAMS

The District Council 37 delegate body unanimously elected DC 37 Executive Director Henry Garrido and Social Service Employees Union Local 371 President Anthony Wells international vice presidents of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees at the 42^nd AFSCME Convention last month.

AFSCME international vice presidents (IVPs) determine the union’s agenda,  policies and procedures, and they weigh in on major national issues, such as privatization, fair taxes, health care and pensions affecting 1.6 million members and retirees that AFSCME represents in more than 3,400 local unions and 58 councils and affiliates in 46 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.

“I am deeply appreciative of the tremendous confidence the DC 37 delegates have placed in me and the unity they have shown. Now let’s go and get work done!” said Garrido.

Union delegates applauded as he and Wells accepted the IVP posts and took the oath of office to represent the New York City District on the AFSCME International Board for the next four years.

Former DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts, who retired in 2014, nominated Garrido to fill the seat she vacates upon completion of her second New York City IVP term. DC 37 and Local 1549 President Eddie Rodriguez, who served as IVP since 2003, nominated Wells. Wells is a vice president on DC 37’s executive board and chairs the union’s Civil Service Committee.

Garrido, Wells and the DC 37 delegation warmly thanked Roberts and Rodriguez for their dedicated service to AFSCME, DC 37 and the labor movement.

“I’m honored to represent our members as an IVP,” Wells said. “I look forward to working with the AFSCME board on the problems we face in the union movement today. I’m grateful to the members for having faith in myself and Henry to continue fighting for them. We never quit!”