Public Employee Press

Shirley Williams gets labor award

Real Estate Employees Local 1219 President Shirley Williams was honored Oct. 11 by New York State Sen. John Sampson at his annual Spirit of Excellence Awards brunch.

Williams is a vice president of District Council 37 and chairs the union’s Education Committee, which provides college scholarships for members’ children. She received the Distinguished Labor Award for her contributions to the labor movement, the New York community and her membership.

“These awards honor leaders who stand out for their humane spirit and their commitment to empowering the community,” said Sampson.

At the awards ceremony Williams spoke forcefully about the importance of “turning the page on the Bush years.” She said she is “proud to provide a strong voice to represent our union members” and admitted that she was not only honored but also “overwhelmed” at the tribute to her leadership.

The event’s theme was “Invest in the future — VOTE!” After the Nov. 4 election Sampson told PEP, “Shirley Williams and the labor movement played a key role in getting out the vote for Barack Obama.”