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City Council honors Carmen Charles

Union sisters and brothers with Local 420 Pres. Carmen Charles and proclamation at City Hall March 26.

Women’s History Month is a chance not only to reflect on the pioneers of the past but also to celebrate those women who work to better our world today.

For her outstanding service to the community and the members of Municipal Hospital Employees Local 420, President Carmen Charles was honored March 26 with a proclamation from the City Council.

The proclamation, signed by council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Council member Kendall Stewart of District 45 in Brooklyn, honors Charles’s more than 20 years as a union activist.

“She is an ardent defender of employees’ rights in the workplace, and under her leadership the diverse membership has rallied together for their common cause: workers for workers,” reads the proclamation.

Charles began her fight for members’ rights in 1987 as a shop steward for Local 420. In 2002 she became president.

“Since taking office,” the proclamation notes, “Ms. Charles has built a legacy of impressive achievements, from negotiating upgrades for her members to returning the union to sound financial footing.”

“She has also inspired the members of Local 420 with her optimism and determination to empower all union members at all levels,” states the proclamation.

“I accept this proclamation in honor of all the labor union women that have opened the door for my success,” Charles said.