New York City Bosses’ Lavish Stipends

As a broad investigation begins into allegations of rampant corruption in Am. Fed. of State, County & Municipal Employees Dist. Council 37 in N.Y.C. (See UCU 1.11), dissidents say the union’s troubles stem largely from DC 37’s awkward governing structure. The structure discourages executive board members from questioning how the union is run and encourages skimpy financial oversight, little questioning and a lot of looking the other way. Critics say Stanley Hill, DC 37’s executive director, handpicked the 24-member board. Board members have a strong financial incentive to go along with Hill. They receive stipends averaging $31,530 a year on top of their union salaries: $30,000-$150,000. They get $18,000 for sitting on the board and $12,000 for heading a committee. Critics say these bosses do little extra work in return for the stipends. Each month, they attend a lavishly catered meeting with London broil or poached salmon. [N.Y. Times 11/9/98]

The 24-member executive board of AFSCME Dist. Council 37 awarded itself the following lavish stipends last year, beyond their regular salaries:

  • Stanley Hill, Exec. Director — $19,202
  • Victor Guadalupe, President — $60,256
  • Robert F. Myers Jr., Treasurer — $19,202
  • Helen Green, Secretary — $38,364
  • VICE PRESIDENTS

  • Donald Afflick — $37,055
  • Louis G. Albano — $35,603
  • Francine Autovino — $32,219
  • James Butler — $19,955
  • James E. Cobb — $63,128
  • Robert Crilly — $28,764
  • Joseph DeCanio — $28,764
  • Albert Diop — $35,096
  • Charles Ensley — $28,245
  • Charles Hughes — $44,849
  • Bessie Jamison — $29,315
  • Peter Jannace — $16,500
  • Joan H. Reed — $28,764
  • Marlene Rosenberg — $28,764
  • Paul Shelkin — $28,764
  • Shiekie Snyder — $29,315
  • Robert H. Taylor — $32,764
  • Gary R. Tenenbaum — $25,169
  • James Tucciarelli — $33,287
  • Gloria Byrd Whittle — $13,371