Roberta Lynch sworn in as Executive Director of AFSCME Council 31
Roberta Lynch was sworn in as the new executive director of AFSCME Council 31 on Aug. 1, completing a transition set in motion in June when Henry Bayer announced his retirement.
The council's Executive Board acted on its constitutional authority to elect Lynch to complete Bayer's unexpired term as executive director.
Lynch's oath of office was administered by associate director Claudia Roberson.
"The challenges that confront AFSCME members today are unprecedented in scope and scale,” Lynch said. “We can be very proud of the fact that our union has been unfailing in rising to combat every threat to the interests of our members. I am eager to continue advancing our ideals of a strong voice and fair treatment for public-service workers and economic justice for all working people throughout Illinois."
Lynch previously served for more than two decades as Council 31's deputy director, playing a central role in all aspects of the union’s activities. She has overseen the union’s policy, educational, legislative and political programs, been a key strategist in dozens of critical labor battles, and serves on the boards of AFSCME International and the Illinois AFL-CIO.
Among Lynch's first acts as executive director was the appointment of Mike Newman to the position of Deputy Director. Previously associate director for 18 years, Newman has overseen the negotiation and administration of hundreds of collective bargaining agreements, playing a vital role in contract bargaining with the State of Illinois and serving as chief negotiator with the City of Chicago and Cook County.
You can read more about Roberta and Mike here.
Bayer's retirement fulfilled a longstanding commitment to his family after 39 years with AFSCME. To ensure a smooth transition, he will continue to work for the union through the calendar year, with a special focus on the fall election.
