District Council 37 Local 1505 President Dilcy Benn has been selected to be one of this years’ recipients for the distinguished EmblemHealth-LaborPress Heroes of Labor Award to be presented on October 23, 2025.
Local 1505 President Dilcy Benn began her career with the New York City Parks Department in 1996 as a member of DC 37 Local 983. When Dilcy was promoted the following year, she became a member of Local 1505 and becoming a Shop Steward in 2000. In 2001 she became Vice President of Local 1505. Dilcy Benn ran for President in 2008 and won. She became President of Local 1505 January 1, 2009. Throughout her career as union activist and president, she has always supported fellow union members on a 24/7 basis. President Benn is a consistent regular at City Hall talking to legislators, testifying, and usually holding colorful signs while demonstrating for additional funding for workers. President Benn has served on the District Council 37 Executive Board for five terms. She has represented DC 37 as a Trustee on their Education Fund since 2009 and serves as the Chairperson on the DC 37 Parks Policy Committee.
“I protect my members from abuses by management,” Benn said. When layoffs threatened some Local 1505 members jobs and reduced others to seasonal employment, Benn worked with DC 37 leaders to protect workers full-time status. She has fought for and won hardship transfers for Local 1505 members, and negotiated their right to transfer within the Department of Parks and Recreation. “You have to love this work to do it. You have to care about people,” said Benn. The union represents Park Attendants, Debris Removers, City Parks Workers and Parks Service Workers.
DC 1505 President Dilcy Benn has been an advocate not only for her members but also has taken a lead in the NYC/DC 37 Parks Opportunity Program. This project recruits and trains unemployed men and woman for both temporary and permanent jobs in the NYC Parks. President Benn has helped hundreds of those on welfare turn their lives around and provide for their family in a stable, permanent job in the NYC Parks Department. Many former unemployed New Yorkers under her guidance have continued in school and successfully moved from Parks to other careers.
In 2002 union member Samuel Marshall had a severe heart condition that required a Medical LifeVest to prevent a sudden cardiac death. The LifeVest constantly monitors the patient’s heartbeat to detect certain life-threatening rapid heart rhythms and automatically delivers a treatment shock to save a patient’s life. When he found out this expensive medical equipment needed for his survival was not covered by his insurance plan, he reached out to President Benn.
Dilcy said “I couldn’t believe this was going on. “This member faces a life-threatening situation every day. So, I began banging on doors to get this taken care of immediately. I was relentless until we had a resolution,” Benn said. “It’s how you have to be to get these issues resolved.” Mr. Marshall’s insurance plan quickly covered all costs for his equipment needed.
President Benn is always hands-on when a member has a concern. She works directly with members having problems at work or other issues. Dilcy is available 24/7 and always tenacious and determined when solving a members’ issue.
