Rubinstein returns to Local 237, where he served as grievance coordinator from 1993 to 2002. Previously, he was general counsel of the Board of Education Retirement System and managing attorney for Housing Preservation and Development’s Community Services unit. He also served as chairperson and treasurer of the 237 affiliate Civil Service Bar Association.

Bringing up a sensitive situation, Rubinstein notes that members often ask “why we defend one member against another.” Whether it’s a supervisor or subordinate, Rubinstein explains, the union defends the member who has a grievance and is facing disciplinary charges.

Coleman was previously an attorney with New York Police Department’s Advocate’s Office, where for eight years she prosecuted uniformed and civilian members of the department in disciplinary actions and supervised various units. Prior to that, she was an assistant district attorney in Bronx County for seven years.

“Grievance coordinators serve an important role in monitoring and enforcing members’ contractual rights,” says Coleman, adding, “We also do the disciplinary side when people are brought up on charges. We defend them as vigorously as we can.”

The first step in the grievance process is to speak with a shop steward or business agent, who handles steps 1 and 2. Grievance coordinators handle step 3, the last step in the process. Handling only employmentrelated issues, they conduct arbitrations and department hearings, defending members through the process.

Rubinstein has been married for 29 years and lives in the Bronx. Daughter Emily is a civil engineer working in Tanzania. Daughter Judith is a senior at Tufts University working toward a biomedical engineering degree. Coleman is a newlywed, married a year-and-a-half.

Rubinstein and Coleman replace Deborah Singer, Esq., who left to pursue a new career opportunity. They both wish Singer the best of luck.