Presidential elections for Local 420 of the Association of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)---the largest union representing employees at New York City’s public hospitals--- resulted in a surprise win for challenger Carmen Charles yesterday. Former president James Butler was widely expected to win reelection, as the president of almost thirty years exercised considerable influence over voting procedures for the 7,500 member union. President Charles attributed her upset victory to what she feels is dissatisfaction among the membership with increasing dues, Mr. Butler’s large salary, and massive job cuts at city hospitals that affected many of the union’s members.
See "Longtime Head of City Hospital Union Loses Re-election Bid", STEVEN GREENHOUSE, The New York Times, March 12, 2002