The Detroit Federation of Teachers is expressing condolences to the family of retired Labor Relations Administrator, Marvin Green. Brother Green served in the office as an LRA for many years, under the administrations of John Elliott, Janna Garrison and Virginia Cantrell.
Keith Johnson, former president of the Union, states that he was so saddened to learn that his former colleague passed away back in January. Marvin served more than 20 years as a Labor Relations Administrator for the DFT.
When I came to the DFT office in 1993, Marvin was an invaluable asset to me in learning how to serve our members. Marvin didn't really say much, but he was acutely aware of members rights under the CBA, and was vigilant and diligent in the enforcement of their rights. Marvin was the most organized person in the office. You never saw his desk cluttered, and his file drawers were immaculately structured; organized either alphabetically or chronologically. A place for everything, and everything in its place. It was always humorous to me that when I became Director of Operations, how Marvin would come to me to ask how he should proceed on an issue, not because of my knowledge but because of my.position. Marvin was a dedicated Unionist; passionate about education, passionate about the teaching profession, and passionate about his Union. DFT members past and present should be thankful for the service rendered by Marvin L. Green.
Rest in peace my friend and Union brother.
Patrick Falcusan, Retirement Counselor, had this to say about his colleague: When I was new to the Union many years ago, Marvin would offer me advice on how to accomplish some of the tasks that then President John Elliott would assign me. Marvin would urge me not to attempt too many tasks at once and then end up not doing any of them well. Rather, he said, I should concentrate on the really important tasks, but do all of them very well. Marvin was also my go-to person when there were parts of the Contract that I did not quite understand. Marvin would take the time to explain the Contract language to me--and answer other union-related questions. Sometimes I am able to pass along some of his answers when unit members call me with the same questions these many years later."
Here is his obituary: Marvin L. Green Obituary. His memorial service will be in Hastings, Michigan on Saturday, June 1, 2024.
