Note: The National Institute for Latino Policy (NiLP) is pleased to report the election this past week of our longtime Board member, Héctor Figueroa, as the new President of 32BJ SEIU, the largest private sector union in New York State. He represents a new generation of union leader with a strong social justice commitment and a profound understanding of the importance of strong labor-community coalitions. We wish him well on the many new challenges before him and the labor movement.
---Angelo Falcón
Héctor Figueroa Takes
Helm as 32BJ's New President
32 BJ SEIU News (October 3, 2012)
New York, NY - 32BJ SEIU, the largest property services union in the country and largest private-sector union in New
York State, today installed Héctor Figueroa, the union's longtime Secretary-Treasurer, as its new President.
Figueroa won election over the summer to replace Mike Fishman, who after heading 32BJ for 12 years is leaving for Washington, D.C., to serve as Executive Vice President of the Service Employees International Union.
A labor leader for more than 20 years, Figueroa has served as 32BJ's
Secretary-Treasurer since 2000. He came to 32BJ from the national Justice for Janitors campaign in which tens of thousands of low-wage janitors across the country successfully organized into unions to win better pay, improved working conditions, and a voice on the job. At 32BJ, Figueroa's accomplishments have included raising the union's political profile by fighting for immigrant and worker rights in the Tri-State Area; helping to pass important legislation such as the New York City Displaced Workers Act; and establishing the American Dream Fund, the union's voluntary political action fund.
"I am honored and excited to help lead this great union at a time when the labor movement in our country faces both great challenges and opportunities," Figueroa said. "32BJ has a membership that is diverse in background yet united in our dedication to strengthening communities, and creating an economy that works for everyone."
In addition to Figueroa's taking the reins as President on Wednesday, eight other 32BJ leaders were sworn into office: Larry Engelstein as Executive Vice President; Kyle Bragg as Secretary-Treasurer; Lenore Friedlaender as Assistant to the President; and Shirley Aldebol, Jaime Contreras, Rob Hill, Gabe Morgan and John Thacker as Vice Presidents.