Strength ALL IN. Building FOR WORKERS' STRENGTH. CON TODO por la fuerza de trabajadores. Special section on the economy & political action, page 10

Transcripción

1 Building Strength 32BJ SEIU Summer/Verano 2012 En español: página 16 ALL IN FOR WORKERS' STRENGTH Special section on the economy & political action, page 10 Sección especial sobre la economía y acción política, página 26 CON TODO por la fuerza de trabajadores

2 All in for Progress A message from 32BJ President Mike Fishman 32BJ is about building strength for working people and this takes strong leadership, a clear plan, and hard work. In 2010, 32BJ s member-leaders convened in Hershey, Pa. and went back to their districts dedicated to building a broader base of leadership in our union. Our plan: members would lead members into action that would help build a better life for all of our families and communities. We realized that plan. And in the last two years, despite the odds against working people, 32BJ continued to make progress. Those who seek to protect the 1 percent, to criminalize immigrants, to roll back voting rights, and to leave the rest of us in the cold are getting bolder. But in the face of their disdain, we are getting smarter and stronger and we are winning more support every day. In 2010, 32BJ member-leaders said we would have 100,000 conversations to build our strength. We ve done that. We talked to co-workers, family members, elected officials, and community leaders about our efforts to move this country toward greater fairness. And in so doing, we led fellow members and nonunion workers to action. We got members to knock on doors, to vote, to take to the streets, and to stand ready to strike if that s what it would take to win a fair contract. We saw that together we could make a difference even in a tough economy and hostile political environment. In late April, more than 1,000 member-leaders convened again. We agreed that it is time now to take our commitment and our work to the next level. If each of us is all in, together, we have the power to keep making progress for working families and our communities. 2 Building Strength Summer/Verano 2012 Fishman voted SEIU Executive VP On May 29, delegates to the SEIU convention voted unanimously for Mike Fishman as executive vice president of the SEIU (32BJ s parent body) as part of the union s leadership team headed by SEIU President Mary Kay Henry. SEIU has 2.2 million members across the U.S. and in Canada and Puerto Rico. I look forward to Mike bringing the many lessons he has learned leading 32BJ to help set the course of the entire union, said President Henry of the election. I m honored by the trust SEIU s member delegates have placed in me and will bring the spirit and energy of 32BJ to the SEIU mission, commented Fishman. At membership meetings in April, 32BJ members voted to move southern Jersey from the Mid-Atlantic (MAD) to the New Jersey District. MAD now encompasses Philadelphia and its suburbs, and Delaware. Building Strength Featured on the cover: Photos from the Lead, Unite, Win 2012 member-leader convention in April. Fotos de la Convención Liderar, Unir, Ganar de afiliados-líderes en abril de is published in the interest of the members of Service Employees International Union, Local 32BJ. President: Mike Fishman Executive Vice President: Kevin Doyle Secretary-Treasurer: Héctor Figueroa Vice Presidents: Kyle Bragg, Lenore Friedlaender, Rob Hill, Brian Lambert, John Thacker Assistant to the President: Larry Engelstein 32BJ SEIU, 25 West 18th Street, New York, NY Editor: Leyla Vural Design: Roger Gorman, Reiner Design/NY Translation: Ernesto Mora Photographers: Dave Sanders, Rick Reinhard (portraits on pages 9 and 25), Pittsburgh United (pages 6 and 22), One Pittsburgh (page 7) Political Cartoon: Used with the permission of Paul Fell and Cartoonstock.com. All rights reserved.

3 [ ] LEADERSHIP 100% dedicated to building our strength For more photos and video: In late April, more than 1,000 32BJ member-leaders met for three days to focus on building greater strength for working people through our union. Together, we have the talent and the imagination to do the work it ll take to win for the 99 percent, 32BJ Secretary-Treasurer Héctor Figueroa told the enthusiastic crowd. We have ambitious plans for the coming years. We are here to keep building a live, organic network that s prepared to take on the challenges ahead and win. Kevin Doyle, 32BJ s executive vice president, urged all those at the convention to dedicate themselves fully to our shared mission. This is a fight for the next generation and its future, not just for ourselves. Each of us must be all in if we are to succeed. Throughout the convention, member-leaders often shouted their support for 32BJ s program for growth with the simple, powerful call: All in! But more than that, every 32BJ member-leader at the convention made a specific commitment to do the work that ll turn our contract, organizing, and political action goals into reality. We call each other brother and sister for a reason, concluded Larry Engelstein, 32BJ s assistant to the president. I have complete faith that each of us will keep our commitments and do the work we promised to do to build our strength. Continued on next page Summer/Verano 2012 Building Strength 3

4 [ ] LEADERSHIP Roving reporter What have you learned about leadership? We are the union. We have to come together because we have a common goal: to rebuild the middle class. Willie Lucas, university cleaner, Washington, D.C. I didn t know just how much money CEOs actually make. I will work harder to get my co-workers more involved in our union so that we can re-elect President Obama and address income inequality together. Yeny Nuñez, office cleaner, Connecticut We can only succeed by achieving the main goal of our union: to help workers get what we deserve from our employers. Muniru Owe, office cleaner, New Jersey One of the best tools we have is being able to put our heads together to find solutions together. Justin Foglia, building superintendent, Hudson Valley District I will make sure to talk to my co-workers regularly so they can become union leaders too. This year, we have to support President Obama. Yohanny Peguero, office cleaner, Mid-Atlantic District The union is only as strong as we are. If we don t get up and fight, things will stay the same with the 99% and the 1%. Kim Squirrel, cafeteria worker, Western Pennsylvania District It s up to us to show the strength of unions and solidarity. It rejuvenated me to be a leader looking for a better way of life. Ernie Bennett, school facilities manager, District 1201, Philadelphia 4 Building Strength Summer/Verano 2012 I learned that I can apply these skills in my community too. As Floridians, we have an important job this year to make sure our state swings in the right direction, and that is to re-elect President Obama. Victoria Carbajal, university cleaner, Florida To me, being a leader means inspiring others. We are seriously oppressed. Stepping up and getting involved is how we win the respect we deserve. Charles Young, security officer, New York City

5 For more photos and video: 32BJ member-leaders met by sector security, schools, commercial, and residential and by district to plan the work ahead. Summer/Verano 2012 Building Strength 5

6 [ COMMUNITY ] PARTNER We have brought a broad array of justice organizations together in the fight to win on the big issues, says Barney Oursler, Pittsburgh UNITED S executive director. Together, we are making change happen. Pittsburgh UNITED in the fight for economic justice Pittsburgh UNITED brings groups together that are willing to take to the streets and fight for economic justice, says Barney Oursler, the coalition s executive director. Since April 2011, we have held a big action every month to push our shared goals forward. Coalition building is hard work. It takes time and shared experience to develop real trust among groups. But achieving a victory together where alone it would not have been possible and witnessing that groups will dedicate their resources to a fight that is not necessarily their own can be the beginning of a long, fruitful connection. That s what is happening in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh UNITED started in the mid 2000 s when the local SEIU affiliate (which is now 32BJ s Western Pennsylvania District) reached out to civil rights, low-income, faithbased, and environmental groups, as well as other unions, so that together they could make Pittsburgh a better place for its people. UNITED, by the way, stands for Unions and Neighborhoods Invested Together for Economic Development. The coalition s first undertaking and victory was to demand that a $500 million public subsidy for a new hockey arena require the Pittsburgh Penguins to provide good jobs to local residents as part of the construction and operation of the arena. That win has fueled others. In , Pittsburgh UNITED led a tough fight that ended with the city passing the only prevailing wage law in the country that requires decent pay and benefit standards for building and food service, grocery, and hotel workers. Since then, the coalition has led successful fights to pass clean water and clean air legislation, each with a veto-proof majority. Today, Pittsburgh UNITED is co-chaired by 32BJ s own Gabe Morgan and Rev. David Thornton of the Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network, which is a group of 47 churches, synagogues, and mosques. Pittsburgh UNITED is helping to bend the arc of history toward justice, as Martin Luther King, Jr. said it does, with a little more speed and force. And the city is all the better for it. 6 Building Strength Summer/Verano 2012

7 Save our schools [ ] SCHOOLS For more photos: Our message is out across PA, and even nationwide, thanks to extensive press coverage of the May 23 protests. Stand for Children, Stand for Public Schools. Across the state, Pennsylvanians are fighting for proper funding to support good public schools and to maintain good jobs. Our children and our communities can afford nothing less. (Top photo, protests in Philadelphia. Insert, Pittsburgh.) The fight is on to save public education in Pennsylvania. On May 23, thousands of parents, 32BJ members, and others took to the streets in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and across the state to send the message to Gov. Corbett that kids must come before politics. Protests included peaceful civil disobedience and 25 arrests because this fight demands the strongest of stands and there s still a chance to save public schools and good jobs before budget talks end. Summer/Verano 2012 Building Strength 7

8 [ AROUND ] THE UNION Righteous action prevails At the end of your life, you want to know you did what was righteous and just, says Shop Steward Rashon Vaughn, pictured here. That s why he didn t hesitate to take a stand when a Swedish company bought the factory where he works in Louisville, Ky. and took aggressive steps to destroy the union. Vaughn helped lead his 59 co-workers in their fight to defend their jobs and standards. After a six-week campaign, they won a new contract that restores all of their rights and includes a pay raise as well as increased company payments to the workers health care. We all have a purpose, says Vaughn. I have to be vocal. Round 1: David beats Goliath in Brooklyn, N.Y. A 16-month lockout of 70 residential members at the Flatbush Gardens apartment complex in Brooklyn ended in early April when a judge ordered that the employer take workers back and return to the bargaining table. The employer had last demanded pay and benefit cuts of more than 30 percent, and the right to lay off all workers. The fight for a fair contract and secure rights goes on. But this round sends a message to employers: 32BJ members will not be bullied. Good jobs law wins in NYC 32BJ members fought hard to pass a bill and then to override the mayor s veto that requires building maintenance workers to be paid the going rate at buildings that receive support from the City. Above, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn announcing the law s passing. Together in the fight In March, a delegation of 32BJ members joined thousands of others to recreate the historic 1965 marches from Selma to Montgomery. This time the purpose was to protest new barriers to voting access in Alabama and to oppose the state s recent oppressive immigration law. Working people are still being oppressed by the powers that be, said George Blacknall, a 32BJ office building cleaner from New York who participated in the march (not shown here). Workers rights and immigrants rights are really civil rights and we must all be in this fight together. Above, 32BJ members with Jesse Jackson. 8 Building Strength Summer/Verano 2012

9 Respect security campaign marches on [ ] SECURITY I n Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York City, security officers are making progress in their campaign to raise industry standards and be treated with respect on the job. More than 13,000 security officers in New York City and Washington, D.C. are negotiating new contracts this spring and summer. Those covered by the New York s major building owners association have already won an agreement with pay raises and secure benefits. 3,000 security officers in Philadelphia and as many as 5,000 in New Jersey are organizing with 32BJ to transform their low-paying jobs into good jobs. In Hartford, Connecticut, security officers who protect state buildings and property went on a one-day strike on May 10 to demand that their employer, state contractor SOS Security, negotiate a fair contract and pay into a workers pension plan, as its agreement with the state requires. For more photos and video: United with one message: Respect security. Clockwise from top left: New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia and D.C. The 32BJ strike in Connecticut got lots of public attention. Summer/Verano 2012 Building Strength 9

10 [ ACTION &FACTS ] The truth about government spending and taxes In this political climate, it s all too easy to forget how much government matters. But everyone in the U.S. no matter how rich depends on government action countless times a day. Roads, bridges, airports, and water systems; firefighters and police; public schools, community colleges, and state universities; unemployment insurance; Social Security and Medicare are all part of the everyday functions of government. Problem: The disparity between spending and revenue Last year, the federal government nearly came to a grinding halt because legislators couldn t agree on a budget. Small government, pro-business advocates like Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin argued that the government spends too much on programs for people. Their position: Cut education, food stamps, health care, and more (but not the military). Lower taxes for the rich and for corporations. Jobs will grow because the rich create jobs and they ll be richer so they ll create more jobs. But millions of people, including children and the elderly, count on the programs they d cut (see chart opposite). Robert Greenstein, president of the independent Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, says the Ryan budget would likely produce the largest redistribution of income from the bottom to the top in modern U.S. history. That means hard-working people like us would help the rich get richer. In return, we d get nothing but greater hardship. Some argue that it s a myth that the rich are job creators, as their lobbyists and friends in politics call them. Venture capitalist Nick Hanauer, who invests in new businesses, says the true job creators are consumers, the middle class. If regular people don t have the money to buy things, then businesses can t last and that means, of course, they can t create lasting jobs. Concludes Hanauer, Taxing the rich to make investments that grow the middle class is the single smartest thing we can do for everyone. And when it comes to government cuts to essential services, Dean Baker of the Center for Economic and Political Research points out: There are no businesses that are going to hire additional workers because the government laid off school teachers or firefighters and we cut back spending on food stamps. Continued on page Building Strength Summer/Verano 2012

11 20% Defense & international security assistance U.S. Federal Spending % Social Security 21% Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP (Insurance for children) 3% Transportation infrastructure 2% Science & medical research 2% Education 13% Safety net programs, like food stamps 7% Benefits for federal retirees & veterans 6% Interest on debt 4% All other 1% Non-security international 56 million Americans will receive Social Security benefits in million 46 seniors received Medicare benefits in million 65 % 25 % Americans children, the elderly, and the working poor currently receive food stamps. of people receiving Medicaid benefits belong to working families. of bridges in the U.S. need repair or carry more traffic than they were designed for. Tax cuts for job creators, but where are the jobs? times greater than worker pay CEO pay is 185 Summer/Verano 2012 Building Strength 11

12 [ ACTION &FACTS ] The truth about government spending and taxes Solution: A fair share Many agree that America s richest people and corporations are not paying their fair share today. Right now, middle-class Americans pay a larger percentage in taxes on the money they make each year than do the country s millionaires and billionaires. That s because most of us make all, or most, of our money from having a job. The wealthy earn a lot in other ways: profits, stock dividends, selling property that has gone up in value. This kind of earning is taxed at a lower rate than income. That s why Warren Buffet, one of the world s richest men, made headlines nationwide in 2011 when he pointed out how unfair the tax system is: My federal tax bill was only 17.4 percent of my taxable income and that s actually a lower percentage than was paid by any of the other 20 people in our office. Their tax burdens averaged 36 percent. The 1 percent aren t the only ones not paying their fair share: large corporations currently receive huge federal tax breaks. General Electric made $7.8 billion in revenue between 2008 and 2010, and received a $4.7 billion tax break. GE s subsidy alone could have paid for roads and schools. And the subsidy that Wells Fargo, the bank, got in 2010 could have paid the base salary of more than 90,000 teachers for a year. Our economy badly needs the money it gives corporate America and the rich: the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has predicted that job losses will be 2.5 times higher if the next federal budget only involves spending cuts, instead of spending cuts combined with new revenue. Crazy Math GE, $7.8 billion revenue, $4.7 billion tax break. Bad Apples Wells Fargo s tax breaks in 2010 could have paid 94,000 teachers for a year. Changing the rules & creating good jobs There are two important steps that will protect the important government functions that working people indeed everyone count on and will build a stronger economy that works for all. #1 America needs good jobs and many more of them. When people earn enough to support their families and give their children a brighter future, they earn enough to spend. Working people funnel their earnings right back into the local economy. A recent 32BJ study found that turning security jobs into good jobs in Philadelphia would bring millions of dollars into the city. #2Corporate America and the super rich have to pay their fair share of taxes. As Warren Buffet said, My friends and I have been coddled long enough by a billionaire-friendly Congress. 32BJ members are part of a nationwide effort to make change happen. Across the country, unions, community groups, faithbased organizations, civil rights groups, and environmentalists are united in what we call the Fight for a Fair Economy. Together, we are standing up against the scourge of income inequality and for good jobs and fundamental fairness and respect for all. 12 Building Strength Summer/Verano 2012

13 The Tax Dodgers baseball team and their Loopholes cheerleader came out in New York on Tax Day in April to highlight just how ridiculous it is that America s wealthiest people and corporations don t pay their fair share. Summer/Verano 2012 Building Strength 13

14 NOTICE REGARDING UNION SECURITY AGREEMENTS AND AGENCY FEE OBLIGATIONS Many collective bargaining agreements negotiated by Local 32BJ contain a union security clause stating that employees must become and remain members of the Union as a condition of employment. Employers and unions are authorized to negotiate these provisions under the National Labor Relations Act. Employees covered by such a clause will be informed of that fact. If you are covered by a union security clause, you may fulfill your union security obligations either by joining the Union, and thereby enjoying the full rights and benefits of Union membership; or you may choose not to become a Union member, and fulfill your financial obligations to the Union under the union security clause as an agency fee payer. Employees who elect to become agency fee payers (that is, who choose not to become members of Local 32BJ) forfeit the right to enjoy the benefits available to Union members. Among the benefits available only to Union members are the rights to attend and participate in Union meetings; to run for Union office; to nominate and vote for candidates for Union office; to participate in contract ratification and strike votes; to participate in the development and formulation of Union policies; and to serve as a delegate to the International Convention. Agency fee payers generally are charged the same dues and initiation fees uniformly required of Union members. However, under Local 32BJ s Policy on Agency Fee Objections, employees who are not Union members and who pay agency fees pursuant to a union security clause, may request a reduction in that fee based on their objection to certain kinds of Union expenditures. Under Local 32BJ s Policy, the agency fee payable by objectors will be based on expenditures for those activities or projects that are germane to collective bargaining, contract administration, and grievance adjustment, within the applicable United States Supreme Court and National Labor Relations Board decisions. Among these chargeable expenditures are those going for negotiations with employers; enforcing collective bargaining agreements; informal meetings with employer representatives; discussions of work-related issues with employees; handling employees work-related problems through the grievance procedure, administrative agencies, or informal meetings; organizing employers that compete with employers that have contracts with the Union; and Union administration. Among the expenditures treated as nonchargeable, which objectors will not be required to support, are those going for community service (including participating in charitable events); legislative activities; cost of affiliation with non-seiu organizations; and support of political candidates. Local 32BJ s Policy on Agency Fee Objections is the Union s means of meeting its legal obligations to employees covered by union security clauses. Under this Policy, objections for the 12-month period beginning with August and running through July of the following year must be sent to the Union during the month of July. To be timely, the objection must be postmarked during the July open period. In addition, agency fee payers who are new to the bargaining unit and other unit members who have not previously received this notice may object within 30 days of receiving this notice, and employees who resign Union membership may object within 30 days of becoming an agency fee payer. Employees filing objections outside of the July open period for either of these two reasons should so indicate on their letter of objection. All non-members who file timely objections will be charged only for chargeable expenditures for the 12-month period beginning with August and running through July of the following year, or for new non-members, from the date of their timely objection through the remainder of the current objection year. New bargaining unit members are to receive this notice prior to any demand being made upon them for the payment of agency fees. However, if, for any reason, a new unit member begins paying agency fees prior to receipt of this notice, he or she may object retroactively to the commencement of such payments and for the duration of the current annual objection period. Objections should be in writing and sent to Agency Fee Administrator, SEIU, Local 32BJ, 25 West 18th Street, New York, NY No special form is required to register an objection. However, the letter of objection should include the objector s name, address, employer, and social security number. Objectors will be given a full explanation of the basis for the reduced fee charged to them. The explanation will include a more detailed list of the categories of expenditures deemed to be chargeable and those deemed to be non-chargeable, and the independent certified public accountant s report showing the Union s expenditures upon which the fee is based. We have calculated that 32 percent of the Union s expenditures are non-chargeable expenditures. In addition to any other avenue of relief available under the law, objectors will have the option of challenging the Union s calculation of the reduced fee before an impartial arbitrator appointed by the American Arbitration Association. Details of the method of making such a challenge and the rights accorded to those who do so will be provided to objectors along with the explanation of the fee calculation. Pending the arbitrator s decision, the Union will hold in escrow a portion of the fees paid by the objector, in an amount sufficient to ensure that the portion of the fee reasonably in dispute will not be expended during the appeals procedure. 14 Building Strength Summer/Verano 2012

15 2011 FINANCIAL STATEMENT The 2011 Consolidated Financial Statements of Local 32BJ, audited by the accounting firm of BDO USA LLP, show that Local 32BJ had revenue of $78,031,530 and total expenses of $79,546,557. The difference between revenue and expenses resulted in a decrease in unrestricted net assets of $1,515,027. Last year, in our report on the 2010 Financial Statements, we reported that the move of the New York City union headquarters would require that we spend a significant amount of money to make the move from 101 Avenue of the Americas to our new headquarters at 25 W. 18th Street. While we recognized that the impact of the move would appear as a reduction in the union s net assets in 2011, we knew that the rent and operating expense at the new office would be significantly less than the rent and operating expenses at the old headquarters. We knew we would have to spend significantly in 2011 in order to produce substantial savings with the new lease in each year after That has proved to be the case. And though this report shows a reduction in unrestricted net assets, the union still ended the year maintaining our healthy reserve and investments. The 32BJ Executive Board took responsibility for developing a multi-year plan for managing the union s resources in the face of the office move expense and the expenses deriving from the 2011 unionwide commercial contract campaign. With the goal of absorbing the deficit expected in 2011 and strengthening the union s financial reserves, the Board adopted a three-year budget. The budget for will balance revenue and expenses over the three years. In March 2012, going into the second year of that three-year plan, the Board reviewed the budget performance, made minor modifications and confirmed that 32BJ is on track to absorb the deficit from 2011 and achieve balance over three years. Barring unknown developments that would impact revenue or expenses, the Executive Board s budget anticipates a surplus by the end of ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents 5,211,788 Investments 13,164,462 Membership dues receivable 3,202,181 Prepaid and other assets 1,229,405 Property and equipment, net 2,238,547 Total assets $25,046,383 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued expenses 6,425,152 Accrued severance payable 837,193 Total liabilities 7,262,345 Net assets: Unrestricted 17,551,783 Temporarily restricted 232,255 Total net assets 17,784,038 Total liabilities and net assets $25,046,383 Change in unrestricted net assets: Unrestricted revenue and gains - Membership dues 71,069,125 Initiation fees 908,274 Investment income: Interest income and dividend income (net of investment fees of $67,506) 357,979 Net unrealized depreciation in fair value of investments (437,446) Net realized gain on sale of investments 174,125 SEIU subsidies 3,578,452 SEIU strike fund reimbursement 506,944 Rental income 238,084 Total unrestricted revenue and gains $76,395,537 Net assets released from restrictions 1,635,993 Total unrestricted revenue, gains and other support $78,031,530 Shop steward allowances 404,245 Temporary staff services 195,642 Insurance 255,082 Lost time wages 136,228 Executive Board stipends 50,541 Strike benefits 427,997 Other allowances and stipends 9,511 Total salaries and benefits 36,603,329 Per capita taxes 18,018,383 Building management expenses: Rent 101 Avenue of the Americas 4,434,944 Building payroll, maintenance and management expenses 2,682,893 Real estate taxes 991,214 Field office expenses 1,583,782 Office and administrative expenses 2,088,747 Professional fees: Legal 954,284 Consulting 1,636,135 Arbitrations 716,111 Auditing and accounting 267,639 Communications and media 944,100 Membership, organizing and other meetings 1,558,882 Charitable/labor/community donations 464,027 Political donations 465,530 Education and training 43,174 Transfers to SEIU COPE 2,096,944 Contract campaign negotiations 1,728,704 Depreciation and amortization 2,140,849 Mortgage interest and related expense 126,886 Total expenses $79,546,557 Decrease in unrestricted net assets (1,515,027) Unrestricted net assets beginning of year 19,066,810 Unrestricted net assets end of year $17,551,783 Expenses - Salaries and benefits: Salaries 22,901,496 Reimbursed expenses and allowances 2,428,181 Benefits: Pension 3,396,099 Health and welfare 4,079,587 Annuity 215,112 Payroll taxes 2,103,608 Summer/Verano 2012 Building Strength 15

16 ALL IN FOR JUSTICE CON TODO POR LA

17 JUSTICIA POR LA TO HELP BUILD WORKERS STRENGTH THROUGH PARA AYUDAR A FORJAR LA FUERZA TRABAJADORA MEDIANTE LA 32BJ 32BJ

18 Con todo por el Progreso Mensaje del Presidente Mike Fishman La 32BJ significa dedicarse a forjar poder para las familias trabajadoras: se requiere de liderazgo, un plan bien delineado y harto trabajo. En 2010, los afiliados-líderes de la 32BJ se reunieron en Hershey (Pensilvania) y al regresar a sus distritos estaban listos a dedicarse a formar una base más amplia de liderazgo en nuestra unión sindical. Nuestro plan? Los afiliados tienen que liderar y motivar a otros afiliados para que sean más activos y ayuden a crear las condiciones para una mejor vida para todas nuestras familias y comunidades. Hemos cumplido con ese plan, y en los dos últimos años, pese a las desventajas que enfrenta la gente trabajadora, la 32BJ continuó haciendo progresos. Quienes buscan que defender al 1 por ciento de millonarios los que quieren criminalizar a los inmigrantes, atacar el derecho al voto, dejarnos indefensos a todos se están envalentonando cada vez más. Pero a raíz de su desdeño, nos estamos volviendo más sagaces y fuertes y estamos cosechando más apoyo cada día. A fines de abril pasado, más de 1,000 afiliados-líderes de la 32BJ se volvieron a reunir. En 2010 nos habíamos propuesto tener 100,000 conversaciones con el fin de fortalecernos. Y lo conseguimos. Hablamos con nuestros compañeros de trabajo, familiares, políticos electos y líderes comunitarios sobre nuestros esfuerzos por enrumbar al país hacia la justicia y equidad. Gracias a esto fue que movilizamos a la acción, tanto a nuestros compañeros sindicalistas como a los trabajadores sin unión. Conseguimos que los afiliados visitaran domicilios, salieran a votar, tomaran las calles y estuviesen listos para irse a la huelga de ser necesario para conseguir un contrato justo. Descubrimos así que unidos podemos generar un cambio en este ambiente político. Es hora ya de elevar nuestro compromiso y nuestra labor a un nivel superior. Cada uno de nosotros tenemos que entrarle con todo a esta misión, pues unidos tenemos el poder para seguir haciendo progresos para las familias trabajadoras y nuestras comunidades. Fishman Elegido como VP Ejecutivo de la SEIU El 29 de mayo, los delegados a la Convención de la SEIU votaron por unanimidad para elegir a Mike Fishman como vicepresidente ejecutivo de la SEIU (nuestra federación matriz), como parte del equipo de liderazgo encabezado por la Presidenta SEIU Mary Kay Henry. La SEIU tiene 2,200 millones de afiliados en todos los E.E.U.U., Canadá y Puerto Rico. "Tengo gran expectativa de las lecciones que Mike brindará de su experiencia como líder de la 32BJ, para ayudarnos a establecer el rumbo de nuestra federación," declaró la Presidenta Henry tras la votación. "Me siento honrado por la confianza que los delegados de la SEIU han depositado en mí y yo traeré el espíritu y energía de la 32BJ a la misión de la SEIU," acotó Fishman. En las asambleas de abril, los afiliados de la 32BJ votaron a favor de pasar a nuestros compañeros del Sur de Nueva Jersey aglutinados hasta entonces en el Distrito del Atlántico Central al Distrito de Nueva Jersey. El Distrito del Atlántico Central incluye ahora a Filadelfia y sus suburbios, más Delaware. 18 Building Strength Summer/Verano 2012

19 [ ] LIDERAZGO 100% dedicados a fortalecernos Para más fotos y videos: Afines de abril, más de 1,000 afiliados-líderes de la 32BJ se dieron cita por tres días para dedicarse a buscar las maneras de forjar más poder para la gente trabajadora a través de la unión. Unidos contamos con el talento y la imaginación como para realizar el trabajo que tomará triunfar a nombre del 99 por ciento, declaró el Secretario Tesorero 32BJ Héctor Figueroa ante una multitud entusiasta. Tenemos planes muy ambiciosos para los próximos años. Estamos aquí para seguir construyendo una red viva, orgánica que esté preparada para enfrentar los desafíos futuros y triunfar. Kevin Doyle, actual vicepresidente ejecutivo de la 32BJ, conminó a todos los concurrentes a dedicarse plenamente a nuestra misión común. Esta es una lucha para la generación futura, no sólo para nosotros. Todos debemos entrarle con todo si queremos ganar. Durante toda la convención, los afiliados-líderes proclamaron mientras tanto su apoyo al programa de creciemiento de 32BJ con un lema sencillo y contundente: Con todo! Más aún, cada afiliado-líder 32BJ en la convención se comprometió específicamente a la labor de convertir en realidad nuestras metas contractuales, organizativas y de acción política. Es claro por qué nos tratamos uno a otros de compañeros y compañeras, concluyó Larry Engelstein, actual asistente presidencial de la 32BJ. Tengo fe completa en que cada uno de nosotros mantendremos muestros compromisos y haremos cuanto prometimos para fortalecernos. Summer/Verano 2012 Building Strength 19

20 [ ] LIDERAZGO Reportero Trotamundo Qué es lo que aprendió sobre liderazgo? Que nosotros somos la unión. Y que debemos manternos unidos porque tenemos una meta común: reconstruir la clase media del país. Willie Lucas, limpiador de universidad, Washington DC. Nunca supe lo que ganaba un gerente general. Trabajaré con más empeño para conseguir que mis compañeros participen más activamente en nuestra unión y así poder reelegir al Presidente Obama y juntos remediar la desigualdad de ingresos. Yeny Nuñez, limpiadora de oficina, Connecticut Sólo podremos triunfar si alcanzamos la misión principal de nuestra unión: ayudar a que los trabajadores obtengan de nuestros empleadores lo que nos corresponde. Muniru Owe, limpiador de oficinas, Nueva Jersey Una de las mejores armas con la que contamos es intercambiar nuestras ideas y buscar soluciones juntos. Justin Foglia, superintendente de edificio, Distrito del Valle del Hudson Me aseguraré de hablar regularmente con mis compañeros para que también se conviertan en líderes sindicales. Este año tenemos que respaldar al Presidente Obama. Yohanny Peguero, limpiadora de oficinas, Distrito del Atlántico Central La unión sólo tiene el poder que nosotros le brindamos. Si no salimos al frente y luchamos, las cosas seguirán iguales para el 99% y el 1%. Kim Squirrel, trabajadora de cafetería, Distrito de Pensilvania Occidental Nos corresponde a nosotros demostrar el poder de las uniones y la solidaridad. Me rejuveneció convertirme líder en busca de una vida mejor. Ernie Bennett, administrador de establecimiento escolar, Distrito 1201, Filadelfia 20 Building Strength Summer/Verano 2012 He aprendido que puedo usar todos estos conocimientos en mi comunidad también. Como floridianos, tenemos una importante labor este año para asegurarnos que nuestro estado se oriente en la dirección correcta, o sea reelegir al Presidente Obama. Victoria Carbajal, limpiadora de universidad, Florida Para mí ser líder significa servirles de inspiración a los demás. Estamos seriamente oprimidos. Salir al frente y participar es la manera de conseguir el respeto que nos merecemos. Charles Young, agente de seguridad, Ciudad de Nueva York