Building. 32BJ SEIU Fall/Otoño En español: página 18 RAISE AMERICA GOOD JOBS! WITH ELEVEMOS A AMÉRICA CON BUENOS EMPLEOS!

Transcripción

1 Building Strength 32BJ SEIU Fall/Otoño 2015 En español: página 18 RAISE AMERICA WITH GOOD JOBS! ELEVEMOS A AMÉRICA CON BUENOS EMPLEOS!

2 32BJ SEIU Fall/Otoño 2015 En español: página 18 ELEVEMOS A AMÉRICA CON BUENOS EMPLEOS! Grow, Lead, Unite Win! A message from 32BJ President Héctor Figueroa This year is one of many successes for 32BJ members, our families and our communities. We are growing, bringing the benefits of a union contract to thousands more workers, raising wages, improving lives, and increasing the power of working people. We will continue to grow and, by joining with other workers and allies, the coming year will bring even more success. Our members are the leading edge of change in our workplaces, our neighborhoods and our country. Through ways both large and small, we are leading the charge to address income inequality and build the middle class. These issues, our issues, are now part of the national dialogue. This was not true just a short time ago. Like all things good, it took work, leadership and organization to change the dialogue. Our issues are now part of the 2016 Presidential campaign. This is true because we are united and fighting for those who work for a living and should be able to do more than just survive. We are united around immigration reform, Black Lives Matter and the Fight for $15. We know that when we unite, we win! And we are winning higher wages, better benefits and the right to a union. We are winning political victories, expanding immigrant protections, providing paid sick days, and defending voting rights. We are on a winning streak. At the same time we don t ever take our wins for granted. We know the other side is always looking to take away our gains, shirk their responsibility or go back on their promises. We know there is always a new fight around the corner, and that we have fights to bring home: Equal Pay for Equal Work for school cleaners in New York, immigration reform for all. Next up: winning a good contract for our 75,000 commercial cleaners. As part of our Raise America campaign we are united in this fight with locals across the country to protect good jobs with decent wages and benefits. On deck: good contracts for our 20,000 security members, first contracts for thousands of airport workers, and engaging in politics in a way we haven t ever done before to elect a new Democratic president in 2016! Building Building Strength RAISE AMERICA GOOD JOBS! WITH Strength 5 Star Centers take better care of you 5 Star Centers are private doctor s offices that partner with 32BJ to provide quality care, for a $0 co-pay. 5 Star Centers are designed around you, offering: A personal care team, led by your Primary Care Physician Preventative care to help you stay healthy Personalized, coordinated care Most importantly, patients who have personal care teams have better health outcomes and fewer emergency room and hospital visits on average. With over 100 locations in NY, NJ, CT and PA, you re sure to find a 5 Star Center that works for you and your family. Visit health.32bjfunds.org to find the 5 Star Center nearest you. The Union Health Center, our flagship 5 Star Center, is conveniently located in mid-town Manhattan. As always, if you have any questions about your health care benefits, you can call our health benefit fund office at (212) , and for those outside New York City, (800) Inside this edition: Check out our contract, organizing, and political victories in various sectors and districts, as well as our fight to Raise America with Good Jobs! is published in the interest of the members of Service Employees International Union, Local 32BJ. President: Héctor Figueroa Executive Vice President: Larry Engelstein Secretary-Treasurer: Kyle Bragg Assistant to the President: Lenore Friedlaender Vice Presidents: Shirley Aldebol, Kevin Brown, Jaime Contreras, Rob Hill, Denis Johnston, Gabe Morgan, Roxana Rivera, John Santos, John Thacker 32BJ SEIU, 25 West 18th Street, New York, NY Editor: Michael Yellin Design: Roger Gorman, Reiner Design/NY Translation: Ernesto Mora Photographers: Rick Reinhard, Dave Sanders 2 Building Strength Fall/Otoño 2015

3 2 Years. 33 Cities. 130,000 Janitors. We re Raising America with Good Jobs Commercial cleaners are leading the fight for an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few. Contracts covering 75,000 office building cleaners in CT, NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, DC and VA expire between October and December Contracts in MA and RI will expire in September Thousands of commercial cleaners and their supporters have been in motion since last October, culminating in actions across the country marking 25 years since the original Justice for Janitors fight. And we ve already won a strong contract in the Capitol Area District for members in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC, Victory in the Fight for $15 Real change happens when the people stand up, unite and demand change. Three years after fast food workers in New York City walked off the job with a simple demand -- $15 an hour pay and the right to join a union -- Governor Cuomo s wage board has sided with the workers and raised fast food pay to $15 by BJ was there, standing with those workers, from the beginning. And the movement has spread to cities across the country and around the world. This victory is not just about fast food workers. It s about airport, home healthcare, carwash, office cleaners and all workers struggling in low paying jobs. We must now continue to fight for the second piece of the original demand: and a union. through a combination of member organizing, political action, and strong bargaining. Congratulations to CAD members! But our fight for good jobs is not just for the 75,000 members up and down the East Coast; over 130,000 janitors across the country will be out in the streets over the next 18 months. This is the largest private sector contract fight taking place in the country and will affect the lives of close to half a million men, women and children. We know winning strong contracts and having a strong union is how we build a strong economy. We urge each and every one of you to join our fight this fall as we Raise America together! Fall/Otoño 2015 Building Strength 3

4 We are growing. Airport, security, commercial and residential workers are standing together to Raise America and win 32BJ representation. With the addition of every new member, we grow our collective power and are better able to win for working families. Airports For three years we ve been working to improve conditions at airports up and down the East Coast, where nearly all use the same system of low bid subcontracting to pay poverty wages, violate wage and hour laws, provide minimal to no benefits and spend little money on work place safety. Our Poverty Wages Don t Fly campaign to organize contracted security officers, maintenance workers, baggage handlers, wheelchair attendants and others is making huge strides, with thousands of workers in New York, Philadelphia, and Boston signing cards to join 32BJ. Thousands of airport workers and their supporters in cities across America are demanding better wages, benefits, working conditions and the right to union representation. In addition to the successes reported here, we are on the ground, gaining strength and momentum, in the Washington, DC, and Miami airports, where we plan to launch campaigns at the end of this year, growing into rowing 4 Building Strength Fall/Otoño 2015 New York: Over the past three years, 7,000 of the 12,000 contract workers at New York City s and Newark s airports have won union recognition or neutrality in organizing through a combination of job actions, political action, and community outreach. In July, 1,200 security officers, baggage handlers and wheelchair attendants at JFK and LaGuardia airports averted a strike and reached an agreement that respects their right to organize and paves the way for a 32BJ Union contract. Earlier, worker actions moved the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to raise airport workers minimum wage to $ We are going to continue to pressure the Port Authority to make sure the enhanced wages and benefits package gets passed and we are able to bargain a first contract that moves people out of poverty. Philadelphia: 2,000 baggage handlers and wheelchair attendants recently reached a deal with American Airlines and will see their hourly pay from the airline s contractors go from $7.25 to $12. The workers took their message to the public, holding the largest strike of non-union workers at any airport and were joined by hundreds of supporters during a rousing takeover of City Hall. We are making sure pay increases are taking place as we move toward union recognition and a first contract.

5 GROW Boston: Last September, 900 of 1,200 contract workers at Logan International Airport signed 32BJ cards, seeking higher wages and better working conditions. A month later, the Massachusetts Port Authority announced it would require contractors to pay the airport s 1,500 ticket agents, baggage handlers and cabin cleaners at least $10 an hour in 2015 and $11 in 2016 marking the first time Massport has ordered airport contractors to pay more than the state minimum wage. The fight is ongoing. In June, nearly 100 Logan workers employed by two irresponsible contractors held a one-day strike to protest low wages and unfair labor practices. These contractors were recently cited and fined by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey for infractions including failing to pay workers proper overtime. Both companies also are under federal investigation for violation of workers rights. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood: Broward County Commissioners introduced a bill in May to extend the county s Living Wage ordinance to include 1,200 passenger service workers who earn an average of $8.14 per hour. A month later, airline-contracted wheelchair attendants went on strike to protest poverty wages and federal labor law violations by G2 Secure Staff. The Broward County Commission has voted to allow the County Attorney to draft resolution language to improve airline and contractor standards, hold contractors accountable, and ensure more responsible use of public resources. Residental-Commercial We welcomed hundreds of new members from residential buildings across New York City and are supporting commercial cleaners who are employed by contractors at WeWork in their quest for improved wages and benefits and representation on the job. WeWork, a start-up valued at over $5 billion, runs 15 shared office space locations in New York City, 3 in San Francisco, and dozens more across the country. Contracts covering 75,000 32BJ office building cleaners in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware will expire between October and December Contracts in Massachusetts and Rhode Island will expire in September We are united in this fight to Raise America with locals across the country. Security The 32BJ Security Division and brigaders helped organize over 2,200 new members this year: 1,000 security officers in Pittsburgh; 600 new members in New York City; 500 private security officers who protect Baltimore residents, businesses, universities, hospitals, and public institutions; and 100 security officers at NBC studios in Rockefeller Center. Fall/Otoño 2015 Building Strength 5

6 2015 Leadership Conference leading A thousand member leaders from all divisions and districts gathered in Atlantic City in early April to plan our Union s future. Whether they are shop stewards in our workplaces, leaders of community and political clubs in our neighborhoods, Contract Action Team members, volunteers or brigaders, 32BJ leaders help us increase our membership and get thousands of other members to take action. Member leaders are key to mobilizing the broader membership to help us pass vitally important laws that are good for union members, working families and our communities. Their work helps us win important elections at the local, state and national level and has helped us organize thousands of new workers. Black History Month Celebration Security Leadership Development On October 11th, our largest ever security leaders assembly was held in Newark, NJ. Two hundred members from NY, NJ, PA, DC, CT, DE, VA, MD and FL, representing the union s 20,000 security sector members, shared ideas and participated in workshops to hone their leadership skills. A celebration in New York City on February 28 launched the first annual 32BJ African American Cultural Celebration to honor the contributions of many great African American leaders and activists. 6 Building Strength Fall/Otoño 2015

7 Art Show 2015 A record 108 members and family members participated in the Union s 8th annual art show: Revealing the Other Side of Us. Public Advocate Letitia James was on hand to open the exhibit on June 13th. The Union s 18th Street headquarters was graced with nearly 300 photographs, paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other works of fine art created by members from various districts. To find out more, contact the union headquarters, LEAD The Building Service Workers Awards recognizes New York City area members who go above and beyond the call of duty in either their jobs or their activism within the Union or their community. The 2014 ceremony on October 23rd recognized Richard Balancier, John Battle, Azell Bost, Gerta Cadet, Jeff Camacho, Ricky Candelario, Flor Castro, Ariel DeJesus, Charles DiBlasi, Tasha Horton, Lovell Kinsberry, Sabrina Ladson, Michael MacGowan, Fadila Mrkulic, Maribel Nova, Robert Pelegrino, Marilyn Rivera, Ronald St. John, William Sullivan, Shawn Thomas, and Stafford Woodley. The ceremony was a great moment for the Union and the industry to recognize not only these members but the daily contributions that all members make to the communities where they live and work. Fall/Otoño 2015 Building Strength 7

8 8 Building Strength Fall/Otoño 2015 u When we unite and stand together we win. Commercial Contract Campaigns Our power is unlimited when we come together as a union and with our allies the broader labor movement, other workers not yet in a union, elected officials, community leaders, clergy, students, and our partner organizations. This year, we secured strong contracts for commercial workers in the greater Washington, DC, area and residential members in the greater New York City region. At the same time, we laid the foundation for our upcoming commercial and security contract campaigns. We saved jobs at Howard University in Washington, DC, and in New Jersey, Pittsburgh and elsewhere when we united, fought back and won. And we actively supported airport workers, fast food workers, retail workers, home-care providers, construction workers, low paid university teachers and many others who deserve better pay and a union. As Justice for Janitors marked its 25th anniversary in July, 10,500 workers in the greater Washington, DC, area ratified a new four-year agreement providing a $2 hourly pay increase. In addition, hundreds of part-time cleaners now have the opportunity to get full-time work and qualify for health benefits. This contract helps Raise America and provides momentum for the 64,500 other commercial members with contracts expiring in October and December. This year, New Jersey members won major fight backs at buildings that hired subcontractors intent on undercutting union standards. A one-day strike and Unfair Labor Practice charges against Environmental Service Systems in Morristown led to a signed contract. Following a threeyear fight in Somerset, 32BJ members were rightfully reinstated to their jobs. We fought back and won in Belvidere, where DSM s efforts to throw out a union contractor were thwarted. And Hampshire Realty agreed to terminate contracts with Eastern Essential Services and use only responsible contractors at all nine of its buildings.

9 Security UNITE As we continue to build density in the industry, the Security Division s 20,000 members are transforming what has historically been a low-wage industry into one with decent paying jobs, benefits, and career paths. Members in several regions have begun preparations for the spring 2016 negotiations of the Security Markets Agreements. nited Fall/Otoño New York: 200 members of the Security Leaders Planning Committee representing 11,000 New York City members convened to prepare for member mobilization, leadership development and strengthening political and community support in advance of next spring s contract expiration. Security officers at Long Island University won an amazing contract with legal, training and retirement benefits. Officers from Paramount in midtown Manhattan won a contract guaranteeing raises, benefits and respect. And 1,200 security officers at more than 30 New York City locations gained access to family health coverage. Baltimore: Members worked to achieve unanimous passage of a resolution by the Baltimore City Council in support of their efforts to achieve wage and benefit improvements with Admiral Security and Crown Security when their agreements expire next April. Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh security officers who are fighting for family-sustaining wages, decent benefits, respect on the job and the right to unionize started bargaining their first contract in April. Their efforts were bolstered by the May enactment of the Safe and Secure Building Act legislation passed unanimously by the Pittsburgh City Council that professionalizes the security industry by establishing universal training standards for security officers employed at all large buildings or campuses in the city. First responders were strong allies in our efforts to ensure the ordinance s passage Building Strength 9

10 Schools We reached a nine-year contract settlement with New York City Public Schools for 4,200 school cleaners and handypersons that includes an immediate 8.5% raise, $1,000 bonus (prorated for part-timers), and total raises of 18% over the contract term. We are continuing our campaign for Equal Pay For Equal Work this fall and won t stop until we win prevailing wages for all school workers. Howard University workers ratified a three-year contract renewal that protects wages and benefits. The 200 members mobilized a fight back against the university s attempts to subcontract and jeopardize their jobs. The agreement protects wages and benefits and includes 3% annual raises. Property service workers at the University of Pittsburgh ratified a new three-year contract in May. By staying united, the 400 property and food service workers fought off an increase in health care costs and stood strong for a fair wage. Pitt members also welcomed 500 university security officers to 32BJ and are supporting them as they negotiate their first contract. We have an ongoing fight back at Tufts University in Boston, where the jobs of 35 campus janitors were put in peril following a university cost cutting initiative. Student support for the longserving janitors was strong. Several staged a five-day hunger strike and others threatened to protest at the university s May commencement. In Princeton, NJ, we won back pay for 12 members in the public school system. Cafeteria workers have an ongoing fight-back in the same district, where 20 workers at six schools struck when the district s new food service contractor NutriServe unilaterally eliminated paid holidays and paid jury duty and cut a slated wage increase in half. In Somerset, NJ, the Vo-Tech school agreed to terminate the lowest bidder, Milveen Environmental Service, after 32BJ applied public pressure. united 10 Building Strength Fall/Otoño 2015

11 Strategic Partnerships UNITE Residential The BuildUp NYC coalition gives us the opportunity to work side by side with our brothers and sisters in the construction and hotel trades to ensure responsible development in New York City. We successfully won high road development standards at Alma Realty s 1,700-unit Astoria Cove luxury housing project. Using our joint political influence and member mobilization, we achieved guarantees that Alma would use union labor for construction, building maintenance and security on the mega-project. And we are continuing our BuildUp work to secure good jobs and responsible development throughout New York City. We joined those who are calling for a green economy to create good jobs and a better world. 32BJ members marched in the Peoples Climate Marches in New York, Washington, Philadelphia, Boston and Baltimore. We are also uniting with union partners internationally to defend workers rights around the globe. Residential building workers in the Hudson Valley waged a multi-pronged contract campaign against the Building and Realty Institute of Westchester and the Mid-Hudson Region. Following a strike authorization vote, an agreement was ratified that includes a 16% wage increase over four years, maintains existing affordable health care coverage and retirement benefits, and contains no monetary givebacks. It covers 1,400 superintendents, porters, janitors, elevator operators, doormen and women, and handypersons who work in 500 buildings across the Hudson Valley. A few months later, the Bronx Strong campaign united 3,500 doormen and doorwomen, porters, handypersons, and supers who work in over 1,000 apartment buildings. Members rallied, worked with community allies, and ultimately issued a strike authorization before reaching a new agreement. The new contract includes a $64.75 per week raise over the next four years and maintains health care and retirement benefits. Fall/Otoño 2015 Building Strength 11

12 Political Action If we fight, we win. If we vote, we win. Policy and Legislation All districts had an active year politically. Member volunteers knocked on tens of thousands of doors for the fall elections and spring primaries, conducting voter education and get out the vote efforts. The 2014 Republican takeover of the Senate in Washington put our federal efforts on the back burner while we focused, and continue to focus, on state and local initiatives where recent victories show we can have real impact on the lives of working people: paid sick days, immigrant driver s licenses, improved working conditions, better policing, and increases in minimum wages. Our political work had the added benefit of strengthening the support we need to organize thousands of low-wage airport workers who are fighting for dignity and respect. We ve expanded our foundation for fighting for fast-food and other low-wage workers. Our political wins will help us continue to raise standards for security officers in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland. The 2016 General Elections are just around the corner. We re starting to prepare now to get out on the streets and at our workplaces to elect a Democratic president. Let s get our purple power out there like never before! Immigration reform: We believe that creating a full and equal path to citizenship is in our nation s best interest and support candidates and policies that further that end. Last November President Obama signed an executive order granting temporary legal status to four million people living in the shadows, known as DAPA and DACA. The DAPA program provides legal work permits for the parents of children born in the US, and the DACA program provides legal status to undocumented children. Our immigration efforts at the state and local levels focused on achieving municipal IDs, driver s license reform and limits on circumstances that lead to deportation. Last year, we saw municipal ID ordinances pass in New York City, Newark and Hartford and will work to see similar laws pass in other cities and towns in Connecticut and New Jersey. We helped gain passage of driver s license reform in Connecticut and Washington, DC, allowing immigrant access to licenses. Trust Acts, which limit deportations for those picked up on minor offenses, passed in five states. And immigrants will now be eligible for in-state tuition in Florida. We continued to encourage members to access iamerica.org, a tool for informing and engaging members on immigration issues. Better Jobs: The Better Jobs Act will create a minimum 30-hour work week for all cleaners and security officers, guaranteeing them the right to health care. We are working to pass a Better Jobs Act in Washington, DC, and Montgomery County, MD, and expect our work 12 Building Strength Fall/Otoño 2015 will soon lead to passage of similar acts in Newark and Jersey City, NJ, and Hartford, CT. School Funding: We are ready to fight for full funding of our school systems so that we are finally able to take care of our kids the way we want. Pennsylvania: District 1201 members helped beat back legislation that would slash public worker pensions and destroy public workers jobs and have lobbied Harrisburg for more school funding. New York: We continue to fight for equal pay for all New York City Public school workers on three fronts: passing legislation (Intro Bill 386, introduced by Councilmember Daneek Miller, District 27, Queens) through the City Council; pursuing a complaint under the living wage ordinance at the Comptroller s office; and working with Mayor de Blasio to find ways for the city to pay a prevailing wage to all school cleaners, handypersons and fire safety staff. w

13 WIN Better Pay: We are poised to raise the minimum wage across our states and in our cities. We helped lead the Fight for $15 for 180,000 fast food workers to an historic victory at the NYS Wage Board and will work with Governor Cuomo and the state legislature in coming months to raise the minimum wage for all workers. Paid Sick Leave: We helped win paid sick leave in two cities in New Jersey and in Massachusetts and are petitioning for an earned sick days ballot initiative in Elizabeth, NJ. Fight Back Massachusetts: After months of protests by workers, elected officials, community members and T riders, the MBTA in Boston called off a plan that would have cut the jobs of one-third of the hard working men and women who keep the subway clean and running. 32BJ District 615 came out in huge numbers over months in support of the workers and worked with the MBTA and its cleaning contractors to find cost-saving alternatives that saved taxpayer dollars while ensuring the quality service, safe jobs and standards of cleanliness that the T riders deserve. Elections Connecticut: We helped Dan Malloy win a tough gubernatorial race against a well-funded opponent, Republican Tom Foley. Members helped elect Ed Gomes of Bridgeport as the first Working Families candidate to the State Senate. He is now the highest ranking third party office holder in the country. New York: We helped re-elect Governor Cuomo, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Comptroller Tom DiNapoli on the Working Families line. Pennsylvania: 32BJ members along with other SEIU locals and the coalition of PA Working Families led a hugely successful canvass to get-out-the-vote for Democrat Tom Wolf and reverse four years of brutal cuts to education and vital services. We knocked on 80,000 doors and contacted 170,000 other voters in the greater Philadelphia area. Pennsylvania voters made history by voting out an incumbent for the first time in more than half a century. This spring, Philadelphia 32BJ members came together for the state s primary to help elect progressive members of City Council and Democratic mayoral candidate Jim Kenney, who is committed to fighting for working families, creating better schools, supporting airport workers and a $15-an-hour minimum wage. The primary victories of Judges Kevin Dougherty and David Wecht come at a moment when we have the opportunity to change the composition of the state s Supreme Court. inning Other Districts: We helped elect mayors in Providence, RI, and Washington, DC; and the Bergen County Executive in New Jersey. We added strong candidates to the Washington, DC, City Council and to the Virginia and New Hampshire state senates. We helped elect Antonio Barnes, a 32BJ member political organizer and one of our own to Washington, DC s Advisory Neighborhood Commission. Fall/Otoño 2015 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; Union administration; litigation and publications related to these chargeable expenditures. Among the expenditures treated as non-chargeable, 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; support of political candidates; and public relations directed towards functional activities that are not considered germane to representing non-members in the collective bargaining process; union publications to the extent they report on non-administrative or non-representational activities. 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 2015 objection year which is the 12-month period beginning with August 1st, 2015 and running through July 31st, 2016 must be sent to the Union no later than October 31, To be timely, the objection must be postmarked no later than October 31, In addition, agency fee payers who are new to the bargaining unit or who have not previously received this notice may object within 30 days of receiving this notice or by October 31, 2015, whichever is later; and employees who resign Union membership may object within 30 days of becoming an agency fee payer or by October 31, 2015, whichever is later. All non-members who file timely objections will be charged only for chargeable expenditures for the 12-month period beginning with August 1st, 2015 and running through July 31, 2016, 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, 5th Floor, 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 accountants report showing the Union s expenditures upon which the fee is based. For the objection year beginning August 2015, 32 percent of the Union s expenditures will be non-chargeable. 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 Fall/Otoño 2015

15 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENT Presented below is a condensed version of the 2014 Consolidated Financial Statements of Local 32BJ. The complete financial statements of Local 32BJ, which were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards, including all required disclosures, were audited by the independent accounting firm of Bond Beebe, and they expressed their opinion on those statements dated June 4, The auditors reviewed and discussed the complete report with the 32BJ members of the Board of Auditors and subsequently reviewed and discussed the report with the 32BJ Executive Board, which then adopted the report. The summarized information below has been derived from the complete audited financial statements. For the fiscal year 2014, the union had unrestricted revenue of $97,712,123 and total expenses of $96,433,402. The difference between the revenue and the expenses resulted in in unrestricted net assets at year-end of $1,278,721. The union ended the year maintaining our healthy reserve and investments. ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents 4,251,642 Investments 16,060,041 Membership dues receivable 4,064,719 Prepaid expenses and other assets 1,349,903 Collateral for injunction bond 1,044,325 Property and equipment net of accumulated depreciation and amortization 3,554,697 TOTAL ASSETS $30,871,631 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS LIABILITIES Accounts payable and accrued expenses 6,689,357 Accrued severance payable 466,427 Deferred revenue 235,353 Deferred rent 1,523,866 TOTAL LIABILITIES $8,915,003 NET ASSETS Unrestricted 21,326,850 Temporarily restricted 629,778 TOTAL NET ASSETS 21,956,628 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $30,871,631 CHANGES IN UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS Revenue Membership dues 87,899,058 Initiation fees 1,112,287 SEIU subsidies 4,916,441 Rental income 406,348 SEIU strike fund reimbursements 183,304 $94,517,438 Investment income: Interest and dividend income 693,063 Appreciation in fair value 4,022 $697,085 Investment expenses (92,832) Net investment income 604,253 Total Revenue 95,121,691 Net assets released from restrictions 2,590,432 Total revenue and support 97,712,123 Expenses Salaries and benefits: Salaries 29,982,416 Reimbursed expenses, allowances and related costs 3,436,296 Benefits: Health and welfare benefits 5,840,978 Pension benefits 5,454,129 Annuity benefits 240,339 Payroll taxes 2,829,947 Shop steward allowances 598,804 Insurance 399,952 Temporary staff services 250,027 Lost time wages 263,411 Executive Board stipends 76,012 Other allowances and stipends 10,410 Total salaries and benefits-forward $49,382,721 Per capita taxes 21,643,734 Building management expenses: Rent 4,299,651 Building payroll, maintenance and management expenses 2,560,130 Field office expenses 2,897,800 Office and administrative expenses 2,159,355 Professional fees: Consulting fees 1,727,386 Legal fees 663,800 Arbitration fees 697,111 Auditing and accounting fees 277,082 Membership, organizing and other meetings 2,777,561 Communications and media 1,519,674 Political donations 2,082,566 Charitable/labor/community donations 630,342 Transfers to SEIU 745,788 Education and training 73,304 Contract campaign negotiations 858,064 Depreciation and amortization 1,022,633 Service agreements 414,700 Total expenses 96,433,402 INCREASE IN UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS 1,278,721 UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 20,048,129 UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR 21,326,850 CHANGES IN TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS Contributions $2,246,688 Net assets released from restrictions: SEIU COPE (745,788) Political donations (111,250) Other political activity (1,733,394) Total net assets released from restrictions: (2,590,432) DECREASE IN TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS (343,744) TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 973,522 TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR 629,778 INCREASE IN NET ASSETS 934,977 NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR 21,021,651 NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR $21,956,628 Fall/Otoño 2015 Building Strength 15

16 16 Building Strength Fall/Otoño 2015

17 I SUPPORT COMMERCIAL CLEANERS! YO APOYO A LOS LIMPIADORES Participe en forjar una unión fuerte. Get involved in building a strong union. Fall/Otoño 2015 Building Strength 17

18 32BJ SEIU Fall/Otoño 2015 En español: página 18 ELEVEMOS A AMÉRICA CON BUENOS EMPLEOS! Ganar! Crecer, Liderar, Unir Un mensaje del Presidente de la 32BJ Héctor Figueroa Este año ha traído grandes éxitos para los afiliados de la 32BJ, nuestras familias y nuestras comunidades. Estamos creciendo, compartiendo los beneficios de un contrato sindical con otros miles de trabajadores, elevando salarios, mejorando vidas e incrementando el poder de la gente trabajadora. Seguiremos creciendo y, unidos con otros trabajadores y aliados, el año entrante traerá más éxitos aún. Nuestros afiliados están a la vanguardia del cambio en nuestros empleos, vecindarios y nuestro país. Con métodos grandes y pequeños, estamos liderando esfuerzos para abordar la desigualdad de ingresos y fortalecer a la clase media. Estas causas, que son nuestras causas, son ahora parte del diálogo nacional. Esto no era así hace apenas un corto tiempo atrás. Como todo lo bueno, se necesitaba de trabajo, liderazgo y organización para cambiar el diálogo. Nuestras causas son ahora parte de la campaña presidencial de Esto es así porque estamos unidos y luchamos por quienes trabajan por su sustento, quienes deberían ganar más que simplemente para sobrevivir. Estamos unidos en torno a la reforma migratoria, Black Lives Matter y la Lucha por los $15. Y sabemos que cuando nos unimos, vencemos! Estamos consiguiendo salarios más altos, mejores beneficios y el derecho a pertenecer a una unión. Estamos obteniendo victorias políticas, ampliando la protección a los inmigrantes, brindando días por enfermedad con pago y defendiendo el derecho al voto. Estamos viviendo una racha de victorias. Pero al mismo tiempo, nunca damos nuestras victorias por sentado. Sabemos que el otro lado está siempre a la mira de privarnos de nuestras conquistas, abrogar sus responsabilidades y echarse atrás en sus promesas. Sabemos que siempre hay una nueva lucha a la vuelta de la esquina y que hay luchas que tenemos que concluir: Igual Pago por Igual Trabajo para los limpiadores de escuelas y reforma migratoria para todos. Lo siguiente es obtener un buen contrato para nuestros 75,000 limpiadores comerciales. Como parte de la campaña Elevando a América, somos parte de esta lucha junto con otras uniones locales alrededor del país para proteger buenos empleos con salarios y beneficios decentes. Más adelante: buenos contratos para nuestros 20,000 afiliados en seguridad, un primer contrato para miles de trabajadores aeroportuarios y una mayor participación política para elegir a un presidente demócrata en Centros 5 Estrellas velan mejor por usted Los Centros 5 Estrellas son consultorios privados de médicos que se han aliado con la 32BJ para ofrecer cuidados de calidad con $0 de co-pagos. Los Centros 5 Estrellas están diseñados para servirle y ofrecen: Un equipo personal de cuidados, dirigido por su médico de cuidados básicos Cuidados preventivos para ayudarle a mantenerse saludable Cuidados personalizados y coordinados Más importante aún, los pacientes con equipo personal de cuidados tienen mejores resultados de salud y un menor promedio de visitas a la sala de emergencias o al hospital. Para su conveniencia, cuentan con más de 100 centros en Nueva York, Nueva Jersey, Connecticut y Pensilvania, y es casi seguro que usted hallará un Centro 5 Estrellas conveniente para usted y su familia. Visite health.32bjfunds.org para encontrar el Centro 5 Estrellas más cercano a usted. El Centro de Salud de la Unión, nuestro Centro 5 Estrellas principal, está convenientemente situado en el centro de Manhattan. Como siempre, si usted tiene preguntas sobre sus beneficios de salud, puede llamar a la oficina de nuestro fondo de beneficios al (212) ; y para quienes están fuera de la ciudad de Nueva York, pueden llamar al (800) Building Strength RAISE AMERICA GOOD JOBS! WITH En esta edición: En esta edición: Lea sobre nuestras victorias contractuales, organizativas y políticas en varios sectores y distritos, así como nuestra lucha por Elevar a América con Buenos Empleos. 18 Building Strength Fall/Otoño 2015

19 2 años. 33 ciudades. 130,000 conserjes. Estamos Elevando a América con Buenos Empleos Los limpiadores comerciales están liderando la lucha por una economía que trabaje en función de todos, no sólo de unos cuantos millonarios poderosos. Los contratos que amparan a 75,000 limpiadores de edificios de oficinas en Conn., NY, NJ, Pens., Delaware, Maryland, Washington D.C. y Virginia vencen entre octubre y diciembre de Los contratos en Mass. y Rhode Island vencerán en septiembre de Miles de limpiadores comerciales y sus aliados se han estado movilizando desde octubre pasado, campaña que culminó en acciones por todo el país para marcar los 25 años de la campaña de Justicia para los Conserjes. Y, gracias a una combinación de métodos, incluyendo la organización interna de los afiliados, acciones políticas y negociaciones arduas, ya Victoria en la Lucha por los $15 Todo cambio auténtico ocurre cuando la gente se alza, se une y exige cambios. Tres años después que los trabajadores de comida rápida en la ciudad de Nueva York hicieron un paro laboral con una simple demanda --$15 por hora y el derecho a integrarse a una unión la junta de salarios del Gobernador Cuomo ha tomado partido por los trabajadores y ha elevado el pago para este sector a $15 para BJ estuvo allí, al lado de esos trabajadores, desde el principio. Y el movimiento se ha propagado a otras ciudades por todo el país y alrededor del mundo. Esta victoria no es sólo para los trabajadores de comida rápida. Es para los trabajadores aeroportuarios, los asistentes de salud a domicilio, los limpiadores de oficinas y para todos los trabajadores en empleos con bajos salarios. Debemos ahora proseguir la lucha por la segunda parte de la demanda original: $15 y una unión. hemos obtenido un robusto contrato en el Distrito del Área de la Capital que beneficia a los afiliados de Maryland, Virginia y Washington D.C. Felicitaciones a los afiliados del Distrito! Pero nuestra lucha por buenos empleos no es sólo para beneficio de nuestros 75,000 afiliados a lo largo de la Costa Este: más de 130,000 conserjes de limpieza en todo el país saldrán a las calles en los próximos 18 meses. Esta es la lucha más grande en el sector privado que se realiza hoy en el país y afectará las vidas de casi medio millón de hombres y mujeres y niños. Nosotros sabemos que logrando buenos contrato y teniendo una unión fuerte es como forjamos una economía robusta. Queremos que cada uno de ustedes se una a nuestra lucha este otoño para Elevar a América juntos! Fall/Otoño 2015 Building Strength 19

20 Estamos creciendo. Los trabajadores aeroportuarios, de seguridad, comerciales y residenciales, están unidos para Elevar a América y conseguir representación de la 32BJ. Con cada nuevo trabajador que se une a nuestras filas, potenciamos nuestro poder colectivo y tenemos mayor capacidad de triunfar para las familias trabajadoras. Aeropuertos Hemos trabajado durante tres años para mejorar las condiciones en los aeropuertos a lo largo de toda la Costa Este, donde casi todos éstos usan el mismo sistema de subcontratación al menor postor para pagar salarios de hambre, violar leyes de salarios y horarios, brindar pocos o ningún beneficio y dedicar escasos recursos a la seguridad ocupacional. Nuestra campaña Los salarios de hambre no pueden volar para sindicalizar a los oficiales de seguridad bajo contrato, trabajadores de mantenimiento, portadores de equipajes a contrato, asistentes de sillas de ruedas y otros, está dando grandes pasos entre miles de trabajadores en Nueva York, Filadelfia y Boston, quienes están firmando tarjetas para integrarse a la 32BJ. Miles de trabajadores aeroportuarios y sus simpatizantes en ciudades de todo el país están exigiendo mejores salarios, beneficios y condiciones de trabajo, y el derecho a gozar de representación de su unión. Además de los triunfos que se reportan aquí, ya entramos en escena, cobrando fuerza y auge, en los aeropuertos de Washington, D.C. y Miami. Esperamos oficializar esas campañas a fines de año para que se desarrollen en crecer 20 Building Strength Fall/Otoño 2015 Nueva York: En los últimos tres años, 7,000 de los 12,000 trabajadores bajo contrato en los tres principales aeropuertos de Nueva York y Nueva Jersey, han conseguido ya sea el reconocimiento de la unión o una promesa de neutralidad durante las campañas, gracias a la combinación de acciones laborales, políticas y comunitarias. En julio, 1,200 oficiales de seguridad, portadores de equipajes y asistentes de sillas de ruedas, en los aeropuertos JFK y LaGuardia, evitaron la huelga y consiguieron un acuerdo que respeta su derecho a organizarse y allana el camino para un contrato sindical con la 32BJ. Previo a esto, las acciones de los trabajadores motivaron a la Autoridad Portuaria de Nueva York y Nueva Jersey a elevar el salario mínimo de los trabajadores aeroportuarios a $ Seguiremos presionando a la Autoridad Portuaria para asegurarnos de que se apruebe el mejor paquete de salarios y beneficios, para así poder negociar un primer contrato que saque a la gente de la miseria. Filadelfia: 2,000 portadores de equipajes y asistentes de sillas de ruedas llegaron recientemente a un acuerdo con American Airlines y verán crecer el salario por hora que reciben de los subcontratistas de la aerolínea: de $7.25 a $12. Los trabajadores portaron su mensaje al público, convocando a la huelga más grande de trabajadores sin unión en aeropuertos. Cientos de sus seguidores y simpatizantes se les unieron durante una conmovedora toma de la Municipalidad. Nos estamos asegurando de que se paguen los aumentos salariales, al paso que logramos que se reconozca a la unión y nos den un primer contrato.

21 CRECER Boston: En septiembre pasado, 900 de los 1,200 trabajadores a contrato en el Aeropuerto Internacional Logan firmaron tarjetas para unirse a la 32BJ, buscando conseguir mayores salarios y mejores condiciones de trabajo. Un mes más tarde, la Autoridad Portuaria de Massachusetts anunció que requeriría que sus contratistas les pagaran a sus 1,500 agentes de boletería, portadores de equipajes y limpiadores de cabina, un mínimo de $10 la hora en 2015 y $11 en 2016, marcando así la primera vez que Massport ha ordenado a los contratistas de aeropuertos que paguen más que el salario mínimo estatal. La lucha continúa. En junio, casi 100 trabadores de Logan trabajando para dos contratistas irresponsables, realizaron un paro de 24 horas para protestar por los bajos salarios y las prácticas laborales ilícitas de estas firmas. Esos mismos contratistas acaban de ser nombrados y multados por el Fiscal General de Massachusetts Maura Healey por no pagarles a sus trabajadores el sobretiempo correcto. Ambas firmas están bajo investigación federal por violación de los derechos de los trabajadores. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood: En mayo, los Comisionados del Condado de Broward propusieron una ley para ampliar el alcance de la ordenanza municipal de Salarios Vitales para que incluya a los 1,200 trabajadores de servicios a pasajeros que están ganando un promedio de apenas $8.14 por hora. Un mes más tarde, los asistentes de sillas de ruedas bajo contrato se fueron a la huelga para protestar los salarios de hambre y las violaciones a las leyes laborales cometidas por G2 Secure Staff. La Comisión del Condado de Broward ha votado para permitir que el Fiscal del Condado redacte una resolución para mejorar los estándares entre las aerolíneas y contratistas, hacer responsables a estos últimos y garantizar un uso más responsable de los recursos públicos. Residencial y Comercial Les dimos la bienvenida a cientos de nuevos afiliados de edificios residenciales de toda la ciudad de Nueva York, y estamos prestando apoyo a los limpiadores comerciales en WeWork, en su lucha por mejores salarios y beneficios y representación sindical en el trabajo. WeWork, una novel empresa valorizada en más de $5 mil millones, opera 15 locales de oficinas compartidas en Nueva York, 3 en San Francisco y docenas más por todo el país. Los contratos que amparan a 75,000 limpiadores de oficinas de la 32BJ en Connecticut, Nueva York, Nueva Jersey, Pensilvania y Delaware, vencerán entre octubre y diciembre de Los contratos en Massachusetts y Rhode Island vencerán en septiembre de Estamos unidos en esta lucha para Elevar a América, junto con otras locales sindicales del país. Seguridad La División de Seguridad de la 32BJ y los brigadistas, ayudaron a organizar a más de 2,200 nuevos afiliados este año: 1,000 oficiales de seguridad en Pittsburgh; 600 nuevos afiliados en la ciudad de Nueva York; 500 oficiales de seguridad privada que protegen a los residentes, negocios, universidades, hospitales e instituciones públicas de Baltimore; y 100 oficiales de seguridad en los estudios de NBC en el Rockefeller Center. Fall/Otoño 2015 Building Strength 21