Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ

Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ
Name	Local 32BJ
Fullname	Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ
Founded	1991 (as 32BJ SEIU through mergers)
Headquarters	New York City, New York
Members	160,000 (approx.)
Affiliation	Service Employees International Union, AFL–CIO
Key people	Héctor Figueroa; Kyle Bragg; Lynne Fox

Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ is a labor union representing building service and property workers across the northeastern United States. The local organizes janitors, security officers, maintenance technicians, doormen, and related classifications in metropolitan markets including New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.. Local 32BJ is affiliated with Service Employees International Union and participates in regional labor federations such as the AFL–CIO and the New York State AFL–CIO.

History

Local 32BJ traces its lineage to earlier trade unions active in the early 20th century in New York City and other urban centers, including predecessors that merged during waves of consolidation in the 1970s and 1980s. The local emerged formally through amalgamation processes similar to those that created other major locals like UNITE HERE affiliates and precursors tied to the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union. During the 1990s and 2000s, Local 32BJ expanded by organizing workers from employers such as SL Green Realty, Vornado Realty Trust, and municipal properties, echoing organizing campaigns by unions like the Transport Workers Union of America and United Auto Workers in their respective sectors. The local adapted tactics from historical campaigns waged by organizations including the Congress of Industrial Organizations and drew on strategies pioneered by activists linked to the Industrial Areas Foundation and community-labor coalitions in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles.

Organization and Leadership

Local 32BJ is governed by an executive board and elected officers, with a president and secretary-treasurer historically influential in strategic direction; notable leaders have included Héctor Figueroa and Kyle Bragg. The union’s leadership model echoes governance structures used by national unions such as SEIU, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. Staff departments coordinate organizing, bargaining, legal, and political operations similar to the apparatuses of National Education Association locals and municipal unions like DC 37. Local 32BJ maintains regional offices in markets including Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island, Boston, Newark, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Baltimore to manage membership services and contract enforcement.

Membership and Jurisdiction

Membership comprises building services classifications—janitors, porters, superintendents, cleaners, and security personnel—working for property owners and management firms such as Tishman Speyer, Related Companies, and Brookfield Properties. The local’s jurisdiction overlaps with other locals and internationals in urban real estate markets, intersecting with organizing efforts by unions like Service Employees International Union Local 1199, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Local 32BJ represents workers in commercial office towers, residential high-rises, retail centers, and institutional facilities including hospitals affiliated with NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital and university campuses like Columbia University and New York University.

Collective Bargaining and Contracts

Local 32BJ negotiates master contracts covering wages, benefits, workplace safety, and pension provisions with large employer associations and individual landlords. Bargaining counterparts have included landlord groups and management companies such as REBNY-affiliated firms, AMG National Trust Bank, and institutional investors like Blackstone. Contract campaigns have addressed issues similar to those in agreements negotiated by American Federation of Teachers chapters and municipal bargaining units such as Metro Transport Authority (MTA) unions over pension and healthcare terms. The local has pursued multi-employer bargaining rounds to secure uniform standards across portfolios owned by firms like Silverstein Properties and Hines Interests Limited Partnership.

Political Activities and Advocacy

Local 32BJ engages in political advocacy, campaigning on city and state ballot measures, supporting candidates for offices including Mayor of New York City, Governor of New York, and members of the United States House of Representatives. The union coordinates endorsements and mobilization efforts with coalitions such as New York Communities for Change, Make the Road New York, and national allies like MoveOn.org and People’s Action. Local 32BJ has lobbied on legislation affecting workplace protections and immigration policy, aligning with organizations like National Immigration Law Center and legislative efforts involving figures such as Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand. Political activities mirror practices of public-facing unions like SEIU 1199 and labor-backed political action committees active in gubernatorial and mayoral contests.

Notable Strikes and Labor Actions

The local has staged high-profile campaigns and strikes affecting major properties and events, drawing parallels to actions by unions such as United Auto Workers during auto-sector strikes and the striking tactics used by Actors’ Equity Association in cultural-sector labor disputes. Notable actions included targeted pickets at office towers, coordinated leafleting during peak commuting hours in transit hubs like Penn Station, and mobilizations during high-visibility events in districts such as Times Square. These labor actions often involved coalitions with community groups and endorsements from public figures including city council members and labor leaders from organizations like the Service Employees International Union International and the AFL–CIO.

Legal Issues and Controversies

Local 32BJ has faced legal challenges and controversies common to large urban unions, including litigation over picketing practices, secondary boycott allegations, and disputes involving representation elections analogous to cases adjudicated by the National Labor Relations Board. The local’s conduct in certain campaigns drew scrutiny similar to controversies involving other major unions such as the Teamsters and United Food and Commercial Workers over internal governance and bargaining conduct. Legal matters have involved employers, landlord associations, and occasionally municipal agencies, with outcomes influenced by precedent from decisions involving entities like the Supreme Court of the United States and federal appellate rulings shaping labor law.

Category:Trade unions in the United States