32BJ SEIU president Héctor Figueroa dead at 57

July 15th, 2019

The influential labor leader Héctor Figueroa died unexpectedly of an apparent heart attack on Thursday night. He was 57 years old. As president of 32BJ SEIU, Figueroa guided policy positions of the country’s largest building services union, which numbers over 163,000 members. Figueroa has headed the union since 2012 and is credited with growing its ranks by more than 50,000 members. He is survived by his wife Deirdre and his two children Eric and Elena.

Statement from Governor Cuomo on the passing of Mr. Figueroa:

“I am beyond heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of Héctor Figueroa – a towering figure in politics and a hero of the labor community who did untold good for the working people of this state and this nation.

“Héctor was a champion for working people, minorities, the poor, the voiceless.

“Together with Héctor, we enacted New York’s nation-leading $15 minimum wage – first for fast food workers and then for all workers – and the historic $19 minimum wage for airport workers just last year. Héctor fought for and won fairer contracts for his 163,000 members, ensuring working women and men have the protections they need at a time when hard-earned labor rights are under attack on the national level. Héctor was an indefatigable force in our fight against Trump’s un-American assault on immigrant communities and a fierce defender of Puerto Rico.

“On behalf of the entire New York family, I extend my deepest sympathies to Héctor’s wife Deirdre and his two children Eric and Elena, and his extended family at 32BJ.

“Sí, se puede my friend.”