Senate Resolution No. 2165
BY: Senator BIAGGI
MOURNING the death of Hector J. Figueroa, labor
union leader, devoted family man, and dedicated
member of his community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York who distinguished themselves in
service to the cause of working men and women; and
WHEREAS, 32BJ SEIU President Hector J. Figueroa of Jackson Heights,
Queens, who died on Thursday, July 11, 2019, at age 57, was such a man;
and
WHEREAS, Hector Jose Figueroa was born to Luis and Castita Figueroa
on April 3, 1962, in Ponce, Puerto Rico; after graduating from high
school, he attended the University of Puerto Rico for a short time
before relocating to New York, where he lived with an aunt in the Bronx
and earned his bachelor's degree in economics from New York University;
he furthered his education by studying economics at the New School for
Social Research in Manhattan; and
WHEREAS, Hector J. Figueroa dedicated his life to the labor
movement, initially as a researcher with the Amalgamated Clothing and
Textile Workers Union in New York; he then joined the service workers
union in Washington before going back to Puerto Rico to manage a
successful campaign to organize public employees there; and
WHEREAS, In 2000, Hector J. Figueroa returned to New York, and
served as both Secretary and Treasurer of 32BJ SEIU, a New York local
branch of the Service Employees International Union, which represents
more than 170,000 building cleaners, security guards, doormen and
airport workers; 12 years later, he was elected to the title of
President, and was re-elected last year; and
WHEREAS, In this capacity, Hector J. Figueroa led numerous
successful campaigns for better pay and working conditions for thousands
of low-wage workers; he supported the grass-roots effort by fast-food
workers in New York which grew into a nationwide campaign for a higher
minimum wage known as the Fight for 15; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Hector J. Figueroa was instrumental in
procuring a substantial wage increase for 40,000 airport workers from
New York City's three main airports; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous management of Hector J. Figueroa, 32BJ
SEIU greatly increased its public presence and membership by 50,000
workers; and
WHEREAS, A passionate leader, Hector J. Figueroa was a man of vision
who had a genuine concern for workers and the New York City community;
he understood the needs of employers as well and worked effectively with
business owners and officials, earning their respect as well as that of
his union members; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his mother, Hector J. Figueroa is survived
by his wife, Deirdre McFadyen; his father, Luis; one daughter, Elena;
one son, Eric; and one sister, Vilma; as well as numerous friends and
workers throughout New York City who will long cherish his memory; and
WHEREAS, Hector J. Figueroa was truly a trailblazer who contributed
greatly to the cause of working men and women in New York City and
leaves an inspiring legacy for others to follow; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Hector J. Figueroa, labor union leader, devoted
family man, and dedicated member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Hector J. Figueroa.
