Statement by David R. Jones on the Passing of 32BJ President Hector Figueroa
David R. Jones
The Community Service Society joins the rest of our city in mourning the sudden death of Hector Figueroa, an icon in the labor movement who as President of 32BJ Service Employees International Union worked tirelessly to improve wages, working conditions and opportunities for workers.
I had the privilege of working with Hector on several initiatives that brought our respective organizations together, from paid sick days to “Fair Fares.”
His gregarious and gentle manner notwithstanding, Hector was tenacious, undaunted and unbowed when it came to advocating for workers’ rights, immigrants and the vulnerable in our city. He was a leader, plain and simple. And he will be sorely missed.
With profound sadness, the Community Service Society extends its condolences to Hector’s family, our friends at 32BJ, his comrades in the labor movement, and all who had the honor to know him.