Héctor grew up as the child of union members and started his first job at a union in 1990. By 2012 he was elected to the role of President of SEIU 32BJ, which is now representing over 163,000 property service workers.
Under Héctor’s leadership, the union has gained over 30,000 members through compelling organizing campaigns. They’ve become a political powerhouse, fighting for immigrant and worker rights and establishing the American Dream Fund, the union’s voluntary political action fund. In cities and states up and down the East Coast, 32BJ has partnered with movements for justice to pass legislation that protects and lifts up working families and communities. The union has successfully raised the minimum wage; established prevailing wages; increased minimum hours; shielded immigrants from targeting by ICE; and expanded language access and other immigrant rights.
We’re recognizing Héctor for his role as a negotiator and connector who has focused his leadership on struggles for workers who want justice in their workplace as well as the city, state and country they live in.