32BJ SEIU Honors Members Killed on 9/11, Announces Campaign to Organize 50,000+ NYC Security Officers

On September 9, 32BJ SEIU leaders and members, non-union officers fighting for a union and 32BJ SEIU union security officers were joined by City Council Speaker Julie Menin and NYC DCWP Commissioner Samuel Levine outside the Seagram Building in New York City to announce a plan to organize 50,000 more security officers in the city and honor 24 union members who were lost on 9/11 while working at the World Trade Center.

The tragedy of 9/11 sparked 32BJ SEIU’s original campaign to uplift and organize thousands of security officers across New York City. As this campaign takes another step forward, the union is demanding that all contractors do the right thing and respect workers’ right to choose a union. Unfortunately, not all companies are at this time. The event location at the Seagram Building was no coincidence, it’s a place where non-union security company CPS refuses to remain neutral and respect workers rights to join a union.

Yvette Cumberbatch, Current 32BJ SEIU member, WTC 32BJ SEIU Shop Steward, Night Shift Security Officer: “I am one of the over 1,200 32BJ SEIU union security officers and cleaners who worked at the World Trade Center before 9/11. Security officers like us screened visitors, responded to medical emergencies, and, as our co-workers did on September 11, 2001, acted as the buildings’ liaisons with the NYPD and FDNY. 32BJ SEIU members saved lives that day. The tragedy of 9/11 brought attention to how security officer wages and benefits did not match their essential role. This fight for dignity continues to this day.”

Manny Pastreich, 32BJ SEIU President: “In the days, months, and years following 9/11 we came to understand the importance of security officers in keeping New Yorkers and our buildings’ safe. Over the past 25 years, NYC security officers, alongside 32BJ, have made great strides in the pursuit of dignity and respect. 20,000 32BJ SEIU security officers in NYC have won employer-paid high-quality healthcare, good wages, access to free union classes, a 401k, the union grievance process, among other union benefits. We successfully pushed for legislation to uplift the entire industry. But there is more to be done. The industry is experiencing a turnover crisis. Too many have their lives repeatedly upended by unaccountable schedule changes, and too many have no healthcare or retirement prospects. With the momentum of the Aland Etienne Safety & Security Act at our back – passed to honor our fallen 32BJ brother Aland Etienne – we are now organizing for real power and justice for 50,000 more security officers who today lack the protections and rights they deserve.”

See images from the event and check out a new op-ed by three @32BJSEIU security officers who were among the 1,200 @32BJSEIU members working at the World Trade Center before 9/11.