“I am deeply saddened by the death of Hector Figueroa, a visionary labor leader who dedicated his life to helping working New Yorkers. As a voice for the voiceless, he led the charge for better wages and working conditions for janitors, cleaners, fast food workers, superintendents, taxi drivers, window cleaners, porters, security officers, airport workers, maintenance workers and doormen. One of the things I admired most about Hector was the fact that he didn’t care if you were a 32BJ member or not. If you were a working person who needed help, Hector was in your corner.

“His many accomplishments include helping to raise New York’s minimum wage to $15 an hour, and just last year successfully pushing for a $19 minimum wage for airport workers.

“He was also a fearless leader on social issues, especially for immigrants and equality. We could not have asked for a better advocate for the times we live in.

“We lost him too soon, but thank God we had him for the time we did. Our city and our country are better off because of his work. Hector will be dearly missed.

“On behalf of the New York City Council, I want to extend condolences to his wife, Deirdre, his children, Eric and Elena, and everyone at 32BJ.”

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