RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING MAY 5, 2022
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners congratulating Tom Balanoff on his retirement
Body
WHEREAS, the Service Employees International Union was founded in Chicago in 1921 as the Builders Service Employees International Union. Unlike many union organizations formed during this era, the Builders Service Employees International Union was fully integrated, permitting membership by Black Americans, women, and immigrants; and
WHEREAS, in 1968, the name of the union was officially changed to the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) in a move toward inclusivity and to represent the membership more clearly; and
WHEREAS, Local 1 is recognized as the precursor entity to the SEIU. Formed in Chicago in 1904 by residential maintenance workers, Local 1 currently represents 50,000 members throughout Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin; and
WHEREAS, following twenty-nine years of dedicated service, on March 3, 2022 Tom Balanoff retired as SEIU Local 1 President; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Balanoff has made union advocacy his life-long career. Prior to joining the SEIU in 1993, he was employed with the Fire Fighters Union, the Allied Industrial Workers’ Union, and the Cement Workers Union; and
WHEREAS, impressed by his passion and effectiveness, Mr. Balanoff was recruited by the SEIU International and assumed the role of Local 73 Trustee. A year later, he was elected President and took office in 1995. In 1996, he became the SEIU Vice President; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Balanoff was selected as President of Local 1 in 2000 following the reorganization of the union. His twenty-two years as President ranks him among the longest serving leaders in the union; and
WHEREAS, in addition to serving as the President of Local 1, Mr. Balanoff also served as the President of the SEIU Illinois State Council. Additionally, he assisted in providing guidance and support to the International Labor Movement; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure as President, Mr. Balanoff contributed meaningfully to many union battles including the creation of the National Framework Agreement to assist security officers, the creation of the Chicago Progressive Caucus in City Council, and the Fight for $15; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago salutes Tom Balanoff and expresses gratitude for his contributions to the labor movement. His tireless efforts have greatly contributed to the fight for equal pay and fair working conditions; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby congratulate Tom Balanoff on his retirement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented to Tom Balanoff.
Dated: May 5, 2022