Local SEIU Leader Retires

Local SEIU Leader Retires

Stan Israel, a long-time official with the Services Employees International Union, retired yesterday.

Israel yesterday announced he was leaving his position as the executive vice president of SEIU District 1199 New England, marking the end to a career Israel began in 1974 as an organizer for the district. Over the last three decades, Israel has worked with other SEIU officials to win what the union described as the best contracts for health care workers in the nation. He also spearheaded three of the largest strikes at Women & Infants Hospital.

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The union has named Patrick J. Quinn to replace him as the executive vice president. Quinn will also serve as the president for the SEIU State Council, the political union of four SEIU union locals.

“Stan has left some very big shoes to fill, and he will truly be missed,” Quinn said. “I am honored to have the trust of the members of 1199, and I will look to the high standards for that Stan has set for inspiration and guidance. He was always the first to remind us that the union’s strength comes from the members’ unity – and that all working people benefit through organization. We will carry that vision forward into the future, and we wish Stan the best in his retirement.”

SEIU District 1199 New England represents 4,000 health care workers in Rhode Island and 20,000 in Connecticut.