(ROCHESTER, NEW YORK) - National Labor Leader and Retired 1199 Service Employees International Union Vice-President Bruce Popper has passed away at the age of 71.

A native of Buffalo, Bruce began his 45-year career in Organized Labor as a Rank-And-File Member of 1199 SEIU. 

As a Delegate, Bruce processed grievances and helped to negotiate contracts at the University of Rochester.

In 1978, Bruce was hired as an Organizer and rose up the ranks to serve as President of the Local. 

As his career progressed, he later served as Area Vice-President for Hospitals in Buffalo, Corning and Rochester - helping to win contracts for workers at Kaleida Health in Buffalo and Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

In more recent years, Popper led strikes at Anthony Jordan Health Center in Rochester and helped Workers to secure a fair contract following difficult negotiations.

Popper served on 1199SEIU’s Executive Council, the Union’s highest governing body.

He sat on many different boards locally in Rochester, participated community groups and steering committees focusing on Social and Economic Justice. 

Popper believed in the power of effective communication and created massive list serves to keep Members and the community informed and educated on the Labor Movement. 

He was also a Historian and could tell you the history of Frederick Douglas and his importance to the Rochester community. 

Popper retired as 1199 SEIU Vice-President for Rochester/Corning in 2019. 

He received the key to the city of Rochester in recognition for his 45 years of dedicated service in the Labor Movement and fighting for Worker’s rights.

1199 SEIU Vice-President Tracey Harrison said: “Bruce always fought for Workers, to help them build power and to move Workers forward in Rochester.  He was very sincere and genuine human being who was all about what was right, didn’t matter what title you held or where you came from.  For those of us who have had the privilege of growing up under Bruce’s tutelages, it was an honor and privilege to work alongside such a dynamic individual who had a specific goal, to build a movement and to give Workers a voice.  His forward thinking, and compassion for Workers helped to shape the Labor Movement in Rochester and many other locations across New York State.  It could be argued and confirmed that his impact on the Labor Movement could be felt across the country.”

Popper is survived by his wife of 36 years, Barbara, and his daughter, Katherine Dee Popper. 

Funeral arrangements are still pending. 

1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East - whose mission is to achieve quality care and good jobs for all, is the largest and fastest-growing Health Care Union in America – representing more than 400,000 Nurses and Caregivers throughout New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts and Florida, as well as in Washington, D.C.

Photos Provided By 1199 SEIU.