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Service Employees International Union
Local 585
Pittsburgh, PA


HISTORICAL SKETCH
       Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 585 was chartered in 1969 when the Pennsylvania Public Employees Relations Act, Act 195, was passed. The local represents three broad categories of workers: health care employees, nonprofessional school district workers (including clerical, custodial, cafeteria, and maintenance workers) and county civil servants. The local covers a large geographic area embracing "X number" of counties in Western Pennsylvania.
       In an election held on Sunday, December 27, 1970, Joseph Macfarlane was elected President. Only 100 votes were cast reflecting the size of the membership. From small beginnings, the local grew rapidly. Joe Mance was Business Representative during this period and helped organize a number of public school district locals (e.g. Gateway, North Gate, Bellevue-Avalon, Wilkinsburg). Gerald W. Hinchey, International Organizer for the Union was also active c. 1970-1971 (E. Allegheny, Plum Boro, North Hills, and Washington, PA); Guy Lucia was active as an International Organizer from late 1971.
       In August, 1973, when Rosemary Trump defeated two other candidates for the Presidency, the votes were cast. Rosemary Trump has retained the Presidency of the Local since that time.

 

  Chronology
 1971 Guy C. Lucia, SEIU International Organizer, created form letter which was sent on 12-20-71. Claims local representatives????? "over 2000 members and enjoys an outstanding reputation for work done for its members at the bargaining table as well as the extra benefits it works to provide."
 July 1, 1971 Louis DeNillo elected Local President. He worked for Churchill Area School District 13 years. He was formerly a trustee for Local 585 (January 1 - June 30, 1971) before he became the President. He belonged to Local 585 since 1969 and helped negotiate contracts for the union.
January 28, 1973  630 employees of Westmoreland Co. go on strike - view Local 585 News clipping.
March 25, 1973 Kane Hospital organizing/rivalry with Local 1058, Laborers Union headed by Thos. L. Pecore.
June 1977 Frick Hospital Workers choose Local 585. Ed Grystar was organizer - view Local 585 News clipping.
September 16, 1977  Southeastern Greene School District, Greene Co., strike by maintenance, custodial, and cafeteria workers.
January 1978 Negotiations begin at Frick Hospital. (6 months after election)