SECURITY ON THE MOVE: Meet Genie, VISIONARY

The “Security On The Move...” campaign is gearing up with both the Metro and BOMA contracts, some of SEIU Local 1’s most comprehensive agreements. They are up for renewal in the spring of 2022. Each month, Local 1 will feature a bold and daring leader committed to fighting for Chicago's security officers. These features will be an opportunity for member leaders to share insights on their work and why being in a union is so important for working people.

Each month, we will include a special Q&A interview with these movers in their own right with a one-word description that captures how they make a difference in their workplace. We’re starting the year off with a special edition featuring Local 1 Executive Vice-President Genie Kastrup, VISIONARY. She will play a big role in winning a strong new contract for security officers!

 Why did you get involved in the labor movement?

I spent many years traveling across the country running political campaigns for progressive Democrats.  I elected people from city halls to the halls of Congress but they were never we able to live up my expectations of bringing the real change I envisioned when I helped elect them. 

Throughout those years, I worked alongside many labor unions and I witnessed time and time again the power of union members coming together to fight for justice – whether it be justice in their workplace or in the community.  

That’s when I realized if I wanted to help make real change, I needed to bring my passion and skills to the labor movement. I started in SEIU in 2003 doing politics.

Since 2010, I have been working for SEIU Local 1 where I have served as Political Director, then Chief of Staff and most recently as your Executive Vice President. 

I’m proud of the work I have been able to do to help build a stronger Local that has as strong track recording of fighting and winning for our members.

What are you most looking forward to in 2022?

I am looking forward to leading the fight alongside our security members to win a good contract in 2022!  They deserve to be recognized for the important role they have played throughout the pandemic. 

Why is it so important for security officers to get involved in the upcoming contract campaign?

This pandemic has been hard.  It has been especially hard on our front-line workers like our security officers.  Your jobs have evolved.  Now, you are not only the first responders in the building but are also being asked to enforce mask mandates, temperature checks and keep building secure when our city has been in turmoil.  You’ve been asked to do all of this at the same time when many of your buildings are facing a worker shortage.

It is important that at the end of this contract campaign you are recognized for the important role you play in your building. 

I know we will get a fair contract – but only if security officers come together and fight for what they deserve.  We need all the security officers to make their voices heard.  We need to demonstrate that security officers have the power.  It will take all of us – not just leaders and activists – but all of us to make our voices heard. 

Are you a long time security officer but never been involved?  Now is the time.

Are you a new security officer but haven’t gotten involved yet?  Now is the time.

Are you a leader or activist?  Talk to more of your co-workers share your story and help get them involved. 

I know we will be successful if we make our voices heard.

What do you like to do when you're not working?

I love to read, ride my bike and spend time with my husband, my almost 8-year-old daughter and our husky.