LYNN — School Committee member Brian Castellanos has secured a second term as a statewide trustee for SEIU 509.
The union represents more than 20,000 human service workers and educators across the Commonwealth, including agencies such as the Department Mental Health, the Department of Children and Families, and Developmental Services.
Meanwhile, the statewide trustee role involves financial oversight, promoting union values, and building a strong labor movement by organizing drives, workshops, and local events. Each term lasts for three years.
Castellanos provided insight as to why he believes his roots in public service helped him get reelected.
“I am the son of a janitor, and SEIU 509 was founded by janitors. I was a first generation, low income kid. It’s close to my heart,” Castellanos said.
He added, “It has always been my passion to support working families. I’ve centered my decision-making on supporting (the) working families we represent. For anyone out there growing up the way I did, I’m going to represent them.”
Castellanos described the types of issues that working class families are facing in Massachusetts today, especially during the current presidential administration.
“When you look at the cost of living right now, it’s going through the roof,” he said. “There are a lot of people who are working three jobs and are barely making enough money to put food in their fridge. And people are making a lot of sacrifices.”
He added, “It’s really important that we recognize and value working-class constituents. The union has people who fight for a good quality of life every day.”
As for his second-term plans as statewide trustee, Castellanos said he will continue to build off of his first term with determination in lieu of the presidential administration.
“Finances are very difficult. We’re very strapped. (We need to be) fiscally strategic, making sure that we’re safeguarded on decision-making, making sure we’re making good investments, and really advocating for the issues that we have to prioritize. We’re going to be looking at what policies and legislations we have to support,” he said.
The 35-year-old husband and father also successfully ran for School Committee reelection while juggling his SEIU 509 campaign. He thanked everyone who supported him during the challenging time.
“I didn’t have a day off. But that’s the foundation of my work ethic. I’m super grateful to everyone who supported me,” Castellanos said.
He added, “It’s a bigger than me moment. It impacts Lynn and the entire state.”
