We are three of the more than 1,200 32BJ SEIU union security officers and cleaners who worked at the World Trade Center before 9/11. Security officers like us screened visitors, responded to medical emergencies, and, as our co-workers did on Sept. 11, 2001, acted as the buildings’ liaisons with the NYPD and FDNY. 32BJ SEIU members saved lives that day.

Twenty-four 32BJ SEIU members perished, some 2,000 (including the three of us) were laid off across Lower Manhattan, others fell sick.

The three of us are among the lucky ones who weren’t on the job at 8:46 a.m. (Two authors worked the night shift and got off at 7 a.m., and another called out for the day to attend a doctor’s appointment with his then-pregnant wife).

The tragedy showed us the power of solidarity. Our union, 32BJ SEIU, set up a clinic to help people........

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