Blog Post
When SEIU Local 1107 member leader Richard Perez was wrongfully terminated from his job at the Las Vegas Justice Court earlier this year, he didn’t back down—and neither did his union.
Thanks to collective action and strong representation, Richard has been reinstated, sending a powerful message to all workers: when we stand united, we win.
Richard, a 17-year Clark County employee, has dedicated his career to both public service and union activism. Over the years, he’s served SEIU 1107 as a Steward, Political Organizing Committee Member, Contract Bargaining Team Member, and Co-Chair of the Latino Caucus.
“I’ve always fought for fairness, equity, and dignity on the job—for myself and for all of our members,” said Perez. “That’s why this moment is so important—not just for me, but for all of us.”
Perez believes his termination was the direct result of his advocacy, especially his role in enforcing the union contract and filing grievances to address unfair treatment. With the support of SEIU 1107’s leadership team—including Chief Steward Brent Miller — the union filed a grievance and took the case head-on.
“The facts were on our side,” said Perez. “The Justice Court leadership tried to silence me, but we exposed their misconduct. They backed down before arbitration because they knew they couldn’t win.”
Richard’s reinstatement is a major victory, but the fight isn’t over. On his first day back, court leadership attempted to impose conditions that violate the union contract.
“This is bigger than me,” he said. “If it can happen to someone with a long history of union involvement, it can happen to anyone. That’s why we have to keep organizing, speaking up, and protecting one another.”
Chief Steward Brent Miller agrees. “This win shows the power of our contract and the strength of our members when they stand up and fight back,” Miller said. “Richard’s courage helped defend not only his own rights, but the rights of every SEIU 1107 member.”
SEIU Wins celebrates the victories—big and small—that remind us of our collective power. Richard Perez’s story is a testament to what’s possible when members know their rights, take action, and refuse to be silenced.