CONTACT: S. Patricia Cabrera (973) 572-8204
New Brunswick, NJ — At Rutgers University‘s Labor, Education, Center, SEIU NJ State Council members on Saturday, March 23 came together to celebrate the 2024 International Women’s Day.
The day’s theme “Inspire Inclusion“ was the setting to a program that included Congresswoman, Mikie Sherrill, CD 11 as Keynote speaker; a video message from Congresswoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman CD 12 and a robust discussion on women’s leadership, the powerful impact of women union activists and the challenges women face, including discrimination, the strain of caring for young children in the face of employers’ demands, and the urgent need for fair wages, “Our members are often the backbone of their families’ economy. True heroes that worked throughout the pandemic in nursing homes, cafeteria workers, who made sure our children were fed; the laundry workers who made sure hospital linens, and patient gowns were sanitized, even as they had to fight for COVID safety at work,” said Megan Chambers, President of the SEIU NJ State Council and Co-manager of the Laundry Distribution, and Food Service (LDFS) Joint Board, Workers United SEIU. “ Today as always, we recognize and thank them for their leadership, their strength and their dedication and hard work.“
“When we speak about caring for our neighbors and community members going through difficult times, half the time it is labor looking out for others,” said Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill. “As I think about how we are going to have a better future for our children I know squarely and at the center of it all are our union members. I am relying on you, not just to do good things for our workers, but to remind us of what our American values are.”
“Throughout history it has been the solidarity of women who pushed American society into a fairer and more equitable one. The women of the SEIU NJ State Council and your sisters in other unions embody the spirit of fairness,” said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman. “I know that when women work to germs, we can move this country forward because I have seen it. The fight is not over, we will continue to fight, and I am sure with your help we will win.”
”As workers, we seek fairness in pay, being treated with respect and dignity in the workplace and the possibility of being promoted,” said Isabelita Sombillo, Lead organizer at 1199 SEIU NJ Region. “The power of the vote is important, our being involved in the electoral process supporting those who stand with our cause is important.”
The SEIU NJ State Council is composed of unions representing Service Employees across the state, including healthcare, warehouse, laundry, and school cafeteria workers. Our diverse membership also includes motor vehicle inspectors, resident physicians, and municipal employees in Newark. The Council includes 1199 SEIU Healthcare Workers East; Laundry, Distribution and Food Service Joint Board of Workers United, the Committee of Interns and Residents and 32 BJ Motor Vehicle Inspectors.
