Hundreds of members mobilize voters during SEIU’s National Day of Action to elect champions for working families while calling for corporations to stay out of politics.
CONTACT: S. Patricia Cabrera – pcabrera@seiunjcouncil.org (973) 572-8204
Rahway, NJ – Today, hundreds of members of the SEIU New Jersey State Council affiliates and 32 BJ SEIU gathered at Rahway City Hall to launch early voting efforts and mobilize working families in support of Rebecca Bennett for Congress in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District.
SEIU affiliates Workers United, 1199 SEIU, CIR SEIU and 32 BJ SEIU joined hundreds of thousands of union members nationwide as part of SEIU’s National Day of Action, mobilizing voters and demonstrating the power of working people at the ballot box. Rallying under the call to keep corporations out of politics, members highlighted the issues that matter most to working families, including affordable healthcare, good union jobs, economic security, immigrant rights, and dignity and respect in the workplace.
“Rebecca Bennett has demonstrated a willingness to discuss our priorities and stand up for the issues that matter most to working families,” said Megan Chambers, President of the SEIU NJ State Council and Co-Manager of the Laundry, Distribution, and Food Service Joint Board, Workers United, SEIU. “We are demanding leaders who ensure that our voices are heard and respected. As the cost of living continues to rise, we need jobs that allow us to thrive, not just survive. Working people have always stood up for this country, and we believe Rebecca Bennett is the candidate who will represent our interests and fight for us in Washington. We are ready to put boots on the ground and do the work necessary to help elect her as the next representative for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District.”
“The caregivers of 1199SEIU are excited to get-out-the-vote in these critical midterms for Rebecca Bennett, who is committed to fighting for a more affordable and healthy New Jersey,” said Andy Cassagnol, Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU. “We need leaders like her who will stand up against Washington DC’s deplorable attacks on hardworking families and put workers before billionaires. We’re ready to flip CD7 by mobilizing our communities to vote as if our democracy depends on it.”
“Working families are tired of an economy that rewards corporations while leaving the people who keep our communities running struggling to make ends meet,” said Ana María Hill, New Jersey State Director of 32BJ SEIU. “Our members know that affordable healthcare, good-paying jobs, and the ability to provide for our families should not be privileges reserved for a few. That’s why we’re knocking on doors, mobilizing voters, and standing behind Rebecca Bennett. We need leaders in Washington who will put working people ahead of corporate interests and fight for an economy that works for all of us.”
On October 14th union members from across New Jersey participated in a virtual Town Hall with Rebecca Bennett. The Town Hall brought together leaders from Workers United, 1199SEIU, CIR and 32BJ SEIU at a critical moment for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, one of the most closely watched and contested congressional races in the country and, which could play a decisive role in determining control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Rebecca Bennett, a Navy veteran, healthcare advocate, mother, and proud New Jerseyan, has centered her campaign on expanding access to affordable healthcare, strengthening economic opportunities for working families, protecting immigrant communities, and creating pathways to good-paying union jobs.
Following the rally, SEIU members and volunteers conducted door-to-door canvassing throughout the district, encouraging voters to cast their ballots during New Jersey’s early voting period.
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About the SEIU New Jersey State Council
The SEIU New Jersey State Council is composed of affiliated unions representing thousands of workers across New Jersey, including healthcare workers, resident physicians, warehouse and laundry workers, school cafeteria workers, motor vehicle inspectors, and municipal employees. The Council includes 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the Laundry, Distribution and Food Service Joint Board of Workers United, the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR), and 32BJ Motor Vehicle Inspectors.
About 32BJ SEIU
32BJ SEIU is a member-driven union representing 15,000 service workers in New Jersey and a total of 190,000 service workers across 12 states and Washington, D.C.
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