“Today the Executive Board of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) voted to endorse Hillary Clinton for President, and 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East voted to support that decision. During the endorsement decision-making process, we sent a clear message that we strongly urge Secretary Clinton not only to continue supporting a $15 minimum wage on state and local levels, but also expand that support to the federal level for all working people. In the richest country in the history of the world, we must ensure that hard work is rewarded, that working people can provide their children with a better future, and that we can build a fair and inclusive economy.
“Over the past few months, more than 22,000 members of 1199 had conversations with each other and filled out surveys about their priority issues, and made their voices heard through social media. 1199SEIU’s executive leaders then met with both Secretary Hillary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders, and expressed to them our urgent priorities: good jobs with a living wage, quality healthcare for all, social justice, immigration reform and a healthy planet. Following those meetings, we felt confident that both candidates strongly supported our issues, but that Secretary Clinton outlined the most effective strategy for winning the general election.
“We admire and respect Senator Sanders, and applaud his message of fairness and economic justice. But above all, we cannot under any circumstances let anti-worker, right-wing politicians gain control of the White House, in addition to controlling the Senate, Congress and the Supreme Court. That consolidation of power by the extreme right-wing would be a catastrophe for working people, women, people of color, immigrants, youth, seniors, the LGBTQ community, and for America’s standing in the world. The Republican agenda is focused on accumulating more wealth and power for the top 1%, while leaving everyone else behind.
“Secretary Clinton has the commitment, skills and experience to move our country forward, and the most effective strategy to win the presidency. Therefore, we support SEIU’s decision to endorse Secretary Hillary Clinton, and will mobilize our more than 400,000 members to ensure the priority issues of healthcare workers, our families and our communities are heard loud and clear. Together, we will fight for a country that works for working people, with security, opportunity and dignity for all.”
- George Gresham, President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.
###
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is the largest union in America with over 2 million members. 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest local within SEIU, with over 450,000 members throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. 1199SEIU’s mission is to achieve quality healthcare and good jobs for all.
Media Center
