1199SEIU Endorses Newark Mayor Ras Baraka for Re-Election

Newark, NJ— 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the largest healthcare workers’ union in the country which represents 16,000 healthcare families in New Jersey and 400,000 nationwide, today announces its endorsement of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka for re-election.

“Mayor Baraka has long been a dedicated advocate for Newark’s healthcare workers and our patients.  He’s stood with us, walked the picket lines with us, and been a forceful voice for every neighborhood in our city,” said Annie Obley, an 1199SEIU member and retired nursing home worker.  “I’ve lived in Newark for 45 years, and I think the city is doing fantastic now—people used to want to leave our city, but now they’re coming back.  Newark is rising.”

“Raising standards for staffing levels in our nursing homes is an urgent priority for Newark caregivers and the patients we serve.  As mayor of the largest city in the state, we are grateful that Mayor Baraka stands firmly behind this effort to ensure that seniors get the care they need,” said Patricia Matthews, an 1199SEIU member with 14 years of experience as a certified nursing assistant.

“Mayor Baraka is a transformative leader, building a vision of a city that empowers Newarkers to be engaged citizens and agents of change in their communities,” said Milly Silva, Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU.  “From defending the principle of quality healthcare for all, to investing in public education, to facilitating dialogue between communities and law enforcement, Mayor Baraka is moving Newark forward.”

“For decades, 1199SEIU has been in the vanguard of fighting for social and economic justice,” said Mayor Ras Baraka.  “From the Civil Rights Movement to today’s battles against extreme income inequality, working people have counted on this progressive union to challenge the status quo. We are building a broad-based movement to transform Newark and 1199SEIU is a leading part of our coalition.”

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1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in New Jersey and nationwide. We represent over 16,000 healthcare families in New Jersey and over 400,000 total members throughout New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Maryland, Florida, and Washington, D.C.   Our mission is to achieve quality care and good jobs for all.