32BJ SEIU, a labor union representing 2,500 building service workers who live or work in Jersey City, is endorsing both Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2) and Ward E Councilman James Solomon for mayor in an unorthodox move.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“I have seen firsthand how County Commissioner O’Dea and Councilman Solomon stand with working people in Jersey City. Both of these candidates have joined us in the streets, in the media, in the halls of power, you name it, in support of our fights for fair wages, affordable healthcare and a city where working people can thrive,” Lonzell Battle, a city resident and concierge at 485 Marin Blvd., said in a statement.
“Working people in Jersey City will have an ally in the mayor’s office if either of these leaders gets elected. For the sake of my 7-year-old and 17-year-old, I will work to get both of them on the runoff ballot. It’s time for Jersey City’s residents and workers to come together and get what we need: good jobs, decent wages and affordable housing.”
The endorsements come following a vote of 32BJ SEIU’s Executive Board, which represents 105,000 essential workers across New Jersey and New York.
“Both Councilman Solomon and County Commissioner O’Dea are proven fighters for working people. They both stand up for Jersey City essential workers fighting for their fair share of the city’s economic gains, as well as tenants demanding safe, secure and affordable places to live,” added 32BJ SEIU Vice President and New Jersey District Director Ana Maria Hill.
“As a union that represents thousands of office cleaners, residential building service workers and security officers who either work or live in Jersey City, we think Jersey City voters will agree that our next mayor should be someone who will pull up their sleeves to make this city more affordable and a place where hardworking people can raise a family with dignity. We will turn out voters, knock on doors and make calls to get Solomon and O’Dea to the run-off.”
Solomon and O’Dea are currently in a five-way race for mayor, a non-partisan race set for November 4th, that also includes former Gov. Jim McGreevey, Council President Joyce Watterman, and ex-Board of Education President Mussab Ali.
With the filed as crowded as it is, a December 2nd runoff is expected (though there is legislation that could change the date), since any candidate getting 50 plus one percent of the vote the month prior seems unrealistic.
“I am incredibly proud to have the support of 32BJ SEIU—the hardworking men and women who keep Jersey City moving forward every single day. Their fight for fair wages, good benefits, and dignity on the job is the backbone of a strong, thriving city,” stated O’Dea.
“For decades, I have stood shoulder to shoulder with labor, and as Mayor, my commitment will never waver. We will make Jersey City a place where working families can afford to live, where unions are respected, and where every worker gets a fair shot at success. With 32BJ SEIU by my side, we’re not just running a campaign—we’re building a movement for a city that truly works for everyone.”
Solomon also expectedly expressed excitement over the labor support.
“It’s an honor to receive the endorsement of the working women and men of 32BJ. 32BJ members make Jersey City run, and without them, we would not be the city that we are. As Mayor I will have their backs,” exclaimed the downtown councilman.
“For too long, working people in Jersey City have struggled, and I will be a mayor who ensures the people who make our city work can afford to live here. That means affordable housing, living wages, and fair contracts. Jersey City is a union town – and we will make sure it stays that way.”
