32BJ SEIU is throwing their support behind U.S. Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. in the 10th District congressional race, praising his commitment to working families.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“We are dedicated to advancing the rights of all of our members, fighting for higher wages and better working conditions,” 32BJ SEIU Vice President and NJ State Director Kevin Brown said in a statement.
“Congressman Payne has been a longtime advocate for these same principles in Washington, where he has worked to enhance collective bargaining rights and expand healthcare access, while also being a vocal supporter for workers attempting to unionize. We are excited to endorse him, and look forward to continuing to work together in service of labor rights and economic equality.”
A former blue collar worker and union member, Payne has been a consistent advocate for unions and workers’ rights, including expanding labor protections to people working in the gig economy, and raising the minimum wage.
He is also a member of the House Labor Caucus, and one of the original co-sponsors of the PRO Act to support workers’ efforts to organize for higher pay and expanded benefits.
“I am honored to be endorsed by 32BJ SEIU, because they are on the front lines, demanding more for their members and for all working people,” noted Payne
“Ensuring that every worker in our country has the right to a livable wage, fair working conditions, and benefits like health insurance is imperative for economic justice and prosperity. In our current political moment we are seeing an inspiring resurgence of organizing around labor rights in our country, and I am dedicated to working to advance these efforts alongside 32BJ and so many others in the labor movement.”
Payne has plenty of labor support heading into the June 7th primary, with the New Jersey Education Association, the Communications Workers of America NJ, Laborers’ International North America Eastern Region, and AFSME NJ all endorsing him.
Imani Oakley and Akil Khalfani will challenge him in the race.