Labor union SEIU 32BJ endorsed Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop for re-election at a press conference in front of City Hall this afternoon.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
“Working families are integral to the foundation of our city, and as mayor I am committed to protecting workers’ right to unionize, to prioritizing labor rights in all aspects of city government and to adding my voice to the fight for higher wages, stronger benefits and fairer working conditions,” Fulop said.
“Service workers have been some of those hit hardest by COVID-19, and now more than ever we must stand up for those members of our community whose work is so important, and who are so often overlooked. I look forward to working with SEIU 32BJ to keep fighting for all of Jersey City.”
Fulop worked to guarantee earned sick leave, making Jersey City the first in the state to adopt the policy and was also an early champion for a $15 minimum wage.
Last month, the city increased the minimum wage for municipal employees in Jersey City to $17 an hour, significantly benefiting low wage workers who have been some of the most impacted by the pandemic.
“Mayor Fulop understands that service workers are the backbone of Jersey City. As Mayor, he works tirelessly and diligently to protect and uplift working families. He has always been there for us and we are confident he will continue to champion the issues and causes important to all service workers,” added SEIU 32BJ Vice President and NJ State Director Kevin Brown.
“Mayor Fulop’s heart is with New Jersey’s working people and it shows in his policies and practices. We are proud to endorse and support him in his reelection campaign and we will work hard to ensure he is victorious. We look forward to continuing working together towards getting us out of the pandemic, and rebuilding our economy.”
Campaign spokesman Phil Swibinski told HCV that SEIU 32BJ’s endorsement today was only for Fulop, with endorsements for the city council races being scheduled for a date to be determined.
