Nation’s Largest Union Local, 1199SEIU, Launches Get-Out-The-Vote Campaign for Phil Murphy

ISELIN, NJ— 1199SEIU members hosted Phil Murphy at their union hall on Saturday morning to kick off their election season program, in which healthcare workers will volunteer each weekend until Election Day to conduct voter registration and help get out the vote in their neighborhoods.  1199SEIU represents 16,000 healthcare workers who live in New Jersey, and over 400,000 nationwide.

1199SEIU members say that this governor’s election is especially important to winning long-sought improvements to quality care in nursing facilities, especially after Governor Christie vetoed a bill last year (A4636) that would have established minimum staffing standards for certified nursing assistants.

“As a nurse with close to two decades of experience, I’ve never seen the job as difficult as it is today,” said Yesenia Lafleche, a licensed practical nurse.  “We need a governor who is committed to caring for seniors and providing healthcare workers with the support we need to do our jobs effectively.”

Another key priority for 1199SEIU members over the next year is raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour.  “I’m volunteering for Phil Murphy because he supports the Fight for $15, which will drastically change my life,” said Ella Moton, a certified nursing assistant in Jersey City.  “There are times when I don’t have money to keep the lights on. When the electricity goes out, the food in my refrigerator spoils and I have to throw it all away. Family members come to help, but I wish I didn’t have to burden them—I want to support myself on my own.”

“We are totally committed to electing Phil Murphy as governor and know that this election cannot be taken for granted,” said Milly Silva, Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU.  “As attacks against working people from extreme right-wing interests in Washington DC grow fiercer by the day, we need a governor who will defend and uplift New Jersey families.  By electing Phil Murphy, we can win historic victories to protect healthcare, raise wages, and win a brighter future for our state.”

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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.