Workers United, SEIU congratulates Ras Baraka in Newark and Andre Sayegh in Paterson on Resounding Mayoral Victories

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka sailed to reelection and Paterson Councilman Andre Sayegh won his city’s top job by a wide margin on Tuesday – important victories for leaders in two of New Jersey’s largest cities who have pledged support for issues critical to workers.

“We look forward to working with the mayors on behalf of the hard-working residents we represent in both cities,” said Wilfredo Larancuent, Secretary-Treasurer of the Laundry, Distribution and Food Service Joint Board Workers United, SEIU.  “Both men have supported initiatives that help improve the lives of working people, such as earned paid sick leave.”  Larancuent is also president of the SEIU NJ State Council, an umbrella group representing 23,000 workers statewide.

In Newark, Workers United Locals 617 and 3 represent public sector workers including school security and cafeteria aides, crossing guards, bus attendants, preschool and Head Start employees, Housing Authority employees, sanitation and water treatment workers. “Mayor Baraka has proven to be an effective and fair-minded leader as Newark looks to a brighter future that includes those who do the critical jobs that make the city work,” said Alberto Arroyo, Co-Manager and International Vice President for Workers United.

In Paterson, the union represents workers in several large commercial laundries.  “As a Councilman and a School Trustee, Mayor-elect Sayegh has always been responsive to his constituents and sensitive to those who work hard for a living,” said Megan Chambers, Co-Manager at Laundry, Distribution and Food Service Joint Board of Workers United/SEIU.  “He is well aware of the mantle he carries as a leader in a city that was so important in the development of the modern labor movement.”