32BJ SEIU endorses Murphy for re-election

A major New Jersey labor union has endorsed Gov. Phil Murphy for re-election to a second term.

32BJ Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which has over 13,000 members in New Jersey, announced their support at a virtual town hall with Murphy on Tuesday evening.

“Since 2016, we have worked closely with Governor Murphy in instituting important worker protections and progressive policy change. He understands that good jobs build strong communities and the economy,” said Kevin Brown, the union’s vice president and New Jersey state director.  “The minimum wage increase, mandating of paid sick time for workers and ensuring equal pay for equal work are critically important to 32BJ members and all working families in New Jersey.”

Brown pledged the union’s financial support and boots on the ground to canvass.

The union praised Murphy’s efforts to raise the minimum wage — including 32BJ SEIU employees who work at Newark Liberty International Airport – paid sick leave, and driver’s licenses without regard to immigration status.

“Governor Murphy understands the vital role unions play in helping to protect and uplift working families,” stated Brown. “He has been a champion for the issues and causes of countless New Jersey families, who have been able to move into the middle class by walking through the union door. We need to continue working towards uplifting the role of labor in our fight to getting us out of the pandemic and rebuilding our economy.”

Murphy called 32BJ “the heartbeat of our communities.”

“Phil Murphy understands the plight of airport workers like me who are struggling to survive on poverty wages,” said Andre Cooper, an airport cabin cleaner.  “He has supported our efforts and stood with us as we continue our fight to get healthcare. I know he will have my back again in the future.