BOSTON – Today, unions SEIU Local 509 and SEIU Local 32BJ proudly announced their endorsement of Gabriela (“Gigi”) Coletta for Boston City Council District 1. Together, both unions represent nearly 40,000 members across Massachusetts.
For years, Gigi has advocated for service workers across sectors, demanding better pay and working conditions for airport workers and standing in solidarity with child care providers, clinicians and social workers. She has fought against injustice at the work site and in our communities, whether it be standing against wage theft or fighting for environmental and climate justice.
“As a life-long resident of East Boston, Gigi has a deep understanding of the unique challenges her community – and her district – are facing,” said Peter MacKinnon, President of SEIU Local 509. “Many of our members in East Boston are facing housing instability and other issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our members need an advocate who will fight for expanding housing opportunities, environmental justice, and racial justice. We know Gabriela will be a champion for these issues and for working families across District 1. We look forward to working with her.”
“Gigi is the best choice to represent East Boston, a community where so many 32BJ SEIU essential cleaners, airport workers, and security officers live and work,” said Roxana Rivera, Executive Vice President of 32BJ SEIU. “As we fight for stronger jobs and fair wages at Logan Airport and across our industries, it’s crucial that we elect strong leaders with a proven track record of standing shoulder to shoulder with working families in our fights for justice—leaders like Gabriela.”
As the former Campaign Manager and Chief of Staff for Lydia Edwards, Gigi convened a grassroots coalition of unions, community groups, and volunteers that led to a victory for the campaign. During her time working with the Council, Gigi saw first-hand the need for more accessibility in local government. Now, she is running to represent the district she was raised in and has advocated for as a long-time community leader.
“I’m so honored to receive these endorsements from my friends and neighbors with SEIU Local 509 and 32BJ SEIU,” said Gabriela (“Gigi”) Coletta. “You have my commitment in service of this district: to increase options for affordable housing, to protect our priceless waterfront, and to secure economic dignity with good-paying jobs. I will always fight on behalf of working families and I will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the essential workers of SEIU in pursuit of opportunity, justice and equity.”
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SEIU Local 509 represents nearly 20,000 human service workers and educators throughout Massachusetts. Local 509 members are united in our mission to raise living standards for working families while improving the quality and affordability of the services we provide.
With more than 175,000 members in 12 states, including 19,000 in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers’ union in the country.