New York– 32BJ announced today that its members have endorsed State Senator Bill Perkins in the special election for City Council District 9 based on his record of fighting for good jobs, affordable housing and immigrant rights.

In the Senate, Perkins fought to pass the Power for Jobs Plan that has created thousands of good paying jobs in the state. He has worked to extend unemployment benefits, to make health care more accessible and to expand tenants’ rights and affordable housing.

Perkins previously served in the City Council, where he championed legislation to create a living wage and fought for progressive values, including an end to racial, religious and ethnic profiling and to protect the rights of lesbian, gay and transgender communities. Perkins is also a strong supporter of public education and advocated for increased access to technology in the classroom.

“Bill Perkins has a long record of fighting for workers at the local and state level and we know he will continue that fight in the City Council,” said 32BJ President Hector Figueroa. “ He has committed to fight for a fair work week for fast food and other low-wage workers, advocate for responsible development that creates both good jobs and affordable housing and stand up for immigrant families in our city. That is why our members are supporting Perkins and will work with him after his election to make these promises a reality.”

32BJ SEIU has about 1400 members in Council District 9.

With 155,000 members in eleven states and Washington, D.C., including 70,000 in New York City, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers union in the country.