Pennsylvania Working Families Party candidates seek to end Republican control of minority seats and build a more representative City Council
PHILADELPHIA — The Working Families Party is proud to announce endorsements from key labor allies such as SEIU 32BJ, SEIU-HCPA, AFSCME District 1199C, PASNAP, BMWED-IBT, and UNITE HERE Philadelphia for Philadelphia City Council At-Large candidates Kendra Brooks and Nicolas O’Rourke.The Working Families Party is seeking to end Republican control of two At-Large Council seats by electing working families champions O’Rourke and Brooks in the Nov. 5 general election.
32BJ SEIU is the largest property services union in the country representing 12,000 cleaners, school workers, security officers and airport workers in the Philadelphia area. “We are proud to endorse Nicolas and Kendra because they will stand up for working people in Philadelphia and usher in a new progressive era,” said Gabe Morgan, Vice President of 32BJ SEIU and Working Families Party Chair. “City Council should fully reflect the progressive majority that wants Philadelphia to be a city where your zip code does not determine your future. Electing Working Families Party candidates, Nicolas and Kendra will finally give voters a progressive alternative that gets rid of Republican minority obstruction and strengthens a progressive majority.”
“Now, more than ever, hospital and healthcare workers need strong allies in City Hall,” said Chris Woods, Executive Vice President of AFSCME District 1199C. “That’s why we are strongly endorsing the Working Families Party slate for City Council At Large.”
“We (SEIU Healthcare PA) are excited to endorse Kendra Brooks and Nicolas O’Rourke because they understand the issues that healthcare workers like me face,” said Lenora Price, CNA with SEIU Healthcare PA. “We need candidates who know what it’s like for working people and that will stand with us in our fight to make every job a good union job that pays a fair living wage. Our leaders need to reflect our values and understand the issues we all face, from affordable housing and access to healthcare, to gun violence, and ensuring that our corporations pay their fair share. And we are proud to stand with them so we can create a more just Philadelphia where our elected leaders represent the needs of working families.”
“Nicolas and Kendra have been with us in the fight for healthcare for all, and worker’s rights in Philadelphia,” said PASNAP President Maureen May. “We are proud to support these two progressive leaders in their bid for City Council At-Large. As unions are increasingly under attack in Pennsylvania and this country, we need candidates that will fight to help working families have jobs that allow them to support themselves and ensure everyone has access to affordable quality healthcare.”
“Working people are the majority here in Philadelphia and it’s time we had a City Council that fully reflects that,” said Nicole Hunt, President of UNITE HERE Local 634. “Nicolas O’Rourke and Kendra Brooks understand the needs, struggles, and goals of Philadelphia’s workers and we’re going to elect them to City Council to represent us.”
The candidates also have the support of grassroots organizations and political leaders including One Pennsylvania, CADBI (Coalition to Abolish Death By Incarceration), Neighborhood Networks, and the Sunrise Movement Philadelphia. As well as the endorsements of progressive state representatives Chris Rabb, Elizabeth Fiedler, and Malcolm Kenyatta. Brooks has secured the additional endorsements of 215 People’s Alliance, the Progressive Change Campaign Committee and Democracy for America.
“I am honored to have the support of the unions that represent the workers that make this city great,” said Kendra Brooks. “One job should be enough to get by in this city. I believe that for Philadelphians to thrive, we must support workers’ fight to unionize and win a fair contract.”
“Grateful to have the endorsement of my brothers and sisters in labor. It is time for a City Council that is republican-free, and committed to working for working families and not corporate interests,” said Pastor Nicolas O’Rourke. “As City Councilmember, I will work to make sure we enforce Fair Work Week laws, protect workers against wage theft, guarantee paid sick days, and the right to unionize.”
This past Saturday, 32BJ SEIU hosted a rally for the slate candidates. Hundreds of union members and labor leaders came out to hear about the historic campaign for the WFP only candidates. Other unions in attendance included UNITE HERE, AFSCME 1199C, SEIU HCPA, PASNAP.