PHILADELPHIA – 32BJ SEIU today congratulated the historic election of Working Families Party candidate, Kendra Brooks. The union—which represents 12,000 commercial office cleaners, security officers, Philly school district workers and airport workers in the Delaware Valley—were early and strong supporters of the Working Families Party bid to end Republican control of minority seats on the Philadelphia City Council.

“Today the people spoke and brought historic change to Philadelphia. We went all in for Working Families Party candidates because the city needs a progressive majority that will put the needs of working families over big business,” said Gabe Morgan, 32BJ SEIU. “While Republicans in Washington and Harrisburg hurt working families, Philadelphia has shown Republicans the door.  Today we sent a clear message: we don’t need the people who are blocking progressive change across the country sitting in City Hall,” added Morgan.

32BJ SEIU has been a strong supporter of bringing Working Families Party to Philadelphia, a plan that is seven years in the making. The union, known for its politically-active membership held four volunteer canvasses, knocked on 175,000 doors and contributed to an independent expenditure campaign and has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars to create the infrastructure for tonight’s victory.

“As we fight for safe schools, worker protection, and wages that pull people out of poverty, we need all of Council on our side,” said Jacqueline Lumpkin, a 32BJ SEIU member and Philadelphia school district bus aide. “The Working Families Party will allow us to have a stronger voice at City hall,”

Just one year out from the 2020 election, 32BJ SEIU members are strengthening their political muscle in preparation for the crucial upcoming presidential election. As the Trump administration attacks unions and working families, union members are organizing and speaking out in record numbers. Tuesday’s Working Families Party election victory comes on the heels of high-profile labor activity including the GM strike, Chicago teacher’s strikes and massive Center City commercial cleaners’ rallies. Labor’s recent resurgence has been marked by a record number of strikes in 2018, the most since the 1980s. An uptick in labor strikes and political activity have demonstrated that union members are willing to take to the streets by the thousands to demand that political leaders support unions for all.

With more than 175,000 members in 11 states, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers union in the country.

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