Abdul El-Sayed Marks Labor Day With New Slate of SEIU Endorsements
Tens of thousands of union workers represented in latest wave of labor support
MICHIGAN – On Labor Day, as Michigan honors the working people and unions who built the state, three SEIU local unions representing tens of thousands of workers are throwing their support behind Dr. Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign for U.S. Senate. SEIU Healthcare Michigan, SEIU Local 1, and SEIU Local 517M announced their endorsements Monday, adding to the growing coalition of organized labor backing his campaign.
The members of these locals span a broad cross-section of Michigan’s workforce. SEIU Healthcare Michigan, the state’s largest health care union, represents home care, nursing home, and hospital workers; SEIU Local 1 represents janitors, security officers, and residential workers; and SEIU Local 517M represents public employees, including road crews, librarians, and city workers.
“There’s no better way to mark Labor Day than with the support of tens of thousands of working people across Michigan,” said Abdul. “This state was built by workers, not CEOs or corporate lobbyists. I’m running to stand shoulder to shoulder with organized labor, take on the greedy corporations and cowardly politicians who have rigged the system against working people. Together we’ll make sure workers have the power they deserve.”
“We know what happens when healthcare is treated like a business instead of a public good because we see it every day. We need leaders who will stand up for patients and clients, protect Medicaid and invest in the workers who provide care,” said Charlesetta Wilson, President of SEIU Healthcare Michigan. “We’re supporting Abdul because he understands that when we strengthen healthcare jobs, we strengthen healthcare for everyone.”
“While billionaires and corporations grow richer by the day, it’s working people that pay the price,” said Pam Owens, Vice President of SEIU Local 1. “Abdul’s message is clear: We need to put people over profits. As Senator, he’ll fight to expand unions across America and put money back in the pockets of workers.”
“Public servants are facing existential threats to our work,” said Greg Merricle, President and member of SEIU 517M. “Federal cuts and slashed state budgets have made it harder to deliver the services Michiganders deserve. Abdul knows that funding our communities leads to better outcomes for all. He’s committed to bringing our fight to Washington.”
Abdul, a card-carrying union member, has made workers’ rights and organized labor central to his bid for Senate. His Labor Policy Agenda lays out how he’ll strengthen unions and put more power in the hands of working Michiganders.
The three SEIU locals are the latest to join a broad coalition of labor groups backing Abdul, including the Michigan AFL-CIO, UAW, AFT, AFSCME, National Nurses United, and Michigan Education Association. Abdul has also earned the support of a growing list of advocacy groups and elected officials, including Planned Parenthood Action Fund, MoveOn, former Vice President Kamala Harris, Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Haley Stevens, and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow.
A full list of Abdul’s endorsements can be found here.
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A son of Southeast Michigan, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is running for US Senate to get money out of politics, put money back in your pockets, and pass Medicare for All. A union member and University of Michigan alum, Abdul is fighting for Michiganders—not billionaires and corporations. Learn more at AbdulForSenate.com