1199SEIU

1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East today endorsed Ben Kallos for City Council in Manhattan’s fifth council district, citing his progressive vision and commitment to quality, affordable healthcare and good jobs for working New Yorkers. 1199SEIU is the largest union in New York City, representing over 220,000 city nurses and caregivers and over 400,000 members nationwide.

“Ben Kallos has a background in labor and health law, making him uniquely qualified to represent the hospital corridor of the East Side. He has a progressive vision focused on the rights of all New Yorkers to receive fair treatment in the workplace and quality, affordable healthcare,” said Kevin Finnegan, Political Director of 1199SEIU.

1199SEIU supports their endorsed candidates with unrivalled resources and a highly effective political operation that includes thousands of volunteer hours, door-to-door canvassing, phone banking and more. They have a strong record of success in elections throughout New York City.

“I am proud to accept the endorsement of 1199SEIU, whose members are everyday heroes. My mother suffers from Parkinson’s disease, so like all of us with health concerns or who have family members facing health struggles, I have a strong appreciation for our tireless healthcare workers. I am committed to doing health insurance sign-ups in our district and providing the worker training necessary to keep our hospitals great,” said Kallos.

The nurses and caregivers of 1199SEIU are helping to lead our city towards a progressive vision that includes good jobs with a living wage, paid sick days and health benefits; rights for workers, people of color, immigrants, women and the LGBT community; affordable housing; making sure the 1% pay their fair share so we can invest in our future; effective policing that respects civil rights; and access to quality healthcare services for all.