Seattle - Thousands of nurses, janitors and other volunteers took time off the job to bring home victory for Barack Obama, Governor Gregoire, Randy Dorn, candidates committed to the change that working families need, and Initiative 1029.
SEIU member volunteers knocked on doors, made phone calls, talked with co-workers about the issues, and reminded them to vote. Members wrote letters to the editor, filmed videos and appeared in radio and television ads to drive home the point that all Americans need quality affordable health care and economic security.
Through November 4, SEIU members in Washington:
• Knocked on over 92,000 doors.
• Made over 73,000 phone calls.
• Sent 116,000 pieces of mail.
• Distributed 20,000 workplace flyers.
• Made workers’ voices heard by investing $1.5 million in independent expenditure ads on television, radio, internet, and mail.
“Our nation is in a healthcare and economic crisis, and SEIU members took to the streets to talk about Governor Gregoire and Barack Obama’s plans to move our country forward,” SEIU Healthcare 1199NW President Diane Sosne said. “Working families are ready for change - until we solve our healthcare crisis, every family is at economic risk. Barack Obama and Governor Gregoire are the team working families can count on for quality, affordable healthcare for everyone, and voters were eager to hear that message.”
“This election is about where our country goes next,” said Alisha Gregory-Davis, an SEIU 925 member who took a four-month leave from her job at the University of Washington to volunteer full time with SEIU. “Secure, affordable health care is people’s number one concern, especially as the economic crisis worsens,” she said.
No single organization did more in Washington than SEIU to elect Barack Obama as president. SEIU endorsed Barack Obama in February, citing his commitment to working families and a comprehensive healthcare plan.
SEIU endorsed Governor Gregoire in April, citing her record of strong support for healthcare for all children, routine and preventive care for all Washingtonians, lower prescription drug prices, early childhood education, and long-term care.
SEIU endorsed Randy Dorn for the position of state superintendent of public schools to bring change to public schools. As a former teacher, principal and legislator he brings a unique skill set to solving the crisis in our schools.
SEIU also played a significant role in passage of initiative 1029 and wins in key legislative races including Tina Orwall in Legislative District 33, Kevin Ranker in Legislative District 40, Roger Goodman in Legislative District 45, Geoff Simpson in Legislative District 47, and Tim Probst in Legislative District 17.
“By knocking on nearly 100,000 doors and making tens of thousands of calls, SEIU members across the state helped re-elect Chris Gregoire and pass Initiative 1029,” said David Rolf, President of SEIU Healthcare 775NW. “We’re looking forward to working with Governor Gregoire and legislators to increase access to affordable health care for all Washingtonians.”
As the nation’s largest and fastest-growing union, SEIU unites 111,000 Washington State workers in health care, public services, and property services. SEIU members are fighting for good jobs, safer staffing levels in hospitals and nursing homes, and for quality, reliable public services. SEIU represents 2 million members nationwide.
###
SEIU Locals in Washington State include:
SEIU Local 6 – representing 3,500 janitors and security guards
SEIU Local 49 – representing 1,200 health care workers in SW Washington
SEIU Healthcare 775NW – representing 35,000 long-term care workers
SEIU 925 – representing 23,000 education and child care workers
SEIU Healthcare 1199NW – representing 22,000 nurses and healthcare workers
SEIU Local 1948 – representing 27,000 school employees