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Service Employees International Union

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 8, 2006
10:32 AM

CONTACT: Service Employees International Union
Stephanie Mueller 202-730-7842

 
In Historic Election, Working People Make the Difference
Unprecedented Get-Out-the-Vote Effort by Janitors, Health Care Workers, Security Officers, Others Brings Sweeping Change
Statement of Anna Burger, SEIU Secretary-Treasurer
 

WASHINGTON - November 8 - Working people across this country have spoken.  By voting to change the leadership of Congress, and electing eight new pro-worker governors, they have said enough is enough. 

It’s important for the winning candidates to remember that this election is not just an accomplishment – it’s an opportunity. It’s a chance to put working people back at the center of the agenda for our country. 

Today we celebrate, but tomorrow we go to work.  While corporate CEOs make more and more money, the average worker has seen her wages go down and her health care costs go up.  This election represents progress, but we still have a long way to go to give our children the future they deserve.

Yesterday, more progressive voices were heard.  But today in Houston, striking janitors still make $21 a day with no health care and no benefits.  We can’t rest until they and other workers across this country no longer have to struggle just to provide the basics for their families.

To Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, our message is the same:  No more empty promises, no more rhetoric.  Working people have put you in office, and we will hold you accountable if you don’t start working for us.

Congress has a lot of work to do to put the interests of working families first.  We’re going to hold them to this standard.  All elected officials need to know that today is only the first step on a long road to restoring the American Dream. 

Working people have sent the message about what they want:  quality, affordable health care; good jobs that can provide for a family; and retirement with dignity.  The question now is whether our elected officials will listen and take action.

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