Los Angeles, CA – On Saturday, October 5th, 2024, nearly 200 caregivers—members of SEIU Local 2015, the nation’s largest long-term care workers union and California’s largest union—reached out to voters in Las Vegas for the Kamala Harris/Tim Walz ticket. SEIU endorses Harris’ platform as the most pro-care, pro-worker in the country’s history. Prior to their departure, members held a rally at the Los Angeles Union Hall on Friday, October 4th, where energized long-term care workers chanted “¡she se puede!” and spoke out via bullhorn about why they decided to be a part of this historic get-out-the-vote effort.
SEIU 2015 members provide care for older adults and people with disabilities, ensuring that they receive the support they need to lead safe and fulfilling lives. Members canvassed to highlight the urgent need for national policy solutions, including investment in care infrastructure, humane immigration reform, and support for the right to have a union. Care providers from across the nation aimed to share why the Harris/Walz ticket is the best choice to strengthen the care economy. The canvass was part of SEIU 2015’s broader Get Out The Vote campaign, which has organized events in support of the Harris/Walz ticket as well as other endorsed candidates who will invest in care workers and advance the union’s justice agenda.
“SEIU 2015 members are a collective powerhouse of nearly half a million California long-term care workers, many of whom are immigrants, and we’re all in for a candidate who will fight for care workers and our families,” said Arnulfo De La Cruz, President of SEIU 2015. “Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz have committed to building a care infrastructure that benefits all Americans. From protecting immigrant workers to investing in care jobs, their leadership is exactly what this country needs.”
Care providers are primarily women, women of color, and immigrants. The expectation that women—especially women of color—work tirelessly for low wages and minimum protections is a result of structural racism. The November election will have a direct impact on the future of care, labor, and democracy. SEIU 2015 is ready to elect care champions who will work with us to ensure that long-term care jobs are stable, dependable jobs with fair wages, adequate training, and comprehensive benefits.
“The aging of the planet is a global crisis second only to our climate crisis,” De La Cruz added. “The Harris/Walz platform is committed to investing in our nation’s care infrastructure. Not only that, nearly half of our union members are immigrants. Can you imagine what mass deportation would do to our nation’s care industry? We need leaders who understand that the future of care, the future of work, and a humane immigration system are interconnected. SEIU 2015 members headed to Las Vegas to make sure voters know what’s at stake this November.”To learn more about SEIU Local 2015 visit www.SEIU2015.org or on social media @SEIU2015.