Mayoral hopeful Andrew Cuomo Friday locked within the endorsement of1199SEIU, New York’s largest well being care staff’ union, persevering with a development of organized labor group lining up behind the previous governor’s bid for Metropolis Corridor.
The endorsement comes regardless that the union’s boss, George Gresham, demanded Cuomo’s resignation as governor in 2021 amid accusations that he sexually harassed practically a dozen ladies.
In an announcement, the highly effective union mentioned it opted to again Cuomo for mayor as a result of he as governor helped increase the state’s minimal wage to $15 and broaden paid household go away. The union represents 200,000 nurses, therapists, hospital assist employees and different well being care staff within the metropolis
“At a time when our city is facing enormous challenges, we need leaders with the experience and vision to deliver real results — our members recognize that Governor Cuomo is the clear choice to lead New York forward,” mentioned Gresham, a longtime Cuomo ally who has not too long ago confronted scrutiny from his union’s members amid allegations of economic mismanagement.
In an announcement, Cuomo mentioned he’s “honored” to have the union’s backing.
“1199SEIU members are the backbone of healthcare in New York, they are caregivers, nurses, social workers, housekeepers and so much more — both in our daily lives and in times of crisis,” Cuomo mentioned.
On this Feb. 25, 2016 file photograph, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo embraces 1199 SEIU President George Gresham throughout a rally to lift the minimal wage in Albany. (Mike Groll/AP)
Gresham’s group, which can be town’s largest non-public sector union, endorsed progressive lawyer Maya Wiley for mayor within the 2021 election, which Eric Adams received.
Adams has dropped out of this summer season’s Democratic mayoral main and is as an alternative looking for reelection as an unbiased in November’s basic election, a transfer he made amid continued political fallout from the Trump Justice Division’s dismissal of his corruption indictment.
Cuomo, who’s polling because the clear favourite to win the June 24 Democratic mayoral main, has been endorsed by a swath of different powerhouse unions in New York, together with 32BJ and the Resort Trades and Gaming Council, each of which additionally demanded his resignation as governor in 2021.
Cuomo has denied sexually harassing anybody, although he apologized upon resigning for making ladies really feel “uncomfortable.”
In a big break from the sample of Cuomo’s block of labor assist, DC 37, town’s largest municipal staff’ union, endorsed Council Speaker Adrienne Adams for mayor earlier this week.
Henry Garrido, DC 37’s government director, mentioned at a press convention his union opted towards backing Cuomo due to cuts he enacted as governor to advantages for public sector retirees in New York.
