1199 SEIU, 32BJ Endorse Schneiderman

Two major Service Employees International Union affiliates, 32BJ and 1199, on Wednesday endorsed state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman for reelection.

The organized labor groups, which represent more than half a million workers, cited the incumbent’s record of protecting workers’ rights. 

“Nobody has been a better friend to working New Yorkers than Eric Schneiderman,” George Gresham, president of the healthcare workers union 1199 SEIU, said in a statement. “From protecting workers from wage theft to ensuring that workers in all industries are able to organize effectively, Eric Schneiderman has been there to make sure that the law applies equally to everyone, no matter how rich or powerful.”

A Siena College poll released Wednesday found that Schneiderman has a 20-point lead over Republican challenger John Cahill. Cahill, who has the smallest gap of three Republican challengers in statewide races two weeks before Election Day, has failed to gain sufficient name recognition and campaign funds to combat Schneiderman.

“I’m thrilled to have the support of SEIU 32BJ and 1199, two of the most important and influential unions representing working people across New York State,” Schneiderman said in a statement. “As Attorney General I have fought for working people by combating wage theft, standing with striking fast food workers, and suing the big banks responsible for the economic collapse of 2008. I appreciate the support of these important unions and the organizational muscle they will bring to our campaign down the home stretch.”