SEIU’s Henry: Parliamentarian ruling no excuse to delay $15

Essential workers must be respected, protected and paid.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON—SEIU International President Mary Kay Henry issued the following statement on the Senate Parliamentarian’s ruling that a $15 minimum wage does not meet requirements to be included in the reconciliation package:

“Essential workers have put their lives on the line throughout the pandemic and now elected leaders must meet their demands to be respected, protected and paid. Every single healthcare provider, fast-food worker, janitor, security officer and public servant who have kept our communities afloat for the past year needs real COVID relief that includes $15 -- and Congress needs to get it done. If we are truly serious about building a stronger country, we need to start with policies that will lift families out of poverty, and prioritize the Black and brown workers who have borne the brunt of the pandemic.

“Working people were crystal clear that they elected leaders to make bold, transformative change. SEIU members and the millions of workers united in the Fight for $15 and a Union will continue to be the wind at the back of our champions, and hold those who oppose us accountable. Nothing will stop us from achieving the progress our communities need and deserve.”