FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, October 23, 2007
CONTACT: Marcus Mrowka, 202-531-0689
US Senate Candidate Al Franken “Walks a Day in the Shoes” of SEIU Nursing Home Worker
Robbinsdale, Minnesota—As part of SEIU’s program to ensure that candidates running for political office experience firsthand what life is like for working people in America, today US Senate candidate Al Franken walked a day in the shoes of SEIU member Ulysses Bridges. His time with him began with an early morning breakfast and continued with rounds at the nursing home where Bridges works.
“It means a lot not just to me, but to my patients too, that a candidate for the US Senate chose to work an entire shift with me,” said Bridges. “Now that he’s spent time on the job caring for residents, I hope Al Franken has a better understanding of what it’s like for workers like me.”
Bridges , a member of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota, has been a certified nursing assistant for nearly thirteen years.
“At my nursing home, workers united on the job to make a difference for our residents by setting standards for safe staffing,” said Bridges. “I made sure Al Franken knew that most healthcare workers don’t have a voice on the job and because of that patient care has taken a hit. Healthcare has to be a top priority for everyone running for political office.”
Franken is the first Senate candidate to walk a day in the shoes of an SEIU member. SEIU members across the country have begun inviting candidates for political office – from Mayor to Governor – to learn what it’s like to work and raise a family in America. To date, presidential candidates Senator Edwards, Governor Richardson, Senator Dodd, Senator Obama, Senator Clinton, and Senator Biden have participated. For more information, visit www.WalkADayInMyShoes2008.com.
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With 1.9 million members, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in North America. Focused on uniting workers in three sectors to improve their lives and the services they provide, SEIU is the largest health care union, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home care; the largest property services union, including building cleaning and security; and the second largest public employee union.