For Immediate Release: April 11, 2007   

Contact:  Stephanie Mueller, (202) 256-0833
               Stefan Friedman, (917) 207-6801

Presidential Candidate John Edwards Walks in the Shoes of New York Nursing Home Worker

New York—As part of SEIU’s program to ensure that presidential candidates experience firsthand what life is like for working people in America, today Sen. John Edwards walked a day in the shoes of SEIU member Elaine Ellis.  His time with her began with an early morning breakfast and continued with rounds at the nursing home where Ellis works. 

Ellis, a member of SEIU Local 1199, has worked at the Sarah Neuman Nursing Home for more than 18 years as a certified nursing assistant.  She has four grown children, one of whom is on active duty with the US Navy and was recently deployed to the Gulf region.  For 10 of those 18 years, she worked two jobs at two separate nursing homes, five days a week.  On those days, she would work a 7 am – 3 pm shift at Sarah Neuman and then a 4 pm – midnight shift at another nursing home in order to provide for her family.

“Every day I bathe, dress, feed and care for nine patients before many people are awake,” said Ellis.  “Now that he’s cared for patients with me, I think Senator Edwards has a better understanding of what it’s like to work in a nursing home.  I also think he has a deeper appreciation for what people like me go through to give our families a future.” 

“It’s hard to govern for working people if you don’t know what it’s like to be one,” said SEIU Secretary-Treasurer Anna Burger.  “We think it’s important that all presidential candidates take this opportunity to spend time witnessing firsthand what it’s like for working people today.”

SEIU members are inviting all candidates for president, Democrats and Republicans, to experience firsthand what their lives are like by walking in their shoes. Sen. Clinton, Sen. Dodd, and Gov. Richardson have all accepted the invitation.

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With 1.8 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.