Caregivers mobilized statewide to defend democracy and ensure working families’ voices are heard
Los Angeles, CA – SEIU Local 2015, California’s largest union representing more than half a million long-term care providers, today celebrated the passage of Proposition 50, the Election Rigging Response Act, a historic victory for democracy and the power of working people.
Over the past several months, SEIU 2015 members mobilized in record numbers to ensure the measure’s success. Across the state, more than 1,550 caregivers made one million phone calls, knocked on 80,000 doors, and contributed 26,400 volunteer hours to educate voters and get out the vote for Prop 50. From Los Angeles to Eureka, Fresno to San Francisco, caregivers united around a shared mission: to protect democracy and the right of every Californian to have their vote count equally.
“With the passage of Proposition 50, caregivers proved that when working people organize, we win,” said Arnulfo De La Cruz, President of SEIU Local 2015. “Our members made a million calls, knocked on doors in every corner of the state, and showed what democracy in action looks like. Proposition 50 isn’t just a political win; it’s a victory for every caregiver, senior, immigrant, and working family who refused to be silent in the face of political corruption.”
Proposition 50 is California’s answer to recent efforts by President Donald Trump and Republican leaders in Texas to manipulate congressional district maps and consolidate power. By approving the measure, California voters reaffirmed their commitment to fair representation and the principle that no one, no party, no billionaire, no extremist, should be allowed to rig elections for political gain.
Leading up to the election, SEIU 2015 members hosted Caregivers for Democracy events in more than a dozen cities across California, combining community celebration with political action. Speakers at SEIU Local 2015 voter mobilization events included Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Adam Schiff, Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Assemblymembers Mark Gonzalez and Tina McKinnor, Los Angeles County Democratic Party Chair Mark Ramos, and community allies from across the state.
“This victory is proof that care work and democracy go hand in hand,” added De La Cruz. “Our members care for California’s most vulnerable residents, and today, they also cared for our democracy. We showed that when caregivers stand together, we can protect both our patients and our future.”
With the passage of Proposition 50, SEIU Local 2015 and its members remain committed to continuing their fight for justice, on the job, in their communities, and at the ballot box.To learn more about SEIU Local 2015 visit www.SEIU2015.org or @SEIU2015 on social media.