Washington, D.C. – As District workers begin a long road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, 32BJ SEIU, UNITE HERE Local 23 and UNITE HERE Local 25 today announced their endorsement of Mayor Muriel Bowser on behalf of over 34,000 hotel, food, retail and property services workers who live and work in D.C. The groups cited her strong stewardship and commitment to helping working class families weather periods of historical prosperity, hardship and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When essential janitors and security officers were facing the prospect of massive layoffs at the start of the pandemic, Mayor Bowser stepped up on their behalf to help protect their livelihoods,” said Jaime Contreras, Executive Vice President of 32BJ which represents over 20,000 property services workers in the D.C. area among 175,000 nationwide. “The men and women who keep our airports clean and running smooth are also grateful for her support of their long-fought but successful fight for livable wages.”

“We are deeply grateful for the support Mayor Bowser has shown hospitality workers and the industry they work in during her two terms in office,” said John Boardman, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of UNITE HERE Local 25, which represents hotel, restaurant, and casino workers. “From issuing strong regulations requiring automatic daily room cleaning to championing a fair process for organizing in District-financed hotels, Mayor Bowser has time and again demonstrated her commitment to hotel and restaurant workers and their families. We are proud to support her re-election.”

“We truly appreciate the support Mayor Bowser has shown to workers, tenants, and immigrants as they struggled through the pandemic,” said Bert Bayou, Vice President of UNITE HERE Local 23, which represents 7,500 airport, stadium, food service and parking garage workers in the D.C. area. “In particular, the support Mayor Bowser has shown food service workers at the airport make her our clear choice for Mayor of D.C.”