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The 80,000 members, retirees, and their families who organize to support workers are now supporting Emily Rodrigues, Democrat for South Florida’s District 98.

OAKLAND PARK, FL — Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Florida are championing who they trust to be the next dedicated State Representative to fight for living wages, equality and dignity on the job, and quality affordable healthcare.  

A union organizer herself, Emily Rodrigues embodies the energy, credentials, and savvy necessary to fight for all Florida workers in Tallahassee.  Emily’s pro-worker and organizing ability is rooted in reality:  At the private communication firm where she works, Emily helped form their worker’s union in conjunction with national organizers of CODE-CWA. Since transitioning to freelance to run for State Representative, Emily’s uses her candidacy to outreach to pro-labor groups and to organize engagement for upcoming Florida ballot initiatives. With her efforts and experience resonating with SEIU Florida, Emily accepts her endorsement, sharing:

“I’m honored to have earned the confidence of our local union members in Broward and determined to uplift their voices in the Florida Legislature as we collectively fight for higher wages, improved benefits and working conditions, and increased access to quality affordable healthcare. I first got to know SEIU Florida’s members during my time working in the Florida Senate; in a state where our labor rights have been continuously under fire, their advocacy in Tallahassee is crucial for providing a voice for working Floridians. I have deep gratitude and respect for the thousands of essential workers in District 98 and across Florida – and as their future State Representative, I’m dedicated to ensuring they receive fair wages and are treated with the dignity they deserve.”

SEIU Florida endorsing Emily Rodrigues, recognizes her strong alignment with their mission to champion labor and social justice. Representing over 80,000 members, many of whom are essential workers and women of color, SEIU provides critical services across Florida’s hospitals, nursing homes, public schools, community colleges, universities, municipal and county governments, airports, and fast-food establishments. This endorsement underscores their trust in Emily’s ability to advocate effectively for policies that ensure a living wage, job equality, and access to quality, affordable healthcare. SEIU Florida is committed to supporting Emily’s campaign, highlighting the pivotal role of its diverse workforce in strengthening the state’s infrastructure and community welfare.

“We need to elect people like Emily Rodrigues to office who will honestly address the real issues affecting everyday Floridians, such as affordable housing, fair wages, and access to quality, affordable healthcare,” said Martha Baker, RN and President of SEIU Florida’s State Council. “Florida deserves leaders who will invest in improving the quality of life for all, regardless of race, gender, job title, zip code or party affiliation.”

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