New Jersey’s original healthcare union, District 1199J National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees AFSCME AFL-CIO, today endorsed U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-9). 

“Congressman Pascrell has been one of the few policy makers who understands that slash-and-burn budget cuts will have consequences for the services the public relies upon,” said Susan Cleary, president of District 1199J National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees AFSCME AFL-CIO. “He knows that in challenging economic times, collective bargaining is the only way to ensure that public employees and healthcare workers receive fair wages and benefits, and that New Jersey’s residents receive the quality healthcare services they depend on us to provide. Congressman Pascrell fights for us in Congress, and that’s why we stand ready to fight for him.”  

Pascrell is running in a Democratic Primary against U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman (D-9).

“I am honored to have the support of the professionals whom we depend on to take care of us and our loved ones in times of need,” said Pascrell in a statement. “Our healthcare needs, as a society, are projected to become greater in the coming years. That is why I wrote key provisions of the landmark health care reform legislation to develop our health care workforce. It is also why I am prepared to continue fighting for federal policies that better ensure the members of District 1199J are compensated fairly.”