Issued October 30, 2014
Washington, DC - SEIU President Mary Kay Henry released this statement today in response to the passing of former Boston Mayor Thomas Menino.
The SEIU family is saddened by the news of Mayor Menino's death today. As the longest-serving mayor in Boston's history, Menino provided strong leadership for the working families he represented. He fought for every community in Boston, leading from a belief that we are all in this together.
"From the beginning, Mayor Menino was instrumental in the success of janitors and security officers in Boston. His outspoken leadership for improving wages and benefits and raising standards for service workers was a key element in improving the lives of so many working families in Boston. He fought to make good jobs in Boston that you can raise a family on, and for the dignity of all work.
"Mayor Menino played a key role in making Boston a national leader in healthcare by fighting for fair wages, free and fair union elections, and quality affordable care for all.
Menino also embraced and celebrated Boston's immigrant community. As the son of Italian immigrants, he often spoke in a deep way of the need to welcome immigrants. He created the Mayor's Office of New Bostonians to provide opportunity, access and equality for the city's immigrant families.
"Mayor Menino's death is a loss for working families in Boston, and he will be missed."