Issued September 27, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC – Service Employees International Union members and other working people across the country are demanding U.S. senators reject Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court following Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
SEIU members, alongside Fight for $15 and a Union activists and other allies, have been fighting for stronger protections against workplace sexual harassment and assault. Confirming a Supreme Court justice who has been credibly accused of sexual assault by multiple women would be an insult to these survivors.
“I've spent the past three years of my life working to end rape and sexual assault in the janitorial industry. I can't accept the idea of a Supreme Court judge who has allegedly committed sexual assault. I think that someone that sits on the Supreme Court needs to stand up for the rights of women. I’m proud to stand by Dr. Blasey Ford, Ms. Ramirez and Ms. Swetnick. It's time for women across America to say ‘Enough!,’” said Maria Trujillo, a SEIU-United Service Workers West janitor and sexual assault survivor.
“Speaking out against sexual harassment – whether it’s at powerful companies like McDonald’s or by a nominee to the Supreme Court – takes incredible courage. Last week, I joined fellow McDonald’s workers in 10 cities in the first strike to protest sexual harassment in over 100 years. At work, at school, at home – no woman should be endangered by the men she interacts with every day. Women like me who work at McDonald’s are standing with Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, Ms. Deborah Ramirez and Ms. Julie Swetnick. I believe them, and by speaking out against sexual violence they are making the world a safer place for women everywhere,” said Maria Paez, who works at a McDonald’s in San Francisco.
With so much at stake, SEIU members, allies and working people are holding their senators accountable now and in the voting booth this November.
###