UNITE HERE Local 25 Political Director: “Abigail Spanberger Has Proven Time and Time Again that She Will Defend Our Rights, Fight for Working Families, and Always Do What’s Best for the Commonwealth”
RICHMOND, Va. — UNITE HERE Local 23 and Local 25, who represent more than 8,000 Virginians employed at universities, airports, hotels, and more across the Commonwealth, today endorsed Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger to serve as the next Governor of Virginia.
In endorsing Spanberger, UNITE HERE praised her work to make the Commonwealth more affordable, protect Virginians’ rights, create good-paying jobs, and always stand up for Virginia’s workforce and economy.
“Working people in Virginia deserve leaders who will make life more affordable and bring smart economic growth and good jobs to the Commonwealth, not play political games with our workforce while paying lip service to the White House,” said Samuel Epps, political director of UNITE HERE Local 25. “Abigail Spanberger has proven time and time again that she will defend our rights, fight for working families, and always do what’s best for the Commonwealth — and we’re proud to endorse her to serve as the next Governor of Virginia.”
“I am grateful for UNITE HERE’s work to uplift the voices of Virginia workers, and I’m proud to earn their endorsement to serve as the next Governor of Virginia. UNITE HERE helps bring better wages, stronger healthcare benefits, and a voice in their workplace to Virginia’s workers,” said Spanberger. “Together, we can create better-paying, family-sustaining jobs for Virginians in every corner of the Commonwealth and a stronger economy that offers more opportunity for everyone. As the next Governor of Virginia, I will defend workers’ rights, protect their hard-earned retirements, and stand up to attacks on Virginia’s workforce.”
“When we won our union, that changed my life because I have a voice at work and don’t have to endure disrespect,” added Akylah Loving, a lead food service worker working for Aramark at Old Dominion University in Norfolk. “I’m excited to knock on doors for Abigail Spanberger to be our next Governor because every worker on our campus and in our community deserves to be heard.”
BACKGROUND
In Congress, Spanberger built a reputation for focusing on the issues that matter most — creating good-paying jobs, strengthening our public schools, and increasing opportunity for every Virginian.
She defended the pensions of retired workers in Virginia and across the country — and has been a champion of policies that have created more jobs for Virginians, including the bipartisan infrastructure law.
As Virginia’s next Governor, Abigail will invest in job training, lower costs for working families, and push back against threats to Virginians’ livelihoods.
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