SEIU Local 1 and SEIU Local 73 Announce Endorsement of Alexi Giannoulias for Mayor of Chicago, Citing Affordability Crisis and Need to Protect Working Families
Progressive labor union powerhouses representing more than 50,000 working families in Chicago to launch extensive voter mobilization program behind Alexi Giannoulias for Mayor of Chicago
CHICAGO – On Tuesday, October 20, SEIU Local 1 and SEIU Local 73 announced their endorsement of Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias for Mayor of Chicago, bringing together two major labor unions representing 50,000 working people across the city, including janitors, security officers, residential door staff, airport workers, school support staff, lifeguards, and more.
The announcement comes as Chicago working families face mounting financial pressures, from rising housing costs and property taxes to increasingly unaffordable groceries and childcare. While working people keep Chicago's schools, airports, hospitals, businesses, and neighborhoods running, too many are working longer hours, stretching every paycheck, and struggling to afford the very city they help sustain.
As Illinois Secretary of State, Alexi Giannoulias has demonstrated what the government can accomplish when it puts working people first. He has worked alongside labor unions and other key stakeholders to advance workers’ rights, including championing historic legislation giving more than 100,000 Illinois rideshare drivers a pathway to organize and collectively bargain, advocating for a $22 minimum wage in Chicago, and working with SEIU Local 73 to negotiate a historic union contract for employees in the Secretary of State’s office. Beyond his commitment to workers, Giannoulias has delivered real results for Illinois families by modernizing outdated technology, cutting DMV wait times, expanding online services, and strengthening government accountability.
“Alexi Giannoulias has proven time and again that he is not only a champion for working people, but a visionary who gets things done,” said SEIU Local 1 President Genie Kastrup. “When more than 100,000 rideshare drivers across Illinois were fighting for a voice on the job, Alexi answered the call. He stood up to powerful corporations, brought key stakeholders together, and helped pave the way for the largest private-sector organizing drive in Illinois history, giving working families a real opportunity to build a better future. That’s the kind of leadership Chicago needs at City Hall. Working families are struggling to keep up with rising costs, and they deserve a mayor who understands that a stronger Chicago starts with putting more money into the pockets of the people who keep our city running. Alexi has shown what’s possible when government works for working people, and we’re ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with him to deliver that same kind of meaningful change for all Chicago families.”
"Chicago doesn’t run without us. When the school day starts, it’s our members, the Chicago Public Schools support staff, who make it happen. When families head to the park, it’s the Chicago Park District workers who’ve made it ready. When people need to get their license or ID, it’s our DMV workers who serve them. It’s our Cook County members who keep the county moving. It’s our City of Chicago workers who keep our airports and streets safe. It’s our UIC professionals who keep the university running. Every one of those contracts is up for negotiation in 2027, and we are going to walk into those rooms with a Mayor who has our backs. That’s Alexi Giannoulias. SEIU Local 73 is all in, and we’re going to win this together," said Dian Palmer, President of SEIU Local 73.
“I’m incredibly proud to have the support of SEIU and the hardworking men and women who keep our city running every day,” said Alexi Giannoulias. “SEIU members care for our families, strengthen our communities, and make Chicago work. They deserve a mayor who will stand shoulder to shoulder with them, fight for better wages and benefits, and put working people at the center of every decision at City Hall. For too long, working families have been squeezed by rising costs while struggling to get ahead. As mayor, I’ll fight to make Chicago a city where working people can afford to live, raise their families, and build a better future. This campaign is about bringing people together, delivering results, and building a city that works for everyone. I’m honored to have SEIU standing with us in that fight.”