SEIU Local 888 Endorses Brookline’s Raul Fernandez In State Rep Race

BROOKLINE, MA — SEIU Local 888, a union that represents more than 8,500 public service workers across Massachusetts, has unanimously voted to endorse Raul Fernandez for State Representative.

“Local 888 is thrilled to support Raul’s candidacy,” the union said in a statement. “When it comes to standing with municipal employees and all workers, Raul doesn’t just say the right things — he stands up and, when necessary, fights. He’s the clear choice for working people in this race, and we’re excited to partner with him on Beacon Hill.”

The former Vice-Chair of the Brookline Select Board, Fernandez has been an advocate for labor and unions. His accomplishments include leading an ongoing effort to establish a paid parental leave program for municipal employees, successfully calling on Town officials to investigate and combat wage theft, and championing the town’s ban on non-disclosure agreements for municipal employees in cases of discrimination and harassment. He’s also been a vocal advocate for a fair contract for the Brookline Educators Union.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of SEIU Local 888. I firmly believe that when we stand in solidarity together, we build power for all working families — families like mine and so many others,” Fernandez said in a statement. “My commitment to workers is personal: My parents were transit workers in New York City, and their union jobs allowed us to climb the ladder into the middle class.

“As an educator at Boston University, I’m a proud member of SEIU 509, and I have seen how unions can build power to make our workplaces more equitable places to learn and to work,” he continued. "Labor has been a cornerstone of my life, career, and campaign, and I’m incredibly excited to work with SEIU 888 and all working people on Beacon Hill."

SEIU Local 888 is the first union to endorse in the race to represent the 15th Norfolk. Incumbent Representative Tommy Vitolo is also running.

In addition to SEIU Local 888, Fernandez has also been endorsed by two-term Brookline Select Board member and 2020 Congressional candidate Jesse Mermell, Brookline Select Board Member Dr. Miriam Aschkenasy, Brookline School Committee Members Suzanne Federspiel and Mariah Nobrega, Brookline Asian American Family Network Chair Chi Chi Wu, Brookline for Racial Justice and Equity, the Brookline Equity Coalition, Mass Alliance, Incorruptible Mass, Act on Mass, Brookline for Racial Justice and Equity, and the Brookline Equity Coalition.