UNITE HERE International Union Endorses Kumar Barve for Congress

UNITE HERE International Union is endorsing Kumar Barve for Congress in the race to fill Chris Van Hollen’s seat in Maryland’s 8th Congressional District.

“Our union is made up of a majority of immigrants, women and people of color,”  Roxie Herbekian, international vice president of UNITE HERE International Union and president of UNITE HERE Local 7, said. “As the first Indian American elected to a state legislature in American history, Kumar Barve is an inspiration to our members,” Herbekian said.

According to a news release, Barve supports “Fight for 15,” expanded collective bargaining rights, and paid sick leave for all American workers.

“Kumar Barve has been a progressive leader in Maryland and is responsible for moving Maryland forward.  He has fought to increase the minimum wage, maintain the prevailing wage and expand workers’ rights.  We need a leader in Congress like Barve who will bring people to get things done for the working families of the 8^th Congressional District,” Bert Bayou, chapter president of UNITE HERE Local 23, said.  “It is an inspiration to immigrant workers in our community that Kumar has used the story of his immigrant grandfather’s fight against the U.S. Government to retain his citizenship as the centerpiece of his campaign to provide dignity and opportunity for every American,”  Bayou said.

Barve is one of eight candidates running in the 8th Congressional District race.

“I am proud to receive the endorsement of the working men and women of UNITE HERE,”  Barve said.  “In Congress I will continue to oppose union-busting and fight to raise wages and improve the living standard for working families,”  he said.

UNITE HERE represents 275,000 men and women in the hospitality industry across the United States and Canada, including approximately 15,000 who work in Maryland and Washington’s hotels, casinos, cafeterias, and airports.

The primary election is set for Tuesday, April 26.

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