32BJ SEIU, the largest property service workers union in New Jersey and the nation, is joining Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and local tenant groups in endorsing voting “no” on the Nov. 5 referendum that would gut rent control in the city.
Opponents of the measure say corporate landlords and developers forced this issue onto the ballot. Their referendum would exacerbate Hoboken’s affordability crisis by allowing landlords to raise rents on vacant rent-controlled units without any limit.
“Workers and residents in Hoboken deserve affordable housing,” Ana Maria Hill, New Jersey State Director for 32BJ SEIU, said. “Too many of the essential workers who maintain and clean Hoboken buildings already cannot afford to live in the city they work.
“That’s not right. Our members – building cleaners, security officers, residential maintenance workers, school custodians – and all working people need sensible housing policy to address this affordability crisis, not a referendum that guts rent control protections and would make it more expensive to live in Hoboken.
“We can’t go backward. We urge Hoboken residents to vote ‘no.’”
With more than 175,000 members in 12 states, and approximately 15,000 in New Jersey, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers union in the country.
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla said he stood with the union.
“Hoboken elected officials are united: we strongly oppose the referendum question initiated by corporate landlords, developers and special interests who are shamefully attempting to gut rent control and profit at the expense of tenants,” he said. “I am proud to have 32BJ by our side in this fight and thank them for joining us, as we stand together and fight to keep Hoboken affordable.
“We urge residents to not be deceived by the landlord-led effort to misinform voters, and vote NO on the referendum question.”
