SEIU announces Arizona boycott

One of the nation’s biggest labor organizations announced today it will boycott Arizona.

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) said its 2.2 million members will not attend any meetings or conventions in Arizona as long as the new immigration law is in place.

“On behalf of working families and the more than 8 million residents of Arizona, we will not back down until the Arizona state legislature, the courts or the Federal Government invalidates this dangerous and discriminatory law,” said Eliseo Medina, SEIU Executive Vice President.

SEIU joins other civil rights groups, including National Council of La Raza, in boycotting the state.

Tourism is a significant part of Arizona’s economy, and boycotters hope that staying out of the state will pressure the legislature to repeal the law.

Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.), chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, has urged organizations not to hold meetings or conferences in his state.