“I am proud that sharing my story created real, tangible, and systemic change in the legislature to give victims of harassment an avenue for justice. I especially want to thank House Speaker McClinton, former House Speaker Rozzi, and House Democratic leadership who worked on this issue. They have established some of the strongest anti-harassment accountability measures in ANY legislative chamber across the country.

I did not want to immediately name my accuser because this was not about him, it was about me and the victims that this Rules Change will help in the future. I wanted to share my story when I was ready, and it is despicable that a “news outlet” took it upon themselves to use my story of abuse to play partisan politics.

Yes, I was sexually harassed by Mike Zabel. My union, SEIU 32BJ, and all 65,000 members of the SEIU family in Pennsylvania stand with us as well. Mike Zabel needs to resign immediately, and I encourage every person who is ready to share their stories and seek justice in their own ways to do so when they feel comfortable.

I hope that the partisan politics that forced my story out without my consent do not discourage anyone else from sharing their story or seeking the justice they are entitled to.

I stand with all victims of harassment, SEIU stands with all victims of harassment, and we will continue fighting for workplace safety for all.”

- Andi Perez, SEIU 32BJ