Rich Fitzgerald's county executive campaign got its 10th union endorsement today, this time from the state wing of the Service Employees International Union.

"Rich has the experience and the leadership needed to grow the region's economy and create good jobs," said Gabe Morgan, Pennsylvania State Director for building services union 32BJ SEIU. "By standing up for the prevailing wage bill and other pro-working families initiatives, he has proven himself to be one of the strongest advocates for the region's middle class."

The SEIU's full statement is after the jump:

Pittsburgh, PA—Citing his unwavering support for working families over the past eleven years, the Pennsylvania State Council of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) announced its endorsement of Rich Fitzgerald for Allegheny County Executive. The SEIU state council represents nearly 60,000 Pennsylvanians in health care, public service, building service, food service, laundry and hospitality industries.

"Rich has the experience and the leadership needed to grow the region's economy and create good jobs," said Gabe Morgan, Pennsylvania State Director for building services union 32BJ SEIU. "By standing up for the prevailing wage bill and other pro-working families initiatives, he has proven himself to be one of the strongest advocates for the region's middle class."

"Rich is a champion for working families who has served the people of Allegheny County with honesty and integrity," said Kathy Jellison, President of SEIU Local 668, which represents public sector workers. "He understands the need to create good jobs and maintain vital public services."

As County Council President, Rich Fitzgerald was one of the leading proponents of the Allegheny County Prevailing Wage Act. The bill set standards for wages and benefits in the county and promises to raise many of Allegheny's building service, food service, hotel and grocery workers out of poverty. Fitzgerald is also currently sitting on a commission to improve training and working conditions for Pittsburgh's private security officers.

"My record as Allegheny County Council President shows my commitment and dedication to improving the lives of our regions residents," said Rich Fitzgerald. "I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Pennsylvania SEIU State Council for County Executive and if elected, I will continue to fight for working families."

The three unions are known for their strength in mobilizing members and voters to support endorsed candidates are planning to roll out an extensive outreach campaign.

"For the past eleven years, Rich Fitzgerald has fought tirelessly to improve jobs and the quality of life for working families in Allegheny County," said Neal Bisno, President of SEIU Healthcare PA. "We are proud to support Rich because he puts people before politics."

Fitzgerald has broad support from the labor movement outside of SEIU. Nine other unions have endorsed him including Pittsburgh Firefighters, the American Federation of Teachers, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers No. 5 and Teamsters Local 636.