Mr. Courtney married his now-wife, Ashley Courtney, who is an SEIU organizer. He was suspended Monday. Following the suspension, SEIU President Mary Kay Henry sent an email to staff saying concerns were raised about Mr. Courtney “relating to a romantic relationship between a staff person and a supervisor,” according to the report.
Mr. Courtney told Bloomberg via Twitter this week he was “in no position to respond at this time,” as he was on his honeymoon. Multiple current and former SEIU employees told the publication Mr. Courtney’s relationship with his-now wife was only one of the romantic relationships Mr. Courtney has had with subordinates, describing the conduct as a pattern. Some coworkers indicated to Bloomberg they believe romantic relationships with subordinates may also have contributed to promotions or rewards.
Mr. Courtney’s actions prompted the internal ethics complaint, they added to Bloomberg. A union investigation into the complaint is ongoing.
Mr. Courtney has played a key role in the “Fight for 15” movement advocating for a $15 an hour minimum wage and unionization rights.
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