All three declared candidates for governor showed up at a rally in Midtown for health care workers on Wednesday. Members of one of the largest health care unions, the 1199 Service Employees International Union, have been working without a contract since last month, and the candidates rallied in support of the workers.

Although singer Farmer Nappy warmed up the crowd with some fun music and dancing, the subject matter soon turned quite serious at the rally for health care workers, who have been working without a contract at private nursing homes since it expired October 1.

“We worked all through the pandemic and we are still working. We deserve a fair contract, and we are sending a message to management that we are united now," said Judith Wallace, 1199SEIU member.

Thirty-three thousand employees represented by 1199SEIU are currently working without a contract at 250 facilities across New York.

1199 is a powerful union, and a force in Democratic politics. Gov. Kathy Hochul was one of the first speakers to address the crowd.

“I’m looking at God’s angels here on earth. You are the ones who every single day through the darkest days of the pandemic when people were in their pajamas, you suited up and went into work, into the fire," said Hochul.

Two others officially declared candidates for governor were also present, including Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who officially launched his campaign on Tuesday.

“I know there comes a time when words are not enough. When thanks is not enough. You deserve to feed your families too," said Williams.

But it was Attorney General Letitia James, also running for Governor, who went straight to the heart of the matter on nursing homes.

It was her office that issued a report in January showing that the administration of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo undercounted pandemic nursing home deaths by close to 50%.

James said the institutions should not blame the workers.

“We know it was the policies of government that failed us as a city and a state. You lived through a great tragedy. And that tragedy was caused by a failure of government," said James.

1199 and other unions are going to be looking for additional benefits in next year’s state budget, which is due at the end of March. That puts Hochul in a good position to deliver, since the state is flush with cash. Not only is there federal money, but the legislature raised taxes on the wealthy just last year.