The New Hampshire branch of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is endorsing Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersButtigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice Bernie Sanders warns of 'nightmare scenario' if Trump refuses election results Harris joins women's voter mobilization event also featuring Pelosi, Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda MORE (I-Vt.) for president, bucking the powerful labor group's international leadership.

The endorsement from SEIU Local 1984 comes just two days after the international union backed Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonButtigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice Senate GOP sees early Supreme Court vote as political booster shot Poll: 51 percent of voters want to abolish the electoral college MORE for president.

“Bernie Sanders has a long history of fighting for working people,” said Richard Gulla, president of New Hampshire SEIU branch.

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“He is not afraid to take on Wall Street and will fight against corporate greed and corruption,” Gulla added. "Bernie supports every worker earning a livable wage allowing them to care for and support their families. He is also respectful and supportive of the collective bargaining process. He understands that many of our young people cannot afford to attend college so they can prepare for the jobs of this century; and that our senior citizens are not being afforded a dignified retirement.”

Sanders has been fighting for the union vote, making issues important to the labor community — like income inequality — central to his campaign. He has made frequent appearances at SEIU-backed rallies to support low-wage workers.

The endorsement from the Granite State SEIU branch with more than 11,000 members could provide a boost to the Sanders campaign. New Hampshire is a key primary state where he is still competing with Clinton for the Democratic nomination.

It also signals a division between the 2 million member SEIU and some of its local branches. Sanders promised to continue fighting for union support, even after the international union backed Clinton earlier this week.

“This campaign has always been about putting the needs of working people and working families first,” Sanders said Thursday in a statement. “That is why I am truly honored to have the support of SEIU 1984 and many local unions across the country, as we work to build an economy that works for all of us — not just the wealthy 1 percent.”

“The announcement ads major momentum to Sen. Sanders’ campaign, and demonstrates the depth of grassroots support for his message,” added his campaign.