Regional Laborers' Union PACs Join Forces to Announce Early City Council Endorsements

NEW YORK, April 3, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The NYS Laborers' PAC (NYSLPAC) and the Mason Tenders' District Council PAC (MTDCPAC), the two political action committees that represent 25,000 members of the Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) in New York City, today jointly announced a list of early endorsements for New York City Council.

The new collaboration, dubbed LIUNA-NYC, has endorsed a select number of incumbents that have advocated for policies that will improve the construction industry for all workers. From advocating for safer worksites, to advancing legislation that will require middle class wages and high-level training – these incumbent councilmembers have demonstrated an understanding of the issues that impact  LIUNA members.

The endorsed incumbents are Manhattan'sCorey Johnson (3^rd CD),  Ben Kallos (5^th CD) and Ydanis Rodriguez (10^th CD); The Bronx'sRitchie Torres (15^th CD) & Rafael Salamanca (17^th CD); Queens' Costa Constantanides (22^nd CD), Barry Grodenchik (23^rd CD), Rory Lancman (24^th CD),  Daniel Dromm (25^th CD), I. Daneek Miller (27^th CD), Karen Koslowitz (29^th CD), & Elizabeth Crowley (30^th CD); Brooklyn'sStephen Levin (33^rd CD), Carlos Menchaca (38^th CD) & Jumaane Williams (45^th CD); Staten Island Deborah Rose (49^th CD).

Deidre Olivera, member of Laborers' Local 731, is endorsed for the seat being vacated by the term-limited Darlene Mealy in Brooklyn's 41^st  District.

"These early endorsements recognize councilmembers who have demonstrated a commitment to our members, particularly in the area of worker safety and training. Construction is a complex and dangerous industry that requires a high skill level and training," said Robert Bonanza, Chairman of the MTDCPAC. "After a record level of construction related fatalities and injuries – LIUNA-NYC decided to join forces and support candidates with a record of supporting the values of the unionized construction industry."

"Safety, middle class wages, training, fairness in contracting, and job creation are of great importance to the Laborers," said John Hutchings, Director of the NYSLPAC. "We have a very diverse membership in New York City. We build highways and bridges and buildings. We excavate sites and pour concrete. We even dig the subway tunnels beneath the streets of New York. The wide array of professions practiced by our highly-skilled members need solid representation. These endorsed candidates represent just that."

"I have been a member of LIUNA for 17 years, and I know firsthand what it truly means to be a 'Laborer'," said Deidre Olivera.  "As a working tradeswoman, in a union, I was able to provide for my family, earn a pension, and be sure I would return home safely every night to my son. Now running for City Council, I am ready to 'work for you' to bring my experiences to fight for all working people to have the same benefits.  I couldn't be more grateful and humbled to receive the endorsement of my brothers and sisters at LIUNA-NYC."

Upon receiving his endorsement, Councilmember Jumanne said, "I am committed to creating good opportunities for my constituents, to a diverse workforce, and to safe conditions for all workers in New York City. The Laborers have proven themselves to be dedicated to these issues as well. I am proud to accept their endorsement, and look forward to continue working with them in the future for the betterment of my constituents and all workers in New York City."

Councilmember Elizabeth said, "I'm honored to receive the endorsement of LIUNA-NYC. The Laborers in New York are among the strongest and most diverse unions in the city. I pleased to have the opportunity to work together more in the future."

"What our city needs to thrive and survive is an attitude of respect for those who work to do what's right," said Councilmember Menchaca.  "The Laborers have a long history of that respect, and I understand that they see that same respect in the hard work my office does for my constituents and the city as a whole. I am exceedingly pleased to accept their endorsement for my reelection campaign."

LIUNA local unions in New York City represent asbestos, lead and hazardous waste abatement workers; general construction laborers involved in all facets of construction from buildings, to roads & bridges, to parks; demolition laborers; drillers and blasters; high school teachers in the Catholic diocese of Brooklyn; pavers; private sanitation and recycling plant workers; and tunnel workers (aka sandhogs).

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/regional-laborers-union-pacs-join-forces-to-announce-early-city-council-endorsements-300432777.html

SOURCE LIUNA-NYC