LIUNA NY Endorses Andrew Cuomo for Mayor
Over 40,000 Skilled Laborers Across the State Join Campaign to Save Our City
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, candidate for Mayor of New York City, today announced that LIUNA NY has proudly endorsed his candidacy. The New York affiliate of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) represents over 40,000 members employed in the construction industry and other fields throughout the state.
“New York City is the cultural, economic, and social engine of the world—and leading it requires vision, grit, and proven experience. In times of change, we need someone who can anticipate challenges, make tough decisions, and adapt with courage and conviction. Andrew Cuomo has done it before, and he’s ready to do it again,” Donato A. Bianco, Jr., LIUNA Vice President & New England Regional Manager said. “With a deep love for this city, a record of real results for working men and women, and the strength to lead in uncertain times, Andrew Cuomo is the clear choice for Mayor. He has earned our full endorsement.”
“Laborers build New York City from the ground up. And Andrew Cuomo has made sure our members are the ones doing just that. From JFK to LaGuardia to Moynihan Station to the Second Avenue subway, throughout his career Andrew Cuomo has shepherded billions into major infrastructure projects that put our members to work and improve life across the five boroughs,” Michael E. Hellstrom, LIUNA Vice President and Eastern Regional Manager said. “We look forward to continuing our work with Andrew Cuomo to build a New York City where all those who work to make our city great can thrive.”
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of LIUNA NY, the working men and women who are overhead and underground building our state’s critical infrastructure to keep New York moving,” Governor Cuomo said. “The Laborers are the definition of ‘New York Tough’ - they bring true grit to the job and they do their job well. Whether it is rebuilding our subways, digging through tunnels, repairing our roads or constructing our bridges, their contributions show why organized labor must be part of the solution. As Governor, I made sure they received a hard day’s pay for a hard day’s work, and as Mayor I’ll make sure their voice is heard on projects that get the job done for this great city.”
The endorsement comes after the backing of the New York State Iron Workers. The Laborers also join 32BJ SEIU, the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, the Uniformed EMTs, Paramedics & Fire Inspectors Local 2507, the New York City Deputy Sheriffs’ Benevolent Association, New York City Coalition of the International Union of the Operating Engineers, the Utility Workers Union of America Local 1-2, Teamsters Local 237, Local 3 IBEW, New York City and Vicinity District Council of Carpenters, District Council 9 of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades in endorsing Andrew Cuomo for Mayor.
Throughout his career in public service, Governor Cuomo has been a champion for working New Yorkers. He raised wages for millions, protected the right to organize when the Supreme Court tried to break the back of the labor movement, increased access to healthcare, enacted the nation's strongest paid family leave program and expanded apprenticeships, vocational training, and workforce development programs. He also advanced the most substantial infrastructure program in a generation, including the Second Avenue Subway, the Moynihan Train Hall and the new Kosciuszko Bridge and the new JFK and LaGuardia Airports – all major projects built with union labor.
The union joins U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres, Democratic Organization of Queens County and Chairman Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, former New York State Comptroller Carl McCall, former Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., New York State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., New York State Senator James Sanders Jr., Brooklyn Democratic Chair and Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Assembly Member Charles Fall, Assembly Member Eddie Gibbs, Assembly Member Yudelka Tapia, Assembly Member Latrice Walker, Assembly Member Erik Dilan, Assembly Member Jordan Wright, Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato, Assembly Member Sam Berger, Assembly Member Vivian Cook, Assembly Member John Zaccaro, Assembly Member William Colton, Assembly Member David Weprin, Assembly Member Edward Braunstein, Assembly Member Clyde Vanel, Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman, Council Member Lynn Schulman, Council Member Kamillah Hanks, Council Member Farah N. Louis, Council Member Susan Zhuang, Council Member Darlene Mealy, Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, 35 District Leaders across the city, former National Director of the Anti-Defamation League Abe Foxman, the Village Reform Democratic Club, Taminent Regular Democratic Club, American Jewish Congress, 66 prominent clergy members, and the Italian American Leadership Council in endorsing Governor Cuomo for Mayor of New York City.
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