Three Labor Unions Back Hochul for Re-Election in November

Gov. Kathy Hochul has locked down the backing of three major labor unions in New York City as she seeks re-election, Commercial Observer has learned.

The New York City and Vicinity District Council of Carpenters (NYCDCC), District Council 9 of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, and the ​​International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers’ (IBEW) Local 3 have all endorsed Democrat Hochul for what would be a second full term in office. The three unions total roughly 61,000 members employed in skilled trades.

Hochul is running against Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. A recent Marist poll of voters showed 53 percent favored Hochul to 42 percent who favored Blakeman.

“Gov. Hochul has demonstrated a strong commitment to organized labor, investing in infrastructure, supporting prevailing wage standards, and creating pathways to good-paying union jobs,” Christopher Erikson, business manager of IBEW Local 3, said in a statement. “Her leadership recognizes the essential role skilled electrical workers play in building and maintaining New York’s economy.”

IBEW Local 3 represents electricians, technicians and other electrical workers across the New York metro area, while the NYCDCC includes general contractors and other industrial workers in the region, and District Council 9 represents craftworks such as painters, decorators and glassworkers in New York.

The Blakeman campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and it’s unclear what the level of support he has attracted from organized labor.

“Working people built the Empire State, our union members are the backbone of our economy and the foundation of our communities, and it is incumbent on its leaders to treat them as such,” Hochul said in a statement.

In September, Hochul sealed the endorsement of the New York State Building & Construction Trades Council led by Gary LaBarbera, one of the largest labor organizations in the state.

The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3.

Mark Hallum can be reached at mhallum@commercialobserver.com.

Source: commercialobserver.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.