June 10, 2013
By Stephanie West
NEW YORK, NY – The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 3, representing over 30,000 workers as well as the New York Metropolitan Area Joint Board of Workers United/SEIU, representing over 10,000 active and retired garment workers, have endorsed John Liu for Mayor.
Upon making the announcement, Local 3 Business Manager Christopher Erikson said "To Labor, John Liu is family. He has been fearless and relentless for fairness on behalf of working men and women,". "He can't stop and won't stop, from exposing sweetheart deals, to shedding light into powerful government entities, to defending hard-fought wage standards and pensions. John has served this city with distinction, and when he gets across the street, John will hit the ground running on these big companies that have enjoyed years of unfettered tax breaks and public subsidies without owning up to their end of the bargain of creating good jobs. His adversaries have done everything to discredit him and what he stands for. But with John, you know you're getting someone who always means what he says and does what he says he will do. We had his back in 2009 because John's always been a fighter for what's right. We are proud of John's track record which has been stellar and second to none. At Local 3, we always make 'The Right Choice', and we will do all in our power to see our choice — John Liu — elected as the next Mayor of New York City."
Edgar Romney, Manager of the New York Metropolitan Area Joint Board said "John Liu has been a strong advocate for workers, particularly for workers' rights and safety across industries, concerns that we continue to be reminded of in our global economy. We were proven right when we threw our support behind John in 2009 and elected him as Comptroller, where he has maximized the tools and powers of that office in ways people couldn't see as possible. John has time and again demonstrated his commitment and ability to deliver for all working families, and we once again place our full confidence in his bid for Mayor to lead our City." Mr. Romney also serves as Secretary-Treasurer of Workers United and Executive Vice President of SEIU.
Thanking the members of IBEW Local 3 and Business Manager Chris Erikson, Comptroller John Liu said that "The brothers and sisters of Local 3 embody the American Dream for all working men and women of this city, who ask for nothing more than simply an opportunity and a fair shot. The current track of racing to the bottom along with an ever-widening wealth gap requires significant changes so that the promise of New York can be restored."
Comptroller Liu was very appreciative of the endorsement by The New York Metropolitan Joint Board and stated that
"So many people in our community have worked so long to help themselves get established in America and here in New York City to take care of their kids and grandkids. The Joint Board is a union and industry that, for generations, has empowered immigrant workers, mostly women. I am honored and proud to accept the endorsement of a union whose members remind me every day that we want to be a city that values workers. A city that ensures there are more people and families who, after years of hard work in pursuit of the American Dream, can have something to show for it."
