A Message from Business Manager Chris Erikson Jr.
It’s GOTV time, sisters and brothers! For the last few weeks, Local 3 members have been on the phones and in the streets supporting Labor’s candidates throughout the region. Several congressional and statewide races are critical to putting the brakes on the anti-worker and anti-union administration in Washington, D.C., and pushing a pro-worker and pro-union agenda in Albany.
When you consider your vote, think of the impacts on your livelihood and ability to support yourself and your family. Voting records; supporting working people, unions, and collective bargaining; positions on important topics and legislation; endorsements from central labor bodies, state federations, and building trades councils; and dependable relationships are some of the things this Union considers when making endorsement decisions. Local 3’s endorsed candidates are critical to advancing our positions, values, and agenda in Washington, D.C., and state capitals across our region.
Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli work hard to improve conditions across New York State, specifically with working people in mind every chance they get. Representatives Tom Suozzi, Laura Gillen, Grace Meng, and George Latimer are Local 3 allies, and each one is only a phone call away to discuss issues important to us, like protecting labor rights, passing pro-worker legislation, growing work opportunities for our members, funding for Electchester, and more. In Albany, State Senators Toby Ann Stavisky, John Liu, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, and Shelley Mayer, and Assemblymembers Sam Berger and Judy Griffin all work hard, hand in hand with Local 3, to strengthen and grow union protections and work opportunities, and we need to send Rory Lancman and Patrick Martinez to the State Senate and Assembly, respectively, to join them.
Now is the time to pitch in, sisters and brothers. At a minimum, get out and vote as soon as possible. Early voting started this past Saturday, October 24th, and goes through Sunday, November 1st. Even better, speak up about Labor’s candidates at home, with your neighbors, and on the job, so everyone knows the facts and what is at stake. Finally, sign up for a phone bank shift or help knock doors between today and next Tuesday, November 3rd. Call the Construction Desk (718-591-4000 ext. 440) and ask where you can help. We can’t have any regrets next Wednesday thinking we could have done more to help ourselves, our union, and our country.
