Carpenters, Food Workers and Teamsters Endorse Giffords
Three More Unions Join Coalition of Working Families for Giffords
TUCSON €“ Three additional labor unions have joined the large and growing coalition backing former state Sen. Gabrielle Giffords, a Democrat running in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District.
The following unions have announced their support for Sen. Giffords:
- The United Brotherhood of Carpenters of America (Southwest Regional Council) represents highly skilled men and women throughout the building-trades industries, including carpenters, cabinetmakers, millwrights, piledrivers, lathers, framers, floorlayers, roofers, drywallers, and workers in forest-products and related industries.
- The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (Local 99) represents workers in health care, meatpacking, poultry and food processing, manufacturing, distillery, winery, textile and chemical trades, and retail food industries.
- The United Brotherhood of Teamsters (Local 104) represents individuals who work in transportation and freight-related industries.
These groups have joined a long list of labor groups that have endorsed Sen. Giffords. She is also backed by Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, and former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle.
“We choose to endorse Sen. Giffords because she is the only candidate with a proven track record of supporting working families,” said Tom Hynes, Special Representative for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Southwest Regional Council. “She has demonstrated that she understands the challenges that working people face. We believe she will serve the people of Arizona with strength and integrity.”
The United Food and Commercial Workers Union echoed these beliefs.
“Gabrielle Giffords is a champion for the issues that matter most to the working people of Southern Arizona,” said Jim McLaughlin, President of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 99. “She has proven that she strongly believes in the right of workers to organize. She also supports raising the minimum wage and increased access to health care for all.”
The United Brotherhood of Teamsters also lauded Sen. Giffords.
“There was no question about who the Teamsters would endorse,” said Joe Hernandez, Business Representative of the United Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 104. “Gabrielle has not shied away from being a fighter for the working men and women of Arizona, and we are confident that she will continue to do so in Washington, D.C.”
“I believe in the idea that government should serve all people €“ not just the powerful and connected,” Giffords said in response to the endorsement. “Working men and women form the foundation of our society, which is why I am pleased that these three labor unions have joined our campaign to change the direction of our country.”
Gabrielle Giffords’ Union Endorsements to Date:
Arizona Association of Electrical Workers and Locals 570, 769, and 1116
Arizona State Council of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 104
United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Southwest Regional Council
Arizona United Food and Commercial Workers Local 99
Arizona Conference of Police and Sheriffs, Local 7077
Associated Highway Patrolmen of Arizona
Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona
Tucson Fire Fighters Association
