Carpenters, Ironworkers endorse Mikie Sherrill

Two hugely powerful New Jersey labor unions, including one run by former Senate President Steve Sweeney, today endorsed Democrat Mikie Sherrill in the New Jersey governor’s race: the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers, and Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters.

Sweeney, who ran in the Democratic primary against Sherrill and four others, is the general vice president of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers.  He’s been an ironworker and union leader in New Jersey for almost four decades.

“I know just how important it is that we have a governor who is committed to standing for my union brothers and sisters. Mikie has a plan to fix our state’s broken infrastructure, including in South Jersey,” said Sweeney.  “She’ll expand pathways to apprenticeships and aggressively enforce New Jersey’s strong labor laws. We need Mikie to lead our state into the future.”

William Sproule, the executive secretary-treasurer of the Carpenters’ union, called Sherrill “ a proven champion for working families and union labor.”

“From defending prevailing wage laws to backing the PRO Act and expanding union apprenticeship programs, Mikie has consistently delivered for the men and women who build this state,” said Sproule.  “Mikie has shown she will fight for good-paying jobs, safe workplaces, and policies that strengthen the middle class.”

Sproule said that “New Jersey needs a governor who puts working families first.”

“Whether it’s supporting responsible contractor language for public projects, investing in infrastructure, or defending the rights of workers to organize, Mikie Sherrill has proven she has the vision and the determination to lead,” he said.

After the primary, Sweeney was quick to endorse Sherrill, who praised him today.

“Senator Sweeney has done more for the building trades than any other legislative leader in New Jersey’s history, and his efforts were critical to our state enacting some of the toughest labor laws anywhere in the country,” Sherrill said.  “It’s an honor to earn Steve and the Iron Workers’ endorsement, and I am excited to work together to bring good-paying union jobs to New Jersey, expand access to apprenticeships, and support working families here in the Garden State.”