The battle for union support in New Jersey’s 7th congressional district has not abated even with less than two weeks to go until Election Day, with the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 32 announcing its endorsement of Democrat Sue Altman.
“The members of OPEIU are proud to stand with Sue Altman, a proven fighter for working people,” OPEIU Local 32 business manager Bill Henning said. “She has steadfastly supported workers in our efforts to secure fair wages, stronger workplace protections, and the right to organize. Unlike her opponent, she will use her position as our next congresswoman to advocate for working families, and that’s exactly the kind of leadership we need in Washington.”
OPEIU Local 32, a part of the AFL-CIO, represents over 4,000 workers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware who work in local government agencies, schools, libraries, hospitals, and more.
It’s the latest of many labor unions to endorse Altman, who is trying to unseat freshman Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield) in a competitive and expensive race. Some of New Jersey’s largest unions, like the New Jersey Education Association and the Communications Workers of America, are backing Altman as well, but Kean has support from many building trades and law enforcement unions; he’s also friendly enough with organized labor that the AFL-CIO decided not to make any endorsement in the race.