Two UNITE HERE locals back Sweeney for governor

Two large unions representing workers in Atlantic City’s hospitality, food service, and gaming industries have today endorsed former Senate President Steve Sweeney for the Democratic nomination for governor of New Jersey.

UNITE HERE Local 54 President Donna DeCaprio said that Sweeney “has always fought for workers and their families, whether in the state legislature or through his leadership in strengthening New Jersey’s economy.”

“He has shown time and time again that he understands the challenges that working people face, and he has delivered results. He stood up to Carl Icahn after the billionaire threatened to take away our pension and healthcare funding,” DeCaprio said.  “We need a governor who fights for us, and that’s why Local 54 is proud to endorse Steve Sweeney.”

Jose Maldonado, the president of UNITE HERE Local 100, said that Sweeney has been a “tireless advocate for workers in New Jersey, including our brothers and sisters.”

“His fight to raise wages for airport workers is a testament to his commitment to fairness and justice in the workplace,” said Maldonado.  “As governor, he will continue to champion the rights of working families across our state.”

Sweeney, a longtime union leader, has already received endorsements from the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters; International Longshoremen’s Association; International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 30; Teamsters Joint Council 53; Sheet Metal Workers New Jersey State Council; New Jersey Roofers Unions; and New Jersey Building and Construction Trades Council President Bill Mullen.