Over 20 Major Chicago Labor Unions Hold GOTV Rally in Support of Vallas for Mayor
Leaders in organized labor from throughout the city held a Get Out the Vote Rally for Paul Vallas this morning, and in the process sounded the alarm on Brandon Johnson’s economic plans, which they believe will devastate the city. Vallas joined members of over 20 labor unions that have endorsed his campaign for the event today at the Plumbers Chicago Training Center.
“A radical plan to raise taxes by $800 Million would devastate our city’s economy, and the worst effects will be felt by the middle class and working families like the ones our unions represent,” said Plumbers Local 130 Business Manager Jim Coyne. “Labor unions from throughout our city have rallied together behind Paul Vallas because we know that he is the only candidate with a real plan to grow our economy, create jobs and deliver more opportunities to Chicagoans.”
Other unions represented at the event included Operating Engineers Local 150 and Local 399, IBEW Local 9 and Local 134, Ironworkers District Council, Laborers Chicago District Council and numerous others.
“We are entering into a difficult economic time with many challenges, and the last thing we need is to elect a totally unproven candidate with no management experience as our Mayor,” said International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 2 President Juan Gonzalez. “Paul Vallas will make Chicago the city that works for everyone and be a Mayor for all of Chicago, and we’re proud to be the first union to back his candidacy.”
Vallas announced the support of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin this weekend, one of the state’s Democratic leaders and a constant fighter for the middle class. He has also been endorsed by Democratic mainstays like former Secretary of State Jesse White, Obama Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and numerous others.
“There’s no telling the economic damage that Brandon Johnson’s extreme plans would cause on our city,” said IUOE 150 President Jim Sweeney. “Misguided proposals like bringing back the employee head tax like Johnson supports would cost our city jobs and reduce economic growth, and that means less investment in the kinds of major infrastructure projects that are needed to build our city’s future.”