News Channel 34 – ABC/NBC
Binghamton, NY
BINGHAMTON, NY – This afternoon, several labor groups officially endorsed Mayor Matt Ryan for re-election. The groups together represent more than 1 million members of over 100 unions statewide.
The groups endorsing Mayor Ryan include:
Broome-Tioga Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, which represents more than 15,000 members of local unions in Broome and Tioga counties.
The Building Trades Council, which represents more than 15,000 members of 18 local unions in the Southern Tier.
Teamsters Local Union #693, which represents 176 city employees (approximately 30% of the City workforce) and more than 1,400 members in the Southern Tier.
Working Families Party and Citizen Action of New York, which represents more than 1 million members of over 50 unions and community organizations throughout New York State.
Mary Whitmore, President of the Broome-Tioga Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, said: “As a labor council representing local unions with over 15,000 members, we look for political leaders who will stand up, speak out, and support the rights of workers and the issues that matter to working families. We look for leadership that works to bring good jobs with good wages to our area. That’s why we endorse Matt Ryan for Mayor of Binghamton, and look forward to working with him to build a local economy and a community that works for all us.”
Jim Collins, Business Manager for the Building Trades Council, said: “The Building Trades Council is happy to endorse Matt Ryan because of his continuing efforts to rebuild our infrastructure and spur the local economy. The Mayor has put Binghamton on the right track, from Downtown to our neighborhoods. We look forward to working with him for the next four years.”
Bob Firmstone, Secretary-Treasurer and Business Agent for the Teamsters Local Union #693, said: “Teamsters Local Union #693 is proud to endorse the candidacy of Matt Ryan for Mayor. He has cut costs in the City without jeopardizing public safety and he has put together a plan that will run the City more efficiently despite State mandates that have put a burden on City taxpayers. The Teamsters are looking forward to working with Matt Ryan to bring about changes that will again make the City of Binghamton one of the best places to live in New York State.”
Eileen Hamlin, of the Working Families Party and Citizen Action of New York, said: “Matt Ryan fights for working people and working families, and that’s what our community needs to grow and thrive. We’re pleased to endorse him for re-election.”
Mayor Ryan said: “For too long, City interests and worker interests have been seen as mutually exclusive, and I don’t believe they are. I believe that when our working families are safe, our City is safe. When our working families are healthy, our City is healthy. And when our working families thrive, our City thrives. That has been our guiding principle since the beginning, and it will continue to guide us in the years ahead. It is by this principle that we are building our future together.”
Please see more of Mayor Ryan’s remarks below.
Mayor Ryan Thanks Labor Groups for Their Endorsement
October 26, 2009
“I am so proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with these labor organizations—the Building Trades Council, the Broome Tioga Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, the Teamsters Local 693 and the Working Families Party.
“These organizations represent millions of workers and working families from across our state, from New York City to Niagara Falls, around the Southern Tier and right here in Binghamton.
“Our City works because they do, and I cannot overstate their contributions. It is these workers who pave, plow and clean our roads. It is they who build and maintain our homes and businesses, government buildings and schools. It is these workers who make sure we have running water, functioning sewers and well-lit streets. It is these workers who teach and nurture our children and grandchildren. It is they who have put Binghamton on the map as one of the nation’s top places to live and work, study and recreate, raise a family and retire. It is these workers who keep Binghamton safe and healthy for all our citizens, and I thank them for all that they do.
“Our unions also fight for workers rights—from fair compensation and safe working conditions to collective bargaining and freedom of association, from health care benefits and disability insurance to time off and retirement benefits. These rights are essential to workers, working families and our society, but they have not always existed. It has been our unions that have won these rights, strengthened our community and fulfilled the promise of our democracy.
“Organized labor has always been strong in New York State, Upstate and in Binghamton. The groups with me today have played an important role, and we should all be grateful for their work.
“For too long, City interests and worker interests have been seen as mutually exclusive. I don’t believe they are. I believe that when our working families are safe, our City is safe. When our working families are healthy, our City is healthy. And when our working families thrive, our City thrives. That has been our guiding principle since the beginning, and it will continue to guide us in the years ahead.
“It is by this principle that we are building our future together.”
