Sheet metal workers back Sweeney for governor

The Sheet Metal Workers New Jersey State Council union is endorsing Steve Sweeney for the Democratic nomination for governor next year.

“We believe Steve Sweeney is ready to be governor on day one,” said State Council Chairman Joe Demark. “Our members are proud to support him in this race for governor.”

Sweeney, a former Senate president and longtime union leader, has the support of five unions that serve on the state council: Local 19, Local 22, Local 25, Local 27 and Local 137.

“Steve Sweeney has consistently supported unions and fought for fair wages, safer working conditions and the right of workers to organize. His record of advocating for New Jersey workers is unparalleled,” Demark said. “He is the right leader to move New Jersey forward and ensure the interests of working men and women are front and center in Trenton.”

The sheet metal workers are the latest in a series of union endorsements for Sweeney. He has already won public support from Carpenters, Longshoremen, IBEW Local 30 (the state administrators union), Teamsters Joint Council 53 and his own blacksmiths union.

“These men and women represent the backbone of our state’s infrastructure and construction industries. Their dedication and skill build the foundation of our communities,” Sweeney said. “As governor, I will continue to fight for good-paying jobs and the respect that every worker deserves. “Together, we will create a better future for all of New Jersey’s working families.”

Other announced and potential candidates in next year’s gubernatorial race have also garnered union support, sometimes right in Sweeney’s backyard: Labor is backing Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair); and Operating Engineers Local 825 goes to Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly). Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop has secured several labor endorsements, including the State and International Councils of the Amalgamated Transit Union, and two local Teamsters unions. Former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller is strongly supported by the New Jersey Education Association, of which he is president.