The Walz-Flanagan campaign is mobilizing and activating a broad labor coalition that will give the campaign the grassroots support needed to win in November
[ST. PAUL, MN] — Today, the Walz-Flanagan campaign announced support from a broad coalition of Minnesota’s largest labor unions. Meanwhile, the field of GOP challengers remains divided, with virtually no support from the labor unions that represent Minnesota’s working families. This is the second in a series of endorsements that the campaign will be releasing.
This strong show of support from labor demonstrates the strong support for the Walz-Flanagan ticket among working families. Their support means that the Walz-Flanagan campaign will have the grassroots support needed to run a robust statewide operation.
Nichole Johnson, Walz-Flanagan campaign manager, released the following statement:
“Minnesota’s working families know what’s on the line in this election, and they’re making their voices heard. They know that the Walz-Flanagan administration is fighting for more jobs, for lower costs for Minnesotans, and for living wages. Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan will continue to fight for those priorities in their second term while opposing tax cuts for the rich and the push to roll back workers’ rights.”
Minnesota AFL-CIO
“Working Minnesotans deserve support from their elected officials, and we believe in supporting those who support us,” said Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bernie Burnham. “As we work to build a state where everyone, no matter what we look like or where we live, can prosper, we must have elected leaders like Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan who stand in solidarity with working people.”
SEIU Minnesota State Council
“The SEIU Minnesota State Council, which brings together SEIU locals in Minnesota who represent nearly 65,000 essential workers across the state, are proud to announce our endorsement of Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan for re-election!”
Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters
“Gov. Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan have made firefighter safety a priority at the Capitol during their first term. They have stood by firefighters and all first responders and delivered for us. The Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters, which represents 46 local unions throughout Minnesota, is proud to endorse them for reelection.”
UFCW Local 1189
“Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan have consistently stood up for essential workers – especially UFCW members in the grocery retail, long-term care, and meatpacking industries from designating priority access to vaccines to daycare assistance. The Walz-Flanagan administration has also led the way nationally by proposing $1,500 in premium pay for frontline workers who served Minnesotans throughout the pandemic. Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan have proven themselves champions of UFCW members. We look forward to continuing to build a better Minnesota together.” –UFCW Local 1189 President Jim Gleb
Education Minnesota
“Governing through the pandemic required a playbook that wasn’t written yet, but Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan led Minnesotans with integrity and confidence,” said Denise Specht, president of Education Minnesota. “Every educator who has worked without a lesson plan for even a day can appreciate what the governor achieved during the past two years.
Gov. Walz has never hesitated in his defense of collective bargaining or his commitment to improving the lives of students, educators and their families,” Specht said. “He was elected as the ‘Educator Governor’ and stayed true to the title. Our union is proud to endorse Walz-Flanagan for another four years.”
IBEW Minnesota State Council
“Gov. Walz has been a stalwart friend and supporter of the IBEW during his first term,” said Jeff Heimerl, president of the IBEW State Council. “His bonding proposals have put thousands of Minnesotans to work on rebuilding the state’s infrastructure. He also supported and signed into law bills to prevent and punish wage theft, help workers at electric plants in the state deal with plant closures and promote worker safety. We believe he and Lt. Gov. Flanagan are the right team to lead Minnesota for the next four years.”
IUPAT District Council 86
The delegates of the International Union of Painters & Allied Trades, District Council 82 unanimously voted to endorse Governor Tim Walz for a second term as Governor of Minnesota. DC 82 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer, Jeff Stark said, “This endorsement is in recognition of the Walz-Flanagan Administration’s ability to rise to the unprecedented challenges of the last two years as well as appreciation for their proven commitment to the safety, security, and wellbeing of all Minnesotans. Without the heroic leadership of Governor Walz, Minnesota would look very different today.”
Full list of endorsements:
BLET Minnesota
Education Minnesota
IAMAW District Lodge 77
IBEW Minnesota State Council
IUPAT District Council 86
Inter Faculty Organization
International Association of Heat & Frost & Allies Workers #34
IronWorkers Union Local 512
LiUNA Minnesota & North Dakota
Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters
Minnesota AFL-CIO
Minnesota Building & Construction Trades Council
Minnesota Pipe Trades Association
Roofers & Waterproofers Union Local 96
SEIU Minnesota State Council
UFCW Local 1189
In 2018, Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan were elected by the greatest margin in nearly 20 years. During their first term, they have prioritized investing in children and families, infrastructure, education, and jobs, and have trusted the science to save lives and get Minnesota’s economy on the path to recovery.
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