Hannemann Earns Labor Support

(HONOLULU) – Democratic Congressional candidate Mufi Hannemann today received the endorsements of six private-sector labor organizations.  He is seeking to represent Hawaii’s 2^nd District (Rural Oahu and Neighbor Islands).  They are:

• International Association of Reinforcing, Structural, and Ornamental Iron Workers Union, Local 625, with an active and retiree membership of 1,280;
• Sheet Metal Workers, Local 293, with 900 members, including retirees; and
• District Council 50, consisting of these four locals with a total membership of 2,000, including retirees:
       • International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades Local 1791 (Painters Union);
       • Glaziers, Architectural Metal, and Glassworkers Local Union 1889;
       • Carpet, Linoleum, and Soft Tile Local Union 1926 (Floorlayers); and
       • Drywall Tapers and Finishers Local Union 1944.

Ironworkers Stabilization Fund Managing Director T. George Paris said, “The 1,280 members of the Ironworkers are always proud to support Mufi Hannemann.  Mufi and I go back many years.  He comes from a working class background and knows first-hand the aspirations of our members.  He is a proven leader with a record of accomplishment.  Mufi has many friends in D.C. and has developed strong relationships in the nation’s capital that will help him to put into action those ideas we need to recharge our economy and enable our people to go back to work and prosper.”

Sheet Metal Workers Business Manager Art Tolentino said, “Jobs, economic security, and quality of life are priority concerns for Local 293’s membership.  Mufi’s initiatives to stimulate job creation through the years and his strong mayoral record in boosting Oahu’s infrastructure development are what we need in our Congressional leaders.  He is a great role model who will take his brand of energy and leadership to Washington, D.C.”

Lynn Kinney, District Council 50 Business Manager, said, “The building trades unions recognize and appreciate what Mufi’s done for our members and our economy during his excellent tenure as mayor of Honolulu.  We’re confident, as he has demonstrated locally that he’ll continue to build on his exceptional track record in getting the job done on Capitol Hill.  Mufi is a friend of the little guy and will do his very best to preserve Social Security and Medicare for our seniors, as well as support educational excellence for our children.”

Mufi Hannemann said, “I’m very grateful for the support of these building trades unions.  I’ve enjoyed their backing in past campaigns and am looking forward to their involvement in this statewide endeavor.  As champions of working class people, they know the challenges and opportunities we face in Hawaii and our nation in putting people back to work.  Their endorsement of my candidacy is a vote of confidence in my ability to champion the causes of working men and women, and proven ability to work with leaders at all levels to implement proposals to jumpstart our economy.”

Hannemann previously received the endorsements of the 2,900-member State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Local 142, with 20,000 members.

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Contact:    Justin Gruenstein
(808) 268-2411