North America's Building Trades Unions Endorse Hillary Clinton

JOURNAL: ISSUE 2 - 2016

BAC President James Boland and presidential candidate Secretary Clinton at the 2016 NABTU Legislative Conference.

Over 3,000 delegates attended the 2016 North American Building Trades Unions (NABTU) Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. in April, including many BAC leaders. NABTU President Sean McGarvey announced that the National Building Trades has endorsed Hillary Clinton for President. McGarvey said in his announcement, "There is only one candidate who has shown respect for Building Trades members, their jobs, and their families. And that's Hillary Clinton. And when our unions formally engaged with our collective membership, there was abundant support for only one candidate… Hillary Clinton."

BAC Local officers and representatives from across the country attending the conference were also joined by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Xavier Becerra (D-CA) at a working luncheon hosted by BAC. 

The first elected woman Congressman and Senator of Wisconsin, Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) is a true champion of the middle class and the building trades unions. "I don't think we can have a strong economy if we don't build things in the United States," says Senator Baldwin. "We need to support policies and people who see that through… and make sure we have an education system to prepare young people with careers in the trades."

U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI), who joined BAC members on the same day at a public hearing on OSHA's final silica standard, denounced Congressional Republicans' unabashed assault on working people as they are fighting to overturn the rule in favor of a few powerful interests. Says Rep. Pocan, "OSHA said the rule only costs $1,500 per workplace and the U.S. Chamber thinks it's too much… What's a life worth? How much is too much to keep workers safe?" Rep. Pocan also praised BAC's leadership and members for being at the hearings and fighting for the rule. "You being there at the hearing today was very powerful. You have our backs in the House. We will continue our fight," adds Rep. Pocan.

The first Latino member of the powerful Committee on Ways and Means, Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-CA) said that Secretary Clinton is the best candidate for President. "You want someone who has the experience, tried and true, and knows how to get things done. That's why I think Secretary Clinton would make a great President. With your help, it will happen," says Rep. Becerra.