A group of union workers thre their support behind Bill Thompson’s candidacy for Mayor of New York City at a press conference last week.
The Association of Master Painters and Decorators of New York, Inc., the New York Structural Steel Painters Contractors Association, the Window and Plate Glass Dealers Association of New York, and the Drywall Taping Contractors’ Association of Greater New York and District Council 9 of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (DC 9), announced their joint support of Thompson at the Finishing Trades Institute of New York in Long Island City.
This announcement marked the first labor-management joint endorsement in the 2013 mayoral election.
Peter Cafiero, president of the Association of Master Painters, spoke on behalf of the Employer Associations to explain why Bill Thompson was awarded their support.
Cafiero emphasized the importance of small businesses to the finishing industry.
These small businesses follow strict guidelines for quality, safety and a high standard of living for their employees, and require a level playing field in New York City’s economic policies.
Cafiero stated that the industry, as well as the City’s middle class, can flourish with leadership in government that understands the importance of expanding business opportunities while maintaining a skilled work force. He expressed confidence in Bill Thompson’s ability to exercise such leadership.
The joint endorsement was followed by a speech by Thompson, which laid out his vision for the future of New York City.
