QUEENS (TIP): After New York Hotel Trades Council, UFCW Local 1500, and New York City Coalition of Operating Engineers, it is CWA Local 1180 which has strongly supported John Liu for State Senate. Citing Democrat John Liu’s proven track record as a tireless fighter for working families and the middle class in New York City, CWA Local 1180 endorsed progressive Democrat John Liu’s campaign to bring Democratic leadership back to Senate District 11. CWA Local 1180 is one of the largest public sector locals of the Communications Workers of America, representing more than 14,000 workers and retirees, and has committed its full support behind the candidacy of Democrat John Liu against the status quo. “Democrat John Liu is the people’s champion. He has always displayed great courage in his willingness to question the status quo and to take on powerful interests on behalf of working people,” said CWA Local 1180 President Arthur Cheliotes. “During his tenure as New York City Comptroller, he uncovered the fraudulent CityTime contract, put a stop to the corrupt project and returned half a billion dollars to the City.

He also audited the 911 system overhaul, noting overbilling of millions of dollars; which the City has recently suspended. While Comptroller he released several reports detailing: the value of public sector employees, the advantages of defined benefit contributions, gender equity in the workplace, the cost of rent in NYC, and income inequality. Time and time again, John has defended and supported the workers and the middle class of New York City and we know that he will do the same in Albany. John has always led with integrity and he represents the voice of the people. We are proud to stand with him again to help realize a bold vision for New York.”

“It is my honor to accept the endorsement of my brothers and sisters of CWA Local 1180,” said Democrat John Liu. “The Union and its members have always stood up for the working women and men of New York and beyond. In my years of public service as City Councilmember and New York City Comptroller, it has been a privilege to stand side by side with my friends at CWA Local 1180 in the fight to bring good jobs, higher wages, quality public education, and affordable housing to all New Yorkers. I look forward to working with the Union when I’m in Albany, where I’ll put an end to the Senate status quo that has, for far too long, stood in the way of real reforms that will make positive changes in the lives of New York’s working families.” The CWA Local 1180 endorsement is yet another show of labor support for John Liu’s surging campaign.

The Liu campaign has also been endorsed by numerous major New York City labor unions, including UFCW Local 1500, which represents 23,000 grocery store workers; the New York City Coalition of Operating Engineers, which represents 18,000 crane and heavy equipment operators Locals 14 and 15; stationary engineers Locals 30 and 94; school custodians Local 891; and New York City building inspectors Local 211. Liu also earned the coveted endorsement of the New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council, AFL-CIO (HTC) that boasts 50,000-plus workers and retirees, and is known for its highly sophisticated political operation.

In addition to labor support, John Liu’s campaign has also received endorsements from tenants’ rights group Tenants PAC, grassroots activist organization New York Communities for Change, and the nation’s largest progressive online community Daily Kos. CWA Local 1180 is one of the largest public sector locals of the Communications Workers of America, representing more than 14,000 workers and retirees. It is comprised of workers at dozens of New York City Mayoral agencies including the Health and Hospitals Corporation, the Board of Education, the Housing Authority, the Transit Authority, the School Construction Authority, the state’s Unified Court System; and private companies such as the Jacob Javits Convention Center; and at not-for-profit organizations including Planned Parenthood of New York City, the ASPCA, Human Rights First, and Human Rights Watch.