Labor rejects a billionaire-sponsored centrist with a union-busting record
Hartford, CT — The 200,000-member Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) and ATU Hartford Local 425 joined 23 unions and the Working Families Party in endorsing John Larson for re-election, citing his “unwavering commitment to working people and organized labor” against corporate billionaires and union busters. The endorsement further cements a massive wall of working-class support against a billionaire-bankrolled centrist agenda.
ATU International President John Costa lauded Larson’s consistent fight “to protect the rights, wages, and dignity of workers across Connecticut and the country,” in addition to his co-sponsoring of the PRO Act “to strengthen collective bargaining rights, hold union-busting employers accountable, and ensure that workers across industries have a fair right to organize.”
“I’m grateful for the support of the transit workers who keep our district moving,” said Larson. “I always have, and always will, stand shoulder to shoulder with workers to demand the wages, benefits, protections, and dignity they’ve earned. Our workers deserve an unflinching ally who will fight tooth and nail for them every single day.”
The endorsement highlights a stark contrast in this race. Bronin’s pro-developer and anti-worker record — which dogged his failed governor’s race — supports concerns that the centrist, corporate lawyer’s claim of “new energy” actually means a Wall Street billionaire-sponsored anti-worker agenda that would leave Connecticut families behind.
Larson has consistently won the support of labor and working families for his record protecting union jobs, supporting pro-worker legislation such as the PRO Act, securing Project Labor Agreement requirements, joining picket lines and protests with IAM, UAW, UNITE HERE, and striking Starbucks workers.
ATU joins a growing coalition of labor groups prepared to propel Larson to victory in the primary:
- Unite Here! International Union
- Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA)
- International Association of Machinists (IAM)
- Connecticut State Council of Machinists
- IAM District 26
- AFGE Local 2138
- AFGE Local 1674
- AFGE Local 1164
- Greater Hartford Building Trades
- NAGE/IBPO Local R1-109
- International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART)
- Sheet Metal Workers Local 40
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
- International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC)
- United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers
- International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (IW)
- International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC)
- International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT)
- Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA)
- International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE)
- United Association – Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, and Service Techs (UA)
- International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers, and Helpers
- International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers