Busy Week for IUPAT Political Action

IUPAT Endorses Gubernatorial Candidates in Illinois and Georgia

In Illinois – IUPAT District Councils 14, 30, and 58 joined together to endorse JB Pritzker for governor. As members of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, they represent 36 different craft trades collectively across Illinois. This endorsement comes as labor support for JB Pritzker continues to grow, with support from the Illinois AFL-CIO and seventeen unions across the state of Illinois, including the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 881, and the United Steelworkers Union.

Illinois gubernatorial candidate JB Pritzker (second from right) with IUPAT Business Managers (left to right) Ryan Anderson, Gregg Smith and John Spiros.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of Painters District Councils 14, 30, and 58 and the working families they represent across our state,” said JB Pritzker. “As governor, working families and the labor movement will always have a seat at the table as we work together to protect collective bargaining rights, oppose right to work, and enforce prevailing wage laws. With Bruce Rauner doubling down on his radical agenda to dismantle organized labor in this state, it’s more important than ever that we stand united. I’m humbled to have the support of the IUPAT and appreciate the hardworking men and women who will provide essential boots on the ground as we get out the vote for this campaign.”

“The IUPAT District Council 14, representing Chicago, Cook and Lake Counties, is proud to endorse JB Pritzker for governor,” said IUPAT DC 14 Business Manager John Spiros. “JB believes in the rights of workers to organize and collectively bargain. He will be a partner with the IUPAT to rebuild Illinois using the highest skilled and most qualified workforce. There is too much at stake for working families in Illinois to sit on the sidelines in this election. IUPAT DC 14 will be working hard to elect JB Pritzker the next governor of Illinois.”

“Things could not be clearer for our union,” said Ryan Anderson, IUPAT DC 30 Business Manager, representing the collar counties to the Iowa border. “We need to act decisively and early to signal our intention to work hard to elect a new governor in 2018, and JB Pritzker has distinguished himself over many years as a strong supporter of working families and an advocate for what is best for Illinois.”

“IUPAT District Council 58 is proud to stand with JB Pritzker in the fight for working families in Illinois,“ said IUPAT DC 58 Business Manager Gregg Smith representing southern Illinois.“JB is a regular guy whose vision for Illinois will bring economic security to the members of the IUPAT. He understands how to stimulate the economy of southern Illinois and fight for working people. IUPAT DC 58 is ready for the challenge that lies ahead in unseating the corporate interests that have poisoned the economy and left construction workers behind.”

In Georgia – The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 77 endorsed Stacey Abrams for Governor of Georgia.

Stacey Abrams

“It’s been far too long since working people had a champion leading our state. That is why we proudly endorse Georgia House Representative Stacey Abrams for Governor. I am a lifelong Georgian and I am excited for this moment. Representative Abrams is not beholden to the good ol’ boys and will shake things ups. I’ve watched Representative Abrams stand on the floor of the General Assembly and fight for the building trades and all working people. Our membership in Atlanta is  diverse, majority people of color, reflects the future of the city, and Representative Abrams represents the future of our state.” Louis Partain, IUPAT District Council 77 political director.

“I am proud to have the support of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades,” said Representative Stacey Abrams. “For too long, Georgia has stood in the way of workers’ ability to collectively bargain, earn a fair income, and support their families. As governor, I am committed to building a state that refuses to be satisfied with stagnant wages, and where families can thrive no matter who they are or where they live.”