Burlington, VT – Today Miro Weinberger, Democratic nominee for mayor, received the formal endorsement of both the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the Vermont Building and Construction Trades Council at a gathering held at Miro for Mayor headquarters. The group discussion focused on supporting workers, creating jobs, and improving Burlington’s economy.
“Burlington needs a mayor who will be responsive to the needs of working families. As mayor, I will get our City’s finances back in order, restore economic growth that will create good local jobs and improve our tax base, and make Burlington more affordable. I am pleased to have the support of a growing coalition of labor leaders representing hundreds of working Vermonters,” said Weinberger. “As the son of a teacher active in the NEA, I am pleased to have the confidence of this group of workers and labor leaders.”
“The Teamsters need a mayor who will bring good local jobs, with good benefits to Burlington, and who will enhance our creative economy,” stated Dan Brush, Political Coordinator for the Teamsters. “We believe Miro has the vision to get the job done and that’s why the Teamsters is endorsing Miro for Mayor of Burlington.”
“It’s about time Burlington had a mayor who looked out for the City and its workers,” stated Jeff Potvin, president of the Vermont Building and Construction Trades Council and business manager of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local #693. “Miro has impressed us as a leader who will be able to bring jobs to the building trades, and we are glad to endorse Miro’s campaign.” The Council is a coalition of 14 different building trades, including the Teamsters, Carpenters, Electricians, and Ironworkers.
A growing group of labor leaders has joined in support of Weinberger’s candidacy for Burlington mayor. Earlier this week, theInternational Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #300 endorsed Weinberger. IBEW Local #300 business manager and financial secretary, Jeffrey C. Wimette, had shared the following statement: “Following numerous discussions with Miro, the IBEW Local #300 has developed a sense of trust and respect for his vision for Burlington, as well as his potential to lead the city and its administration down a path of transparency as well as prosperity for the business community and residents alike. Miro’s ability to collectively view the whole picture and vast needs of Burlington is a required quality to make change. Yet Miro’s ability to concentrate and focus on the individual needs of the city as well as the residents of Burlington is an even greater accomplishment.”
Ben Johnson, president of the Vermont AFL-CIO, stated: “Miro is the best choice for working people in Burlington. I’m delighted that the Building Trades, the Teamsters, and the IBEW Local #300, all AFL-CIO members, have endorsed Miro. We all look forward to working hard these next five days to ensure that Miro becomes Burlington’s new mayor.”
“Today’s new endorsements — combined with others in the last week from Senator Bernie Sanders, State’s Attorney TJ Donovan, Sheriff Kevin McLaughlin, and Somali Bantu community leaders — should put to rest any debate about which campaign has the broadest base of support. No other campaign has the support of business leaders and multiple labor unions, a broad spectrum of political leaders, New Americans and families that have lived in this City for generations, and individual endorsements from hundreds of Burlingtonians,” said Weinberger. “This broad and deep coalition for a Fresh Start will bring much needed change to City Hall next Tuesday.”