I see that Gerry Connolly has decided to be dismissive of the local unions that chose to remain neutral in upcoming primary and those that refused to go along with his current wish and whim. My only question is why did he fail to mention that Leslie Byrne has the endorsement of the Washington D.C. Building and Construction Trades Council, of which, Steamfitters Local 602 is but one of its members?
The council also represents the Asbestos Workers Local 24, Boilermakers Local 193, Bricklayers & Allied Crafts Local 1, Electrical Workers Local 26, Elevators Constructors Local 10, Iron Workers Local 5, Construction & General Laborers' Local 657, Operative Plasterers & Cement Masons 891, Painters District Council 51, Plumbers Local 5, Reinforced Rodmen Local 201, Roofers & Waterproofers Local 30, Sheet Metal Workers Local 100, Sprinkler Fitters Local 669, and Teamsters Local 639.
The county chairman also failed to mention to the Washington Post that former US Congresswoman Leslie Byrne has also garnered the labor support of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (Va. AFSCME), the Communication Workers of America, the Operating Engineers, the United Auto Workers (Va.), International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Teamsters Local 922 & Local 67, and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.
The county chairman's claim of widespread labor support suffers when properly appraised. The Washington Post needs to further investigate and properly report on the labor support of the two leading candidates. And as a follow up, they should ask Gerry what exactly did he mean by his remark. Many local unions are disturbed by his divisive language.
I can not speak for any of the other local and international unions who are supporting Leslie Byrne but I will defend Steamfitters Local 602 against the inferences made by Gerry's quote. We are a vibrant, dynamic and growing local union. We have a proud past and a promising future.
Washington area steamfitters received their first local union charter in 1889 (IA Local 10). We merged with the AFL-CIO 95 year ago as a member of the United Association (Steamfitters Local 602). Our local union today has over 3400 members. Our five-year training program currently educates over 500 apprentices. We are growing at a rate in excess of 5% per year. How many of Gerry's labor supporters can stake the same claim?
Throughout our history we have continued to not only grow but to evolve. We have refused to be limited by our humble beginnings. Yes, we are proud steamfitters but we are also welders, HVAC and refrigeration mechanics, control technicians and much, much more. Our jurisdictional claim and our diverse history is too vast to explain in one column. Let it suffice to say that, if there is a pipe of any type or description with fluid flowing through it, we help to construct, install, maintain and service it and every piece of equipment that is tied to it. Look for our bumper stickers. We are everywhere.
And yes, we do reward our friends with our support. And contrary to Gerry's insinuation, Steamfitters Local 602 has not asked for or received personal favors for our specific support for either for him or for Leslie Byrne. If Gerry thinks otherwise he should state his case for the public to judge. Lacking that, Gerry's comment borders on slander and he should apologize for making it.
I served on Gerry Connolly's first campaign staff during the Providence District special election for supervisor on March 28, 1995. Our members were urged to support Gerry then and once again in the general elections in 1995 and 1999. In 2003, our members were urged to support Gerry in his run for County Chairman. Again in 2007, our members were asked to support his re-election bid for Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. I know this to be true because I wrote all of the columns and letters of support.
The members of Steamfitters Local Union 602 have also been urged to support Leslie Byrne in her past county, state, and federal races. Leslie has always been in labor's corner even when faced with unpopular votes, which cost her dearly. She has shown courage and true grit when it comes to working family issues.
As a member union in the Washington D.C. Building and Construction Trades Council and at the urging of our International, the United Association, we have decided to support Leslie Byrne in her bid to retake her 11th District seat in the US Congress. Steamfitters respect the three international and two local unions that have chosen to support Gerry. We also respect those that desire to remain neutral in this primary race. We only wish that Gerry would do the same.
I invite the Post to send their reporter to the Central Labor Council's Awards Dinner on Friday, May 2nd at the Sheraton Premier at Tysons Corner (reception at 6:00, dinner at 7:00). It is billed as, "the largest gathering of local union leaders and activists in Northern Virginia". I understand that Gerry and Leslie will both be there. I have two extra tickets. Come dine with the Steamfitters and our family of union friends.
All have endorsed Gerry Connolly.
Growth is dynamic. I would suspect that is what Connolly meant. Connolly is too smart to do anything that would insult any union or union member. To suggest that he is anti-union is nothing but spin. Besides, who knows whether the Post used only a partial quote or took the quote out of context.
Since the Virginia AFL-CIO and the Northern Virginia Central Labor Council have made no endorsements in the 11th District race each union has the right to make their own endorsement decision and many have. More power to them.