Today, Massachusetts Building Trades Unions (MBTU) announced its endorsement of Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll for Lieutenant Governor. The organization represents over 75,000 union construction workers across the Commonwealth.
“Working families in Massachusetts would be well-served with Mayor Driscoll as their Lieutenant Governor. As the first female mayor of Salem, Kim has fought hard to raise wages and to ensure management treats employees with dignity and respect,” said MBTU President Frank Callahan. “As the wife of a union bricklayer, she understands first-hand the importance of workplace protections and ensuring that all workers have a voice at the table.”
For over a hundred years, Massachusetts Building Trades Unions (MBTU) has been dedicated to helping working people improve their quality of life. It has 63 member locals representing more than 75,000 working men and women across the state.
“As someone who grew up working class and is married to a union bricklayer, I know how critical organized labor is to ensure everyone has a livable wage and the benefits they deserve,” said Mayor Driscoll. “I have brought my commitment to working-class values centered on community, accountability, and inclusivity to my work every day as Mayor of Salem. That is why I’m honored to earn the trust and support of the Massachusetts Building Trades Council for my campaign for Lieutenant Governor.”
Through the efforts of their locals, union members receive the best training available, vital healthcare coverage, and the security of pension and annuity benefits. In addition, through joint investments between labor and management, employers train current and future employees. This collaborative effort between contractors and member unions benefits customers because, with trained workers, the job is done right the first time. For the unions represented by the MBTU, their goal has always been, and continues to be, improving the standard of living for construction workers and their families throughout the state. By achieving this goal, everyone benefits, including members, employers, customers, and most importantly, the communities where our members live and work.
The combined 63 individual building trades unions of MBTU provide healthcare to 260,000 people, retirement benefits to 40,000 seniors, and drive the Massachusetts economy with a $3.65 billion impact through housing construction projects alone. It joins a growing coalition of support for Mayor Driscoll in her race for Lieutenant Governor, including the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 4; Laborers International Union of North America Local 175; Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 453, second largest union at the MBTA; The Alliance of Unions at the MBTA; and a growing number of mayors, city councilors, state senators and state representatives.
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