USW Endorses State Rep. Martin J. Walsh for Boston Mayor

He stands up for jobs, advocates public schools, economic security

MILFORD, Mass., Aug. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United Steelworkers (USW) District 4 has announced endorsement of Dorchester State Rep. Martin J. Walsh for Boston Mayor to succeed Thomas M. Menino in the Democratic primary election set for Sept. 24.

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USW Director John Shinn of the New England regional district confirmed the union's strong support for the mayoral candidate, declaring: "Marty has been a friend of the Steelworkers Union and our Boston-based members' families since before his 1997 election as a state representative when he was a business manager of the Boston Building Trades.

"He went to work at age 18 at the Commonwealth Pier as a union laborer and son of Irish immigrants in the city to become a public servant with strong ties to working families. We value his record and voice in the state house that brings an important vision for New Boston on economic development, education, homeland security and jobs."

According to Steve Finnigan, the USW Boston area sub-district director, "We especially value Marty's recent announcement on his call for a 10-year, $1 billion school construction, renovation and maintenance initiative to create great education for our children and the city's future."  He adds: "The USW represents workers who make steel, bricks, concrete, and paper for school text books. There are thousands more we represent who are City of Boston department middle managers, school bus drivers and monitors, plus employees of the water resource and transportation authorities."

USW-represented workers in the City of Boston are also hospital employees, provide natural gas energy services and are cab drivers -- all critical to a sustained economic future. "Our local union leadership and members have examined the 12 announced candidates on the Boston mayoral ballot, and stand up for Marty Walsh," Finnigan stated.

The USW-endorsed mayoral candidate, Marty Walsh, earned a degree in 2009 at Boston College by taking night courses while serving as a state representative in the 13^thSuffolk District that includes Dorchester, where he grew up in one of the most diverse districts in Massachusetts. Both Marty's father and uncle were active in leadership of Laborers Local 223, where the Walsh household was filled with debates about community, family and workplace issues.

"By our endorsement of Marty, the USW is confident with his record and leadership on workers' issues. We know he will be the strongest candidate to win the Democratic primary in September and then the election on Nov. 5," Finnigan said.

Contact: Steve Finnigan (USW), 508-482-5555; 339-309-9400

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)