DC 37 endorses Barack Obama for President

Delegates of District Council 37, the city's largest public employee union with 125,000 members and 50,000 retirees, last night voted to endorse Sen. Barack Obama as the Democratic candidate for President of the United States.

The vote by the DC 37 delegates followed an endorsement for Sen. Obama by the union's international, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), which represents 1.4 million union members nationwide.

"We have endorsed Sen. Barack Obama, because he is a proven fighter whose stand on economic, political, and social issues shows a commitment to reversing the Bush administration's failed economic and foreign policies, and protecting the rights of our country's working men and women," DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts.

"By supporting quality health care, stronger protection for union organizing efforts, and legislation that will help working families - issues most important to our members - Sen. Obama has earned our support."

"Our international union, AFSCME, which has met with Sen. Obama has found him to be a strong advocate for critically important legislation to help working families. Sen. Obama's presidency will end the current administration's era of corruption and incompetence and reverse the mounting unemployment, growing number of home foreclosures, and rising gas prices and grocery bills. As AFSCME President Gerald McEntee said, 'This election is about rebuilding America's middle class, providing affordable, quality health care for all and ending the war in Iraq."'

"Working with our international union, AFSCME, District Council 37's endorsement carries with it a pledge to mobilize our members and to work diligently on his behalf with our proven, sophisticated field operations to get out the vote to make that change possible," said Ms. Roberts.

DC 37 is New York City's largest public employee union, representing 125,000 members and 50,000 retirees.