Maine Building Trades Council endorses Hay Bright in U.S. Senate race
September 15, 2006
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jean Hay Bright has received the unanimous endorsement of the Maine State Building & Construction Trades Council. The council, representing more than 5,500 Maine workers from 14 different trades, took the vote Thursday, according to John R. Hanson, the council's executive director. The council is affiliated with the AFL-CIO.

"Jean Hay Bright is more than just a friend of labor, she's an ally," Hanson said, "when we've needed her on the picket line she's been right there with us. She's a quick study, and has the interests of working families at heart. She supports a fair, just, and safe workplace for all. We know in Washington she'll be a strong advocate for working people.

Hanson said Hay Bright's strong support for national health care was also a factor in the endorsement.

Hay Bright, is a member of the National Writers Union, an AFL-CIO local affiliated with the United Auto Workers. Growing up her parents worked in a steel mill and a toy factory in Youngstown Ohio.

"The workers of America are the driving force in this country, Hay Bright said. "A strong labor force is not only the heart of our economy and our American way of life, it's crucial to maintaining that way of life, both in terms of the economy and national security."

"I'm especially honored to have this endorsement," Hay Bright said, "These are the men and women who put our infrastructure together, brick by brick and two-by-four by two-by-four. When a new hospital, or fire station, or school is finished, they can look at it and say 'I built that.' I look at it and say 'thank you.' "

The Maine State Building and Construction Trades Council has an office in Clinton. It comprises the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers, Local 6; the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers, and Helpers, Local 29; the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Local 1; the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local 1996; the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Locals 567 & 1253; the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers, Local 496; the Laborers International Union of North America, Locals 327, 1284, & 1377; the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 4; the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 35; the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada, Local 716; the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers, Local 33; the Sheet Metal Workers' International Association, Local 17; the Road Sprinkler Fitters, Local 669; and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 340.