Larson Acquires Four More Union Endorsements: AFSCME, UAW, SEIU, & MTEA

Milwaukee, WI – The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 32, representing 1.6M; International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW); Services Employees International Union Wisconsin State Council (SEIU Local 1), representing 8,000; and Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association representing 5,000 endorse Larson for County Executive after Larson’s primary win.

Mike Pelzek, Vice-President of AFSCME Council 32 said, “At AFSCME, we know public service isn’t just a job, it’s a calling. The work our members do matters because we are making our community better. And that’s why we are proud to endorse Chris Larson for Milwaukee County Executive – he views government as a community and treats neighbors as family. And whether it is fighting for our family’s collective bargaining power or standing up to corporate special interests, we don’t need to wonder what Senator Larson will be like as County Executive because he’s shown us by what he’s done.”

UAW SE WI Vice-Chair John Drew said, “The UAW is proud to endorse Chris Larson for Milwaukee County Executive. Chris has stood with working people and the labor movement every step of the way. We believe he will make an excellent County Executive.”

SEIU janitor Amicar Zapata stated “From a $15 wage to protecting our air and water, Chris Larson supports working families on the issues that matter most. Chris will fight to build a Milwaukee County that works for all working people, not just the wealthy and well-connected.”

SEIU Wisconsin State Council President Brenda Frary stated “Throughout his career, Chris Larson has stood up to corporate interests and fought for working Milwaukeeans. The healthcare workers, janitors and security officers of the SEIU Wisconsin State Council will work hard to make Chris our next Milwaukee County Executive so that together we can fight for racial, immigrant, environmental and economic justice for all working families, no matter our background or where we come from.”

Dr. Amy Mizialko, MTEA President, said “Chris Larson has been fighting the good fight for public schools, MPS students and public workers for the past decade. Chris took a stand for public workers as we fought back together against Act 10,  the most anti-worker legislation Wisconsin has ever seen. But it was in 2016 when Chris truly won my heart when he took a stand and became our champion for Milwaukee Public Schools after a State legislated takeover gave County Executive Abele authority to privatize and takeover MPS. Chris Larson took a stand for public workers and for MPS students and our public schools when we needed him most, and I’ll never forget that. Milwaukee, join me on Tuesday and bring everyone you know to the polls to vote for Chris!”

Larson stated, “It is an honor to be endorsed by these four unions who stand up and ensure their employees are being paid living wages and work in safe environments. I’ve talked a lot about how I see government as a community and my fellow Milwaukeeans as part of my family. Our campaign is about people power, not the wealthy influencing this race, and I am extremely happy to have more join our grassroots team. I am ready to get to work to tackle the county budget, restore local control, and lead on day one.”

Chris Larson is the State Senator for Wisconsin’s 7th District and former Milwaukee County Supervisor. Larson is a life-long resident of Milwaukee County who has a finance degree and the relationships in Madison to restore local control. Larson is running for Milwaukee County Executive to build a county where every Milwaukeean can thrive.

Larson for Milwaukee

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.