Trade Unions Endorse Schatz

CB: A union official said the Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council and at least one of its member unions will announce this afternoon they are endorsing Sen. Brian Schatz for re-election.

The obvious question is why not wait to see if Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is running for the seat.

“We’re trying to push her to run against the governor,” said the official, who is involved in the process. “She’s not getting the endorsements from HBCT or the trade unions if she runs against the senator.” ....

The trades council was an early supporter of her Congressional run last year and a number of its member unions were among the top contributors to her race….

Schatz declined to speculate on others who may be interested in the 2014 Senate contest....

read … Trade Unions Endorse Schatz

Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council And 11 Member Unions Endorse Brian Schatz for U.S. Senate

News Release from Schatz for Senate Campaign:

On Wednesday, the Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council, a collection of construction trade unions, and ten of its member unions endorsed Senator Brian Schatz for Senate at a press conference at Kakaako Waterfront Park in Honolulu. The Council cited Schatz’s commitment to economic development, job creation, worker protection and tourism expansion in Hawaii among their reasons for choosing to endorse.

“Senator Schatz has been a friend to the construction community since his time as Lieutenant Governor, and we are proud to endorse him for the United States Senate,” said Council President Reginald Castanares. “His commitment to expanding tourism in Hawaii, as well as his dedication to growth while still protecting Hawaii’s vast natural resources, have made him the clear choice for unions that comprise the Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council and their thousands of members.”

“I’m thankful to have the support of the Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council, its unions, and their incredible membership,” said Senator Schatz. “I have worked with these groups throughout my career, and their success is integral to economic growth and development in Hawaii. The Building Trades Council has made ‘Build a Better Tomorrow’ its motto, and I could not agree more. Hawaii’s brightest days are still ahead if we have the right people working on our behalf in the United States Senate. I am grateful for the support, and I pledge to keep fighting to ensure prosperity and success in the future.”

Along with the Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council, the following member unions are endorsing Senator Schatz:

• Plumbers, Local 675
• Elevator Constructors, Local 126
• Drywall, Tapers, and Finishers, Local 1944
• Glaziers, Local 1889
• Boilermakers, Local 204
• Painters and Allied Trades, Local 1791
• IBEW, Local 1186
• Heat and Frost Insulators, Local 132
• Teamsters, Local 996
• Roofers, Local 221
• Iron Workers, Local 625

Senator Schatz has now received fourteen official endorsements. Last week he was endorsed by the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly and the League of Conservation Voters Action Fund.