Several labor organizations are supporting a 3-term republican from Syracuse in the 24th Congressional District race. John Katko is being credited for working across the aisle and getting things done in support of the labor groups.
President of the CNY Building and Construction Trades Council Greg Lancette says the unions endorse candidates based on a track record of success; not the party.
“John has continuously tried and efforted and stepped up to the plate and swung even though sometimes a lot of it doesn’t get home, unfortunately. He’s worked very well with the trades and all of our unions when the republicans were in the majority and he’s worked just as equally hard when he was in the minority.”
Lancette also credits Katko with being in an elite class of only three republicans who supported the Water Quality and Jobs Protection Act. Katko largely attributes legislative success to the labor community.
“I was one of a few members who broke with my party time and again and the president to support the Protecting the Right to Organize Act or the PROACT as it passed the house. I’ve routinely stood up to those in my party who have tried to erode the rights of union workers supporting project labor agreements.” said Katko.
He adds that union members have faced unprecedented challenges and increased economic uncertainty and he wants to continue advocating for them. The unions that have endorsed Katko include IBEW Local 43, Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 81, Teamsters Local 317, International Union of Operating Unions 158, North Atlantic Regional Council of Carpenters Local 277, Laborers' International Union of North America Local 633, International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers Local 58, and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen Division 169.
Katko is being challenged by Democrat Dana Balter for a second time.
