Chicago, IL – Today, 14 labor unions came together to endorse JB Pritzker for governor. Under Bruce Rauner, working families and workers’ rights have been under attack, and JB will stand up for workers’ rights and work with the labor movement to fight against harmful legislation that lowers wages.

During the event today at the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399 in Chicago, JB also shared his priorities to raise wages in Illinois.

JB is proud to have the support of the following unions for the Democratic Primary:

Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters

The Chicago District Council of Laborers’

Local 881 UFCW

Boilermakers Local 1

Bricklayers District Council

International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 2

Heat and Frost Insulators Local 17

Ironworkers Chicago District Council & Vicinity

Operating Engineers Local 150

Operating Engineers Local 399

Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 502

UA Plumbers Local 130

Roofers and Waterproofers Local 11

Sheet Metal Workers Local 73

“I am ready to fight for working families across our state and I’m grateful to have so much support from the labor movement,” said JB Pritzker. “Bruce Rauner’s policies are a race to the bottom at the expense of working families. The fact is, the labor movement is key to restoring the middle class in Illinois, and I’m committed to working together to protect our families. With working families behind me, we can take back the governor’s office and make sure there’s an advocate for worker’s rights in Springfield.”

Ron Powell, President Local 881 UFCW said, “We need a Democratic nominee that is going to build on what we’ve gained over years of fighting and negotiating for working families including fair wages, paid sick leave, and safe workplaces. JB has been traveling across Illinois listening to people and hearing that they need an advocate, someone who will take their concerns with them into the State House and protect and advance their values. I am proud to have someone that is going to fight for my members and take the fight to Bruce Rauner and beat him.”

James P. Connolly, Chicago Laborers’ District Council Business Manager said, “Infrastructure is a major component of our economy – the movement of goods and services rely on Illinois as the hub of the Midwest. JB Pritzker understands that in order to have economic growth you must have infrastructure that can handle the growth and a well-trained workforce to build and maintain it. He understands and appreciates the skills and strength of organized Labor. He believes in organized Labor and does not blame us for the state’s problems – rather he sees us as part of the solution. Everything he has been doing his entire career has been about investing in people and helping our economy thrive. JB Pritzker is a giver not a taker, and it is for these reasons and many more that we support JB Pritzker for Governor.”

Brian Hickey, President and Business Manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399 said, “November of 2018 will be here before we know it and we need someone who is going to stand and fight for us, we need a leader who is going to listen, who respects the people who feed their families by learning a trade or craft, and stand up for those values every day. Twenty years ago, J.B. Pritzker came to meet our members and leadership when he was running for Congress. He was young, but earnest and committed to the issues important the labor movement. We were impressed and we endorsed him back then. Today, he remains a committed fighter on behalf of working families and union households who need a governor who will stand with them. Twenty years later, I’m proud to offer the support of Local 399 on behalf of our membership and we are proud to endorse JB Pritzker as our candidate for governor.”