Public Employee Press

Labor rallies for deBlasio

With less than 100 hours to go before the general election on Nov. 5, New York City's labor unions came out in full force on Friday afternoon in front of Brooklyn Borough Hall for their last get-out-the-vote rally to elect Bill de Blasio as the next mayor and finally put an end to 20 years of Republican and conservative rule. More than 500 workers from more than a dozen unions packed the plaza in downtown Brooklyn on Nov. 1 to make sure that no one stayed home on Election Day.

Leading the DC 37 contingent at the rally was Associate Director Oliver Gray. "We can count on Mayor de Blasio to end the Bloomberg-era policy of outsourcing, which cost the taxpayers billions of dollars in waste and outright contractor fraud," said Gray at the afternoon rally. "We know that as mayor, de Blasio will understand that a fairly compensated municipal workforce is the foundation for a secure and thriving taxpaying middle-class."

Joining Gray at the podium was Uniformed EMT's and Paramedics Local 2507 President Israel Miranda. "Bill de Blasio is willing to work with us to address our issues and have an open dialogue," said Miranda.

George Gresham, from SEIU Local 1199, also spoke and was anxiously looking forward to the ending of the Bloomberg era. "New York City will once again become a city for working people," he said. "For far too long only the wealthy have felt welcome here."

Gresham was joined by Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers, and New York City Central Labor Council President Vincent Alvarez.

"Whether he's been in Brooklyn fighting unnecessary hospital closures, [or] standing with union members fighting for fair contracts and better wages, Bill de Blasio has solidified his position as a true advocate for working people," said Alvarez.

As the lengthy list of speakers was winding down, through the packed crowd came the Public Advocate and the future mayor, Bill de Blasio to the podium. He promised to continue his support for labor and to listen to everyone.

"I will start by actually liking the people who do the work," he said as the crowd roared.

"The best thing we can do for the people of New York City, the best policy, is [to have] more people in unions so the city is stronger and their neighborhoods are stronger."

— AA