John Bell for Virginia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2009

Laborers’ Union endorses John Bell in 13th District Vice-President of LiUNA’s Mid-Atlantic region cites lengthy record of support for labor, capacity to bring more jobs with benefits.

Reston, VA.— The Laborers’ International Union of North America today endorsed John Bell in his campaign for the Virginia House of Delegates. The 13th House District includes parts of Loudoun and Prince William counties.

“We are happy to support candidates like John that will go to Richmond and keep working-class families in mind when they vote,” said Dennis Martire, Vice-President of LiUNA’s Mid-Atlantic Region. “For too long, Virginia politicians have abandoned the basic principles of family-supporting pay, good benefits that include healthcare, training programs and opportunities to create jobs that reflect more than just the cheapest option. John Bell offers a new direction.”

“Unions are a vital part of Virginia’s economy, as they provide skilled labor for some of the most important vocations in the Commonwealth – which include building and revitalizing our roads and infrastructure,” said Bell. “I support the Laborers’ efforts to provide a living wage to their workers and the opportunity for the further development of their skills.”

Virginia is one of the fastest growing markets for LiUNA in the Mid-Atlantic region, and has fourteen locals that represent residents of the Commonwealth. Today, LiUNA members are helping to build infrastructure around the country and are working on major projects in Virginia.

The Laborers were very active in Virginia during the 2008 presidential race, having put hundreds of members on the streets and phones to help Barack Obama win the state’s 13 electoral votes. They also invested heavily in Tim Kaine’s 2005 gubernatorial race. They are one of the top contributors to Governor Kaine’s PAC, Moving Virginia Forward.

The members of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – are on the forefront of the construction industry. 

Contact: Joshua Collins
804-467-5922 (cell)
703-860-4194 (office)
jcollins@malaborers.org