Williams heads into the State Party Convention with strong union and Democratic support
SANTA BARBARA, CA – Leading into this weekend’s California Democratic Party (CDP) Convention in Los Angeles where he is expected to gain the CDP’s formal endorsement, Santa Barbara City Councilmember Das Williams announced today that the California Labor Federation has endorsed his bid for State Assembly District 35. Their support highlights Das Williams’ personal history and record of supporting working families, fair wages and safe working conditions, as well as his efforts to create local jobs, affordable housing, and access to higher education and health care.
The Labor Federation now joins dozens of statewide and local unions backing Das Williams’ candidacy, including the California Nurses Association (CNA), California Teachers Association (CTA), and SEIU State Council of California, which all recently provided sole endorsements of Williams’ campaign.
Das is also endorsed by AFSCME 3299, State Building & Construction Trades Council of California, Tri-Counties Building & Construction Trades Council, CDF Firefighters, Santa Barbara County Firefighter IAFF Local 2046, Santa Barbara City Firefighters IAFF Local 525, Santa Barbara Police Officer’s Association, UAW International (All Affiliates) IBEW Locals 952 and 413, International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 46, Cement Masons Local 600. Ironworkers Local 433, Labors International Union of North American State Council, Laborers Union Locals 220 & 585, Sheet Metal Workers International Association Local 273, Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters, UA Plumber & Pipefitters Local 114, Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 484, International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 186, and UPTE-CWA Local 9119-4.
The California Labor Federation consists of more than 1,200 AFL-CIO and Change to Win unions, representing 2.1 million union members in manufacturing, retail, construction, hospitality, public sector, health care, entertainment and other industries.
“I am proud to have the support and trust of the California Labor Federation,” Das Williams commented. “I realize that the gravity of present events, and the heavy reliance on quick-fix solutions such as cuts-only budgets, furloughs, borrowing, and other fiscal gimmicks have only hurt the working men and women who support our great state.”
“My success in the city of Santa Barbara has required committed, principled leadership,” added Williams. “I am thankful that the AFL-CIO shares my principles and believes in my ability to succeed on the state level as I have at the local level. I pledge my own support and efforts to do what needs to be done to get California back on track without sacrificing vital services, access to quality healthcare and education, and environmental safeguards.”
Since assuming office in 2003, Councilmember Das Williams’ record includes balancing the city's budget in the face of shortfalls without resorting to major layoffs to critical positions, as well as leading negotiations to adopt fair contracts, pensions and benefits for the city’s public employees. Das also led efforts to implement the toughest local energy efficiency standards in the state, create jobs, promoting energy efficiency projects, expand the city’s public transit system, and develop vital after-school programs for Santa Barbara youth. Das also previously served as a local community organizer working to stop the development of a Wal-Mart in Ventura and enact local living wage laws for workers in the Santa Barbara and Ventura regions.
Aside from his union support, Das Williams has also earned the backing of the California League of Conservation Voters and Sierra Club, and the sole endorsement of the California National Organization of Women (NOW).
