Laborers’ union endorses Clinton

by Ben Kamisar - 11/24/15 11:29 AM ET

Another national labor group has backed Hillary Clinton’s presidential bid, siding with her against rival Bernie Sanders, who has sought to frame himself as labor’s champion.

The Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), which represents about 500,000 people, announced its endorsement of Clinton on Tuesday, one day after she secured the backing of the 11 million member International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Ironworkers.

{mosads}”LIUNA members and leadership believe that Secretary Clinton is the right leader to move our country forward and the most qualified candidate to address the many challenges facing the United States,” Terry O’Sullivan, the group’s general president, said in a statement.

“LIUNA members are deeply concerned about the direction of our country and are looking for a real leader who will create good jobs, rebuild our country, and grow our economy. Secretary Clinton’s record proves that she is a tough and tested fighter for our nation and for working men and women.”

Clinton now has the backing of 15 national unions, compared to just two for Sanders. The Vermont senator did, however, win the endorsement of some New Hampshire Service Employees International Union branches after the national union broke for Clinton.

Despite the endorsement, the union doesn’t agree with Clinton on all issues. The background photograph used for the union’s Twitter account — at least, as of the announcement — shows members holding signs in support of the Keystone XL pipeline, calling the project a job creator and a “lifeline.”

Clinton came out against the pipeline this fall.

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