ICYMI: Mannion Earns Labor Day Endorsements From Major Unions In Race For NY-22

NEA, AFT, AFSCME, ATU, NYS Council of Machinists, and UFCW Local One unite behind State Senator John Mannion to defeat Brandon Williams and flip the House of Representatives 

SYRACUSE, NY – ICYMI: Senator John W. Mannion (D-Syracuse) this week announced the endorsements of six of the country’s largest and most influential labor unions in his bid to defeat Brandon Williams and flip control of the House of Representatives.

Mannion was endorsed by the National Education Association (NEA), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) and ATU Local 580, the New York State Council of Machinists (IAMAW) and IAM District 15, and the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local One (UFCW).

Mannion has been previously endorsed by the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA).

The unions represent millions of workers nationwide and thousands living and working in NY-22. A recent poll shows that unions have record public support. 88% of people under 30 view unions favorably, and 71% of Americans support unions.

Senator John Mannion, candidate for NY-22 said, “As we pause this Labor Day to recognize the immeasurable contributions of the working people who built this country and keep it running –  and the labor unions who helped build the middle class – I’m more committed than ever to deliver fair working conditions, fair wages, and the protection of union rights for all Americans. I am grateful to have earned the support of so many of the country’s largest and most influential unions who represent millions of teachers, nurses, public employees, food workers, and transportation professionals. I look forward to bringing my values and priorities as a longtime union member and teacher’s association president to the halls of Congress.”

Becky Pringle, President of the National Education Association said, “In Congress, John Mannion will be a champion for America’s students and New York’s working families. As a teacher with nearly three decades of classroom experience, he knows how critical it is to ensure that every student – no matter their race, place, or background – has access to quality public schools. In a time when some extreme politicians are focused on banning books and taking away learning opportunities for students, John Mannion will continue partnering with parents and educators to ensure students can get the one-on-one support they need, keeping students and educators safe from gun violence, expanding school-based mental health programs, and addressing educator shortages. He understands that educators – those who know the names of the students in the classroom – must have a seat at the table when making education policy. John Mannion recognizes that expanding the use of community schools – bringing academic coursework, health and social services, and community engagement under one roof – is the most effective way to address the gaps our students face, improve learning, and build stronger communities. And in Congress, John Mannion will continue helping level the playing field for working families, while getting things done to help students, educators, and families across New York, which is why the National Education Association is proud to recommend him in New York’s 22nd Congressional District.”

Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers said, “John Mannion knows first-hand that communities need the tools and conditions to thrive, and that starts with good jobs, accessible health care and great public schools. He has a record of working with the communities he now represents to meet the needs of every student, and support schools so they’re places where teachers want to teach, parents want to send their kids, and students can truly thrive. He’s the champion for education and for the economy that voters in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley need, and he’s committed to the real solutions that support student learning and engage families, because he’s been putting them into practice for the last 30 years — in the classroom and now at the State Capitol. John went to Albany and delivered funding parity for schools, statewide universal pre-k, and universal school meals. We need John Mannion in Washington, D.C. to fight back against the toxic attacks on public schools and as an expert in the room to stand up for what educators and kids need.”

Lee Saunders, President of AFSCME said, “As an educator, union president, and State Senator, John Mannion’s experience and track record will make him one of the most effective voices for working people in Washington, D.C. John Mannion respects workers and understands that the people delivering front-line public services need better pay and working conditions. John Mannion has always stood with labor. On behalf of the thousands of members that our union represents across this district, AFSCME is proud to stand with him and strongly endorse his candidacy for Congress in NY-22.”

John Costa, International President of ATU said, “Our more than 200,000 hardworking members of the ATU need a member of Congress who will fight for workers, their families, and public transit. That fighter for NY-22 is State Senator John Mannion. John grew up in a union household, and as a teacher and union president, he negotiated raises and more affordable health care for his colleagues. As a member of Congress, John Mannion will be a champion for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the rights of all working people. Our Union is proud to support and endorse his candidacy.”

Norman Shreve, President of the New York State Council of Machinists said, “The New York State Council of Machinists (IAMAW) and District 15 is proud to endorse John Mannion for Congress. John is a champion for working families and has a proven track record of fighting for the rights of workers. He will be a strong voice for IAM in Congress and will work to ensure that our members have the good-paying jobs and benefits they deserve. John is a lifelong union member and has worked hard to build a better future for working people. He understands the challenges that our members face and will fight to protect their rights. John is also a strong supporter of manufacturing and will work to create good-paying jobs in our communities. John Mannion is the candidate who will fight and deliver for working families.”

Frank DeRiso, President of UFCW Local One said, “UFCW Local One, representing 17,000 members, is proud to endorse John Mannion for Congress in NY-22. As essential workers, UFCW members deserve a member of Congress who will fight for them in Washington every single day. In the Senate, John Mannion has been a champion for strengthening workers’ rights, and we know he will continue to fight for legislation that will benefit all workers.”

About John Mannion

John Mannion is a lifelong Central New Yorker and the grandchild of Irish immigrants. His mother worked at New York Telephone and his father for New York Central Railroad, raising John and his siblings on Syracuse’s famous Tipperary Hill.

John has nearly three decades of classroom experience as a teacher in the public school system. He spent twenty-one years as an Advanced Placement Biology and Chemistry teacher at the West Genesee School District in Onondaga County, where he also coached soccer and tennis.

Additionally, as past President of the West Genesee Teachers’ Association, John is a proven advocate for teachers and students.

Elected to the State Senate in 2020, John has been a champion for Central New York.  His accomplishments include:

• Passing the historic Green CHIPS legislation that has been credited by Micron as a determining factor in its decision to invest $100 billion to build a Chip Fab in Clay, New York.  This will result in over 50,000 new jobs.

• Accelerating middle class tax cuts and providing property tax relief to help families save money.

• Creating the first new police department in New York in half a century, at Syracuse airport – helping keep the airport open and passengers safe, while it grows to meet future demand.

• Passing laws to protect a woman’s right to make her own private health care decisions.

• Securing funds to deploy new technology to combat Harmful Algae Blooms and provide long-term protection to the drinking water supply for hundreds of thousands of Central New Yorkers.

• Securing the first cost of living increase in a decade for skilled professionals who work with individuals with disabilities.

John and his wife, Jennifer, reside in Geddes, New York. They have three children, two in college and one recently graduated.

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