“Mayor Finizio has proven that he is a mayor for working people,” said L+M Hospital registered nurse (RN) Lisa D’Abrosca last night at a rally to announce the endorsement. “He showed real leadership when last year he moved to raise the minimum wage for municipal workers and employees of contractors to the city,” said D’Abrosca, president of AFT Local 5049, representing the hospital’s approximately 540 RNs.
“When L+M illegally locked out our sisters and brothers in 2013, this mayor stepped forward and stood with them,” said John Brady, an RN at Backus Hospital in Norwich. “We’re proud to stand with such a strong champion of working people,” said Brady, president of AFT Local 5149, representing approximately 400 RNs at the acute care facility.
Leaders of both hospitals’ four local unions in January chose to endorse after reviewing the records of mayoral candidates vying for the Democratic nomination in the September 15th Primary Election. Members of AFT Connecticut’s legislative and political action committee then recommended endorsement of Mayor Finizio’s candidacy to the federation’s executive committee, which voted to back his re-election bid.
“I was proud to stand with you in your time of need,” Mayor Finizio told dozens of union members gathered at last night’s rally. “I’m proud to have your support in moving our city forward. Let’s keep making progress by working together,” Finizio said to cheers from the crowd gathered at the Local 5049 and L&M Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)/Health Techs, AFT Local 5051, joint union hall.
Mayor Finizio was elected to lead New London in 2011 following a city charter revision that established a “strong mayor-council” form of municipal government. His first-term record includes revitalized public schools, improved neighborhood safety, and preserved vital services despite challenges presented by the slow national economic recovery.
“New London deserves a mayor who will stand up for all of us,” said Harry Rodriguez a health unit coordinator at L+M. “A vote for Mayor Finizio is a vote for someone who puts children, teachers, small business owners, taxpayers, and health professionals first,” said Rodriguez, who serves as president of AFT Local 5123, representing more than 800 of L+M’s healthcare workers.
“Daryl has demonstrated his commitment to working families time and time again,” said Melodie Peters, president of AFT Connecticut and former state senator from the region. “By championing issues that our members care about — education, healthcare, good jobs and the environment — he has shown real leadership,” said Peters.
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AFT Connecticut is a labor federation of 29,000 teachers and school support staff, nurses and healthcare workers, higher education faculty and public service employees from more than 90 local unions throughout the state. Follow the union on Twitter at @AFTCT and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aftct.
Paid for by AFT Connecticut. This message was made independent of any political party, candidate or other political action committee.
