CPFF, IBEW, and UA Plumbers and Pipefitters rally behind Michael’s vision for lower costs and good-paying jobs
Denver, CO — Today, Colorado Professional Fire Fighters (CPFF), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and United Association Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA), representing more than 20,000 workers across the state, endorsed Michael Bennet for Colorado Governor. This is the first major labor union endorsement for any candidate running for Colorado Governor.
“I am honored to earn the support of these labor unions,” said Michael. “Organized labor has been fighting for economic opportunity for generations, and they know exactly what it takes to deliver for Coloradans. Together, we will tackle our affordability crisis, ensure every Coloradan has the opportunity to make a good wage and raise a family, and build a brighter future for everyone in our state.”
“For over a decade, Senator Bennet has stood with Colorado’s firefighters in Congress – fighting for better wages, increased resources to battle wildfires, and a fairer retirement system. He’s helped deliver real results in Washington for our members, and we know he’ll bring the same fight to the Governor’s Mansion,” said CPFF President Kevin Reichenbach. “The Colorado Professional Fire Fighters are proud to endorse Sen. Bennet to be Colorado’s next Governor and look forward to working together to strengthen our communities and fire service.”
“As we stand here today, it’s getting harder to make it in Colorado. We have great challenges that we need to meet, and we need to elect leaders who understand what working people are going through right now,” said Cecil Courtney, Business Manager of Pipefitters Local 208. “Today, I am proud to say that all Colorado locals in the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters proudly endorse Michael Bennet to be our next Governor of Colorado. We believe that Senator Bennet has the skills, the experience, and the focus to attack these affordability issues in Colorado head-on.”
“Today I’m honored to announce that the IBEW of Colorado State Electrical Conference, which includes Local Unions 12, 113, 111, and 68, have endorsed Michael Bennet for Colorado Governor,” said Zach Esquibel, Business Manager for IBEW Local 68. “This decision did not come lightly, but with much resolve. We believe his focus on affordable housing, health care, and lowering the everyday costs for all Coloradans is the right focus at the right time. Senator Bennet shares our vision that we need an electrical grid that can power the engine of our economic growth. IBEW stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Michael Bennet, and is ready to make Colorado more affordable for everyone.”
Michael has been a fierce advocate for organized labor throughout his career. In the Senate, he is a sponsor of the PRO Act, which would strengthen the rights of workers to organize and collectively bargain, and the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would bolster protections against wage discrimination. Most recently, he joined the Protect America’s Workforce Act, which would restore collective bargaining to federal workers that was revoked under Donald Trump.
Today’s announcement showcases the broad coalition Michael is building behind his vision to lower costs for families, ensure every worker can earn a living wage, and restore the American Dream in Colorado.
In addition to today’s endorsements, Michael’s focus on confronting Colorado’s affordability crisis has earned him the support of more than 180 Colorado leaders. Last week, Michael released his plan to lower the costs of housing, health care, transportation, child care, and energy. Earlier this month, he released his education plan to give every high school graduate access to good-paying jobs and the middle class by expanding apprenticeships and trades programs, paying teachers what they deserve, and ensuring our students have the skills they need for today’s economy.
