The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) is supporting U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8) for a second term, praising him as an ally of both labor and public transit.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Our Union supported Rob when he was elected in 2022 and he has been a strong champion for our members across the Garden State and nationwide,” ATU International President John Costa.
“From his advocacy on protecting public transit operators from assault to securing billions in funding for mass transit projects like Gateway, Rob has been fighting for us in New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District and in Washington. And in just a year, he has built up a strong pro-labor legislative record, including his introduction of the Working Families Task Force Act and his co-sponsorship of the PRO Act.”
Prior to being elected to Congress, Menendez served as a commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and since being elected to the House, he has served on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
“Congressman Menendez has tirelessly dedicated his time to uplifting workers in the state of New Jersey. He understands that without the skills of workers like our members in transit, we wouldn’t be the great nation we are today,” added ATU New Jersey State Council Chair Orlando Riley.
“He is committed to ensuring that every worker who wants to join a union has one and the rights to back them up on the job. On behalf of our members across New Jersey, I’m proud to endorse Representative Menendez, an exceptional public servant and advocate for everyday people.”
Menendez was of course thrilled to accept the ATU’s support again.
“It has been an honor to work closely with ATU for public transit workers and the many other union laborers that they so strongly represent,” he noted.
“As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have and will remain focused on supporting organized labor priorities such as worker safety, good pay, and the right to organize. I will always stand with ATU and with our brothers and sisters in organized labor.”
Menendez also received the labor endorsements from the Sheet Metal Workers International Association Local 25, the Hudson County Central Labor Council, and Hudson County Building and Construction Trades Council in the past week.
While FEC reports aren’t available yet, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla’s congressional campaign has indicated he has already raised $1 million in his off the line bid to unseat Menendez.
He has been critical of the criminal case of U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Rob’s father, calling his his resignation after being accused of taking bribes and abusing his office.
Kyle Jasey, the son of former Assemblywoman Mila Jasey, is another Democratic candidate who has declared in the race.
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