A northern New Jersey-based carpenters union that backed Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop’s re-election bid in 2017 are encouraging voters to come out against the Airbnb referendum on November 5th.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“There is no doubt that this ordinance is a ban on short-term rentals and a burden on working families,†the Keystone Mountain Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters Local 253 said in a statement.
“Our membership sees that special interests have gotten in the way of the ultimate goal to put the residents of Jersey City on a path to a better economic future. The hard-working people of Jersey City need to come first, and that means VOTING NO on this ballot question.â€
Local 253 represents carpenters in four northern New Jersey counties: Hudson, Essex, Bergen, and Passaic, and serves as a source of representation, benefits, and training for over 4,000 members.
They are the first major union to come out against the referendum, with the Jersey City Education Association and several police and fire unions pushing for a yes vote.
“Like many Jersey City residents, Local 253 joins us in seeing this ordinance for what it is: a BAN on short-term rentals,†said Keep Our Homes campaign spokesman Graeme Zielinski added.
 “The union knows too well that its members and this city’s working families rely on the short-term rental economy to pay their bills, and they cannot afford this ban. We also know Jersey City relies on jobs created by the short-term rental economy. We’re thrilled their members will be helping us spread the word about the importance of VOTING NO on Municipal Question 1 on Election Day.â€
Local 253 endorsed Fulop back in September 2017 as part of a joint endorsement by 13 separate labor unions, led by the Hudson County Building and Construction Trades Council.
