SouthernWorldwide.com – Union leaders representing blue-collar workers have voiced strong criticism against politicians associated with the Democratic Party and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). They express frustration that these politicians, who claim to support the working class, are out of touch with the needs and concerns of their constituents.
The union in question, with a history spanning 150 years, has traditionally backed Democratic candidates. However, this union, which comprises steamfitters, pipefitters, HVAC technicians, welders, and industrial and mechanical service technicians, previously broke with tradition and endorsed President Donald Trump in 2024.
Robert “Bobby” Bartels, a business manager, specifically targeted DSA candidates who recently won primary elections in New York against incumbent Democrats. He noted that these candidates have gained support from individuals who desire “everything for free” and believe the Democratic Party is shifting too far to the left.
Bartels observed that among the building trades, there is a growing sentiment of moving away from the Democratic Party. He characterized current Democratic leaders as “narcissists” and expressed dismay that when progressive policies falter, the party tends to double down rather than reassess its direction.
A significant concern for Bartels is the impact of open border policies, which he believes lead to depressed wages for union members. He stated that these policies are detrimental to American workers, as they allow for the influx of individuals who take jobs and drive down pay rates.
“They’re working to tear down the people that are working and building everything,” Bartels asserted, expressing his offense when progressive figures claim to support the working class while not genuinely representing their interests.
Brian Kearney, president of Steamfitters Local 638, echoed these sentiments. He stated that while the union has historically aligned with Democrats, the DSA’s current policy agenda seems to diverge from the priorities of the building trades.
Kearney pointed out that DSA’s progressive policies could potentially hinder the interests of the labor movement in New York City. He noted that while they sometimes find common ground, many of the DSA’s policy proposals are increasingly leaning towards progressive ideals that may not align with their union’s objectives.
He also addressed Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who has championed progressive initiatives. Kearney expressed that despite Mamdani’s campaign promises to support the building union, tangible actions to fulfill these promises are yet to be seen. The recent vote by the New York City Rent Guidelines Board to freeze rent was highlighted as one of Mamdani’s core campaign pledges.
“He’s mentioned union labor, union labor, union labor quite a few times throughout his campaign,” Kearney said. “Affordable housing was a big political issue in New York City. He said it was going to be built, and it was going to be built by union labor, but nothing’s been done yet, you know what I mean?
Kearney elaborated that while Mamdani has pursued many of the socialist policies he campaigned on, the promise of utilizing union labor for city projects remains unfulfilled. He expressed a desire to see the mayor follow through on this commitment.
