IUPAT Endorsement

International Union of Painters, Allied Trades Endorses Meek for U.S. Senate

Pompano Beach, Fla. [3/14/09] - U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-FL) was endorsed for his U.S. Senate campaign today by the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, AFL-CIO. 

Meek received the endorsement from IUPAT General President James A. Williams and IUPAT District Council 78 Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer Tim Maitland. 

“The members of International Union of Painters and Allied Trades help make up the backbone of the American economy. They work with their hands everyday on the frontlines of our workforce and their membership represents the diverse faces of the American worker,” Meek said. “This labor organization knows before anyone else when our economy is failing and when it is succeeding - they are the truest barometer of our recovery. IUPAT members are some of the hardest working and most dedicated campaigners in Florida who know how to activate the grassroots and mobilize voters.  I am honored to have their support.”

IUPAT General President James A. Williams cited Meek’s dedication to Florida’s families in announcing the endorsement.

“Now more than ever, Florida needs a leader like Kendrick Meek in the U.S. Senate who has the proven record, determination and ability to make certain working families in this state have every opportunity to live the life they’ve worked so hard for,” Williams said.  “The men and women of the Painters and Allied Trades stand ready to begin their campaign to put this leader for the working class in the United States Senate.”

IUPAT represents more than 160,000 active and retired construction workers in the crafts of painting, drywall finishing, glass work and floor covering, among others.

Meek also has received endorsements from SEIU and United Teachers of Dade, Florida’s largest teachers union.