The Massachusetts AFL-CIO, the state’s largest labor organization representing 750 local unions, has endorsed Rep. Paul Mark’s campaign for state Senate representing the Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin and Hampshire District.
“On behalf of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, our affiliates and our nearly half a million members across the commonwealth, I am proud to announce our enthusiastic endorsement of union member Paul Mark for state Senate.” Steve Tolman, president of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, said in a statement. “As a current state representative and a longtime labor leader with IBEW, Paul Mark has the unique combination of knowledge and experience to get results. … Whether standing with health care professionals, advocating for good wages and quality benefits, or fighting for resources for our public education system, Paul Mark has proven to be a champion for the issues that matter to working people.”
“I am incredibly honored to have the endorsement and support of the MA AFL-CIO,” Mark said in a statement. “As a card-carrying, dues-paying member of both the IBEW and MTA, and as someone who has dedicated my career to lifting workers and families out of poverty, it is an amazing affirmation to have the ongoing support of the labor movement.”
The AFL-CIO endorsement adds to Mark’s growing list of endorsers, including U.S. Sen. Ed Markey; state Reps. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, D-Pittsfield, William “Smitty” Pignatelli, D-Lenox, John Barrett III, D-North Adams, Lindsay Sabadosa, D-Northampton, and Natalie Blais, D-Sunderland; former state Rep. Steve Kulik, D-Worthington; and state Sen. Adam Hinds, D-Pittsfield, who is not seeking reelection.