Teamsters Local 237, like many other unions, including the New York State AFL-CIO, has endorsed Attorney General Eliot Spitzer for Governor in the upcoming election to replace outgoing Governor George Pataki.


Attorney General Eliot Spitzer shakes hands with Local 237 President Carl Haynes at the 2004 Founders Day Luncheon.

“It’s no surprise that Eliot Spitzer is the union’s choice,” said Local 237 President Carl Haynes. “Spitzer is a true friend and supporter of Local 237. Not only does he have a vision for New York, he has proven so many times he has the interest of New York’s working amilies at heart. That’s why he is a favorite with Labor, and that’s why we are proud to support him.”

At a press conference June 28, NYS AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes stated that Spitzer had won the endorsement of the two-and-a-half-millionmember labor federation because his “track record of accomplishments on behalf of all working men and women is second to none.”

He added: “Throughout his career in public service, Eliot Spitzer has time and time again stood up for the rights, dignity and concerns of working people. His dedication to protecting those who need help the most is unsurpassed.”

The labor federation leader went on to cite some of Eliot Spitzer’s accomplishments while serving as New York State Attorney General, noting Spitzer’s enforcement of prevailing wage and minimum wage laws; his investigation and prosecution of violators of wage and hour laws and employers who ran sweatshops.

Hughes also highlighted Spitzer’s establishment of the landmark “Code of Conduct,” to improve workplace conditions in the green grocer industry.

Highlights of Spitzer's Accomplishments Throughout his career in public service, Eliot Spitzer has stood up for the rights, dignity and concerns of working men and women. As attorney general he has protected those who need help the most, and has always respected the sanctity of collective bargaining agreements. Spitzer did the following: Enforced prevailing wage laws, and through these actions, millions of dollars in back wages were collected. Investigated and prosecuted violators of wage and hour laws, winning millions in back pay and overtime pay for working New Yorkers. Enforced minimum wage laws and launched an awareness and enforcement campaign for the increase in the state minimum wage. Prosecuted employers who ran sweatshops, resulting in a jail sentence and fine for the employer and the recovery of back wages. Stood up to big pharmaceutical companies, requiring them to fully disclose information on drugs that could have been harming our children. Established a landmark “Code of Conduct” to improve workplace conditions and curtail labor violations in the green grocer industry. Imagine what Eliot Spitzer can do as governor. New York State AFL-CIO

“I am deeply honored to receive the support of the New York State AFL-CIO,” Spitzer said. “New York relies on their hard work every day and we owe them our respect and gratitude. I will be a partner in ensuring that New York protects fair labor laws and the interests of hard working men and women across the state. I look forward to working closely with Denis Hughes and the AFL-CIO membership.”

Teamsters Local 237 is a member of the New York State AFL-CIO.

The state federation is also sponsoring a statewide member-education program in support of Eliot Spitzer’s candidacy. The massive grassroots effort will consist of distributing half a million flyers statewide at worksites. This will be the first cycle in a continuous series of worksite initiatives, which will include a new worksite flyer every three to four weeks throughout the campaign.