Four Largest Public Sector Unions Endorse Ben Wikler for DNC Chair

Today, the four largest public sector unions – the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the National Education Association (NEA), and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) – endorsed Ben Wikler for DNC Chair. These unions represent critical Democratic Party field capacity and resources for Democratic candidates. They are expected to have significant influence over DNC voting members.

AFSCME President Lee Saunders, AFT President Randi Weingarten, NEA President Becky Pringle, and SEIU President April Verrett, whose unions represent more than 8 million union workers, issued the following statement on their endorsement of Ben Wikler as DNC Chair.  

“If the Democratic party wants to be seen as the party of working families, it is vital that the DNC chair see unions representing working families as a strategic partner. Both as a candidate for DNC Chair, and in his role as Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, Ben has articulated a clear vision for how the Democratic Party can work together with Labor to build worker power and expand the party’s base to win on the issues that most affect working people, from tackling rising prices for everyday necessities to writing new rules to make it possible for every worker to join a union.

“Connecting with people who feel locked out of a living wage, quality public education, good health care, a decent retirement and the economic benefit of a union should be priority No. 1 for the party to win in modern times. Ben is a skilled organizer, fundraiser and communicator who understands the need to lift up working-class issues, organize year round, and reach all corners and people of the country, including a diverse Democratic electorate and those that have been ignored for too long.

“His inclusive leadership, understanding that voters come from all walks of life, has led to the building of winning coalitions of voters in Wisconsin.

“He has a proven track record as the leader of one of the largest, most effective and well-funded state parties in the country. Under his leadership, Wisconsin has made progress in securing fair legislative maps and seen pro-worker gains and victories in the governorship, Senate, Supreme Court and state legislature – putting us on firm footing to advance the agenda of working families, including the fight to repeal Act 10, protect workers, and increase resources for public schools and public services.

“We know Ben will effectively lead the Democratic Party and stand with us during the next four years as we advocate for our members and communities and fight federal policies that coddle billionaires and do nothing to help the working class. Ben has the ability to unite the party during a tumultuous time and bring more working people into the fold. We enthusiastically endorse him.”

Ben thanked the union leaders in a statement.

“It is an honor to receive the endorsement of the AFSCME, AFT, NEA, and the SEIU, four of the Democratic Party’s most effective and enduring partners in the fight for working people. Next week, a cabal of far-right billionaires, led by Donald Trump, will begin a four-year-long attack from the White House on workers, unions, the poor, and anyone who believes our country should reward work instead of wealth. The oligarchs' goal: to rig our economy and break our democracy to lock in permanent GOP control. If Democrats are going to stop them, organized labor must be not just at our table but leading the conversation.

“As DNC Chair, I am committed to resourcing dedicated, full-time staff to support the DNC Labor Council and all our union partners. The DNC will say “union yes” — working with union vendors and rejecting vendors who work with union busters along with their donations. Most importantly, we’ll communicate to voters across race, ethnicity, gender, and geography about the pocketbook messages that hit home — in language they actually use in their own lives.

“Together, hand-in-glove with the entire organized labor movement, we’ll unite, fight, and win for workers everywhere. Solidarity forever.”

In advance of the DNC’s Midwest Regional Forum in Michigan, Wikler has announced a series of endorsements from DNC voting members and leaders this week, including Senators Dick Durbin and Chris Murphy, U.S. Representatives Schakowsky (D-IL) and Kaptur (D-OH), Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow, The First Ask, Operation Swing State, DNC Seniors Coordinating Council Chair Steve Regenstreif, and Young Democrats of America Member Katherine Jeanes.