GOVERNOR LAMONT ENDORSED BY UNITE HERE LOCAL 34

Hartford, Conn. – Governor Ned Lamont today announced he has received the endorsement of UNITE HERE Local 34, representing more than 4,000 clerical and technical workers at Yale University. The union represents administrative, library, and clinical support staff across the university’s campus and medical system, with more than 80% women in their membership.

“UNITE HERE Local 34 members are the backbone of one of our state’s most vital educational and medical institutions,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “For years,  I’ve stood shoulder-to-shoulder with their members as they demand better working conditions, in protests, rallies, and picket lines. I share their belief that both New Haven and Connecticut need good-paying union jobs and an economy that works for everyone, built around organized labor and good paying union jobs with good benefits. I am incredibly proud to have Local 34’s support as we continue our shared fight to ensure Connecticut’s working families can thrive.”

This announcement builds on Lamont’s growing union support. Labor leaders have pointed to how the Lamont administration has delivered for Connecticut’s working families, including paid family and medical leave, a minimum wage approaching $17 per hour, historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy, as well as stronger protections to collective bargaining and labor rights.  Governor Lamont has also strengthened health and safety standards for essential workers and cracked down on employee misclassification, standing up for workers’ rights, wages, and union standards.

“Governor Lamont understands that unions are fundamental to building the middle class in Connecticut,” said Lisa Stevens, President of UNITE HERE Local 34. “ Local 34 has built the bellwether standard for clerical and technical work in the region, but the affordability crisis has left our members struggling to keep up. As Yale University seeks to undo the progress we have made, we are proud that Governor Lamont is standing with us as we work to ensure that Yale jobs continue to be a bedrock of the middle class.”

UNITE HERE local 34 join a growing list of endorsements, including U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, and U.S. Reps. John Larson, Joe Courtney, Rosa DeLauro, Jim Himes and Jahana Hayes, Comptroller Sean Scanlon, Treasurer Erick Russell, Attorney General William Tong, 93 State Lawmakers, 86 Democratic Town Committee Chairs, more than 50 municipal leaders across the state, 44 Democratic State Central Committee members, the Teamsters Union, Unite Here Local 217, the Connecticut District Laborers’ Council, the Uniformed Professional Firefighters Association, the Amalgamated Transit Union of Connecticut, and the Connecticut Carpenters Union. The campaign will continue to roll out additional endorsements in the coming days.