CWA 1180 Endorses Tish James for Public Advocate

Calls James the “champion who will fight for middle and low-income families”

March 27, 2013 (New York, NY) – Councilwoman Letitia “Tish” James’ campaign announced that she has earned the endorsement of CWA 1180 in her bid to become the next New York City Public Advocate.

“With working people in New York City continuing to be squeezed, we need a champion in government who will fight for middle and low-income families,” said CWA 1180 President Arthur Cheliotes. “As our next Public Advocate, Tish James will be that champion. In the City Council, Tish has stood up against budget cuts targeting public services and fought for good paying jobs and fair benefits for workers. She will bring the same passion to the Office of the Public Advocate. We are proud to endorse her and look forward to campaigning hard to get her elected.”

CWA 1180 represents over 8,000 workers. The union joins a growing list of supporters for Tish James’ campaign for Public Advocate. James has been endorsed by the influential labor union SEIU 32BJ. She has earned the endorsements of fellow City Council members, including Maria del Carmen Arroyo, Melissa Mark-Viverito, and Sara Gonzalez.

“I’m proud to earn the support of CWA 1180 and more and more New Yorkers who understand that we need a Public Advocate who will fight for every single community in our city,” said Councilwoman Tish James. “I have used my position in the City Council to advance a progressive agenda, including funding for our schools, protections for tenants, and fair wages for working people and benefits including paid sick days. As the Public Advocate, I will continue to stand up for New York’s working families and make sure our city works for all New Yorkers, not just the wealthy and the well-connected.”

CWA 1180 is an affiliate of the Communications Workers of America and represents more than 8,000 workers. It’s comprised of workers at various agencies including the Health and Hospitals Corporation, the Board of Education, the Housing Authority, the Transit Authority, the School Construction Authority, the state’s Unified Court System and  private companies such as the Jacob Javits Convention Center; and at not-for-profit organizations including Planned Parenthood of New York City, the ASPCA, Human Rights First, and Human Rights Watch.

About Tish James: A Brooklyn native, Tish James has been a long-time public servant. Prior to being elected City Councilwoman in 2003, James was a top-level aide to members of the State Assembly, where she played a crucial role in bringing resources to some of New York’s most vulnerable communities. In the City Council, James has been an outspoken advocate for economic and social justice.